Greetings all, I am a graduate student in technical theater production who is graduating this may and trying to find a job. I have one potential position with a small company that produces museum displays. One concern I have is that I would be the only one full time in the shop and for the most part the only person in the building. I know I try to be a careful person, but accidents do happen. I realize that this question may be opening a can of worms regarding safety, and I also realize that this is a vague question. What steps do you take to minimize the risk for after the accident has happened?
Thank you,
Datachanel
Doing things the hard way
Replies
Greetings.
I'd first ask, do you have any formal training in cabinet shop work? This means a lot when you know how each hand and power tool operates safely.
There are ways to work solo,(I used to), that are safe.But if you're asking how does one minimize risk, after the accident has happened, that's kinda like asking how does one get the spilled milk back into the glass. Best thing is prompt medical attention for something serious. And keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and charged every year.
One of those necklaces that makes you say "I have fallen and I can't get up" Sorry I couldn't resist.
Data
Don't know if this helps, but;
I keep a portable 2-way radio with me in the shop.
As I'm on the local rescue squad, it keeps me informed of an emergency call.
If I have an emergency, I can also call for help.
My wife also has a radio and I can call her also in an emergency.
Jeff
Most serious woodworking accidents involve hands/arms, and there is only a very small chance you would lose conciousness.
The closest I came to incapacity was was a time many years ago when I caught a little piece of gunk in one of my eyes -- but that was because my sight was messed up. I was able to get out of the shop and get myself to someone who was able to motor me to an eye doc. So always wear your eye protection.
If you have a cell phone, I would always keep that on my person.
So I would not worry about working alone from a safety perspective. Your main problem will be moving big stuff around by yourself.
"I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."
-- Bertrand Russell
I'm going to jump into the fray on this one and suggest a tool tune-up at your local communty college-most offer courses in woodworking and safety should be stressed....knowledge is power and an ounce of prevention is worth lots of band-aids...
best of luck in your job search
silver
I work alone in my shop daily, but spent years in a cabinet shop. I have yet to see any kind of accident that would have prevented anyone from calling for help, and I have seen some dandies. If you are experienced with the equipment and are a generaly cautious worker you should be fine. As mentioned previously have a phone handy as well as all applicable safety equipment (fire ext., first aid, eye flush, etc.). Preparation can prevent panic.
By the way cool job offer. I always wondered who builds the displays that I see in museums. I have seen plenty of otherwise first rate museums with some really shoddy workmanship on the woodworking of the display. It looks like they had the janitor take a skill saw and some 2x4's and plywood knock together a display some times. That wold be real interesting work.
Good Luck!
Brian
"I work alone in my shop daily, but spent years in a cabinet shop. I have yet to see any kind of accident that would have prevented anyone from calling for help, and I have seen some dandies." The gruesome stories told here and on other forums are motivation to work safely. The closest I've come to needing help and not being able to call was having my back "go out" and not being able to stand up for awhile. Scary thought, starving to death on the shop floor!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
O'ya the back going out I can understand that one alright.
Been there.
Just think it out before making that next cut and stay focused.
Jimmy
I could be wrong but I think almost ALL insurance companies DO NOT ALLOW anyone working alone by any powered tools..
But I would take the job if it were me anyway... I have worked alone with tools and most other jobs all my life.. I do not think it is something to worry about.. Especially if you love your hands and eyes... Then you are extra careful... But then again.... something can happen even with 100 folks around.
I've found that working alone is not a problem. I usually get so "into" my projects that it's the interruptions that are dangerous.My wife now knows to peek into the shop to see what I'm doing before getting my attention.When I have my hearing protection on (even without a tool running) I don't hear her coming, if she tries to get my attention, I'll often startle - not a good thing when running a power tool...She'll wait until I turn the tool off then startle me :-)Of course If I ever fool around on her and she figures it out, then I'm in trouble. :-)Mark
Measure it with a micrometer, mark it with chalk, cut it with an ax.
I would ask for a LOCK on the door to your shop. Explain the reason to the boss!
Thank you all who have posted their thoughts. As to questions of my tool experience, I'm a very competent person for both wood and metal working tools. I hope that I won't do something stupid and I try to be as careful as possible, but I do know accidents happen. I've worked alone in the shop from time to time I'll admit, but I just feel like I'd be pushing my luck doing it week in week out. I'll try to attach a photo or two of some theater sets I've built for you all to check out.
Thanks againDatachanel
Doing things the hard way
WOW, impressive work. Great sets!Richard
Thank you very much
Datachanel
Doing things the hard way
I work by myself building furniture. I've had a few minor scrapes in 6 years, but nothing serious. My advice, only work if you're ALERT. Switched on and paying attention. Stop: if you're tired, trying to rush, doing one last cut even though the blade is blunt, or realise you're not REALLY paying attention. That's when you'll get bitten.Always wear safety glasses & ear protection. And remember the machine / tool really doesn't care. It will cut whatever you feed it. Wood, flesh, whatever. Richard
Actually Peter's suggestion of using an elder's "I've fallen and I can't get up" device is a pretty good one. Apart from an extra pair of hands, for those times when you need more than two, the principle reason for having a helper is to have someone by who can call 9-1-1 if ever required.
