Check twice!

(1) SAFETY: Safety means different things to different people but the bottom line is “safety is the prevention of accidents” and the procedure one follows if an accident occurs. If I start to list all safety rules we would require a large notebook and a week to read them. I have a motto “check twice / think twice” before operating a tool in your shop or planning projects. We all become complacent hence the saying “familiarity breeds contempt”, to show how normal workshop habits can become a potential hazard I will give a personal experience as an example. On January 12 2008 I decided to change the light in the shop that had burned out a week ago (not enough light for working, a potential hazard) so I got out my trusty step ladder (a folding portable work mate bench) and proceeded to unfold and lock the two side bars in place, a thing I have done so many times. The table being 28” tall and a cross membrane to step on to get on top, perfect for changing lights so I thought. I had successfully done this many times before so where is the problem. I got out my new light and up I went, as I got one side of the bulb loose I turned to move to the other side which was a piece of cake, I’m there. When I went to turn back to get a good view of the light my foot stepped on the outer edge of the bench (not a problem any other time) but I had not fully locked the bar on one side and the bench folded out from under me causing me to slip off and fall the 28”. I landed on my right heel and fractured the calcaneus. (large heel bone) This being March 24, 2008 and a operation, four screws, foot fusion, and a potential six months laid up I have had time to think about how a simple common practice can turn into an accident. I am not in the position to preach so the best I can say on shop safety is “think twice / check twice”. I hope all your wood working is mishap free and a reminder to be wary and wise!
John

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John

Cleaning my glasses will not make me look any better, but will make what I'm looking at better!

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kp91

John, Thanks for sharing your lesson. We have a saying at work, 'every regulation is written in someone else's blood.' Hopefully we can learn from each other's mistakes instead of having to make them all on our own.

Hope your recovery goes well,

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Doug
1 John 1:9

chippypah

Hey John,
Good common sense and well written, it is a subject that we all should adhere to but so often we just forget.
Cheers
Pete

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www.chippypah-workshop.co.uk

scraps to treasures

My motto is " Use the right tool for the job" if you don't have then buy it. Good excuse to get more tools.

Check twice!

scraps to treasures
I agree with you completely and find no excuse for using a bench for a ladder, (I always love new tools) I have a ladder but like many I find a path of little resistance (easiest at the time) like using a screwdriver for a pry or scraper or a dull tool you were going to sharpen yesterday.

My goal was to bring to light things we do in everyday life the same way we did our whole lives, this does not make it correct. I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed but I learn from my mistakes. I thank you for the comments

Pete/kp91
Thanks for the comments.

Everyone have a fine day!
John

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John

Cleaning my glasses will not make me look any better, but will make what I'm looking at better!

AxlMyk

I bought a Cosco folding ladder just for the garage. Sturdy, and just the right size.
http://www.nextag.com/Cosco-Max-Work...53/prices-html
It sure beats the wire spool I used before.

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Mike - Retired FoMoCo Tradesman
My Gallery @ http://www.routerforums.com/axlmyks-stuff/

Check twice!

Nice looking ladder do I wish I had one of them before Jan. 12 2008, but a product like that is on my priority list and "the better half" will not even question me ... A man has to like it. I wonder if I can convince her that a new router is a safety issue. NOT!
Thanks John

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John

Cleaning my glasses will not make me look any better, but will make what I'm looking at better!

bobj3

Hi Mike

Most people are lazy just like me , I have 3 of the type below all over the shop that I kick around when I need them sometimes.. (spring loaded wheels under the base)

http://www.nextag.com/RCP2523BLA-Rub...83/prices-html

I also have a small step ladder in the corner and 3 leg ladder ,a 6 ft.one in the back room to get wood stock off the rack...(from the top shelf ) but like most I will by pass getting one when I need it the most...I will just get a stick and pop something off the top shelf and then grab it when it falls down...lazy I know..


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Bj

karateed

Hey BJ,

I will just get a stick and pop something off the top shelf and then grab it when it falls down...lazy I know..

Not only lazy but somewhat risky as well (just my opinion). I've had my share of close calls but you know what? The best thing about this thread is we all get to learn how to be safe with certain things and better yet, it once again puts our focus on safety as the number 1 item when working in the shop. After all, it takes time to heal and while we heal we usually can't work in the shop so our fun is also taken from us for a short while.

Earlier someone put something on the site about working with bandsaws.....fortunately I read that and corrected the way I was feeding wood through it. I was starting to form a bad habit but thanks to whoever put that on the site....I will likely keep my fingers due to reading that thread.

Ed......:-)

Check twice!

Bj
I just looked at a stool at Canadian Tire "2 step folding stool" for $40.00 and looked quite solid, but I will wait until I get a little more mobile and eye ball it first hand. Once bit twice shy!
good link!
John

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John

Cleaning my glasses will not make me look any better, but will make what I'm looking at better!