Power tools are a modern necessity for any professional who wants to remain competitive in today’s marketplace. Home and DIY users also use many different types of power tools for their general time and labor saving qualities. However, by their nature, these tools can also contribute to accidents and serious injuries. Most of these accidents are preventable and are caused by negligence, inattention, or overconfidence. By paying attention to the following ten basic safety points in this article, it is possible to work safely and quickly with power tools.
1. Safety glasses. These are one of the most common forms of safety equipment, and also one of the most useful. They are designed to protect the eyes from flying debris such as wood and stone chips, metal filings, fiberglass, etc. Safety glasses can be worn over other glasses.
2. Hearing protection. When using power tools, hearing protection is another highly desirable piece of safety equipment. The noise emitted by power tools can easily exceed 85 db and hearing protection will help prevent permanent hearing loss caused by prolonged exposure to loud noise.
3. Appropriate Clothing. Avoid loose clothing as it can get caught in a moving part of your power tool and can be pulled into the machinery. Overalls are a good clothing choice for this reason. Also consider wearing heavy gloves to dampen vibrations and protect your hands. There are many brands of gloves specifically designed to help prevent cutting or vibration injuries from power tools.
4. Use the right tool for the job. Avoid using tools to complete a job for which they were not designed. For example, using a drill to “chase” wires in walls can cause serious injury if the bit breaks. Use the right tool!
5. Carry and use tools correctly. Do not carry tools by cords or turn them off by pulling on the trailing cord. Read the user manuals that came with the tools, especially if you are not familiar with the model. User manuals will have instructions on methods of use and user safety, this is there for your benefit.
6. Inspect tools before use. Check tools for frayed cords, loose plugs, or other signs of wear. Replace worn cables. Inspect the blades for wear or cracks at the edges. A small crack in a circular saw blade can cause the blade to split into pieces once it is spun at high speed and the resulting shrapnel can be lethal. Check that tools are dry before using them.
7. Workplace lighting. Make sure the task lighting is adequate for the job. If you cannot see properly in a dark environment, wait until your eyes adjust or purchase additional light sources until the workplace is well lit.
8. Maintain a clear work area. Dangling cords can cause trips and falls, move or secure them safely. Remove clippings or other debris from the job site regularly and prevent trips and falls. If you use a power tool that generates a lot of dust, use a dust extractor to keep levels to an acceptable level. Certain dust can be explosive in a confined area.
9. Store tools safely when not in use. Return unused tools to tool storage cases or containers after use. Never leave a power tool unattended and on the ground while it is still on.
10. Pay special attention to specialized tools. Nail guns can be deadly. Don’t joke with them. Use a wood “push” on a table saw to avoid getting caught by the blade.