There’s plenty of jobs which use some kind of electric tools. While these tools are pretty handy, they can also be dangerous if you aren’t careful. Therefore, it’s important to know how you can best use these tools in a safe manner…
Electric Tools: Maximize Efficiency
Care for the cords
As you might imagine, power cords are an especially important element of electric tools. Issues with the cords can cause the tools to malfunction or break. On top of that, they can also pose potential hazards to you as well. Cords which are in bad shape can cause shocks or even fires if left on flammable surfaces.
That’s why you need to take good care of these power cords. Avoid carrying a tool by the cord and yanking them out of outlets. Instead, always make sure you pull them out by the plug. Also, check the cords regularly for fraying and other damage. If you see any issues, don’t use the tool and mark it as damaged.
Give them inspections
Power cords only make up a part of electric tools. There’s also the actual mechanical function and attachments as well. A broken or malfunctioning tool can be pretty dangerous. Not only can it break and damage whatever you’re working on, but it could also cause some nasty injuries to you at the same time.
As an extra precaution, you should inspect every tool before you use it. That way, you can see if there are any problems. Some easy-to-spot signs of trouble can include grinding noises, unusual high-pitched whining, and rust. It’s best to use a different tool or get the broken one repaired if possible.
Wear the right gear
Even if you make sure your electric tools are in good shape, they can still be dangerous. Mainly, this comes down to the job you’ll be doing. Using something like an electric saw, for instance, can cause wood splinters to fly back at you. There’s also the risk of getting your fingers caught in the blade!
To keep safe, you’ll need to make sure you wear the right kind of protective gear for the job. Usually, this means some kind of eye and ear protection, gloves, and proper footwear. You might also need to wear specialized clothing or ventilators if your tools can cause other hazards, like dust or debris.