Power Tools Safety Guide: Essential Practices for Safe Work
Since anyone can buy power tools, it is easy to assume that they are safe to use. Many people unbox them and use them without reading all the safety instructions and cautions. Without proper power tool safety training, serious accidents can happen. In some cases, injuries may have lifelong effects. People have lost fingers and even their eyesight because of avoidable power tool accidents. This guide will cover some hand and power tool safety basics and preparatory tips. With that knowledge, you can work more conscientiously and confidently.
General Safety Practices
Safety information about specific power tools can vary. Each one has a different purpose and function. Also, some types of power tools may differ in design from one manufacturer to another. One of the first and most important steps is reading all the safety information for the specific tool. Learn how its features work, how to use it and what to avoid. There are two other important general safety guidelines below.
Personal Protective Equipment
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends several types of personal protective equipment (PPE) to wear while using power tools. These are the types:
- Eye
- Ear
- Respiratory
- Head
- Hand and foot
Power tools have sharp parts that move, and they often cause flying debris. Both aspects create multiple dangers. High-quality PPE can help keep debris out of your lungs, eyes and ears. It can protect your skin as well. Since most power tools are loud, earplugs help protect your hearing. Protective footwear and gloves may prevent some abrasions or cuts. Hard hats can help protect you from falling or flying objects. Also, make sure all your safety gear fits properly. An improper fit can create additional dangers. For instance, loose gloves may make it harder to grip a tool correctly. Gloves that are too tight may restrict proper hand movement.
Workspace Preparation
Your workspace should be optimized for your project. Clear the area where you will work to minimize potential hazards. Make sure that you have all your necessary tools and materials readily accessible but stored safely to avoid any accidental trips or falls. It should also be properly ventilated and have ample lighting. You might also consider placing a first aid kit nearby in case of any minor injuries.
Safe Operation of Power Tools
Always inspect your power tools before you use them. If a power tool is damaged or defective, assume that it is unsafe to use. Another important part of power tool safety is maintenance. Manufacturers often provide recommended maintenance tips. For example, you may need to sharpen saw or grinder blades. It is also important to use tools correctly and be mindful of electrical safety.
Correct Tool Usage Techniques
There are several important techniques to remember. These must be done after you put on your PPE, prepare the area and inspect your tool. Before you flip the safety power tool switch to begin work, keep these tips in mind:
- Find good footing.
- Use a vice or clamps to keep your workpiece stable.
- Make sure your hand positioning on the tool is correct.
- Keep both hands on the power tool at all times.
- Maintain correct posture and balance as you use the tool.
Power Source and Cord Safety
Whenever you inspect your power tools, look closely at their cords. Exposed wires or burned areas can create dangers. Never yank power cords from sockets or carry tools by their cords. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, plug power tools into grounded outlets. If you need an extension cord, pick one that is safe to use for your specific power tool. The right type for each tool depends on amperage, wattage and wire gauge. Keep the workspace and floor as clean and dry as possible. In addition to reducing electrical dangers, a dry work area helps prevent slipping. Also, keep all cords away from sharp edges, oil or hot surfaces.
Specific Power Tool Safety Tips
There are many types of power tools to make hard jobs easier. These are some of the most common types and specific tips for using them safely.
Drill Safety
Follow the recommended preparatory steps for using the drill, and properly secure any workpiece. As you operate a power drill, follow these safety rules:
- Use the correct drill bit for the material and project purpose.
- Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry.
- Use the insulated gripping handle.
- For continuous or larger projects, use an auxiliary handle.
- Before drilling a large hole, drill a smaller pilot hole.
- Avoid overreaching.
- Keep moving drill bits away from power cords or your hands.
- Always use the right speed for your type of drilling project.
- Just before you drill through the other side of an object, reduce the tool’s speed.
Saw Safety
Saws are some of the most dangerous power tools. They also require more learning than some other types of tools. In addition to following all the previous tips in this guide, follow these safety rules:
- Make sure there are no nails, screws or foreign objects on the workpiece.
- Never reach over a moving blade.
- Use an outfeed table for cutting large pieces.
- Before you change a blade, unplug the saw.
- Make sure the blade is not engaged when you start the saw.
- Use the right zero-clearance inserts for table saws.
- When working close to the blade, use a push stick.
- Do not use a freehand cut with a power saw.
Grinder Safety
With improper use, power grinders can cause serious bodily injuries. Follow these grinder safety tips:
- Pick a durable face shield.
- Do not put excessive pressure on the grinder.
- Allow the grinder to reach the right operating speed before you use it.
- Avoid working in a flammable area.
- Use the correct RPM for each abrasive.
- Choose the correct wheel size.
- Avoid customizing the grinder.
- Tighten the discs properly.
- To prevent grinding wheel mishaps, use a guard.
Emergency Preparedness and First Aid
About 400,000 people go to the emergency room every year because of power tool injuries. Before you start a project alone, make sure someone else knows what you are doing and where you are. Make sure that person checks on you after a certain time. It is important to seek emergency care or call 911 for any significant injury. However, you can treat some small cuts or minor abrasions with the right first aid items. Buy a comprehensive first aid kit.
Before you work with any power tool, learn the potential injury risks. Learn emergency care procedures for those injuries as well. For example, a cut is a risk if you are working with a saw. In that case, it helps to learn how to use pressure to stop bleeding.
Conclusion
Always prioritize preparation, proper handling and power cord safety. Before you flip any power tool safety switch, make sure you have the right PPE. Now that you understand safety for power tools, make these guidelines habits. You are less likely to end up in the emergency room if you maintain and use power tools correctly.
You can find high-quality power tools and PPE at your nearest True Value.