Why mess with a hammer when you can use a nail gun? Without a doubt – when properly used – power tools can make completing any do-it-yourself home improvement project much easier and quicker. They can, however, also be the cause of serious injuries.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 960,000 power tool-related injuries are reported each year in the workplace and at home, with approximately 418,000 trips to the emergency room and nearly 200 fatalities.
With these alarming numbers, taking safety precautions into consideration is essential for any user before ever turning on their power tool.
Tips for avoiding injury
Check out these power tool safety tips to ensure that your home improvement project has a positive and satisfying outcome.
- Protect your eyes: A simple way to do this is to wear safety glasses. This prevents dust, wood shavings, fiberglass, debris etc., from getting into your eyes.
- Protect your ears: Minimize the damage to your ears by wearing earplugs. Even the best power tools can be loud, especially in the environment of a workshop.
- Read all instructions: Using the wrong type of tool can damage the materials or injure you.
- Handling power tools: Do not carry or unplug tools by their cords. When a tool is not being used, you should unplug it. When you are handling tools that are plugged in, keep your fingers away from the on/off switch.
- Protect your body with the right clothes: Clothes that cover the entire body are best. Heavy gloves will help to avoid sharp implements and splinters from hurting your hands. Wear a mask to prevent inhaling harmful minute particles.
- Inspect your tools regularly: Check them for exposed wires, damaged plugs and loose plug pins. For nicked cords, you can tape them up. If the cut is deep, replace the cord. Hand and power tools safety is imperative to ensure a safe outcome of your project. Be sure to repair or replace damage tools.
- Keep your work area clean: Maintaining a clean environment will help to reduce the accumulation of dust particles. Particles in the air can be ignited with a spark. Keep flammable liquids away from the power tools. Clutter can result in tangled cords and accidents.
- Take extra caution with more dangerous power tools: This would include miter saws and table saws. They should be used with a quick-release clamp and a wood push-through. Also, be very careful with nail guns and power belt sanders. These are dangerous tools and can be deadly if not used with caution.
- Keep power tools away from people who are not familiar with safety with power tools. Put the power tools in a safe place, especially away from where children can reach.
- Use proper lighting: If the light is not bright enough, use extra lights to ensure you can see exactly what you are doing to prevent injury.
For more information on power tool safety contact TSS at info@tss-safety.com.