Ask ECRI: Considerations for a Community Woodshop

​A risk manager recently asked ECRI Institute for recommendations and information on establishing a woodshop for residents to use on the campus of a continuing care retirement community. In our response, we note resident and worker safety concerns, and refer to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Guide for Protecting Workers from Woodworking Hazards.

Many resident woodshops are located in independent living areas, which are sometimes more remote than other service lines. Some facilities have even provided the space in locations separate from their main buildings or campus. When designating a woodshop location, consider its effect on emergency response, including ease of access for emergency services such as 911 and ambulance response. Given the nature of potential injuries and medical emergencies, timeliness of response is an important consideration. It is also important to consider how other persons might gain access to the space and whether these or other hazards put first responders in harm's way. Air circulation and cleanliness (from debris such as sawdust, fumes, and...