The Ultimate Shop Safety Thread

[Kennybill]

Good post. About fire extinguishers, have multiple and school yourself on proper using, I also keep a 3 gallon backpack sprayer filled with water. I always disconnect the battery in stored vehicles. I wear a Wilson Old School Catchers Skull Cap when working under my 2 post lift, it's saved my head many times. I also was taught any pressurized tanks have them all the way open or shut. Being a cheap *** that's what I always do. I wear safety glasses all the time and use hearing protection but having worked 43.5 years I suffer from tinnitus. I hear "crickets" during awake hours.

 

[Motorman55]

Don't stand on the top rung of a ladder. Its not a step. Get a bigger ladder

 

[danmcph]

When you use a chainsaw, DO NOT look into the kerf. If/when the saw kick backs it will come straight up out of the kerf and into your face. Like wide, keep your face out of line of the direct rotational direction of any cutting tools if possible

 

[Katodog]

Sa...saf...safety...what is this "safety" and where can I find some?? It seems quite an odd and strange concept to me, I wish to learn more...



Gold Medal Pin by Edward Durbin, on Flickr


Please, safety is my middle name. I'm the resident safety Nazi at work, and while it drives some people nuts, we are 100% accident free so far this year, and I want to keep it that way. You'd be surprised at how many imbeciles you can find in the workplace though, makes it a lot harder to keep everyone safe. Most of the time it's not a safety issue, it's a common sense issue. Someone once said "There's nothing common about common sense" though, so yup, there ya go.

I think I might copy this thread and make it required reading at work. Staple it to everyones forehead...

 

[06 DIESEL]

The old jack stand pictured is a piece of pipe with the legs flared out, that is the dangerous part. It can fail and have the seam continue up causing a failure.

 

[512greyghost]

Only open your oxy/acetylene bottles 1 hand turn. It won't affect flow and is much faster to turn off if SHTF.

Correct for the acetylene bottle, not for the oxygen. Oxygen bottles have to open all the way or they will leak out gas. They have like a 2 way valve.

 

[dave*99]

20) If you have any of these widow-makers in your garage, throw the things out.

I have a set of these from the late 70's. Bought them new. I don't recall ever overloading them, but I do remember having one of the spot welds break in the horizontal bars that connect the legs together. They were not rusty or abused at the time.

I had them welded. I lost my trust in them and bought the 4 leg stands with the cast iron post.

My buddy had the same 3 leg type. He crawled out from under his dad's 1970 Sedan Deville and as he walked away one of them completely collapsed. Not much left to weld at that point. YMMV

 

[Social_Joe]

^Yep. Don't trust my life to those things.

 

[Bwana]

^^^^^ Yes, my dad had a set of these too, and one of the horizontal pieces broke too. Withouth corrosion so I don't trust them either.

I use these

https://www.pepboys.com/product/details/9316470/01639

I like the pin and flat base, I try to never jack up a car on anything other than a level surface. Those ratcheting ones scare me to death. I always see banging on something under the car and hitting the ratchet release somehow (I know, they're not suppose to do anything).

Excellent thread too. I sent it to our safety guy here at work and we're going to present the context in some form at our next monthly meeting. Thanks GJ!

 

[ItsNemo]

^^^^^ Yes, my dad had a set of these too, and one of the horizontal pieces broke too. Withouth corrosion so I don't trust them either.

I use these

https://www.pepboys.com/product/details/9316470/01639

I like the pin and flat base, I try to never jack up a car on anything other than a level surface. Those ratcheting ones scare me to death. I always see banging on something under the car and hitting the ratchet release somehow (I know, they're not suppose to do anything).

Excellent thread too. I sent it to our safety guy here at work and we're going to present the context in some form at our next monthly meeting. Thanks GJ!

The ratchet is held in by the weight of the vehicle, it would take a lot to knock it out...tipping is far more likely than releasing the ratchet.

 

[Social_Joe]

Yeah, if you are capable of pulling the ratchet release handle while the car is on the stand then you really don't need to be using a floor jack to lift the car. Just grab a wheel with your right hand and lift.

The weight completely locks the ratchet in.

 

[ZRX61]

Welding (& BBQ'ing): Don't touch the red bits.

