My approach to safety in the shop is primarily common sense..

Protecting yourself from injury just requires a little thought.  If you are using any motorized piece of equipment you definitely want to wear safety glasses. 

You'll no doubt pick up a hot piece of metal once in awhile. This always makes me feel a bit "stupid".  If I heat a piece of metal up with the torch, naturally it is going to burn my fingers. 

I got my first torch in 1967 and have only had one serious burn.  That was in about 1971.  I reached for something on the table and passed my hand right in from of the torch flame.  I can still see myself doing that and obviously I haven't done it since.

A note on shoes that you wear.  I recommend lace up leather boots. 

If you are wearing open top boots make sure that you pants legs are covering the boots.  You don't want a hot piece of metal dropping into your boot.  This has happened to me and it's not pleasant.

In the chapter on "tools that you can make", the wire brush on a motor is shown.  I go through several wire brushes over a years time.  Once in awhile I'll put on a new  wire brush and the wires fly out of it and stick in my shirt.  One of these wires could easily go into my eye.  Not a problem when wearing safety glasses.

For even better protection consider wearing a full face shield which is shown in the video below.

When spraying your sculptures make sure that you wear a spray mask and have good ventilation in your shop.  The spray mask below is far superior to the paper masks.

Below is a short video on my recommendations for safety in my shop.

Safety Video

Above all, follow the manufacture's safety recommendations on all equipment.  These recommendations are an integral part of the user manual that comes with the tools or equipment.

Fire

I'm very conscious of fire. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

The best precaution is common sense.

I'm a night person so I tend to work in the shop afternoons and evenings.  When I turn out the light at night I walk around to see if any errant sparks caught anything on fire.

This is especially if I have been gas welding heavy material or using the cutting torch which both produce sparks.

I've never had a fire.  Which reminds me that I should either have my fire extinguisher tested or buy a new one.

Welding Manuals:  The manual that came with your oxygen acetylene torch is filled with good information.  The safety information included is vitally important. 

If you don't have a manual you really need to get one. 

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