Safety is a priority. Remember that the use of the studio and its equipment is at the user’s own risk. 

General Safety  

1. Know where the first aid kit is located and the emergency telephone number to call. The first aid kit is available for use to take care of small cuts and abrasions. Anything major, the local hospital will take care of the injury.  Make sure you mention it to the stewards. 
2. Know where the fire extinguisher is located and how to use it. 
3. No horsing/goofing around will be tolerated. There is a lot of moving equipment in the studio and anybody falling against a rotating arbor could be injured. 
4. No food or drink at the machines at any time because dust containing toxic minerals may settle on it and may be harmful when ingested. 
5. Always be aware of and courteous to others while in the studio and when operating the equipment. Help others when appropriate and share your knowledge.  

Personal Safety 

1. Loose clothing, loose apron strings and dangling jewelry (necklaces) should be avoided or at least removed (tied up) before operating equipment. Sleeves should be rolled up. 
2. All long hair must be netted or tied back so it doesn’t get caught in moving equipment. 
3. Closed-toe shoes must be worn. No sandals are allowed. 
4. Eye protection, mask/respirator, hearing protection should be worn while operating or near equipment. 
5. Be cautious of danger zones (moving parts, belts, and sharp edges) because they will create wear on the skin and can eventually cause bleeding or pull body parts into the machine. 

Environmental/Equipment Safety 

1. Any oil spill must be cleaned up immediately. 
2. Be aware of water where it is not supposed to be (overfilling in the drip tray, on counters, or on the floor – it gets VERY slippery!) and clean it up immediately. 
3. Equipment Safety
   1. Due to the rotating equipment (saws, grinders), personal safety and the safety of others is of paramount importance. Do not attempt to use equipment prior to training and instruction. If you can’t remember the proper use of the equipment, ask the studio steward or an instructor. Know the equipment and take note of the manufacturer’s warnings and safety precautions. 
   2. No equipment safety guards shall be removed while a machine is in use.
   3. Because of the number of people using the equipment, always assume the equipment is running. Turn off saws when you walk away.  If you need to maintain it – unplug it! 
   4. Identify where on/off switches are located and make sure they’re easy to reach in case you or anything else gets caught in the machine. 
   5. Always shut off the water drip before turning off the motor. 
   6. If you notice anything unusual or slightly wrong with the way a machine LOOKS, SOUNDS, FEELS, or SMELLS, turn it off and tell either the studio steward or assistants. 

Most importantly be aware of what others are doing; and if you see a safety situation about to develop, mention it to the studio steward or assistants. WHEN IN DOUBT, ASK!