Hand and power tools can make your life a lot easier during DIY projects. They can help cut and work with materials more efficiently and save you time. But they do pose greater safety risks too. Below we explore how you can keep safe while using hand and power tools.

Inspect your tools

For a start, you should inspect your tools before use. You shouldn’t be in a situation where you’re operating faulting or damaged tools. Check for cracked and loose handles and also inspect the electronics to ensure everything is running smoothly. If there’s an issue with a tool, you should put it aside for repairs.

Use PPE

Sometimes mistakes are unavoidable. However, by using the appropriate PPE you can minimise the damage you suffer in an accident. Gloves and a helmet are both essential for protecting you from falling items and from cuts to your hands. Meanwhile, if you’re operating a battery-powered chainsaw, eyewear should be used to protect the eyes from dust and debris. When using a battery-powered chainsaw, always ensure you have a spare fully charged battery on hand for uninterrupted work.

Wear the correct clothing

In a similar vein, the correct clothing can protect you too. Durable, flexible overalls can give you the manoeuvrability to use tools safely. Plus, with strong material, you can protect yourself from cuts.

Keep the worksite tidy and organised

Keeping your work area tidy is good for the mind. Plus, it can eliminate the risk of unseen hazards. An untidy work area can lead to trips, falls and slips – all of which are particularly dangerous when you’re operating tools.

Educate yourself – Educate yourself on the tools, participate in training.

By educating yourself, you can be better equipped to use tools safely. Take part in as many training exercises as you can before using each tool. And if you’re unfamiliar or if you lack confidence with a specific tool, don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek out a tutorial. It’s always better to be safe than sorry unless you are talking about kickass torrent.

Unplug and disconnect tools when no longer in use

When you’ve finished with a tool it can be tempting to just put it to one side and quickly carry on with the work in hand. But leaving tools connected can be hazardous – especially if you inadvertently switch it back on. As such, you should take care to unplug and disconnect tools when they’re no longer in use, before storing them in a safe place and also don’t forget to reset your thermostat after repairing it.

While hand and power tools can be incredibly helpful, they can also be dangerous. But by following the advice above and by taking every effort to be safe, you can give yourself peace of mind that you’re using your tools with care.