Power tools are devices that run on either Alternating Current (AC) with cord -- or Direct Current (DC) -- usually on rechargeable lithium batteries. You can use them for tasks such as drilling, hedge trimming, pressure washing, mowing, cutting, sawing, and other tasks in the carpentry, gardening, roofing, and remodeling industry. Power tools include the drill, lathe, nail gun, hedge trimmer, grinding machine, the rotary saw, and the sander. Keep in mind that power tools such as the rotary saw and drill have sharp parts and that the nail gun sends a high-velocity projectile. All can cut, bruise, decapitate, or injure when handled carelessly. In this regard, before the next call to an ambulance occurs, prevent accidents by familiarising yourself on how power tools work, along with the safety precautions you must take when using them. Be sure to always wear the proper safety gear when using these power tools. These include a visor and goggles to protect your eyes against wood dust and chips; earplugs to protect your ears from the noise; and cut resistant gloves to protect your hands. In addition, here are ten tips to help you avoid accidents when using them.
Power Tools Safety Tips for the Drill
First, use gloves and protective clothing that's appropriate for work, which means no ties or loose clothing. Second, secure a good posture to avoid slippage. Third, mark an indent before drilling so that you can easily start drilling. Fourth, apply medium force by neither pushing too hard --which can easily wear out the motor -- wor too light as this can prevent you from easily starting to drill.
Power Tools Safety Tips for the Chain Saw
The power of the chainsaw makes it an ideal tool for cutting timber. However, misusing it and failing to prepare for its use will surely lead to cuts, decapitations, and other gory injuries.
Wear the proper safety gears
Ensure that you wear protective clothing -- such as a durable helmet for protection against kickbacks; goggles or visors for protection against flying wood chips; ear plugs for reducing the noise levels; gloves with protective fabric or material for protection against chainsaw blades; boots for protection against sideway cuts; face mask for protection against wooden chips; and protective pants with shielding material for you to have enough time to move away from the rotating blades in case of kickbacks.
Prevent kickbacks
Learn how to prevent kickbacks, which is the sudden upward motion that can either hit your head, upper body area, leg, arm, hand, or foot. Most chainsaw accidents occur in the arms and hands, followed by the leg. The following can reduce the likelihood of kickbacks:
- Use a double guard nose bar
- Keep your chainsaw well-maintained
- Use high speed for cutting
- Use appropriate depth gauge settings
- Sharpen dull blades
- Use safety brakes to stop chain rotation
- Remove obstructions such as twigs and loose wooden chips
- Properly handle the chainsaw with the right hand on the rear and the left hand gripping the front handle
Power Tools Safety Tips for the Jackhammer
Three injuries result from improper jackhammer usage. One is the carpal tunnel syndrome, which is the compression of nerves. The others are electrical injuries and trauma, which are caused by flying concrete shards. First, work whilst you have full strength. This means that you shouldn't work when you are wrought with fatigue or lack sleep. Second, use eye protection, long-sleeved clothing, ear plugs, and industry standard boots. Third, use the jackhammer with safety features, such as the lock and automatic release. Fourth, minimize or dampen vibrations by using anti-vibration gloves to reduce nerve or carpal tunnel syndrome caused by repetitive vibrations. Fifth, wear anti-electricity clothing or boots, and identify safe digging areas to prevent jackhammer-related electrocutions.
Power Tools Safety Tips for the Sandblaster
Because the sandblaster uses abrasive silica to abrade surfaces and high-powered air pressure, it can cause respiratory ailments such as silicosis (lung scarring), and eye and ear injuries. Before you work using the sandblaster, ensure that you wear goggles or a sandblasting hood mask, which comes with a visor, particulate respirator, knee pads, safety boots, and standard trousers.
