How to Use: Walk the shop from a safe distance—never touch machines or dust piles. Use a flashlight to check for sparks or buildup. Ask the shop owner: “Last safety check? Dust collector logs?” Mark High (thick dust, unguarded blades), Medium (clutter, old tags), or Low (clean, guarded, trained) risk. Cabinet shops cause about 37,000 injuries each year in woodworking (Occupational Safety and Health Administration 2024 data); wood dust starts 15% of shop fires (National Fire Protection Association). Average fire claim: $45,000+. Prevent with Occupational Safety and Health Administration 1910.213 woodworking rules and National Fire Protection Association 664 wood dust standards.
THE BASICS: HOW CABINET SHOPS WORK
Cabinet shops cut, shape, and assemble wood for cabinets, furniture, or custom pieces. Tools make dust and noise while joining wood with glue or nails.
Simple Types of Work:
- Cutting and Shaping: Saws and routers slice wood into parts.
- Sanding and Finishing: Smooth edges, add paint or stain.
- Assembly: Glue or nail pieces together.
Key Tools:
- Saws: Table or band—cut straight or curved.
- Dust Collector: Sucks up wood dust like a vacuum.
- Protective Gear: Masks, glasses, gloves to block dust and cuts.
Why Inspect: Wood dust can explode or harm lungs; blades cut fingers; finishes catch fire. Most problems from dust buildup or missing guards.
Easy Fact: Shops build kitchen cabinets or desks—safe with good air and guards, risky without.
INSPECTION CHECKLIST
WORK AREA SETUP
- Clear space around machines—no wood scraps or clutter Why: Trips cause falls near sharp tools.
- Floors clean, no slippery dust or oil Why: Slips lead to machine injuries.
- Signs for ear and eye protection Why: Noise and flying chips harm senses.
MACHINERY GUARDS
- Blades and belts fully guarded, no gaps Why: Stops fingers from touching moving parts.
- Push sticks for saws, no hand feeding close Why: Keeps hands away from cuts.
- Emergency stop buttons red and easy to reach Why: Quick shutoff in accidents.
DUST CONTROL
- Dust collectors on, filters clean, no leaks Why: Wood dust explodes or hurts lungs.
- Dust less than 1/32 inch thick on surfaces Why: Thick dust catches fire easily.
- Masks worn for sanding or cutting Why: Blocks dust from breathing.
FIRE PREVENTION
- Fire extinguisher (ABC type) within 30 feet, current tag Why: Puts out small wood or dust fires.
- No smoking or open flames near finishes Why: Paint vapors catch fire fast.
- Flammable liquids in metal cans, stored away Why: Stops vapor buildup and spills.
MAINTENANCE AND TRAINING
- Machines clean, blades sharp, no loose parts Why: Dull tools kick back and hurt.
- Staff trained yearly on safe use Why: Cuts accident risk by half.
- Monthly safety checks logged Why: Spots problems early.
QUESTIONS TO ASK OWNER
- “When was the last full safety check? Can I see the log?”
- “Dust collectors—cleaned how often? Air tested?”
- “Machine guards—all in place? Any removed?”
- “Any injuries or close calls last year? What changed?”
- “Staff training—when last? Fire rules?”
RISK LEVELS
- High = Thick dust, filters clogged, electrical hazards, no guards → Suggest attention immediately, fix now
- Medium = Clutter, dull tools → Fix in 30 days
- Low = Clean, guarded, trained → Best practice
LCA Certified Inspector “Guard it. Vent it. Train it.”
Resources:
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration 1910.213 Woodworking Rules
- National Fire Protection Association 664 Wood Dust Standard
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Woodworking Guide
- Safety by Design Cabinet Shop Checklist
Disclosure: This guide highlights common risks but is not exhaustive. Always verify local codes and carrier guidelines.