 

[Kevin54]

Anytime you are under a car working with cheap jackstands, or only using a jack, or with the car blocked on cement blocks.....and yes, there are people that will do it still to this day, make sure you always have your cellphone on your person. Better yet, make sure you have your local police, fire, paramedics, programmed into your cell. You never know when you may have to use it to save your life.

Never work under a car without the wife knowing what you are doing. Quite a few people have lost their lives by being pinned underneath a car that could have possibly made it if someone had been around. If no one is around, make sure you have your cell with you.

Never ever wear gloves while running a drill press. If per chance the drill catches the part, and especially with a gear driven drill press, it can rip a digit or two off of your hand. I personally know a guy that had his thumb ripped completely off due to this.

Do not wear sandals in the shop. Wear something that will protect your feet in the case something is dropped.

Safety glasses. They have came a long ways with the style of safety glasses. Spend the money and get a few pairs. Have them in convenient spots so you don't have to look for the pair you need. If a person only has one pair and can't find them, chances are they will go ahead with the task at hand. A few dollars may make the difference of losing an eye or not.

Long hair. Not too many people have the long hair today like they did back in the 70's, but if you do, tuck it under a hat when running machinery. And remember that long hair and a creeper doesn't mix too well either.

Face shields. Buy a decent one and use it when you are using a cutoff wheel or a wire wheel on a bench grinder. A wire in the eye doesn't feel very good. And neither does an exploded cutoff wheel to the face.

First aid. Keep some first aid materials in the shop. Band-Aids, gauze, alcohol, Neosporin.

Beer fridge. Keep it stocked, but keep it for when the project is completed, or you are though running machinery for the day.

And there are probably many more but that is all I can think of off the top of my head.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I only wear gloves when welding and handling lumber or sharp metal. Never when using tools. And I pull the strings out of any hoodie I ever plan to wear in the garage. Got one wound up in an angle grinder just once, that was enough for me to learn.

Put a pair of safety glasses by every stationary power tool (drill press, miter saw, etc.) and at least one on/in each tool box or bag. Too many times I've just made one or two cuts because I didn't feel like looking for my glasses, and it only takes a stray piece from one cut to do permanent damage.

And you should always, always use jack stands to support the load. Jacks should be for lifting and lowering only, and should not be used to support the load once jack stands are in place. We had a local guy die a few years back, had his truck up on just a jack, no stands, working underneath. The jack gave out, and as I'm told, the truck came down on his head. Needless to say, it was a closed casket. A big safety reminder for me, even though I had always used jack stands prior to that.

 

[IlliniJeeper]

4 legs are not inherently more stable.. 3 legs are much more stable if the surface it is placed on is not perfectly level. As in: 4 legs rock, 3 legs won't.

If the surface you're trying to support your vehicle on isn't flat enough to prevent a 4-legged jack stand from rocking, you need to think long and hard about why you're jacking up and getting under your vehicle in that location.

 

[KEH]

I confess,I stood on the top of a stepladder yesterday. Of course, it had only 2 steps under the top and I figured if something happened I could jump to the ground easily. Also I had a 3 inch piece of angle iron post i had one hand on.

Working under a car is something I hate. I use the jack and leave it in place. I also have blocks of wood I put under more than one place. In fact, you might say I'm paranoid about having pieces of iron over me.

KEH

 

[nickelmore]

Learn the proper way to use an above ground lift and its capacities if you have one.

I walked into a high school shop yesterday and they had two cars on lifts that were sitting on them incorrectly. I was there to "rescue" on of them that was falling off after someone ran the a car into the lift.

 

[ItsNemo]

Lift with the jack, put the weight on jack stands, then leave the jack snugged up as a backup, then if tires are off throw them under the frame somewhere. I usually use hefty 6 ton stands even on little cars, one it gets them up higher so I have an easier time to work under the vehicle and two they are a heck of a lot more stable because they're on their lowest settings to get the height. I'll even still if I'm working by myself throw a few extra of my 3 ton stands under "solid" points on the vehicle, so if my stands failed, my jack failed, they'd catch the car, sure it might damage some components or metal but it'll save my ***.

 

[danmcph]

I think we have hashed the jack stand one out.

How about some more safety tips.

 

[gtae07]

If you're holding the part you're dremeling on, be careful that the dremel doesn't wrap up into your shirt and get stuck

I never get under any of my vehicles unless they're on drive-up ramps. I had a scissor jack collapse as I was changing a tire on my mom's van years ago--I had just jacked it up all the way and was getting ready to undo the lug nuts when I heard some popping noises and the screw pulled right out of the threaded block.

