by Marcy Kennedy

Created on: December 20, 2008   Last Updated: December 24, 2008

SAFETY FIRST WHEN USING POWER TOOLS

In 2002, emergency rooms in the United States treated 401,330 power tool related injuries, showing how important safety is when it comes to using power tools. Since most homes possess at least one power tool, learning how to safely operate these convenient items is essential.

(1) Read the operating instructions and safety precautions in the user's manual. Even if you have used a similar model power tool before, reading the manual is still important so that you know how this particular power tool and its safety features (such as guards and automatic breaks) work.

(2) Keep your workplace clean and free of clutter. Old pieces of wood, other tools, cords, and trash all create hazards if you trip over them or bump into them while handling a power tool. Straighten up your workplace before you begin and as necessary while you operate your power tool.

(3) To prevent shocks or electrocution, do not operate power tools in a damp or wet area.

(4) Wear close-fitting clothing, keep long hair pulled back, and remove all jewelry to prevent entanglement.

(5) Wear proper safety equipment when operating power tools. Proper safety equipment may include safety goggles or glasses to protect your eyes from debris, a mask to keep you from inhaling dust and other particles, and ear plugs to prevent hearing loss. Do not wear gloves unless the operating or safety instructions in the manual advise you to do so.

(6) Maintain your power tools. Check power cords for weak areas or wear, tighten screws, oil moving parts, and keep your tools clean. If a tool breaks, take it to a professional rather than trying to repair the damage yourself.

(7) Ensure that the removable parts of your power tool (for example, blades or drill bits) are the correct ones for the brand and size of power tool you are using. Check that any removable part is securely installed before turning the power tool on.

(8) Unplug your power tools before changing removable parts, cleaning, or otherwise inspecting them. Electric shocks could result from fiddling with a power tool that is still plugged into a socket. Worse, your safety could be placed in jeopardy if you accidentally hit the power button when not intending to.

(9) Do not use your power tools for jobs for which they were not created or intended. Doing so can cause damage to your tool and injury to yourself.

(10) Stay focused. Loss of focus for even a second could result in the loss of a finger. Moreover, if you are not paying attention, you are less likely to be able to react quickly enough to prevent injury if your power tool malfunctions or kicks back for some reason.

(11) Be prepared for accidents by keeping a first aid kit and phone in the area where you are working.

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