Power Tools Safety Tips for the Welder
Two common kinds of welding equipment can cause different injuries. Electric arc welders can cause electrocution and eye injury whilst gas welders can cause explosions, fires, eye injuries, and toxic exposure. For both types of welders, you must wear safety clothing such as an auto darkening helmet for eye and face protection; a heat resistant jacket and no-cuff trousers for toes and upper body; respirator protection against oxides and fumes; and insulated gloves for hands and rubber-soled and steel-toed shoes. You must remove fire hazard materials and clutter, and use ventilation systems. Also, you must ensure that you're in optimal health condition, that is, you are well rested and have gotten enough sleep.
Power Tools Safety Tips for the Circular Saw
The circular saw is another woodworking hand tool that can cause nasty cuts and severed fingers or electrocution if improperly handled.
- Don't use only your left or right hand to hold the wood plank; instead, use both hands to hold the circular saw. If anything goes between the blade and guard, unplug the saw and remove the wood pieces. In addition, don't cut with a dull blade as this will increase the likelihood of kickbacks.
- Depending on the wooden planks' thickness, adjust the circular saw's depth such that the blade just protrudes through the blank and not any deeper.
- Ensure that your cutting is well supported both in the edge and at the centre to prevent sagging.
- Use the edge of the wooden plank as a guide to adjust the depth lever until the blade edge is ¼ to ½ below the wooden plank.
Power Tools Safety Tips for the Nail Gun
Nail guns are pneumatic tools that are just like real guns -- they shoot pneumatic powered projectiles at high velocities. If that nail projectile hits any of your body part, then it's a guaranteed visit to a hospital. Avoid injuries with these tips:
- Wear a visor and mask, puncture resistant gloves, trousers, steel-toed shoes, and a hard hat. Also use high impact safety goggles with Z87.1 marking.
- Follow the device's manual procedures before operating it, and ensure the nail gun is properly maintained.
- Do not treat it as a toy. ¢ Do not remove the safety mechanism or remove the hose before servicing.
- Use the full sequential trigger to prevent inaccurate or imprecise nail shooting.
- Never carry the tool with your fingers lightly squeezing the trigger. Avoid nailing with fasteners or nails on wooden surfaces, as these may ricochet.
Power Tools Safety Tips for the Sander Disc
Three injuries may result from improper sander handling electric shock, wounds, and projectile injuries. You can avoid such sander related injuries by the following:
- Wear visors or goggles, a respirator against fine particles, sanding gloves, and soft cushion ear protectors.
- Never place your hands on the way of the sander or touch the rotating sander disc.
- Operate a well-maintained sander.
- Never press too hard that you strain the motor.
- Ensure that the power cord doesn't have cuts that can cause electrical hazards.
- Use a sander with particle collector.
Power Tools Safety Tips for Hedge Trimmers
When mishandled, hedge trimmers can lead to lacerations, decapitations, and eye injuries. Avoid them with these tips:
- Ensure that the trimmer is well-maintained, that is, it has no dull or rusted blades. Also lubricate the trimming blade.
- Do not trim areas far from your reach.
- Remove debris or hard objects that are in the way of trimming as these can damage the blade or cause hazardous kickbacks.
Power Tools Safety Tips for Air Compressors
Due to its high-pressure tank, air compressors can explode and cause injuries or fatalities. Do the following to prevent mishaps:
- Follow safety manual and procedures.
- Prevent tank moisture build-up by draining it. This prevents tank interior corrosion, which causes explosion.
- Remove the metal and glass shards that might be sent flying by compressed air.
- Properly lubricate air compressors to reduce friction, which can result in explosions and fires.
Conclusion
Power tools can help you finish your job faster than using non-powered tools. They also allow you to increase productivity and reduce work load inefficiency. On the other hand, if you mishandle them, ignore the safety protocols, and work under fatigue-ridden or sleepless conditions, they can be your worst nightmare, as they can cause incapacitating or life-threatening injuries. Further, you must use and purchase your home improvement needs from trusted sources that sell quality power tools. Need some new, state-of-the-art power tools? Visit Outbax today.
