Basic Hand and Power Tools Safety Rules You Should Know
Handling hand and power tools come with a big risk. There is always a great deal of danger whenever tools are used. Even professionals get injured when these tools are mishandled. That’s why knowing the basic hand and power tools safety rules is crucial whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a professional handyman.Â
Luckily, there are measures you can take to prevent tool-related accidents when doing DIY home projects. Let’s explore simple yet essential guidelines for hand tool safety and rock those tools like a pro!
What Are Hand and Power Tools
Whether you're a hobbyist, a professional, or just someone who loves to tackle projects around the house, understanding the importance of hand and power tool safety is vital. This list will help you understand the types of hand and power tools for the job and how you can properly and safely use them:
1. Holding Tools - These hand tools are used to securely position tools in place and hold materials together. Pliers, screwdrivers, and clamps are classified as holding tools.
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2. Striking Tools - Also known as hammered tools, striking tools are used to hit or strike various materials. It includes any type of hammer and chisel.
3.Pneumatic Tools - Compressed air provides the power for pneumatic tools. Buffers, angle grinders, nail and staple guns, drills, chipping hammers, jackhammers, riveting guns, sanders, and wrenches are examples of common air-powered hand tools used in industry.
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4. Abrasive Wheel Tools - This tool utilizes abrasive wheels or discs to perform cutting, grinding, or polishing tasks. They are powered by electricity or compressed air and feature a rotating wheel or disc embedded with abrasive particles, such as sandpaper or grinding stones. Examples of abrasive wheel tools include angle grinders, bench grinders, cut-off saws, and handheld rotary tools with abrasive attachments.
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5. Hydraulic Tools - These tools are robust instruments that use the force of pressurized fluid to operate. Examples of hydraulic tools are jacks, spreaders, cutters, drivers, torque wrenches, drills, saws, and numerous others.
6. Liquid Fuel Tools - This type of tool relies on liquid fuel combustion, typically gasoline or diesel, to generate power. Liquid Fuel Tools are widely used in various industries, construction sites, outdoor maintenance tasks, and recreational purposes. It includes chainsaws, lawnmowers, leaf blowers, generators, pressure washers, and portable heaters.
Power and Hand Tool Safety Checklist
When working with various hand tools and power tools, it's crucial to prioritize safety to prevent accidents and injuries. Here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind, along with essential safety gear.
Safety Measures in the Use of Tools and Equipment:
- Get proper training on how to use power tools safely. Read the instruction manual before use and follow the instructions on the proper use of tools.
- Use hand tools only if they are in good condition. Make sure that cutting tools are sharp and striking tools are not chipped.
- Check electric tools to see if they are plugged into a grounded outlet properly to prevent electrical shocks. Use an adapter, a three-prong plug, double-insulated tools, or a low-voltage isolation transformer if needed.
- Before making adjustments or changing accessories on a power tool, turn off the equipment or disconnect the power supply. Use approved tools with the recommended attachments and bits.Â
- Only use the type of battery specified by the tool manufacturer for battery-powered tools. Safely store a battery pack to prevent any metal parts such as nails, screws, wrenches, etc., from contacting the battery terminals. This can cause a short circuit and potentially lead to sparks, fires, or burns.
- Check the cord for fraying or damage before each use. Mark and replace defective tools immediately with functioning ones. If a power cord feels excessively warm or a tool is sparking, have it checked by an electrician or qualified professional.
- Maintain a clean work area free of clutter and debris to prevent tripping or slipping hazards. Keep all your hand tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers in a toolbox for easy access when needed.
- Use clamps, a vice, or other devices to hold and support the workpiece whenever possible. This provides better control over the tool and reduces the risk of injury if the tool gets jammed or stuck.
- Don’t pull the cord when unplugging a power tool. Pull the plug instead to avoid wear and damage to the wiring which can lead to electrical shock.
- Wear proper personal protective gear like safety goggles, gloves, and overalls.
Proper Personal Protective Equipment
When using hand tools, the specific personal protective equipment or PPE required depends on the tool and the hazards involved. Always wear safety glasses or goggles for eye protection when doing tasks like cutting wire, hammering nails, or sawing wood. If needed, wear a full face shield over the safety glasses or goggles for additional face protection.
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Protecting your hands is also important to prevent cuts, abrasions, and impact injuries. Wear cut-resistant gloves when working with blades and standard cotton or leather gloves when handling lumber to prevent splinters and abrasions. If you're doing a task that involves prolonged hammering, impact-resistant gloves with gel or rubber palms can reduce vibration.
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Wear safety shoes or boots to safeguard your feet from injuries caused by dropped tools. These can also provide additional protection, such as metatarsal guards, puncture-resistant soles, and electrical insulation. Make sure your footwear offers sufficient traction for the specific work environment.
Safety First
In conclusion, understanding the proper use of hand tools and power tool safety rules is important for maintaining a secure working environment. Prioritizing the proper use of tools, and wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment can greatly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Safety should always be the foundation of any project, ensuring a successful and injury-free outcome.
Show your dad how much you care by giving him the gift of safety while he enjoys his favorite DIY projects. This Father's Day, let's celebrate the DIY heroes among us by ensuring their safety. Explore our selection of hand and power tools from June 1 to 15 and enjoy up to 40% off on select Makita, Bosch, Black+Decker, and ACE tools.Â
Find the nearest ACE Hardware store to enjoy these discounts!