Safety Tips for Power Tools

Kindly provided by tool-net

Over the past fifty years, methods used in construction have developed rapidly and 'DIY home improvement' has become a pastime for millions of people around the world. This boom has been facilitated by the quality and quantity of power tools available today. Because power tools are so common in construction, workers are constantly exposed to a variety of hazards. The very tool that makes their jobs easy and efficient may one day cause untold misery. It is good to be reminded of common-sense safety procedures.

Here are a selection of these procedures:

	Do not use electric tools in damp or wet locations unless they are approved for that purpose When using your tools, whether Makita tools or Dewalt tools, the danger of electrocution is massively exacerbated in wet conditions. Specialist tools are available for these conditions, and should be used accordingly.
	Use gloves and appropriate safety footwear when using electric tools This is a legal requirement when working on a site and should be considered essential when working with power tools at home. When using an angle grinder, for example, there is great danger of eye injury if safety goggles are not worn.
	Never carry a tool by the cord Even rugged instruments produced by manufacturers like Bosch tools and Metabo tools are not supposed to be carried by the cord. This puts unnecessary stress on the join between cord and tool and can greaten the potential threat of electrocution.
	Never use a damaged power tool This goes without saying. Damaged tools are dangerous tools. This is also true of hand tools.
	Disconnect tools when not in use, before servicing, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits, etc. Changing parts with a power tool plugged in is extremely risky, as any slip could cause the motor to start. With saws, grinders and sanders, sharp edges have caused many horrible injuries.
	Never yank the cord to disconnect the tool from the wall High quality Hitachi tools are extremely well built, however putting repeated strain on the join between cable and tool can cause malfunction over time. This is equally true for all brands.
	Ensure that cords from electric tools do not present a tripping hazard This is one of the most common causes of injury and also one of the easiest to avoid... just be careful!

If you are sure to stick to these basic precautions, you will greatly extend the life of your power tools and decrease the likelihood of personal injury. The majority of them are simple common sense, after all.