Basic safety measures when handling power tools

Power tools are practical and versatile, but they can also be dangerous. The health and, under certain circumstances, the physical integrity of the user depend on the safe and reliable function of electrical tools in daily use. This is why power tools must meet high safety requirements. However, this does not protect against improper use of power tools. Always remember that you are holding a dangerous device in your hands when using power tools. You can checkĀ to compare the best power tools in the market.

To use power tools safely, you should follow a few basic rules of conduct.

Basics of Using Power Tools Safely

FIRST PLAN, THEN GET STARTED

Prepare yourself properly before using your electrical appliance. The following points inform you of what is important in preparation.

  • Especially if you are in possession of a new electrical device that you are not yet familiar with, you should first read the operating instructions. This contains important information on the safe and correct use of the device.
  • Allow yourself enough time and work with a clear head. Stress and rush are poor companions when handling power tools. Make sure you take breaks so that you can relax and then concentrate on working again.
  • Question whether you can actually carry out the planned work. Overconfidence often leads to accidents. If in doubt, let a specialist do the work.
  • Make sure you have a safe work environment. Make sure you don’t endanger other people. There should be no children around.
    Alcohol is taboo! Alcohol leads to a decrease in concentration and carelessness.
  • Think about the safety precautions and put on the necessary protective clothing.
  • Make sure that the power cable is not lying on the workpiece and can be accidentally cut. In addition, sharp accessories should always be used. A dull saw blade, for example, creates an unclean cut and is an additional burden for man and machine when in use.
  • Make sure there is sufficient lighting so that you can see where you are cutting, drilling or sawing at all times.
  • Check whether your in-house emergency pharmacy is well organized and contains everything that is needed quickly in an emergency. This includes: bandages such as pressure compresses and gauze bandages, disinfectants, plasters in various sizes, bandage scissors, a slip of paper with all the important emergency numbers.

BE CAREFUL IN EVERYTHING YOU DO

In addition to accidents with circular saws, there are often accidents with drills or even with grinding machines. Unfortunately, the protective devices are often not used or dismantled. Before drilling into a wall, first use a tracking device to check whether a power line is hidden in the masonry. Such devices are available in hardware stores and in many cases can also be borrowed.

To ensure a secure hold, always hold the drill with both hands. In addition, the drill must be firmly clamped. The same applies to the saw blade of a jigsaw or the disc of an angle grinder. Of course, every workpiece should also be firmly clamped, regardless of whether it is processed with a drill, angle grinder, router or jigsaw. This prevents the workpiece from slipping.

When using the circular saw, please note the following:

  • Never remove sawdust from the saw table during operation. Sweep away chips with a hand brush with the machine switched off.
  • Do not push small or narrow workpieces towards the saw blade by hand. Use the push stick supplied with all stationary circular saws. This means that you always have sufficient distance to the workpiece and the saw blade.
  • Protective goggles prevent injuries to the eyes from splinters, chips or sparks. It is best to wear a fine dust mask to prevent dust inhalation. And if you work longer with noisy electrical appliances, hearing protection is recommended.
  • Before cleaning your power tool, make sure that the power plug is unplugged.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF WITH CLOTHING

When working with power tools, protective clothing must never be forgotten. Often this is dismissed as superfluous. It is forgotten that correct protective clothing can prevent injuries. The protective clothing must fit snugly on the body. It can’t be too wide or too loose. Your protective clothing includes:

  • Safety shoes : their steel or hardened plastic cap protects feet from falling objects.
  • Protective gloves : Depending on the model, they protect against mechanical hazards and high temperatures.
  • Clothing : Long and wide work gear is unfavorable. Shirts that are buttoned on the wrist are safe.
  • Privacy protection : plastic goggles or goggles provide effective protection against flying sparks, sawdust and metal shavings.
  • Hairnet : To prevent long hair from getting into running machines, you should put on a hairnet or a (umbrella) cap or tie your hair together.
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