| Craig is a skilled and experienced | | | | angry. |
| woodworker. It's more than a hobby for him, | | | | |
| it's his passion. And sometimes our passions | | | | * If your hands are sore, arthritic or |
| get the best of us. Like that Saturday when | | | | injured, don't use power tools. |
| Craig wanted to make one more cut near the | | | | |
| end of a long day. | | | | * Don't use any tool that is worn or broken. |
| | | | |
| In a moment of rare inattention, the saw | | | | * Keep your workshop well ventilated. |
| blade snagged in the wood and his hand flew | | | | |
| toward the blade. Thanks to a skilled | | | | * Keep idle tools stored and out of the reach |
| surgeon, Craig did not lose part of his thumb | | | | of children. |
| that day. | | | | |
| | | | In The Heat Of The Action |
| They say to let the tools do the work, but | | | | |
| tools can't do the thinking, too. Craig | | | | * Avoid overconfidence or repetitious |
| learned an important lesson. Now he turns off | | | | operations that lull you into carelessness. |
| the machines and doesn't overdo it. | | | | Periodically pause and refocus. |
| | | | |
| According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety | | | | * Maintain good balance and footing. Don't |
| Commission, about 100,000 people each year | | | | overreach, or reach over or behind a moving |
| suffer injuries that require emergency room | | | | saw blade. |
| treatment from using home power tools. | | | | |
| | | | * Do not force tools. Let them do the work. |
| The table saw is involved in more serious | | | | |
| injuries than any other woodworking device. | | | | * When cutting, use sticks or blocks to keep |
| Most table saw injuries occur during ripping | | | | your hands away from moving blades. |
| operations. | | | | |
| | | | * Use clamps and vises to secure the object |
| Proper Preparation | | | | you're working on. |
| | | | |
| * Take the time to read all instructions on | | | | * Do not touch a bit or blade after cutting |
| the proper use of your power tools. If you | | | | or drilling. They can be painfully hot. |
| don't use a tool frequently, review the | | | | |
| safety instructions before each use. Follow | | | | * Do not try to catch falling objects. The |
| the maintenance schedule suggested by the | | | | sudden movement can disrupt your safety |
| manufacturer. | | | | equilibrium. |
| | | | |
| * Plan power tool projects. Think through the | | | | * Never leave a machine with the motor |
| moves your hands will make before you make | | | | "coasting." |
| them. | | | | |
| | | | * Never hurry a job. |
| * Select the proper tool for the job, and | | | | |
| only use the accessories built specifically | | | | * Promptly sweep up all sawdust. |
| for that tool. | | | | |
| | | | * Don't smoke or drink alcohol when working. |
| * Do not force a small tool or attachment to | | | | |
| do the job of a heavy-duty tool. Makeshift | | | | Respect The Power |
| tools can cause accidents. | | | | |
| | | | * Always use a ground fault circuit |
| * Keep all safety guards in place and in | | | | interrupter (GFCI). |
| proper working condition. | | | | |
| | | | * Ground all your power tools, unless they |
| * Allow ample space in the workshop to work | | | | are clearly marked "double insulated." |
| safely. | | | | |
| | | | * Do not use power tools in wet or damp |
| * Keep the area free of clutter. | | | | places. Rubber-soled shoes and heavy rubber |
| | | | mats are good precautions in any conditions. |
| * Keep the area well lighted. Eliminate all | | | | |
| shadows. | | | | * Don't use tools with damaged cords or |
| | | | improper extension cords. |
| * Keep children and onlookers out of your | | | | |
| work area. | | | | * Never carry a portable tool by its cord or |
| | | | yank the tool or extension cords from the |
| * Wear safety apparel, including goggles or | | | | receptacle. |
| safety glasses with side shields. Never wear | | | | |
| loose clothing or jewelry around power | | | | * Be certain the switch is on "OFF" when |
| equipment. Use gloves that are job-rated for | | | | plugging in a tool. Do not carry a plugged-in |
| the kind of work you are doing. | | | | tool with your finger on the switch. |
| | | | |
| * Clean your hands before using tools to | | | | * Unplug tools when they are not in use, or |
| prevent slippage. | | | | when you are adjusting them or installing |
| | | | accessories. |
| * Never work when you tired, distracted, or | | | | |