Power Tool Safety

Do you use electrically powered tools regularly on the job? Even if you only use them from time to time, learning how to use power tools properly and safely is critical to not only doing the job right, but in preventing painful and unnecessary accidents. Power tool safety can prevent minor accidents such as scrapes, pinches, cuts, and punctures and bigger accidents including amputations, electrocutions, and death. Unfortunately, many injuries, accidents, and even the deaths of workers—particularly construction workers—could have been prevented had they only understood power tool safety.

No matter which power tools you use or how often you use them on the job, you need to understand the very real and potential dangers associated with each power tool (individual power tools differ from one to another regarding their relative hazards), and then learn the specific safety precautions you will need to follow in order to prevent those dangers. It’s also important to always use common sense and your better judgment while operating power tools of any kind in order to ensure power tool safety.

Fortunately, you don’t have to be left alone to figure out the many power tool hazards and power tool safety precautions for yourself. Trial and error is not an option here! OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has set forth some important guidelines you can follow in order to use your power tools properly, and to avoid both minor and major accidents and injuries.

First, it’s important to follow power tool safety precautions before using any power tool. First, inspect the tool. Make sure it has a recent (preferably within the last six months) electrical test label, which means it has passed various inspection and safety tests. Check the cord to see if it’s double insulated or has a three-wire cord (with ground). And finally, make sure nothing on the power tool, cord, and plug is loose, broken, or frayed. Never use a cord that doesn’t meet this inspection; in fact, remove it from the premises and either have it repaired or replaced. After a power tool “passes” your inspection, learn how to use the tool and become aware of any associated hazards with that particular tool. Always follow the written instructions.

There are a number of power tool safety precautions to follow while using the tool. First, don’t plug it in until you are ready to use it, and always unplug it immediately after use. Accidental startings account for many unnecessary power tool-related injuries. Always keep power tool safety guards and/or switches in place, and make sure they work properly. Make sure you’re not operating any electrically powered tools in wet conditions or locations, and make sure the work space is well-lit and clutter-free. Also, never use a power tool to do a job it’s not meant to do. Finally, be properly attired: wear suitable footwear and gloves, and avoid wearing anything loose (shirts, ties, jewelry) that could get caught.

Another part of power tool safety involves the storing and maintenance of tools. A few guidelines in this area include keeping power tools disconnected when not in use, avoiding wrapping the tool’s cord around itself for storage, and keeping all power tools in cool and dry places.

By following these basic guidelines for power tool safety, you can not only prevent many accidents and injuries related to power tool usage, but you can also learn how to do your job better, and you’ll enjoy better mileage out of your power tools.