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Key Takeaways

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toe boots.
  • Fire extinguisher types: A (ordinary combustibles), B (flammable liquids), C (electrical), D (metals).
  • Wood types include hardwoods (oak, maple) and softwoods (pine, cedar) with different properties.
  • Metals are classified as ferrous (iron-based, magnetic) or non-ferrous (aluminum, copper, brass).
  • MSDS/SDS sheets provide safety information for hazardous materials in the workplace.
Last updated: January 2026

Shop Safety and Materials

Safety is paramount in any shop environment. Understanding proper procedures and material properties prevents accidents and produces better work.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Eye and Face Protection

EquipmentWhen to Use
Safety GlassesMinimum for all shop work
Safety GogglesChemical work, dust, flying particles
Face ShieldGrinding, turning, high-impact work
Welding HelmetArc welding (auto-darkening preferred)
Welding GogglesGas welding and cutting

Hearing Protection

EquipmentNRR RatingBest Use
Foam Earplugs25-33 dBDisposable, comfortable
Reusable Plugs20-27 dBCost-effective, washable
Earmuffs22-31 dBEasy on/off, over hearing aids
Electronic Muffs20-25 dBAllow conversation, block harmful levels

Note: Exposure to noise above 85 dB requires hearing protection. Most power tools exceed this level.

Hand and Body Protection

EquipmentUse
Leather GlovesHandling rough materials, welding
Nitrile GlovesChemical handling, solvents
Cut-Resistant GlovesSheet metal, sharp materials
Steel-Toe BootsFoot protection from falling objects
Shop ApronProtect clothing, pockets for tools

Warning: Never wear loose clothing, jewelry, or leave long hair unsecured around rotating machinery.

Fire Safety

Fire Extinguisher Classes

ClassFire TypeIcon ColorExtinguishing Agent
AOrdinary combustibles (wood, paper, cloth)Green triangleWater, foam
BFlammable liquids (gas, oil, grease)Red squareFoam, CO2, dry chemical
CElectrical equipmentBlue circleCO2, dry chemical
DCombustible metals (magnesium, titanium)Yellow starSpecial dry powder
KKitchen fires (cooking oils, fats)Black hexagonWet chemical

Fire Extinguisher Operation: PASS

  1. Pull the pin
  2. Aim at the base of the fire
  3. Squeeze the handle
  4. Sweep side to side

Fire Prevention

PracticePurpose
Keep work area cleanRemove fuel sources
Store oily rags in metal containersPrevent spontaneous combustion
Maintain equipmentPrevent electrical fires
Know exit locationsQuick evacuation
Inspect fire extinguishers monthlyEnsure readiness

Hazardous Materials

Material Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Every hazardous chemical must have an SDS providing:

  • Chemical identification
  • Hazard classification
  • First aid measures
  • Firefighting measures
  • Handling and storage
  • Exposure controls/PPE
  • Disposal considerations

Common Shop Hazards

HazardExamplesPrecautions
SolventsAcetone, mineral spiritsVentilation, nitrile gloves
Paints/FinishesLacquer, polyurethaneRespirator, ventilation
Welding FumesMetal oxidesLocal exhaust, respirator
DustWood, metalDust collection, mask
Compressed GasesAcetylene, oxygenProper storage, no oil

Common Materials

Wood Types

Hardwoods (Deciduous Trees)

WoodPropertiesCommon Uses
OakStrong, heavy, visible grainFurniture, flooring
MapleHard, fine grain, light colorButcher blocks, floors
WalnutDark, strong, machines wellFine furniture, gun stocks
CherryReddish, ages beautifullyCabinets, furniture
AshFlexible, shock resistantTool handles, sports equipment

Softwoods (Coniferous Trees)

WoodPropertiesCommon Uses
PineInexpensive, easy to workConstruction, furniture
CedarNaturally rot-resistant, aromaticDecks, closets, siding
Fir (Douglas)Strong, straight grainFraming, plywood
RedwoodRot-resistant, beautiful colorOutdoor furniture, decks
SpruceLight, resonantMusical instruments, aircraft

Metals

Ferrous Metals (Contain Iron)

MetalPropertiesUses
Cast IronBrittle, excellent compressionEngine blocks, pipes
Steel (Mild)Workable, magneticGeneral construction
Steel (Stainless)Corrosion-resistantKitchen, medical
Steel (Tool)Very hard, holds edgeCutting tools, dies

Non-Ferrous Metals (No Iron)

MetalPropertiesUses
AluminumLightweight, corrosion-resistantAircraft, soda cans
CopperExcellent conductor, softElectrical wiring, plumbing
BrassCopper + zinc, yellowFittings, decorative
BronzeCopper + tin, strongBearings, bushings
LeadVery heavy, softBatteries, radiation shielding

Tip: Ferrous metals are magnetic and will rust. Non-ferrous metals are not magnetic and resist corrosion.

Plastics

TypePropertiesExamples
ThermoplasticsCan be remelted, reshapedPVC, ABS, polyethylene
ThermosetsPermanently set when curedEpoxy, fiberglass, melamine

Common Plastics

AbbreviationFull NameUses
PVCPolyvinyl ChloridePipes, wire insulation
ABSAcrylonitrile Butadiene StyreneAutomotive parts, LEGO
HDPEHigh-Density PolyethyleneMilk jugs, pipes
PPPolypropyleneContainers, automotive
PSPolystyreneFoam cups, insulation
AcrylicPolymethyl MethacrylateClear sheets, displays

Proper Procedures

General Shop Rules

  1. Know emergency procedures - exits, first aid, fire extinguisher locations
  2. Inspect tools before use - check for damage, wear, proper guards
  3. Use right tool for the job - prevents accidents and damage
  4. Keep work area clean - reduces tripping hazards, fire risk
  5. Never work impaired - fatigue, medication, or substances affect judgment
  6. Get proper training - never use unfamiliar equipment without instruction
  7. Report accidents and near-misses - helps prevent future incidents
Test Your Knowledge

Which class of fire extinguisher should be used on a fire involving an electrical motor?

A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge

What distinguishes ferrous metals from non-ferrous metals?

A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge

What is the correct sequence for using a fire extinguisher (PASS)?

A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge

Which wood is naturally resistant to rot and commonly used for outdoor applications?

A
B
C
D
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