I moved this topic into the Workshop folder.
Hi All,
Been a while since my last post. Our custom wood/metal fabrication business has been doing well so we have decided to move out of the garage and into an industrial space (currently looking for space, Phoenix, AZ). I know what I need to outfit the shop with from a tool perspective but my bigger concern is safety. I know that welding & wood dust is a major issue by itself so I will need to take extra steps, 2 seperate buildings are not possible right now.
Looking for suggestions and ideas.
Initial Specs:
1-2 offices
1 overhead door
2000 Sq. Ft.
Multi -tenant Building w/ sprinkler system
spray booth (3 sided or enclosed).
Metalworking
Woodworking
Below is a list of safety items I’m already planning on:
Fire extinguishers (how many?)
First Aid Kits
Eye Wash station (not sure…)
Welding Curtains
Safety Warning Signs (how many, what types?)
To find out what need to be in place by code has been a real PITA…no one can seem to give me straight answers form the city! Have been talking to others in the business and they seem to find there own way..many cases not following any type of code.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Chris
Edited 12/7/2006 4:06 pm ET by ChrisV
Edited 12/7/2006 4:07 pm ET by ChrisV
Replies
I would think the local fire marshall and your insurance guy would be the people to go to for the skinny on what you need specifically.
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"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
I also weld in my shop, and I have very large glass fusing kilns. Good dust collection in importaint, as well as cleaning up every couple days. As for your safety concerns, the property manager will likely be able to help you some. The inspectors will find and list all the issues, it is standard for them to come out twice so don't feel that it is necessary to get it perfect the first time. Your insurance company will have information. Find one that specialises in comercial policys, your normal agent will not know enough to help you. There are fire safety inspection and supply companies that will come out and tell you what you need then sell it to you, but it is expensive.
My kilns are in a seperate space from the shop area, mostly to protect the kilns from dust. The welding/ metal work is not really an issue. My biggest concern is keeping the metal dust from grinding and cutting away from the wood. If metal contaminates the wood before finishing you can have all kinds of problems.
You are making a big jump from a garage based shop. The startup for what you purpose, not including machinery and assuming that you do most of the work yourself, will be 15 to 20 K. That is cash you need now. By ditching the spray booth and office space (which will use up a lot of that 2,000 sqft.) you can get it down to 8 to 15 K. Expect to have to start from scratch on the electrical system, there should be lighting. Good luck.
Pardon my spelling,
Mike
Make sure that your next project is beyond your skill and requires tools you don't have. You won't regret it.
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