Hearing protection is as important as eye protection. Hearing damage from working in a shop doesn't usually have the potential to happen instantly like with eye damage, but it's cumulative.

 

[Flivver250]

Only charge batteries in a well ventilated area and do not introduce a spark or flame around one, even when it is just in a running car charging off the alternator. Old switch type drop lights should be thrown away.

When mounting a new tire, always assume it could blow.

Always shake a vehicle you have just lifted before you climb under it.

Never buy Harbor Freight.

Never climb under a car lifted by a man who owes you money.

Never climb under the car lifted by the man whose wife you banged.

 

[HCNDM]

Always pull the breaker when working with electricity. Even when it's just a quick rewire.

Don't work with tools in critical or dangerous applications that were built to the lowest production cost.




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[egnorant]

Treat items like they are hotter, sharper, heavier, more awkward, more fragile and gonna act exactly like you don't want it to act!

Bruce

 

[KMinAF]

When visiting the shop, know where the kids and their hands are at all times

 

[Kevin54]

20) If you have any of these widow-makers in your garage, throw the things out.

I bought a pair of these in 1972 and used them regularly with my '63 1/2 Ford Galaxie. I never thought they were dangerous until a number of years later I seen where a few people were killed using jackstands very similar to the type shown. I still have those jackstands but only use them to prop a differential on. Even with lighter cars today, I would be afraid to use them. The wall thickness of the tubing used is only .078, and the straps between the legs are .078 thick x 3/4" wide. Very lightweight stands for sure. I think at the time, I only paid something like $19 for the pair from Nationwise Auto Parts.

I won't throw mine out as they do come in handy, but they'll never go under a car as long as I'm around. I use my 6 tons for that.

 

[Rt jam]

Beware of potential energy. Specifically springs, they are in car suspensions, window regulators and garage doors. Beware they want OUT.

I know we beat the jack stands safety but I want to add.
Do not hold a car up with 4 stands under the frame. Most likely 1 out of the 4 is not loaded. Place 2 under the suspension or shim that 4rth stand.

Also when using a floor jack. Understand that it does not lift straight up. I wants to lift in an arc. So allow it to roll towards the car or let the car roll towards it. So basically avoid lifting sideways with a bumpy floor.

 

[mburrus]

a few things...

when i finish my shop, i plan to use a momentary foot pedal on my drill press. when i get a part caught on the bit and the drill stalls or part comes loose, im always freaked out trying to find the off switch. would be much easier to just take your foot off the pedal!!

know your capacities. if you use chain hoists, forklifts, cranes, slings, chains, rope, jacks and stands etc, know what the rated lifting power is, and know what the weight of your lift is. with forklifts and cranes, know your capacity chart, most forklift ratings are for the weight at 24" on center from the mast... it drops real quick once you get further out than that.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Don't work when you're tired or distracted. Accidents often happen at the end of the day, when you're worn out but decide you're going to drill that last hole, or make that last saw cut.

 

[rharman]

Sa...saf...safety...what is this "safety" and where can I find some?? It seems quite an odd and strange concept to me, I wish to learn more...

< snip >

I think I might copy this thread and make it required reading at work. Staple it to everyones forehead...

< /snip >

I think you may ruin your safety record with that move.....

 

[FigureItOut]

Great thread, I could have written the opening as it describes me accurately.

When flipping a breaker to work on a circuit, double check with a meter or voltage detector.

Check your voltage detector on a known hot circuit.

A note, an obstacle, or a locked door can help protect the circuit breaker from being casually flipped back on by passersby.

Cover the opposite terminal and post when disconnecting a battery.

Know the history, composition and coatings of a piece before you weld on it.

Don't hold punches with your hand.

Know the difference between different types of angle grinder guards. Yours may not have come with the one appropriate for your task.

Google and/search GJ for "grinder wheel ring test".

Big and even medium torches don't belong on small bottles.

There is no "just this once".

You don't know what you don't know.



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[chief ben]

Do Not Hammer on Vise

Do Not Start ark on Vice When Welding

Do Not Weld Anything To The Vice

Do Not Leave Anything Sharp In Vice

 

[tomstin]

Cover the opposite terminal and post when disconnecting a battery.

