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