Safely Use Power and Hand Tools

-- Virginia Morgan

I recently talked to two people who nearly lost fingers to a power saw because of momentary distractions from the task at hand. Both accidents involved blood, a trip to the emergency room, and stitches. They were lucky they didn’t lose the injured digits. Accidents can happen when you’re using any hand or power tool—kitchen mixer to chainsaw—so pay attention to what you’re doing.

Basic safety rules include the following.

• Maintain your tools routinely. Clean and sharp tools work best when they’re in good condition. See the user’s label for lubricating and changing accessories. When tools are damaged beyond repair or worn out, replace them.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment. For example, wear goggles when you’re working with tools that produce dust, chips, or other debris. Wear close-toed shoes when using a lawn mower, weed eater, or other tool that could injure your feet.
• Keep electrical cords out of the way and out of water, oil, and other fluids.
• Disconnect power tools when you’re changing blades, oil, or other maintenance activities, or when you’re not using them.
• Put your tools out of the way. Not only can they get damaged if they’re in the work path or hidden in the grass, they can cause you or someone else to trip and fall.
• Use tools for the tasks they’re intended to do. Misusing a tool can lead to its damage or your injury.

Get your project done—safely!

For more information about hand and power tool safety, check the following resources.

Agricultural Engineering Safety Lesson Plan: Hand Tool Safety

Chainsaw Safety a Prime Concern

Farm Safety

Hand and Power Tools

Safe Use of Hand Tools

Tool Safety

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