Doc Summary
The Joinery is committed to a safe, efficient, and high-quality workspace for our members. Although we all can agree the inherent risk of utilizing woodworking machinery, we believe that our training programs, our online training videos, and the expertise within our member community reinforce these practices. With the increase in our membership over the past five months, we have observed an overall increase in tool damage due to operator error and lack of attention to best safety practices. These failures in safety protocol including and especially inadequate awareness and understanding of proper tool usage have caused extensive damage to our machinery which is costly to repair, inconveniences our membership, and has presented a safety risk to our members. Our goal, as stated previously, is to provide a safe, efficient, and high-quality workspace. Please help us prevent future incidents and unnecessary expenses for our small business by reading, understanding, and following this new shop policy.
Policy Statement #
Effective February 1, 2025, if a tool is damaged because of your unsafe or improper use, you will be liable for the expense to repair said tool/machine. Specifically, a charge for the damage including the cost of repair plus labor will be applied to your membership account. The labor fee is limited to $50 per hour, with a maximum cap of $200. Repair costs are determined at the discretion of management.
Video Surveillance #
To ensure compliance with safety protocols and to review any issues after the fact, video cameras are currently in use throughout the facility. Additional cameras will be installed as needed. This measure is in place to promote accountability and enhance the safety of all members. If damage is not reported and video is used to determine what happened then an additional labor fee will be added for the time required to review the footage.
Guidelines for Tool Use #
To minimize the risk of damage and ensure a safe woodworking environment, please adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Understand Tool Operation – #
- Familiarize yourself with each tool before use.
- The QR codes labeled on each tool links to The Joinery’s Knowledge Base where videos and user manuals for all major tools can be reviewed.
- If a tool or machine fails, regardless of the cause, report the issue on Discord immediately.
2. Seek Assistance – #
- If something is not exactly right while using a tool, seek another member’s advice either in person or on Discord. An example may be, you are applying excessive force through a blade, or you are not achieving the expected result.
- Please, review the related training materials and ask a fellow member to review your setup. Seeking advice will very likely save you and the tool from an unsafe situation.
- If there is a maintenance issue, report the issue on Discord immediately.
2. Monitor Dust Collection – #
- Regularly check the dust collection system while using tools and machines. If you notice more dust than usual, Stop Immediately!
- Ensure the dust collection system is operational, the filter is clean, and all hoses are unclogged. Change the dust collection bags if they are full. If issues persist, report the issue on Discord.
4. Check Tool Condition – #
- Pay attention to the condition of consumables such as sandpaper. If you notice burned or clogged sandpaper on larger machines, you are encouraged to change it out or report the issue on Discord.
5. Listen for Unusual Noises #
- Be attentive to the sounds a tool or machine makes. If it sounds unusual, it likely indicates a problem. Stop using the tool immediately and seek assistance.
6. Be Attentive to Alarms #
- Ensure that you can hear any alarms or alerts. Avoid playing music at a volume that prevents you from hearing important notifications.
Reporting Issues #
Some tool-related issues can be prevented with timely reporting of maintenance issues. If you encounter any problems or suspect a tool is malfunctioning, if you see a fellow member abusing a tool through improper use or unsafe use, please report the issue on Discord by following the Red QR code on the tool.
By following these guidelines, we can work together to maintain our tools in excellent condition and create a safer, more productive environment for everyone at The Joinery. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to responsible tool usage.
