All tools and workshop machinery are designed for a specific purpose. Misuse of a tool or machine could damage it, and could also cause an injury. Always read the instructions supplied with new equipment to understand its purpose and capabilities.
Example
Never use a chisel to open a tin of paint; this could damage the finely sharpened cutting edge of the chisel, and it could easily slip into your hand and cause a serious injury.
Always follow a logical, step by step process for each task. A simple check list can be made for each procedure such as soldering, etching, or enamelling. Rather than a generic list, this list should be specific to the equipment that you use. If you invest in new equipment at any point, review the check list to make sure that everything is still relevant. Following such a list will also help to prevent missing an important stage that could otherwise spoil the finish of your work.
Power tools
There are simply too many different available power tools to be able to provide detailed rules for every one. Here are some safety tips:
- Always tie long hair back and do not wear loose clothing.
- Use eye protection.
- Use hearing protection with noisy tools.
- Make sure any supplied safety guards are in place.
- Use the ventilation system for grinders, buffers, and kilns.
- Make sure that all wiring is safe and that equipment is earthed.
- If you need to use an extension cord, make sure that it is the shortest length required. Avoid any trailing cables.
- Do not carry tools by the power lead, and do not pull plugs out by the power lead.
- Inspect power leads and plugs for damage, and replace if necessary.
- Unplug the tool when it is not in use, or when changing attachments such as blades, drill bits, or sanding belts.
- Make sure that the power switch is in the off position before plugging the tool in.
- If there is any risk of a liquid splash, make sure that a circuit breaker is used.
- Always know where the off switch is as this needs to be easy to reach in case of an emergency.
- Read the specific safety instructions supplied with the tool.
- Be aware of dust. Always wear a dust mask, although venting the dust away is even better. Some types of dust are combustible and can create a fire hazard.
- Never use flammable solvents or any petroleum based products around power tools, as a stray spark could ignite the fumes.
- Pack each tool away after use, and store it securely in a dry place. Make sure that children do not have access to stored tools.
- Keep your hands well away from any moving parts such as sanding belts.
- Do not force a tool; the power of the tool should be sufficient for the task.
- Always hold the work securely, especially when drilling or grinding.
- Make sure that any damage is repaired before the tool is next used.
Hand tools
Although hand tools are less dangerous than power tools, they can still cause serious injury if they are not treated with respect. Always use common sense and do not place your hand in front of the cutting edge of a tool. Some precautions for hand tools are:
- Use eye protection to avoid injury from snapped blades.
- Maintain the tool properly. A blunt knife is more dangerous than a sharp one because more force will have to be used, increasing the chances of a slip.
- Keep your fingers well out of the way of saw blades and hammer blows.
- Keep everything you need for a task within easy reach, and do not stretch to reach a tool.