I've seen people learn this lesson the hard way on a few occasions. Cover the positive, negative off first, negative on last.

 

[FigureItOut]

I've seen people learn this lesson the hard way on a few occasions. Cover the positive, negative off first, negative on last.

The scar from when I learned that lesson. At least it was just a wrench.

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[BikerDad]

Safety glasses. They have came a long ways with the style of safety glasses. Spend the money and get a few pairs. Have them in convenient spots so you don't have to look for the pair you need. If a person only has one pair and can't find them, chances are they will go ahead with the task at hand. A few dollars may make the difference of losing an eye or not.

Safety glasses are NOT always "a few dollars." Not if you wear prescription lenses. And no, the "over-glasses" are not a satisfactory substitute. They ****. Big time, as in they make it difficult to even see what one is doing. For those blessed with vision not in need of correction, or wearing contacts, then the above advice is not only good, but also practical. Practicality isn't quite so good for some of us though. So get ONE good pair of prescription safety glasses. Make sure that the true effective prescription is identical to your normal daily glasses. What do I mean by "true effective prescription"? It means that when you switch from one pair to the other there is zero need for your eyes to adjust. Just because the optical lab that made the safety glasses had the same prescription info as the one that made your normal glasses doesn't mean that the end result is going to be the same in actual use.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

X2 on the safety glasses. I'm a truly bad example of "Do as I say and not as I do" because I almost never wear them. I'ts not that I don't believe in them. I'm not that naive. No matter how much or how little they cost, I can't find ones that have good enough optics or don't get scratched and foggy no matter how hard I try to keep them nice. I finally got a vintage pair of NOS Z87 rated AO Safety specs with real glass lenses, wire screen side shields, ear wrap wire temples so they don't fall off when I look down and flip down green green half lenses for being in the sun or using a a torch. Now I wear them. Constantly. Any time I cut, grind, file, blow something out with compressed air or mow the lawn I got 'em on.




Tommy

 

[BikerDad]

It is widely accepted that nothing can be made foolproof, for fools are incredibly, often unintentionally, ingenious. Do not let that stop you from striving.

Make things fool-resistant. (Whether you dial down the resistance when your brother-in-law is visiting is up to you, and like so many things, what happens in the garage, stays in the garage....)

For specific safety concerns:

Sweat the small stuff. Those small cut-off chunks of whatever down on the floor? They're a turned ankle / fall just waiting to happen. Pick 'em up.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Put a pair of safety glasses by every stationary power tool (drill press, miter saw, etc.) and at least one on/in each tool box or bag. Too many times I've just made one or two cuts because I didn't feel like looking for my glasses, and it only takes a stray piece from one cut to do permanent damage.

I once ran a formica shop, My 1st order of business, after I took the job, was to have several small boxes made and installed by every door. These boxes were filled with safety glasses. Everyone walking through the door had to put on a pair and remove neckties.

Shortly after, the company's owner walked into the shop, I chased him out for no glasses and wearing a tie. Production manager gave me an earful at the next production meeting, owner shut him down and sustained my position.

Going forward, there was never an issue with anyone not wearing safety glasses

 

[Empty Pockets]

Sa...saf...safety...what is this "safety" and where can I find some?? It seems quite an odd and strange concept to me, I wish to learn more...



Gold Medal Pin by Edward Durbin, on Flickr


Please, safety is my middle name. I'm the resident safety Nazi at work, and while it drives some people nuts, we are 100% accident free so far this year, and I want to keep it that way. You'd be surprised at how many imbeciles you can find in the workplace though, makes it a lot harder to keep everyone safe. Most of the time it's not a safety issue, it's a common sense issue. Someone once said "There's nothing common about common sense" though, so yup, there ya go.

I think I might copy this thread and make it required reading at work. Staple it to everyones forehead...

The "safety nazi" may be the most hated person on the shop floor, until someone needs their fat pulled out of the fire. Don't ever stop

 

[lowpro64]

Safety Glasses and Face Shield FTW. I have been to the Emergency Room 3 times with metal in my eye. Two of those times I had on safety glasses. If you grind enough, somehow, some way it will find its way under, over, to the side and maybe through your glasses. Wear a face shield also, space permitting.
Zim

 

[danmcph]

If you have kids, realize they will get into everything they can reach. Kid proof your shop.