General safety for power tools
Shooting season now open! This frame and truss maker fires hundred of potentially lethal projectiles every day. So he always puts safety first, and stays focussed on what he's doing when the gun is in his hand, especially when his finger is on the trigger.
Set out below are some basic principles for using power tools safely. Although they can be applied generally to all tools, there are some specific references to tools powered by electricity, and also those that have a rotary action, such as circular saws.
Basic safety procedures
- Wear the correct personal protective equipment for the job at hand. This will generally include safety glasses, ear muffs and steel capped boots. Depending on the job, it might also include a dust mask, gloves and maybe specialised safety gear, such as a full face shield. Remove any loose clothing or jewellery, and tie back long hair.
- Keep cutting edges sharp. Inspect the saw blade, drill bit or planer cutters before you plug in the tool, and make sure that they are in good condition, properly fitted and sharp.
- Make sure that the guards are in place and correctly adjusted, and that spring-loaded mechanisms or other moving parts are working normally.
- Secure the material firmly before you start the job. This could mean using a G-clamp or bench vice or some other clamping system.
- Always allow the motor to reach normal operating speed before letting the tool come into contact with the job. This helps to avoid the problem of 'kickback', and of overloading the motor.
- Always lift the tool clear of the job before turning off the motor. This avoids overloading, and the chance of the tool jamming in the job.
- Wait until the motor has stopped and the guard has sprung back in place before laying a tool down.
- Listen to the sound of the motor when you start up the tool and while you're operating it. If you hear any unusual sounds, stop the tool, unplug it, and look for the problem. If you can't fix it on the spot, tag the tool and take it to your supervisor or maintenance person for servicing.
- Keep the work area clear of off-cuts, sawdust build-up and rubbish that might get in the way.
- Avoid using electric tools in wet conditions. If it has been raining, or you're in a wet area, only use an electric tool if:
- your hands are dry
- the tool is completely dry
- you are wearing rubber soled boots and standing on a dry surface
- electrical leads and connections are clear of damp ground.
Learning Activity
This guy is looking for trouble. He's about to use a power drill to drill into a brick wall, using the hammer drill setting. But there's a lot of things he needs to do to improve the safety of the area he's working in, as well as his own personal safety. See if you can pick seven things he should do before he turns on the drill.
Go to text alternative version for the interactive learning activity below.