May 2008

Caution and common sense can prevent
workshop injuries

By Sara Kyle

Nine years ago Scott Logue of Dinwiddie County was welding a truck without wearing a welding shield or safety glasses when a piece of slag began to shatter and flew into his eye.

“It got in my eye and, being hot, burned its way in. ... I felt something in my eye but kind of brushed it off. It didn’t feel that bad,” Logue said.

Later that night, he realized he did have a problem. He went to an eye doctor, who drilled the slag out, which was difficult because it had started to rust.

“It was my right eye. I have a scar on it that affects my vision slightly … no glasses or anything, but it did make a difference,” he said.

Logue said a couple of circumstances led to what happened that day: He was in a hurry, and the shop he was in had poor lighting. He knew a welding shield would provide protection, but he would not have been able to see his work.

“A lot of people kind of brush safety off and, obviously, I used to do the same thing, but it’s pretty painless and it only takes a few extra minutes every day,” Logue said.

“It has gotten to be a habit for me now and has made a huge difference.”

As spring approaches, remembering safety first is an important habit to get into. Maintaining a safe work area and wearing protective gear are important habits to adopt or continue. A little common sense can go a long way when starting spring projects in the home or farm workshop.

“The big problem is that people don’t wear the proper safety equipment and don’t take their time,” said Jimmy Maass, safety coordinator for Virginia Farm Bureau. “They take shortcuts, and that’s what gets you.”

When working in the workshop or elsewhere on the farm, wear personal protection equipment and make sure safety equipment and guards are in place on all tools, Maass said.

“Keep power tools in good shape, and fix or replace any broken parts or frayed cords.”

When using ladders, make sure the ladder is in good condition and is the appropriate ladder for the project. Do not stand on top of or on the second-from-the-top rung of a folding ladder, and make sure there are no power lines overhead.

When doing woodwork, wear all protective eye gear, use all necessary safety guards and keep the shop clean. Sawdust is a fire hazard, Maass warned.

“Besides, when the shop is clean, it’s easier to get your work done and you’ve got fewer fire hazards and tripping hazards.”

Avoid using smaller extension cords, especially with a high-power tool on the other end. Use a heavy-duty cord that is at least 12-gauge, and when working outdoors use an outdoor cord.

Also, do not stretch extension cords across a driveway, because if the cord gets driven over, it starts to break down and becomes a fire hazard, Maass said.

Store all gases and chemicals away from sources of ignition, and keep those items out of reach of children.

Keeping children away from all chemicals, equipment and tools is important. It is just as important to not allow children to ride along on farm equipment or even riding yard equipment, because the child could fall off and get run over.

“Help kids understand the machinery is dangerous and to stay away from it,” Maass said. “Also, let others know that you are going to be working and what you plan to do.”

When welding, make sure nothing flammable is nearby, use only the proper equipment and wear the appropriate gear, such as a welding helmet or goggles with the correct lenses for the job. Be sure to wear a long-sleeve shirt, long pants and sturdy work boots.

When welding with oxyacetylene gas, make sure the oxygen and acetylene cylinders are in good condition and properly fastened and that the regulator is in good condition. Also, make sure reverse flow-check valves and flash arrestors are on the oxygen and acetylene lines; they prevent flashbacks and backfires.

When using an air compressor for cleaning items or your work clothing, be sure to use a lower pressure and wear safety glasses, Maass said. “If the pressure is too high, it can actually blow particles into the skin.”

Additional safety tips

• Wear personal protection equipment: goggles or safety glasses, ear protection, respirators or dust masks, and keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher handy
  
  
• Wear appropriate clothing. Loose clothing, jewelry or hair can get caught
  in power tools and cause severe injury.
  
  
• Wear appropriate shoes. Do not wear sandals or other open shoes, and wear steel-toed safety shoes when lifting heavy objects.
  
  
• Work in a well-ventilated area when welding or doing woodwork, as well as when using solvents or paints. Fumes and dust can present health and explosion hazards.
  
  
• Quit horsing around! Horseplay around the shop should never be permitted. Always pay attention to what you are doing and avoid distractions such as a television or visitor.
  
  
• Avoid alcohol consumption when working in the garage or workshop.

Welding safety

• A buttoned shirt collar is recommended.
  
  
• Work in an open, well-ventilated area, or vent the exhaust from engine-powered welding directly outdoors.
  
  
• Never fuel the engine while it is running or in the presence of an open flame.
  
  
• Wipe up spilled fuel immediately, and wait for fumes to disperse before starting the engine. Never remove the radiator pressure cap from liquid-cooled engines.