Power Tool Safety Essentials

With spring well underway, the weather is getting warmer in Alberta, and you might be considering tackling some projects around your home. If you are planning to use power tools, we want to arm you with some safety essentials to ensure work goes as smoothly as possible. So today, let’s chat about how to safely use power tools, at home and on a worksite. 

When power tools are used without adequate safety precautions, dangerous situations can arise. Therefore, it is imperative that you understand how to properly use the tool.

Keep these tips in mind before you power on your tools: 

• Always read and understand the instruction manual before using. Read the name plate information and follow warning labels on each tool.
• Wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields to protect your eyes from any debris or particles that could cause injury or harm.
• Use a dust mask for dusty operations.It is recommended to have any sort of respirator fit tested properly to ensure an adequate seal and check proper protections for the hazard created. This could include particulate filters, dust mist and chemicals. Always refer to the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and complete a hazard assessment to determine the proper fit and protection required. A basic dust mask will provide limited protection in dusty environments. Ensure it is fitted closely to the nose and around the chin. However, it may not provide protection against fine dust or nanoparticles and it won’t provide protection against vapours and gasses.
• Wear hearing protection to shield your ears from loud noise or if you use tools for an extended amount of time.
• Wear appropriate clothing, including proper footwear. For example: no loose-fitting clothing, no neckties, no jewelry or any dangling items that could catch in the tool you are using.
• Tie long hair back to ensure it doesn’t get tangled in any tools or in the way of your eyes and face.
• Don’t use power tools if you are tired, sick, distracted, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. All these can hinder your judgement and abilities. Stay alert and focused when using power tools.
• Ensure your work area is free of clutter and that there are no items that could get in your way, causing trips or falls. 
• Make sure any items that could be ignited by hot tools or sparks are cleared.
• Use power tools in a well-lit area.
• Before plugging in power tools, ensure they are powered off.
• Make sure all guards are in place and in working order.
• Turn off and unplug the tool before you make any adjustments or changes to settings or accessories.
• Only use accessories made or supplied by the manufacturer.
• Never use power tools in wet or damp conditions.
• Don’t use a tool if it is damaged or not working properly.
• Use a heavy-duty extension cord and don’t use indoor rated cords outside.
• If the tool has a three-prong plug, always use a three-pronged extension cord plugged into a three-pronged outlet.
• Clean all blades and shutters and check they are sharp and securely in place.
• Never use bent, warped, or damaged blades or cutters.
• Don’t overreach when using a power tool.
• Stay firmly planted on both feet.
• Never rush and pay close attention to what you are always doing.
• Keep a firm grip with both hands when using handheld power tools.
• Don’t use any tool that is too heavy for you to easily control.
• Use the right tool for the job.
• Unplug, clean, and store the tool in a safe, dry place when finished.