Risk avoidance

[Packard]

This came up as a mention in another thread.  A thread where members describe risky procedures and what the consequence might be. I think it is worth a try.

To be most useful as a reference thread, I would suggest the following format:

1.  Tool/machine involved
2.  Process involved
3.  Naming the risk.
4.  Personal impact
5.  Avoidance

I will start using that format for one of my “events”.

 

[Packard]

1. Machine: Table Saw

2.  Process:  Ripping short lengths

3.  Risk:  Kick-up

4.  Personal Impact:  Emergency room visit. Tore off entire fingernail.

I was ripping a not-that-narrow (about 1” wide) piece of stock.  But it was about 4” long.  I was using one of those yellow plastic push sticks. I was not worried about kick back.  I had ripped many pieces of 1” wide material.  But the short length and narrow width combined to make this a risky cut.  Also using the yellow plastic pusher.

I will post an image of a shop made pusher that eliminates this risk.

Also, since was was making several of these pieces, ripping to the narrow width first would have been an excellent idea.  Instead of several 4” long pieces, I would cut to length the pieces from one longer piece of 1” wide material.  It would have been the same number of steps, but less risk. 

[Image of shop made pusher to follow when I get home]

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