Power Tool Safety

Do you use electrically powered tools regularly onplug is loose, broken, or frayed. Never use a cord
the job? Even if you only use them from time tothat doesn't meet this inspection; in fact, remove
time, learning how to use power tools properlyit from the premises and either have it repaired
and safely is critical to not only doing the job right,or replaced. After a power tool "passes" your
but in preventing painful and unnecessaryinspection, learn how to use the tool and become
accidents. Power tool safety can prevent minoraware of any associated hazards with that
accidents such as scrapes, pinches, cuts, andparticular tool. Always follow the written
punctures and bigger accidents includinginstructions. There are a number of power tool
amputations, electrocutions, and death.safety precautions to follow while using the tool.
Unfortunately, many injuries, accidents, and evenFirst, don't plug it in until you are ready to use it,
the deaths of workers-particularly constructionand always unplug it immediately after use.
workers-could have been prevented had theyAccidental startings account for many
only understood power tool safety. No matterunnecessary power tool-related injuries. Always
which power tools you use or how often you usekeep power tool safety guards and/or switches in
them on the job, you need to understand theplace, and make sure they work properly. Make
very real and potential dangers associated withsure you're not operating any electrically powered
each power tool (individual power tools differtools in wet conditions or locations, and make sure
from one to another regarding their relativethe work space is well-lit and clutter-free. Also,
hazards), and then learn the specific safetynever use a power tool to do a job it's not meant
precautions you will need to follow in order toto do. Finally, be properly attired: wear suitable
prevent those dangers. It's also important tofootwear and gloves, and avoid wearing anything
always use common sense and your betterloose (shirts, ties, jewelry) that could get caught.
judgment while operating power tools of any kindAnother part of power tool safety involves the
in order to ensure power tool safety. Fortunately,storing and maintenance of tools. A few guidelines
you don't have to be left alone to figure out thein this area include keeping power tools
many power tool hazards and power tool safetydisconnected when not in use, avoiding wrapping
precautions for yourself. Trial and error is not anthe tool's cord around itself for storage, and
option here! OSHA (The Occupational Safety andkeeping all power tools in cool and dry places. By
Health Administration) has set forth somefollowing these basic guidelines for power tool
important guidelines you can follow in order to usesafety, you can not only prevent many accidents
your power tools properly, and to avoid bothand injuries related to power tool usage, but you
minor and major accidents and injuries. First, it'scan also learn how to do your job better, and
important to follow power tool safety precautionsyou'll enjoy better mileage out of your power
before using any power tool. First, inspect thetools.
tool. Make sure it has a recent (preferably withinConsult your written safety program for power
the last six months) electrical test label, whichtool safety guidelines. You can not only prevent
means it has passed various inspection and safetymany accidents and injuries related to power tool
tests. Check the cord to see if it's double insulatedusage, but you can also learn how to do your job
or has a three-wire cord (with ground). And finally,better, and you'll enjoy better mileage out of your
make sure nothing on the power tool, cord, andpower tools.