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Choose the correct tool for the
job.
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Keep work areas around power
tools tidy.
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Wear eye, hearing and
respiratory protection when
warranted.
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Safety plays a big part when working with power
tools. Anything, from someone interrupting a person at
work to a faulty electric connection, can be hazardous.
Use appropriate safety equipment, such as goggles,
earplugs and dust masks. Do not wear gloves when working
with most tools. Always wear eye protection when working
with metal. Do not wear sandals, open-toed or canvas
shoes when working with tools. Avoid loose-fitting
clothes that might become entangled in a power tool.
Remove rings and other jewelry.
Do not operate power tools when you are ill, taking
strong medications, fatigued or consuming alcoholic
drinks. Do not smoke while working with tools.
When buying power tools to be used on the farm, take
into consideration the weight, shape, size and use of
the tool. Hold the power tool as it would be used and
think about problems and accidents that could arise.
Note the hand and wrist positions and forces or effort
required to use the tool. Ask if the tool can be used in
either hand. Consider the handle position, balance and
center of gravity, along with the weight of the tool.
Make sure all guards, automatic brakes and safety
devices are n place.
Read the owner's manual before using any tool. Never
use a tool unless trained to do so. Inspect it before
each use and replace or repair if parts are worn or
damaged. Repair tools only if you are trained to do so.
Inspect screws, nuts, bolts and movable parts to make
sure they are tightened. Make sure the cord will not
become caught or tangled. The cord should be flexible,
but not easy to knot. Clean the cord regularly and
inspect the grounding connections. Use a ground fault
circuit interrup er when working with power tools.
Use the correct tools for the job. Do not use a tool
or attachment for something it was not designed to do.
Select the correct bit, cutter or grinding wheel for the
material with which you are working. This saves time and
improves the quality of work and reduces the risk of
mishap. If necessary, consult the instruction or shop
manual, or call a dealer or an expert on tool use.
Always turn off and unplug a power tool before: (1)
adjusting, oiling, cleaning or repairing it; (2)
attaching an accessory; or (3) changing bits, blades or
grinding wheels. Unplug or lock-out tools when not in
use. Unplug tools by pulling directly on the plug.
Jerking on the cord can cause damage to the tool. Do not
leave tools, hardware and other materials out when not
in use. This is especially important if youngsters are
in the home.
Keeping workshop and storage spaces clean and dry
can help prevent many accidents. Sparks can ignite
scraps, sawdust and solvents. Water can conduct
electricity. Do not stand in water, on damp floors or in
the rain when working with electrical tools. Keep hands
and tools dry.
Make sure workshops and storage areas have the
proper electrical wiring and outlets needed to run power
tools. Install adequate wiring to handle the electrical
load required. All outlets should have three-pronged
plugs or be double-insulated. Any outlets that may come
in contact with water should have ground fault circuit
interrupters. Never use indoor tools outside. Use only
approved outdoor extension cords. Use one long extension
cord instead of several short ones. Do not damage or cut
exten ion cords.
When working on ladders or scaffolding, rest power
tools on a flat surface or in a bin secured to the
ladder itself. A falling tool can seriously injure a
co-worker or bystander. Never carry heavy power tools up
and down ladders.
Stop working and turn off the power tool you are
working with if distracted by something or someone.
Never look away from your work when operating a power
tool.
Cutting tools can be particularly dangerous. If one
stalls, switch off the power and unplug the tool before
trying to restart it. When using a power saw, let the
saw reach full speed before cutting and support the work
firmly so it won't shift. Never use your hands to clear
the scraps from a sawing work table. Use a long stick
instead.
When working with metal, secure the metal materials
with clamps or in a machinist's vise to keep it from
moving.
Take extra care when working with hazardous
materials. Handle fiberglass with care. Its particles
can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory system. When
soldering, remember that lead solder is toxic. The work
area should be ventilated, and you should wear a small
respirator.
Avoid operating power tools in locations where
sparks could ignite flammable vapors. Keep your shop
well ventilated and flammable materials properly stored.
If your workshop is set up in the basement, garage
or any other room, keep a first aid kit at hand, and if
possible, a telephone with a list of emergency numbers.
Install an all-purpose fire extinguisher and smoke
alarms in the area where tools are used.
Used rags, especially oily and greasy ones, should
be kept in a covered metal container. Rags should be a
safe distance from the welder.
Drills: Use hand drills in muddy or wet locations
if possible. If not, stand on something dry and avoid
contact with a grounded object. Use double-insulated or
properly grounded drills. Use only good quality bits.
Select the proper size and type of bit for the job. Make
sure it is sharp and not damaged. Do not over-force the
drill into hard material as the bit might break. If the
speed can be varied, operate the drill at the correct
speed, and do not lock the switch of a hand-held drill
in the on position.
Table Saws: Adjust the table saw blade to
project about 1/8 inch above the wood. Make certain the
workpiece is out of contact with the blade when starting
or stopping the saw. Keep the body out of the way. Use a
push stick when ripping narrow strips. Lower the saw
blade below the table top when work is finished.
Radial Arm Saws: When cross-cutting wood, lay
the stock solidly on the table and against the back
guide. The saw blade should rotate downward as viewed by
the operator. Pull the saw with one hand while the stock
is held with the other hand. Never reach across the line
of cut. When making miter cuts, secure the locking
devices to prevent the saw from changing angles or
digging in. Return the saw to the rear position after
completing a cut.
Band Saws: Keep the saw blade set evenly and
with the correct tension. Push the stock through the
blade with the hands on both sides of the line of cut.
Hand-Held Circular Saws: Do not work in wet
areas unless standing on a dry surface and make certain
the saw is properly grounded. Do not clamp or wedge the
guard in the open position. Keep your finger off the
trigger when carrying the saw. Do not cut the power
cord. Wait until the blade stops before laying down the
saw. When finished, unplug the saw and put it out of the
reach of children.
Saber Saws: Select the proper blade for the
job. Make sure it is sharp, undamaged and securely
tightened in place. Do not turn on the saw when the
blade is in contact with the workpiece. Hold the saw
firmly with one hand and steady the work with the other.
Keep your hand and other objects clear of the blade.
Grinders: Never operate grinders without
protecting your eyes with safety glasses, goggles, or a
face shield. If the material being worked on will
produce a lot of dust or other particles, wear a dust
mask or filter respirator. Make sure the grinder has
guard housing. Place the tool rest 1/8 from the wheel on
bench-mounted units. Before starting a portable grinder,
look to see where the sparks might fall. Clean the work
area if necessary. Allow the wheel to reach full speed
before stepp ng into the grinding position. Grind on the
face of the wheel unless otherwise designed. Use a
vise-grip plier or clamp to hold small pieces. Move the
workpiece slowly across the wheel face. Allow the wheel
to stop naturally when turning it off. Periodically
check for soundness of grinding wheels. Replace badly
worn, cracked or out-of-round wheels.
Disclaimer and Reproduction Information: Information in
NASD does not represent NIOSH policy. Information
included in NASD appears by permission of the author
and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
This Maine Farm Safety Fact Sheet is part of an
educational fact sheet series produced by the University
of Maine Cooperative Extension. For more information on
farm safety, contact your county Extension office.
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