Power tools enable craftworkers to perform difficult tasks with ease and accuracy, but they also demand respect. All power tools have the potential to cause severe injuries when used or maintained improperly. The following appropriate precautions can help prevent accidents and resulting injuries.
Make Personal Protection a Priority
First and foremost, users must read and understand the operator’s manual, tool markings, warnings and other instructions provided by the tool manufacturer.
Approved safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields are a must. Use masks for dusty operations and hearing protection for extended tool usage.
Don’t wear loose clothing or jewelry, and pull long hair out of the way—all of these can be caught in moving parts. Non-slip footwear is recommended, and rubber footwear should be worn in damp conditions.
Never alter or attempt to defeat any guards supplied with a tool, and make sure they are operating properly.
Remember, power tools should not be used when the operator is tired, distracted or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication.
Start with a Safe Work Area
Keep work areas clean and well lit. Cluttered and dark areas invite accidents. Power tools should never be operated in explosive atmospheres or near flammable liquids, gases or dust, as they may create sparks that can ignite.
Keep bystanders and site visitors away when power tools are in use. Distractions can cause operators to lose control of tools.
Respect Electricity
Grounded tools must be plugged into a properly installed and grounded outlet. Grounding prongs must never be removed or cut off, and plugs must not be modified in any way. Double-insulated tools have a polarized plug (one blade wider than the other) and fit into an outlet only one way.
AC-only-rated tools should never be used with a DC power supply because the DC power may cause damage to the tool. Store battery packs away from other metal objects such as paper clips, coins, keys, nails and screws, which can short the terminals and cause burns or fire.
Operators should not touch grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is a higher risk of electric shock if the user’s body is grounded. In damp locations, only plug tools into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). If the work area does not have a GFCI on the outlet, use a plug-in GFCI.
Except when the tool is in use, the switch must be in the off position and the tool unplugged (or removed). Turn off the power when adjusting settings, performing maintenance, or installing or changing accessories.
Use Common Sense
Do not carry a power tool by its cord or pull the cord to unplug. Keep the cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts, and replace damaged cords immediately. Hold tools by the insulated gripping surfaces to avoid contact with exposed metal parts that could shock the operator.
Only use accessories specifically supplied or recommended by the tool manufacturer. Keep cutters or blades clean, sharp and securely in place. Never use bent, broken or warped accessories.
Remember, no job is so important that safety rules can be ignored. In addition to pain and suffering, occupational injuries cost construction employers thousands of dollars each year in workers’ compensation, medical expenses, administrative expenses for paperwork, and repairs to equipment and facilities. A renewed dedication to safety should be on every contractor’s punchlist.
![]()
Friday, September 3, 2010