The importance of power tools in the construction industry is known far and wide. However, many people are unaware of the safety measures they must follow while handling the tools and hence end up being subjected to injuries. Mistakes like rough and improper handling of tools, electrical hazards, strain in muscles due to repetitive motions when using a certain tool for a prolonged period of time, overheating of the battery, and the sheer lack of maintenance of power tools can turn out to be rather dangerous.

Therefore, in this blog, we’ll walk you through the safety precautions you must keep in mind when handling power tools to ensure that you do not hurt yourself while you are at work. Listing below a few essential guidelines that you must follow while working with power tools to ensure your safety.

Dress for the job

This is perhaps the most simple yet important thing that you must do before you take on any job that involves the use of a power tool. It is advisable to not wear loose clothing, as well as any kind of jewellery or dangling objects that can cause hindrance. If you have long hair, you must tie it before you get to work. It is recommended that you opt for non-slip boots for footwear.

Keep your workspace tidy

Using power tools in a clutter-free work zone is essential, for it can be quite hazardous to have wires and cords lying on the floor. Alongside, ensure to keep them away from flammable liquids. If you are using power tools at home, make sure to keep them out of reach of children.

Turn off your power tools after use

Although this is quite a basic rule, many often keep their power tools on standby mode when not in use. The major problem with this is that others may not know the tool is power and can end up injuring themselves. Therefore, it is mandatory that you turn off your power tools, unplug them from the power source, and safely keep them inside their respective casings after you are done working with them.

Alongside, disconnect your power tools from the power source whenever you are attaching the accessories. Do not use power tools in areas that are water-logged.
 

Keep a check on your tools

If you are someone who frequently works with power tools, or even otherwise, you must inspect your tools regularly for any wear and tear that they might be subjected to. Checking for any exposed wires, damaged plugs or any cracks regularly is mandatory so that you don’t end up hurting yourself for using a faulty power tool.
 

Work in a well-lit place

You need to see what you are working with or you might expose yourself to danger. Hence, it is best you avoid dimly lit places where your vision is not clear. Install shadow-free light is advisable for an absolutely clear and well-lit environment where you can work at ease, without straining yourself.
 

Make use of PPE

Using Personal Protective Equipment or PPE is absolutely mandatory when working with power tools. You must put on safety glasses, earplugs, and a pair of gloves at the least to protect yourself from injury. If the job requires you to work at a height or inside confined spaces, please make sure that you put on a safety helmet.

Know about the tool

Last but not least, know your power tools. It is essential that you read the manuals that come along with the tools and educate yourself on their usage so that you know what to do, and more importantly, what not to do. You can also go through demo videos available online, or seek a professional’s advice on using power tools.

Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are other guidelines you must follow while handling power tools, like using the tool only for the purpose it is meant for, using good quality extension cords, taking breaks between work to avoid strains caused due to prolonged use, etc.

Conclusion

If you are new to using power tools and do not know how to begin, it is recommended that you visit a renowned tools supplier in the UAE, like FK Tools. We at FK Tools are here to guide you and help you understand how to ensure your safety when you work with power tools. As a leading tools supplier in the UAE, we have professionals at our store who are trained to teach you the nuances of carefully using our power tools and efficiently managing your tasks with them. Therefore, to know more about safety measures to practice when working with power tools, drop in at your nearest FK Tools store