Workshop Safety Guide

Organise the working area

Keep floors, benches and access routes clear. Position machines and storage so operators have adequate working space and do not need to work around unnecessary obstructions. Provide suitable lighting and keep extraction, electrical supplies and safety controls accessible.

Control machinery hazards

Guards and other safeguards should be present and used as intended. HSE woodworking guidance highlights contact with rotating cutters, ejection, trapping, unexpected movement, noise and dust as hazards requiring attention. Operators should understand the equipment, its limitations and safe setting and adjustment procedures.

Make maintenance^★ and housekeeping routine

Inspect tools, guards, extraction and accessories rather than waiting for a failure. Isolate equipment before maintenance or adjustment where required. Remove waste safely and keep combustible or dusty residues under control. In a workplace, training and information should be appropriate to the equipment and the work being undertaken. Emergency arrangements should also be considered when organising a workshop. People should know how equipment is stopped and isolated and what to do if a guard, extraction system or other safety control fails. Do not continue a task simply because stopping would be inconvenient; deal with the unsafe condition first.