Power Tools - The Health And Safety Issues

A power tool can be described as any tool that operates using an electric, gasoline or compressed air motor. There are a great number of high quality power tools available on the market today ranging from cordless screwdrivers and drills, to jigsaws and reciprocating saws.

Due to the powerful nature of these tools and the potential safety risks associated with them, it makes sense that they all come complete with explicit manufacturer’s safety instructions.  Power tools have the potential to cause extremely serious injury if they are not respected or used correctly, or if they are used when in poor condition.

The most important point to remember when handling any power tool is that as the user, YOU are responsible for the use of that tool and keeping yourself safe. Here are a few key guidelines to help you understand the safest way to use a power tool. 

Environment

• Power tools should not, at any point, be submerged in water or used in wet environments.

• When using a power tool it is important to inspect the ventilation of the area you are working in, as many tools will create a lot of dust and debris that can be inhaled so it is advisable to wear a protective dust mask.
• Debris is also a potential fire hazard so always try to keep work areas clean and tidy. Any flammable liquids or materials must be kept covered when power tools are in use in case of a spark.
• The lighting of the area within which you are using power tools is also extremely important, particularly when working in dark workshops or garages.

Power Tool Maintenance and Care

• Always inspect the power tool and all accessories that accompany it before you actually use it. Electric tools should always be checked for damaged wires or potential electrical faults.
• Before you use any power tools, you should read the manual that accompanies them. These manuals not only contain essential information about how to use the power tool correctly but also provide important safety information.

• You should always keep power tools stored away correctly and not left lying around anywhere where unauthorised people and children can access them.
• Dull or blunt power tools can be just as dangerous as extremely sharp tools so try to ensure that you keep all power tools in a good condition and to the right specifications of the manufacturer.

Personal Safety

• Always wear safety glasses or goggles when operating any power tool and in most cases, any hand tools. Safety glasses are one of the most basic safety equipment pieces and are available from all DIY stores including www.diytools.com.
• Remember that power tools can often be extremely loud especially when used indoors or in confined spaces. Like safety glasses, earplugs are a basic safety apparatus and are available from all DIY stores.
• Avoid using power tools when you are wearing loose clothing as it may get caught on a tool leading to an injury. Long hair should also be tied back when operating power tools.
• There should always be a first aid kit to hand when using power tools just in case of an accident.

Diytools.com is a leading online power tool supplier with a huge selection of power tools, hand tools, and garden tools from all leading manufacturers including Hitachi, Bosch, Makita and DeWalt. All products available from the store come with a full manufacturers warranty and guarantee, as well as complete safety manuals and user instructions. It is essential to remember that this article does not replace a products individual user manual that will accompany all power tools when you buy them and that all instruction manuals must be read before you use any power tool.

To view the large selection of power tools available to buy today please visit www.diytools.com.

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Powertek Tools Ltd (Bushey) Pinner Road Opposite Bushey Train Station Watford WD19 4EB United Kingdom