3.2- General safety warnings for power tools
1) Work area safety
a) Keep work area clean and well lit.
Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
b) Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids,
gases or dust.
Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
c) Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool.
Distractions can cause you to lose
control.
d) Protect the stand, the workbench or the tool’s installation location from children.
Protect with
padlocks, master switches, or by removing starter key (if equipped) to reduce the risk of accidents.
2) Electrical safety
a) Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter
plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools.
Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of
electric shock.
b) Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces, such as pipes, radiators, ranges and
refrigerators.
There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
c) Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.
Water entering a power tool will increase the risk
of electric shock.
d) Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep
cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts.
Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of
electric shock.
e) When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use.
Use of a cord
suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
f) If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD)
protected supply.
Use of an RCD reduces the risk of electric shock.
3) Personal safety
a) Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not
use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication.
A moment
of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
b) Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection.
Protective equipment such as dust
mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce
personal injuries.
c) Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power
source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool.
Carrying power tools with your finger on
the switch or energising power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
d) Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on.
A wrench or a key left
attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
e) Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
This enables better control of the
power tool in unexpected situations.
f) Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away
from moving parts.
Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
g) If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these
are connected and properly used.
Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
4) Power tool use and care
a) Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application.
The correct power tool
will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
b) Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off.
Any power tool that cannot be
controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
c) Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery pack from the power tool before
making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools.
Such preventive safety measures
reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
