How to Be Safe when Working with Power Tools

With our economy in continue recession it is normal for each family to try to make savings. So a part of homeowners are turning to D.I.Y. That means to have all kind of tools in your home. And why not?

 Old couple renovating their house
Working with Power Tools

After all, if done correctly with the right tools and basic skills and knowledge, D.I.Y. can save a lot of money, not to mention that such an activity can be fun.

Unfortunately, many times the costs of such activities are more important than the financial aspect. Accidents can happen and many people end up being severely injured and often even killed, especially when working with power tools.

How can you stay safe when working with power tools? Let’s see together several tips that can help you.

Before Start Working

Read carefully the product manual. The manufacturer instructions will teach you how to safely handle this tool. More than that, if you know how to operate and maintain properly this piece of equipment you will significantly extend the lifespan of your expensive tool.

Make sure that:

a)    Your new power tool is the right one for your kind of job;
b)    If cutting or grinding, be sure that you have installed the correct blade;
c)     If drilling, do not forget to remove the chuck key from its place before using it; Turning on your power drill with the chuck key still in its socket can lead to serious, sometimes fatal accidents.
d)    Always wear safety gear such as ear defenders and protective goggles when using a chainsaw or other kind of similar power tools; You need to protect yourself from flying debris and loud noise that can impair your hearing.
e)     Make sure you’re dressed properly with the work that you perform. However, before starting your job you should roll up your sleeves and tuck your loose clothing such as shirt tails or ties. Do not forget also to tie your long hair especially when you work with spinning tools such as power tools.

During the work

1| Do not leave your power tools turned on during a break. Moreover, make sure they are pulled out of the socket, preventing in this way, an accidental activation by yourself or someone else that can lead to severe injuries.

2| Before make an adjustment or setting your tool down, make sure that its moving parts are completely stopped and the cable is removed from the electrical outlet, preventing in this way, to be accidentally activated.

3| Make sure that your family knows that you are working using power tools. Advise them to stay away from the area where you work. Make sure the electrical cables are not throughout the room presenting a tripping hazard. However, you should have a good lighting in the working area and everything to be organized and not scattered around the room.

4| Be always very careful when working with these tools.

a)    Be aware of drilling or cutting into electrical wiring and pipes;
b)    Clamp and lock down any loose item that you are working on;
c)     Before cutting or drilling mark clearly the area.

Electrical Safety

Be sure that you have checked carefully everything before starting your job and all the plugs, power cables, socks, extension leads and electrical panel, in other words  all the equipment is operational. This will prevent and considerably reduce any electrical hazards.

When working outdoor, do not use ever your power tools in wet conditions. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity and any tool malfunction or failure can lead to an electric shock.

A careful preparation of your working area in your home and your power tools and also a good and careful working technique allow you to do your job in good condition, fast, efficient and not least, safe.

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