Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in the shop. Use the PPE that fits the tool and the job every time, even for "just one quick cut".

To be confirmed: what PPE the shop provides, where it is kept, and what members are expected to bring themselves.

The basics

• Eye protection. Wear safety glasses or goggles whenever you run a power tool or do anything that can throw chips, dust or sparks.
• Hearing protection. Saws, routers, planers, grinders and dust collectors are loud enough to damage hearing over time. Wear earplugs or earmuffs.
• Respiratory protection. Wear a suitable mask or respirator for fine dust, finishing products and fumes. See Shop Safety: Air Quality.
• Clothing. Tie back long hair, and avoid loose sleeves, dangling jewelry and lanyards around rotating tools.

By area

• Metal Shop: PPE is required for welding and grinding. Welding needs a proper welding helmet, gloves and flame-resistant clothing; grinding needs eye and face protection.
• Wood Shop: eye and hearing protection at a minimum. The Wood Shop: Radial Arm Saw page calls out goggles and hearing protection specifically.
• Paint and spray work (Flex Space): respiratory protection suited to the product you are spraying. Check the product label.

Equipment SOP pages list any extra PPE a specific tool needs. If you are not sure what a tool needs, ask before you start.