TA 51a Scenery and Props for the Performing Arts
San Jose State University, Theatre Arts Department, Spring 2000

Return to TA 51a course home or the course Lecture Schedule

Standard Guidelines for operating Standing Power Tools.

Though this list may be slightly different in other scene shops the basics still apply Please, memorize these six rules for our test. You take a safety test every time you use a tool so follow the guidelines.
We all need to lead by example and correct others as needed for their safety.

1. Use only tools that you have been checked out on.
Ask the shop assistant or the shop foreman for a lesson. You learn by doing, but do it correctly.

2. Clear the Area.
The table surface should be clear and especially the area around your feet. . Do not stand on scrap wood. Do not be crowded by wood carts or stacked lumber. Lots of elbowroom. Nothing blocking your light.

3. Wear proper safety equipment.
This means safety shields and or goggles with every standing power tool. The one in a million freak accident is waiting for someone. We reuse lumber, so nails or staples or even screws may be hidden in the lumber. Saw dust in the eyes is a common problem and not a one in a million deal so face shields are required.
Earplugs are recommended for periods of short exposure and required for repeated saw operation. Hearing loss is an accumulated effect and workers around loud machines will eventually damage their hearing, so be wise. What did you say?

4. Check the lumber.
Do not cut through staples or nails. They will break or chip the teeth of the saw. Look for fasteners. They are to be expected. The shop policy is never to return lumber to the lumber racks until they have been cleaned (clear of fasteners.) The reality is that during strikes many boards get past our efforts to have every board checked. Nails and staples could be in the piece of lumber that you are cutting even if it is new, so check the lumber.

5. Observe safety zone.
The power tools are very good at cutting, sanding and boring holes. They will cut through anything they touch including you. Keep your fingers beyond their reach. Do not put your fingers closer than 12" from the cutting path. I call this 12" area a safety zone. Hold lumber when cutting with your hands outside this zone. Use a clamp or a push stick or a feather board rather than risk your digits. Ask any one who has visited an emergency room to have repairs made to their hand. "How did it happen?" " I did something foolish. I know better." Often it is an experienced operator that cut a corner or didn't have a push stick handy. They just took a chance and gave a part of themselves for the job. Don't . . . . . . not in my shop. Knock on wood . . . . . . . Obey the safety zone. Don't think the saw won't hurt you. It can and will.

6. Restore the area.
This means to put back safety equipment, return the push stick to the nail, remove stop blocks and clamps, put cut lumber into recycle bends or used lumber racks. Sweeping up saw dust is optional but recommended in some cases.
Note: Our shop has a built in sawdust collection system on most standing power tools. The collection system works pretty well, but saw dust in the shop can be a bother and even dangerous.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let's review:
1. Get checked out.
2. Clear the area.
3. Wear safety equipment.
4. Check the lumber.
5. Observe a safety zone.
6. Restore the area.

The tool test will ask you to list the six guidelines for operating standing power tools. Practice writing them down in order, and practice them every time you use a tool. 6 points