When set-up and used properly, the bandsaw can be one of the safest machines in a machine shop. Here are rules to follow:

Balance yourself in front of the bandsaw

Your posture is very important. You should let the machine do the work. Stand squarely in front of the machine, balanced on your feet, with your hands firmly on the bed of the machine. Often you'll see people not with their hands on the bed of the machine, but rather holding on to the part and leaning into the cut. This is dangerous: when you complete the cut, you can fall forward, pushing parts of clothing or parts of yourself into the machine.

Hold your fingers spread out on the table

Much of shop safety is like wearing seat belts: You may be safe but you can't be sure of those around you. Somebody else can come through the shop, bump you slightly, and push your hand through the machine. Keep your fingers spread out and your hands down firmly, and you'll be safe from disturbances.

Another thing to beware of is starting the machine while your hand is on the table. People will often reach down with one hand to turn on the machine without watching how close their other hand is to the blade.

Lower the guard to the height of the piece

This makes it harder to get your fingers near the blade.