Risk Management Considerations for Wood Working Shops and Facilities

Woodworking shops are inherently prone to fires and explosions. They contain large quantities of fuel in the form of wood products, sawdust and flammable materials such as paints, oil finishes, adhesives and solvents. Sawdust ignites and burns easier than whole pieces of lumber. Sanders, routers and shapers produce large amounts of fine dust which is especially hazardous because it accumulates on rafters and other structural components all around the facility contributing to a fire situation.