WatchingThePlanet.org

On the job site tools can be a worker's best friend. On the other side of the fence power tools can become almost a weapon against that same worker - robbing him of his ability to work and ply his or her trade and employment. Power tool safety is the responsibility of every worker and tradesperson.

It is essential that those in the work and labor force be fully trained and have experience in working around power tools. It can be easily and best said that working with electricity and electrical power tools requires planning and extreme care. It might easy to cut corners and do things the "fast way". Beware this is false economy and can easily lead to mistakes - costly not only in time but in personal injuries and lost wages off the job as well.

Regardless of the perceived skill level and skill sets of those involved on the job, at the job site or on the factory floor safe habits should be practiced always when around or utilizing power tools. Power tools are a double edged sword. Good, powerful, yet when utilized wrongly or without care - a deadly menace. All in a swoop of a second as well.

What basic rules and procedures should be implemented and be in place?

First of al make it a practice to always turn off the power. If at all possible even turn off the power directly at the source - at the main circuit control or circuit power panel itself. You can never be too careful when it comes to electricity and tools powered by electrical power. Next in dealing with electrically powered tools, always used a ground fault circuit interrupter (referred to in the electrical and hydro power trades as GFCI) with every power tool to protect against eclectic shock hazards.

Make it a point never to use power tools near what are "live" electrical wires. Ditto that for natural gas or water pipes - especially if you are when drilling or cutting into walls that may have these pipes or conduits internally where these conduits or pipes could be accidentally broached or penetrated. If so make sure that these pipes, conduits or wires are completely visible at all times.

You may well think that it is nothing, that you have seen it done all the time - yet never ever stand in a puddle or on a damp or somewhat damp floor when working directly with electricity. Along with this rule always make it a sure point to disconnect tools when you are finished with them. In the same manner make it a simple habit to always unplug power tools when bits or blades or switched or changed. Of course along with these simple habits are other instructions such as keep power cords away from sharp edges, never yank on a cord to unplug a tool. Lastly always inspect electrical and power cords for frayed edges. Always use the correct tool for the job, its not always safe to improvise or to use a smaller inadequate tool for the job. Lastly make it a point to always turn power tools off before it is plugged in again.

Play it safe out there on the job site and sites.