Power Tool Safety Basics - For The Mechanically Declined

We want you to be safe as you learn to use tools. Using tools #safely doesn't sound exciting, or even very interesting. But I still have all my fingers, both eyes and most of my hearing. I also have scars and I also know people who have missing parts, and some who are not around anymore because some safety aspect was not followed. Our series of videos on Mechanically Declined vs Mechanically Inclined has focused on hand tools. Now we're going to get into how to become Mechanically Inclined using power tools, first by looking at the safe way to use #power #tools.
ower tools come in all sizes and types, the power source can be compressed air, a battery, 120 volt AC power from a wall outlet, gasoline, even gunpowder is used to power some of these tools. All have hazards in using them, some to a greater degree and some to a lesser degree. This video is going to be generalized to all forms of power tools. Future videos will look at how to use the individual tools and will describe the specifics of safety for that tool as well.
Most important, read the instructions before picking up the tool. This is so important to surviving the tool. The instructions will have the standard warnings, but they will also have important specific warnings about this tool. Warnings that can save your life, or at least your fingers.
Even hand tools will give this warning, wear safety glasses or goggles when using tools. I've worn glasses since I was 10 years old. I can't even count the many many times they have saved my eyes from injury. So much so that I have started to buy my own prescription safety glasses, because regular glasses help but aren't as strong and have no side protection.
Face shield. This is not a replacement for safety glasses, safety glasses should be worn under a face shield. Wearing a face shield protects your face. Hot sparks on my skin hurts, especially on my face. But there are more reasons for a face shield to be worn. Some face shields protect from UV light, the same light that gives you a sun burn can be generated by some power tools.
Gloves that are designed for the task and tool, will save you from many scars. Ask me in the comments below how I know about scars. Some tools can cause your hands to go numb from vibration, gloves help.
Don't use any tool when you're impaired. Drugs, alcohol, medication, exhaustion or illness have affect on your ability to see and understand hazards.
Hearing protection is needed if the tool creates loud noise. What is loud? OSHA says that 85 dB averaged over 8 hours requires hearing protection. But that is still very loud. If you can't carry on a conversation without yelling over the noise, hearing protection would be a good idea. Unless you really like to hear ringing all the time.
eep flammable materials away from the work area. Power tools can and do create sparks or even flame. Here is another area I can tell many stories about, leave a comment if you want to know why fires start so easy with power tools. Flammables are not just things like acetone, gasoline, oil, propane, etc... Dust, paper, wood chips, plastic and other things can catch fire in the right conditions. Dust in the air can be explosive.
Many power tools will have guards or other protective devices. Don't remove them and use the tool. Be smarter than the professional who takes the guards off. I know a lot of professionals who take the guards off their power tools because they “got in the way”. Some of them still have all of their fingers.
Before changing a bit or blade, disconnect the power source of the tool. This will keep you from being injured by an accidental start and the blade spinning in your hand.
Finally keep the power tool under control when you're using it and when you set it down after using it. If possible disconnect the power source after you finish the task or are taking a break. Don't let someone immature or children use the power tool, and don't let anyone play with power tools.
Power tools can do a lot for you, but they can also do a lot to you as well. Read and understand the instructions for the way to safely use the tools and you will become mechanically inclined and still have all of your fingers, both eyes, and very few if any scars.
This is #HowWeDoIt to make videos and the tools we use:
Cameras:
#Samsung smart phones J7
#yi M1 mirrorless camera with 12 - 40 mm lens
Video Editing:
Software:
Open Office
#Filmora
GIMP 2
Hardware:
Dell Inspiron 5570, 16 GB RAM

[@fostertiersky1716]

What gloves do you suggest for a spindle sander? Or for a router? Or a drill press

[@eversaferichardsim]

This is a very educative video. Well done. I hope to seek permission from the owner of this video to use it for my safety training purpose. Please reply in return. Thank you very much.

[@freefireforlife5627]

How Do you know

[@affiawright1309]

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