Safety Tip of the Week – Worksite Safety — Power Tools

Worksite Safety – Power Tools

Accidents involving portable power tools happen all the time. You’ve all heard of cases where a chip flew off a drill and hit someone’s eye or of someone getting a shock because a tool had a faulty ground. And then there’s the person who lost a finger because the guard on the circular saw did not return. In California alone, power tool injuries cause more than 1,500 injuries each year that result in lost workdays.

Safety Tips

• Never carry a tool by the cord.

• Never yank the cord to disconnect it from the receptacle.

• Keep cords away from heat, oil, and sharp edges (including the cutting surface of a power saw or drill).

• Disconnect tools when not in use, before servicing, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits, etc.

• Avoid accidental starting. Do not hold fingers on the switch button while carrying a plugged- in tool.

• Use gloves and appropriate safety footwear when using electric tools.

• Store electric tools in a dry place when not in use.

• Do not use electric tools in damp or wet locations unless they are approved for that purpose.

• Keep work areas well lighted when operating electric tools.

• Ensure that cords from electric tools do not present a tripping hazard.

• Remove all damaged portable electric tools from use and tag them: “Do Not Use.”

• Use Double-Insulated Tools.

  Don’t be a fool! Inspect your…electrical tools!!