I was reminded yesterday of the thread on being careful out there while working in the shop. It's getting too long to read so I'll put it here in a new thread and perhaps someone else has something to add.
I consider myself extremely careful. I know where my hands (and other parts) are and what could happen if the wood misbehaves. I'm careful about my footing and balance, even making a "dry" run to check when an operation requires movement. When I get tired or feel my biorhythm is low () I quit and go feed the llamas or read something.
In the middle of cutting veneer on the bandsaw yesterday I had everything under control when suddenly a wasp flew down and tried to land on my face. It changed it's mind, I somehow maintained composure, and no damage was done to board or being. This made me think of other things that might happen while using a tool that could cause a sudden discontinuity of attention and result in a serious injury. Things that could happen even we are rested, alert, and following the rules...
- - The mentioned stray wasp, hornet, or even being buzzed by a stink bug at the wrong time. (I have no idea how prevent this one except try to keep the shop sealed.)
- - Unexpected attention by a shop dog or cat or pet macaw at the wrong time. (Unlikely with a power saw running, at least with my animals!)
- - Air or water line bursting at exactly the wrong time. (I know, highly unlikely)
- - A sudden toppling or sliding of an unbalanced stack of turning blanks or unsecured leaning lumber.
- - Being surprised by a visitor. (Especially for anyone like me with an enhanced startle reflex.)
To guard against the last one I keep the shop door deadbolt locked when using power tools. My family knows not to enter without knocking and and announcing and to wait a bit when they hear power sawing. A driveway alarm alerts me when a car comes down the lane. Fortunately, I'm not startled by the phone ringing.
Any others to think about?
JKJ