Safety First When Using Power Tools

Power tools allow you to complete your projects with an element of ease and time efficiency, but safety measures must be taken to ensure any time and energy saved doesn't come at the cost of serious injury. Holding all that power in your hands comes with responsibilities, to maintain the safety of not only yourself, but any others who may be around your work area.

SAFETY STARTS WELL BEFORE THE WORK BEGINS

It�s essential to ensure your power tools are safe to work with, before you begin to put them to use.

• A visual inspection should be done to check your power tools for signs of wear or damage.
• All nuts, bolts and screws should be tight, and moving parts should do so properly.
• Cords should be intact, with no cuts, and all prongs in place.
• Blades, drill bits and other accessories should be sharp and in good working order, not only for safety, but for producing the best results.

YOU PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN POWER TOOL SAFETY

Operating power tools requires you to be alert, prepared and properly outfitted.

• When you are feeling under the weather, tired, drinking alcohol or taking strong medications, you're most likely not functioning at peak performance and should refrain from using power tools.
• Make use of the proper safety equipment for the tool you are using, such as goggles, earplugs, dust masks, face shields, hard hats and footwear.
• Wear the appropriate clothing. Loose fitting clothes can easily become entangled in moving parts.
• Remove rings, bracelets, watches and anything else that may become caught on your power tool.

SAFETY FIRST

While using your power tools, safety must remain at the forefront of your mind.

• Take the time to read the instruction manual that comes with your power tool. It's not included to fill space in the box, so err on the side of caution, and read it, even if you believe you are an expert when it comes to using this power tool.
• Don't use a tool you aren't familiar with, thinking you'll figure it out as you go. Have someone show you the proper use of the power tool, to avoid serious injury that may result.
• Ensure you are using the correct tool for the job. Using a power tool for something other than what it was designed to do is extremely dangerous, and can have a tragic outcome.
• Before plugging your power tool in, be sure the power switch is off.
• Guards and safety switches are safety features included for good reason. Never remove guards or disengage switches, even for a short period. Accidents occur in mere seconds, but can inflict lifetime injuries.
• Keep cords away from heat and sharp objects. Also ensure cords aren't dangling and presenting a tripping hazard.
• Whenever possible use clamps to secure your work, allowing you the use of both hands to properly operate the power tool.
• When using a power tool which may throw off sparks, be sure the area is clear of flammable liquids and gases, and of course other people.
• Unplug your power tool when not in use, while cleaning and making adjustments. This simple safety precaution can prevent very serious injury.
• Use your power tools in a well lit and dry area, to prevent the risk of electrical shock or injury due to insufficient lighting.
• Keep children and pets at a safe distance from power tools in use.

THINK SAFETY WHEN THE JOB IS DONE

• When done with your power tool, pull the plug directly from the socket, don't yank on the plug.
• Never carry a power tool by the cord.
• Clean your power tool, before putting it away in a safe, dry place.
• Have routine maintenance done on power tools to keep them working at peak performance, and to ensure safety.

When proper safety precautions are implemented, power tools can add ease and speed to your work project. So rev up those power tools and get the job done right, without compromising your safety.