Woodwork Planner

Guide · 7 min

Workshop Safety: The Complete Checklist

Protect your eyes, ears, lungs and fingers. Essential rules for every home shop.

Personal protection

Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection around machines, and an N95/FFP2 mask when sanding. No loose clothing, jewelry or gloves near spinning machinery.

Table saw

Use a riving knife and a push stick, and never reach between the blade and the fence. Stand to the side of the cut line to avoid kickback.

Dust collection

Fine wood dust is harmful. Hook a dust extractor or a shop vac with a cyclone up to every machine.

Housekeeping and lighting

A tidy floor prevents trips. Make sure you have bright, shadow-free light over the workbench.

Fire safety

Lay oil-soaked rags out flat to dry — they can spontaneously combust. Keep a fire extinguisher within reach.

Recommended tools

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Need ready-to-build plans?

5 complete build plans with cut lists — $14.

Visit the shop