Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

Introduction to Health and Safety at Work
166
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explosion risk with petrol driven tools or when used 
near fl ammable liquids or gases
➤
high noise levels with routers, planes and saws in 
particular (see Chapter 15)
➤
dust levels (see Chapter 14).
Typical safety instructions and controls
When using power tools, the following basic safety meas-
ures should be observed to protect against electrical 
shock, personal injury, ill-health and risk of fi re. Operators 
should read these instructions before using the equip-
ment and ensure that they are followed:
➤
maintain a clean and tidy working area that is well lit 
and clear of obstructions
➤
never expose power tools to rain. Do not use power 
tools in damp or wet surroundings
➤
do not use power tools in the vicinity of combustible 
fl uids or gases
➤
protect against electrical shock (if tools are elec-
trically powered) by avoiding body contact with 
grounded objects such as pipes, radiators, stoves 
and refrigerators
➤
keep children away
➤
do not let other persons handle the tool or the cable. 
Keep them away from the working area
➤
store tools in a safe place when not in use where 
they are in a dry, locked area, which is inaccessible 
to children
➤
tools should not be overloaded as they operate 
better and safer in the performance range for which 
they were intended
➤
use the right tool. Do not use small tools or attach-
ments for heavy work. Do not use tools for pur-
poses and tasks for which they were not intended; 
for example, do not use a hand-held circle saw to 
cut down trees or cut off branches
➤
wear suitable work clothes. Do not wear loose fi tting 
clothing or jewellery. They can get entangled in mov-
ing parts. For outdoor work, rubber gloves and non-
skid footwear are recommended. Long hair should 
be protected with a hair net
➤
use safety glasses
➤
also use a fi ltering respirator mask for work that 
generates dust
➤
do not abuse the power cable
➤
do not carry the tool by the power cable and do not 
use the cable to pull the plug out of the power socket. 
Protect the cable from heat, oil and sharp edges
➤
secure the work piece. Use clamps or a vice to hold 
work piece. It is safer than using hands and it frees 
both hands for operating the tool
➤
do not overreach the work area. Avoid abnormal 
body postures. Maintain a safe stance and maintain 
a proper balance at all times
➤
maintain tools with care. Keep your tools clean and 
sharp for effi cient and safe work. Follow the mainte-
nance regulations and instructions for the chan ging 
of tools. Check the plug and cable regularly and in 
case of damage, have repaired by a qualifi ed ser-
vice engineer. Also inspect extension cables regu-
larly and replace if damaged
➤
keep the handle dry and free of oil or grease
➤
disconnect the power plug when not in use, before 
servicing and when changing the tool, i.e. blade, 
bits, cutter, sanding disc, etc.
➤
do not forget to remove key. Check before switch-
ing on that the key and any tools for adjustment are 
removed
➤
avoid unintentional switch-on. Do not carry tools 
that are connected to power with your fi nger on the 
power switch. Check that the switch is turned off 
before connecting the power cable
➤
outdoors use extension cables. When working out-
doors, use only extension cables which are intended 
for such use and marked accordingly
➤
stay alert, keep eyes on the work. Use common 
sense. Do not operate tools when there are signifi -
cant distractions
➤
check the equipment for damage. Before further 
use of a tool, check carefully the protection devices