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Power tools are a modern necessity for any professional wishing to remain competitive in today's marketplace. Many different types of power tool are also used by home and DIY users for their general time and labor saving qualities. However, by their nature these tools can also contribute to serious accidents and injuries. The majority 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 swiftly 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 eye wear.
2. Ear Protection. When using power tools, ear protection is another highly desirable piece of safety equipment. Noise emitted by power tools can easily be over 85db and ear protection will help prevent against lasting hearing reduction caused by prolonged exposure to loud noise.
3. Appropriate Clothing. Avoid loose fitting clothing as it may get used in a moving part of your power tool and can be draged into the machinery. A workman's overall is a good choice of clothing for this reason. Also consider heavy gloves to dampen vibration and protect the hands. There are many brands of glove specifically designed to help avoid cutting or vibration type injuries caused by power tools.
4. Use the Right Tool for the Job. Avoid using tools to complete work they were not intended for. For example, using a drill to "chase" cables into walls can cause serious injury if the bit snaps. Use the right tool!
5. Carry and Use Tools Correctly. Do not carry tools by cables, or turn them off by pulling on the trailing cable. Read the user manuals that come with tools, especially if you are unfamiliar with the model. User manuals will have instruction on both 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 blades for wear, or splitting at the edges. A hairline crack in a circular saw blade can cause the blade to separate into pieces once it is spun up to high speed and the resulting shrapnel can be lethal. Check tools are dry before use.
7. Workplace Lighting. Make sure that task lighting is adequate to the job. If you can not see properly in a darkened environment, wait until your eyes adjust, or acquire additional light sources until the workplace is well lit.
8. Keep a Clear Work Area. Dangling cables can cause trips and falls, move them or secure them safely. Remove off-cuts or other debris from the workplace regularly and avoid trips and falls. If using a power tool that generates a lot of dust, use a dust extractor to keep levels down to an acceptable standard. Some debts can be explosive in a restricted area.
9. Store Tools Safely When Not in Use. Return unused tools to cases, or tool storage bins after use. Never leave a power tool unattended and on the floor while it is still powered up.
10. Pay Careful Attention to Specialist Tools. Nail guns can be deadly. Do not joke around with them. Use a wood "push through" on a table saw to avoid being caught up by the blade.
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