Hardwood Floors February/March 2019

HEALTH & SAFETY FOCUS

STAY FOCUSED/STAY SAFE: POWER TOOL SAFETY

Now that we are past the requisite plea to read the manual, let’s talk about some other useful points to further our pursuit of safe usage. Whether corded or cordless, power tools can pose a risk to the user just by picking them up. I have seen tools picked up by their power cords, which on the surface may not show any damage; it is possible to damage the connection points or the cord itself, which not only may make a tool unsafe, but also may cause a short that may damage the motor, or the onboard electronics, or both. Also, extension cord sets used with portable electric tools and appliances need to be of three-wire type and should be designed for hard or extra-hard usage. See the OSHA website for more details. With either corded or cordless, it is also important to grasp the tool by the handles and not engage the power switch or trigger. Practice good trigger discipline and don't put a finger on the trigger until the operation is underway. The best way to transport and move a tool around is in a case that is designed to store, transport, organize, and protect the tool. Some manufacturers now offer cases that stack upon each other, and some can also be interlocked to boost efficiency on the jobsite. Speaking of handles, some tools are designed to be used with two hands. This helps to ensure control of the tool as well as keep the hands away from the “business” portion of the tool where the greatest threat of injury can be found. When it comes time to change blades, cutters, bits, etc. (tooling), another best practice is to de-energize the tool by either unplugging the tool or removing the battery. It only takes a few seconds to remove the threat of accidental triggering by making sure the tool cannot switch on and cut the user in the

Complacency is the enemy of safety. While so many of us use power tools daily for a living and those tools have become an extension of our body, it is quite easy to become complacent in how we treat these electrified machines of labor. Mindset is your friend when it comes to working with tools: that and a healthy respect for the power and risk that are inherent in power tool operations. The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides many guidelines for power and hand tool safety on their website at osha.gov/Publications/ osha3080.html. Besides the obvious warnings so often accompanied with many product manuals we encounter on a regular basis, there is very good information on the proper use of a tool that may really help one get maximum value and best results. So yes, take the time to review and read the manuals supplied with your tools – and not only when you first purchase the tool. Occasionally you may find a nugget of useful information after you have had some time with a tool that may help you use it in an even better way. Once you are ready to use the tool, be sure to use the appropriate personal safety gear. No matter how fast you think your reflexes are or how strong your eardrums might be, blades spin faster than you can react and even the dull whir of a power tool can erode hearing over time. In addition, never alter a guard or use a tool with a guardmissing. Be sure all guards are in place and working properly before each use.

All photos courtesy of Rick Bush.

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