This is why farming is the most dangerous industry in Australia.
nice work.......hope you enjoy your new job.... Aloha
Always make a practice of feeding in such a manner that if the wood were to seize on a cutter and disappear, that the direction of force of your hands would not go into the cutter.
Since you ask, If something should happen, a good first-aid kit might come in handy, and an ice chest to keep the severed parts alive until they can be re-joined to your body. That is, if you can find them.
There was a woodworker who cut off his ear. A friend was there helping him look for it. The friend found one and ask, does this look like it? No was the reply, Mine had a pencil behind it. RRR.
Thanks, whenever I teach a cutting tool, after proper PPEs I give two broad pieces of advice. One, don't touch the moving blade. Two, don't put yourself in a position where you or some part of your body can fall into the blade.Datachanel
Doing things the hard way
I've worked alone for many years, sometimes in remote locations and in the days before cell phones. There is a fine line between confidence and bravado. You need to remember the little safety details and take some time to think things out. Having necessary medical supplies ready is always a good idea, bandages, eyewash, etc. The body does react to a severe injury whether you want it to or not. Some people handle shock differently than others. I remember in the service, guys dropping like flies when it came time for shots. Then theres the climber who amputated his own hand. Only you know, if you have the capacity to put mind over matter when you have to.
Years ago a friend of mine was killed. He was working on his truck, had it jacked up but did not chock the wheels. It fell off the jacks and that was it. It's usually forgetting the basics, that leads to trouble.
Cool stage sets. I've always thought that they were interesting, often unusual and involving unique looks. Good luck with your choice.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
I cannot understand why you would not be looking at set Carpentry.
A specialized area of endeavour (meaning higher than average wages)
Opportunities for overtime galore( from what I hear)
Creative, mucho, albiet sometimes under pressure (makes you feel alive!)
as opposed to museums stuff...
struggling to find funding
worried about cost overruns
endless beaurocracy.
maybe steady employment if you can wait a few years/
You might wanna re-evaluate the two career paths with a list of pros and cons. Remember, life is what happens when yer making other plans...
Eric
I have a good friend who worked in a large theater set shop a few years ago. Believe me, it's not for those who want to produce fine specimens of WWing. The time pressure was unbelievable, and the finished pieces only have to pass two tests: stability and visual examination from the audience's point of view.
He got to invent alot of things, and design and make period furniture, but it had to be thrown together "however" -- no satisfaction in the production part.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Sorry it's taken me awhile to get back to you on this. In the theatrical world I have a much better chance of finding a job than an actor or designer, but scenic carpentry is by no means lucrative. It's actualy getting over to "commercial theater" where there is more money. For example expo displays, the sets for MTV music awards, and actually museums too. I've been applying for all sorts of theater jobs, but the difference in pay is pretty decent. If you're union then that makes a difference, but I'm in management, essentially, planning and organizing the construction (as well as building some of the cooler more complex stuff) and I've been offered a position making probably $5 to $10 less an hour than my carps would be making. It is fun though, I know I'm not going to make my millions, but I enjoy the challenges, and the people.
Datachanel
Doing things the hard way
If you are smart enough to create and build those stage sets, you won't have any problem figuring out how to work safely and productively in a shop by yourself.
Those sets were really great..........
"I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."
-- Bertrand Russell
Thank you, glad you like.Datachanel
Doing things the hard way
I worked solo for 9 years and never had a problem. I was more careful than when I worked with others, realizing the slightest misstep could have a greater impact - literally and figuratively. I never even came close to a problem.
The solitude was wonderful. I found my ability to concentrate could stretch out for hours, even days. No interruptions meant I could get an entire job into my head and manipulate it easily. The hours would fly by, but time seemed to be slowed down. I was in the zone more than I was not. And I was super productive - I felt like Superman.
Set up a door buzzer or something to warn of people walking in. I trained all my visitors to wait quietly until I acknowledged them or to blink the lights on and off. Sometimes, even the blinking lights didn't arouse me.
A former co-worker was working alone, ripping 8/4, and cut off three and a half fingers on his left hand. He kept his head, wrapped the stubs tightly, and scooped up the fingers with his right hand. Went out to his car and spent some time wondering how to open the car door with the fingers in one hand, and no fingers on the other. Finally set them down, trying not to look at them, opened the door and drove himself to the hospital with his fingers on his lap. Walked in the door, sat down and passed out. His fingers were reattached successfully, and after a long and painful recovery, he regained most of the use of his fingers. He spent his recovery time finishing college so he wouldn't need to be a woodworker anymore. True story.
are you asking how to get the cows back in after they have walked through the open gate?
Accidents do happen. You have to constantly be assessing your risk potential when you work. Take as little risk as possible for accidents are really a matter of how many times do you do something like turning on a machine. Think out your processes and minimize your risk.....oh, and keep a first aid kit handy. Aloha, Mike
Thanks, not so much in terms of trying to get the cows back home, but in terms of what are the next thoughts in minimizing after the fact. But I certainly agree that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Datachanel
Doing things the hard way
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