Steps to safely operating power tools

1.      Personal protective equipment

Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes and appropriate grip gloves to protect yourself. Shrapnel or flying debris can enter the eye and cause injury. Use of appropriate grip gloves will reduce the chance of dropping or slipping of a tool

Help to prevent: eye injury, puncture wounds

2.      Keep hands clear

Keep the hand that is not using the power tool a safe distance away from all moving components. In situations when holding is necessary use a vice or other holding device to keep your opposite hand away from the tool.

Helps to prevent: lacerations, amputations

3.      Ensure the tool is in working condition.

Always inspect tools prior to using them, every single time. If a tool is damaged or has loose parts – do not use it. Tools should be clean, in good working order and free of debris.

Helps to prevent: tool breaking flying fragments, eye injury, lacerations

4.      Be aware of your surroundings.

Check the space for people, objects, fire hazards, other equipment etc. Be vigilant while working with power tools to ensure nothing and no one enters the area if it is going to put you or them at risk of injury.

Helps to prevent: debris injury

5.      Use the right tool for the job.

Opting to use a power tool that is not intended to do the job puts the tool operator and the people in the surrounding area at risk.

Helps to prevent: all injuries

6.      Always wear hearing protection when working with power tool.

Hearing loss is a common injury in the trucking industry and has a drastic affect on the victims quality of life.

Helps to prevent: ear drum injuries