Some Power Tool Safety Precautions

As professionals and DIY enthusiast, power tools have become part of our lives. They are obviously favoured due to the time saving factor both in terms of speed and physical effort required. However, these tools need to be treated with respect and handled with care in order to avoid unnecessary injury. Accidents mostly occur as a result of negligence or distraction and often due to overconfidence. Power tool safety is very easy to neglect and In order to safeguard ourselves against any mishaps, we need to consider the following safety aspects:

1. Personal Safety Protection

• Safety Glasses – Basic ones are relatively cheap to buy. They are very effective in protecting the eyes against dust, grass cuttings, wood shavings and splinters, fibreglass shards, metal filings, etc.
• Earmuffs/Plugs – Some power tools generate excessive levels of noise, especially in enclosed environments.
• Mask – Dust can cause more harm than what we might like to believe.
• Gloves – Although they can become a bit of an annoyance when handling small objects, gloves can prevent a lot of damage to the hands depending on the nature of the material worked on.

2. Dress

• Avoid wearing loosely fitting clothing and jewellery as these can be caught in rotating tools.
• Long hair should be tied back
• Ideally clothing should cover the whole body
• Wear solid shoes

3. Tool Knowledge

• Make sure that you study the manufacturer’s instructions in detail before commencing.
• For more advanced tools, some training may be advisable.
• It is important to be sufficiently knowledgeable in order to select the appropriate tool for the job.
• Do not carry corded power tools by their cords.
• When powering off a tool, wait for the moving parts to come to rest before laying the tool down.

4. Tool Inspection

• Check for cuts in cords and replace where necessary.
• Check for faulty parts like safety guards.
• Check for loose or dull blades.
• Check for defects or cracks in the tool housing.
• C heck for problems with safety shut-off switches

5. Tool Maintenance

• Always keep tools clean.
• Only lubricate tools according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

6. Work Environment

• Avoid working in a wet environment.
• Keep cords out of traffic areas.
• Ensure sufficient lighting in dark areas.
• Disconnect unused tools at the power source.
• Always clean the work area thoroughly after use.
• Store power tools away and out of reach of minors when not in use.

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