Excerpted from the American Association of Woodturners Safety page.

Safe, effective use of a wood lathe requires study and knowledge of procedures for using this tool. Read, thoroughly understand, and follow the label warnings on the lathe and in the owner/operator’s manual. Safety guidelines from an experienced instructor, video, or book are a good source of important safety procedures. Please work safely!

Safety is YOUR responsibility.

  1. Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses that include side protectors. Use a full faceshield for bowl, vessel, or any turning involving chucks and faceplates.
  2. Fine particles from a grinder and wood dust are harmful to your respiratory system. Use a dust mask, air filtration helmet, proper ventilation, dust collection system, or a combination of these to deal with this serious issue. Be especially mindful of dust from many exotic woods, spalted woods, or any wood from which you notice a skin or respiratory reaction.
  3. Wear hearing protection during extended periods of turning.
  4. Turn the lathe off before adjusting the tool rest or tool rest base, i.e., banjo.
  5. Remove chuck keys, adjusting wrenches, and knockout bars. Form a habit of checking for these before turning on the lathe.
  6. Tie back long hair; do not wear gloves; and avoid loose clothing, jewelry, or any dangling objects that may catch on rotating parts or accessories.
  7. When using a faceplate, be certain the workpiece is solidly mounted with stout screws (#10 or #12 sheet metal screws as a minimum). Do not use dry wall or deck screws. When turning between centers, be certain the workpiece is firmly mounted between the headstock driving center and tailstock center.
  8. Ensure the belt guard or cover is in place.
  9. Check that all locking devices on the tailstock and tool rest assembly (rest and base) are tight before operating the lathe.
  10. Ensure the blank is securely fastened.
  11. Rotate your workpiece by hand to make sure it clears the toolrest and bed before turning the lathe on. Be certain that the workpiece turns freely and is firmly mounted. A handwheel on the headstock simplifies this process of spinning the lathe by hand before turning on the switch.
  12. Be aware of what turners call the "red zone” or "firing zone.” This is the area directly behind and in front of the workpiece, the areas most likely for a piece to travel as it comes off the lathe. A good safety habit is to step out of this zone when turning on the lathe, keeping your hand on the switch in case you need to turn the machine off. When observing someone else turn, stay out of this zone.
  13. Always check the speed of the lathe before turning it on. Use slower speeds for larger diameters or rough pieces and higher speeds for smaller diameters and pieces that are balanced. Always start a piece at a slower speed until the workpiece is balanced. If the lathe is shaking or vibrating, lower the speed. If the workpiece vibrates, always stop the machine to verify why. As a starting point, consult your operator’s manual for recommended speeds for a particular lathe. Ensure the lathe speed is compatible with the size of the blank.
  14. Exercise extra caution when using stock with cracks, splits, checks, bark pockets, knots, irregular shapes, or protuberances. Beginners should avoid these types of stock until they have greater knowledge of working such wood.
  15. Hold turning tools securely on the toolrest, holding the tool in a controlled but comfortable manner. Always contact the tool rest with the tool before contacting the wood.
  16. Note that, when running a lathe in reverse, it is possible for a chuck or faceplate to unscrew unless it is securely tightened or locked on the lathe spindle.
  17. Know your capabilities and limitations. An experienced woodturner is capable of lathe speeds, techniques, and procedures not recommended for beginning turners.
  18. Always remove the tool rest before sanding, finishing, or polishing operations.
  19. Don’t overreach, keep proper footing, and keep your balance at all times.
  20. Keep lathe in good repair. Check for damaged parts, alignment, binding of moving parts, and other conditions that may affect its operation.
  21. Keep tools sharp and clean for better and safer performance. Don’t force a dull tool. Don’t use a tool for a purpose that it was not designed for or intended for.
  22. Consider your work environment. Don’t use a lathe in damp or wet locations. Do not use in presence of inflammable liquids or gases, and always keep a fully-charged fire extinguisher close at hand. Keep your work area well lit.
  23. Stay alert. Watch what you are doing. Pay close attention to unusual sounds or vibrations. Stop the lathe to investigate the cause. Don’t operate machines when you are tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  24. Guard against electric shock. Inspect electric cords for damage. Avoid the use of extension cords.
  25. Never leave the lathe running unattended. Turn power off. Don’t leave lathe until it comes to a complete stop.
  26. Many accidents to woodturners occur while using saws, especially band and chain saws. Learn and follow the safety guidelines for this equipment.