Safety tips offered for home improvement projects
Fans of Red Green, the PBS home handyman, may think that a roll of duct tape is all that蘑菇视频 needed to safely complete any home improvement project.
But Green蘑菇视频 tongue-in-cheek use of the sticky tape illustrates that safety is a key factor in a successful project.
For example, last year, one-third of do-it-yourselfers (DIYers) reported injuries while working on a home improvement project, yet 77 percent admit they鈥檝e skipped wearing the proper protective gear.
The Power Tool Institute of Cleveland, Ohio, (PTI) is dedicated to educating the public about the safe use of power tools. PTI also works with various agencies to encourage high safety standards in the manufacture of power tools.
PTI offers the following advice on how to safely handle tools needed in construction or even completing simple around the house tasks:
n Start with a safe work area: Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered benches and dark areas invite accidents. Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, near flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks, which may ignite the dust or fumes. Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away when using a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
n Electricity can be dangerous: Grounded tools (three pronged cords) must be plugged into a properly grounded installed outlet. Never remove or cut off the grounding prong or modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs. Double Insulated tools have a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other.) This plug will fit into an outlet only one way. Do not change the plug in any way. Do not use AC only rated tools with a DC power supply. Store battery packs away from other metal objects like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws, or other small metal objects. These things can make a connection from one terminal to the other, shorting the battery terminals together and causing burns or fire.
In damp locations, only plug your tool into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). If the work area does not have a permanent GFCI on the outlet, use a plug-in GFCI. Wear rubber gloves and footwear. Don鈥檛 use or leave power tools in the rain or wet conditions. Do not abuse the cord, carry the tool by its cord, or pull the cord to unplug it. Keep the cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Replace damaged cords immediately. Always hold the tool by the insulated gripping surfaces. 蘑菇视频 with hidden wiring or its own cord will make exposed metal parts of the tool 鈥渓ive鈥� and shock the operator.
n Good personal safety is a must: Make a habit of including safety in all of your activities. Always read and understand the tool蘑菇视频 operator蘑菇视频 manual, tool markings and the instructions packaged with the accessory before starting any work. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when using a power tool. Do not use tools when you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. Do not wear gloves, loose clothes or jewelry. Contain long hair. Loose clothes, gloves, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts. Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and grease.
Always keep a firm footing when using power tools. Be sure you have balance and control before you start the job.
Always wear eye protection. A dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection must be used when needed. The reference to 鈥渟afety goggles鈥� or 鈥渟afety glasses鈥� in product specific sections provides potential 鈥� always refer to the tool蘑菇视频 operator蘑菇视频 manual for the specific eye protection recommended, which should be marked as complying with current national standards. Unplug tool/remove battery before changing accessories. Keep hands away from rotating or moving parts.
n Do the job safely: Use the power tool accessories only for the jobs for which they were designed. Secure and support the work piece. Use clamps and a stable work surface. Do not hold the work by hand or against your body. Keep guards in place and working properly. Do not force the tool. Use the right tool for your job. It will do the job better and safer.