Replies

1. 
   Northboundtrain | Dec 08, 2006 12:45am | #1

   As far as the welding and wood dust issue goes, you could build a partition wall separating the two spaces.  But also, from a health standpoint, if you have piles of wood dust laying around, then your dust collection and air quality/filtration are woefully inadequate.

2. 
   hammer1 | Dec 08, 2006 02:03am | #2

   Any business that has one or more employees is governed by OSHA. There may be additional regulations in your state or locality. Things like sprinkler systems may be regulated in your town or zone. OSHA has an extensive outreach program and some state Departments of Labor also have compliance information and training. Very few businesses are aware of their obligations. It's commendable that you are making safety issues a part of your plan.

   OSHA is looking to see if you have an active safety program. You should have a written plan that includes inspections, training, emergency response, problem identification and solutions taken or planned. The OSHA standards clearly identify things like means of egress, marking exits, machine and loading zone markings, machine guarding and so on. It's up to you and employees to identify the hazards in your shop and take the necessary steps to correct them and educate your workers about them.

   You will certainly need a first aid kit, eye wash station and collection of MSDS sheets, in addition to training everyone how to use them. Fire extinguishers are meant to aid in getting out of the building, not fighting fires. You need them positioned along exit routes and at each doorway, more as you determine. Welding curtains and an exhaust only make sense, there are regulations concerning storage of gas cylinders. Spray booths can also be regulated by EPA or state environmental laws.

   Here is a link to the OSHA outreach program. The standards are a bit technical and will take some time to get through and understand. You don't want an OSHA inspector explaining them to you after a bad accident.

   http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/smallbusiness/index.html

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

3. 
   rjones69 | Dec 08, 2006 05:02pm | #3

   Chris,

   Have you found a space yet?  I might be able to put you in touch with a broker that can help if you haven't.

   Ron

1. 
   ChrisV | Dec 09, 2006 06:43am | #5

   Ron,

   I sent you an email, did you get it?

   Chris

1. 
   Ed | Dec 09, 2006 01:25pm | #6

   Add to the list of experts to consult:  your insurance underwriter.  When I applied for liability insurance they sent someone to look over the premises.  He made several recommendations which we implemented.

    

   Ed

4. 
   SawdustSteve | Dec 08, 2006 07:29pm | #4

   Stop in at the local fire department and ask to talk to their 'Fire Inspector'. He (she) is the person who will be inspecting your shop at one time or another. Ask BEFORE you build, it's easier to know and buy the right stuff the first time. Also talk to your insurance agent. Again, their knowledge is invaluable. In both cases, this 'free' info comes from reliable sources that you will be having to work with sooner or later.

   Most important, USE the safety equipment. A dust mask does no good hanging on a wall. Same for proper guards. Just remember, 'home-shop rules' are VERY different from industrial rules.
   SawdustSteve