21 Apr Electric Power Tool Safety

Electric Power Tool Safety

Electric power tools make many jobs faster and easier, but they can cause serious injuries when they are damaged, improperly maintained, or used incorrectly. Common hazards include electrical shock, cuts, amputations, flying particles, burns, caught-in injuries, and fires.

Always select the correct tool for the job, inspect it before use, and operate it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Before Using an Electric Power Tool

Before starting work:

• Select the right tool and accessory for the job. Never use a tool for a purpose for which it was not designed.
• Make sure you have been trained and understand how to operate the tool safely.
• Inspect the tool before each use.
• Make sure required guards and safety devices are installed and operating properly.
• Inspect blades, bits, wheels, and other accessories for damage and proper installation.
• Secure the workpiece with clamps, a vise, or other appropriate means whenever possible.
• Maintain firm footing and good balance.
• Remove chuck keys, adjusting keys, and other tools before starting the equipment.
• Keep the work area clean, adequately lighted, and free of unnecessary personnel.

Electrical Safety

Electric tools must be properly grounded or double-insulated.

Before use, inspect the tool for:

• Frayed, cut, cracked, or otherwise damaged cords.
• Damaged or missing grounding prongs.
• Defective plugs or electrical connections.
• Loose, damaged, or defective switches.
• Cracked or damaged tool housings.
• Exposed wiring.
• Excessive sparking, overheating, or unusual odors.

Never remove a grounding prong or modify an electrical plug to fit an outlet. Remove damaged or defective tools from service immediately and have them repaired by an authorized or qualified person.

Use required ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection, particularly on construction sites and where electrical hazards may exist.

Guards and Safety Devices

Never operate a power tool unless all required guards and safety devices are properly installed and functional.

• Never remove, bypass, wedge open, or defeat a guard or safety device.
• Keep hands and other body parts away from blades, bits, wheels, belts, and other moving parts.
• Never reach into or across moving equipment.
• Wait until moving parts have completely stopped before setting a tool down.
• Do not use a tool if its guard or safety device is damaged or malfunctioning.

Safe Operating Practices

While using electric power tools:

• Maintain control of the tool at all times.
• Keep cords away from heat, oil, sharp edges, and moving parts.
• Never carry or lower a tool by its power cord.
• Never pull on the cord to disconnect the plug. Grasp the plug instead.
• Keep your finger off the trigger when carrying a tool.
• Do not overreach. Maintain stable footing and balance.
• Do not force a tool. Allow it to operate at the speed and feed rate for which it was designed.
• Stay alert and keep your attention on the task.
• Never use a power tool when you are impaired or too fatigued to operate it safely.

Disconnect Power Before Adjustments

Before changing blades, bits, wheels, or accessories; clearing jams; making adjustments; cleaning; or performing maintenance:

Disconnect the tool from its power source.

For cordless tools, remove the battery or otherwise prevent unintended activation according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Disconnect tools when they are not in use and store them in a secure location to prevent unauthorized use.

Personal Protective Equipment

Wear PPE appropriate for the tool and the hazards of the work. This may include:

• Safety glasses with side shields or goggles.
• Face protection where flying particles or fragments present a hazard.
• Hearing protection.
• Safety footwear.
• Hard hat where overhead hazards exist.
• Respiratory protection where hazardous dust, fumes, or other airborne contaminants cannot otherwise be adequately controlled.

Avoid loose clothing, jewelry, unsecured long hair, or anything else that could become caught in moving parts.

Gloves should be selected carefully. Do not wear gloves around rotating or moving equipment when they could become caught and pull the hand into the equipment.

Wet and Damp Locations

Water and electricity can be a deadly combination.

• Avoid using electric power tools in wet or damp locations unless the tool and electrical system are specifically designed and approved for those conditions.
• Keep plugs and electrical connections dry and protected.
• Never stand in water while operating electrical equipment.
• Use required GFCI protection.

Rubber gloves, boots, or other insulating PPE are not substitutes for proper grounding, GFCI protection, or safe electrical work practices.

Extension Cords

When extension cords are required:

• Use cords rated for the electrical load and work environment.
• Inspect cords before use.
• Do not use damaged or improperly repaired cords.
• Protect cords from vehicles, equipment, sharp edges, water, and other sources of damage.
• Do not create tripping hazards with cords.
• Never use an extension cord with a missing grounding prong when grounding is required.

Housekeeping

Good housekeeping is an important part of power-tool safety.

Keep work areas free of scrap, debris, cords, hoses, and other tripping hazards. Clean up materials as work progresses and provide adequate space to safely operate the tool.

Remember

Electric power tools should never be treated as routine simply because they are used every day. Choose the right tool, inspect it before use, keep guards in place, use required GFCI protection, wear appropriate PPE, and disconnect the power before making adjustments or repairs.