by Christopher Allan

Created on: July 02, 2007

There can be a lot of health risks when you engage in the art of woodworking. But, they are all practically avoidable when you take the time to ensure you are properly prepared for your project.

While woodworking you should have your eyes and ears protected as well as ensuring ways to protect your appendages. Also, if you are working around a lot of dust or any chemical you should have proper breathing apparatus.

Below is a list of categories broken down to help you keep yourself safe while woodworking:

1)Safety Glasses. One of the things that people find annoying with these is that they have a tendency to fog up. This all depends on the style of the glasses. There are safety glasses out now that don't fog, and much more comfortable then those huge ones that were out years ago. To be safe you need to be comfortable, and you can't do this with your glasses fogged up. Take the time to find a pair that doesn't cause any distraction while working. I should also add that if you wear glasses you can purchase side clips which mount on the sides of your glasses to add protection. These are also acceptable on work sites.

2)Ear Plugs. I never wore these until I worked in a finishing shop next to a planer and now I always wear them while I'm around anything loud. These are the most inexpensive safety gear you can get. It's pretty obvious what these do for you.

3)Steel-Toe Boots. Not only are these safe but they are handy as well. They help you to lie something on the floor gently. If you are laying the object down yourself you can put one end on the toe of your boot and lay the other end down gently without breaking your back. These boots will keep you from doing a lot of damage to your feet. Also, when purchasing these boots make sure that they have a steel flank in the sole. These keep nails from going through the boot. Once again you should be looking for comfort as well as safety. An uncomfortable boot and give you other problems.

4)Breathing apparatus. If you are working inside you should have one of these on. If you're just cutting or sanding a dust mask will do. I, however prefer the respirator, your safety glasses will never fog up, and not one particle of dust gets through. If you are using the dust mask I'd recommend a 3M, and the one with two elastics on it, it gives a better seal to your face. If you are working with any chemicals you should be wearing the respirator, dust masks do not give any protection against chemicals.

5)Dust System. These are expensive and

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