I thought it would be a good time to review some safe practices while working. Power tools are indispensable for professionals and those who tackle Do It Yourself home improvement jobs. They are favored as they help users to save time and they also make the job easier. However, they need to be handled carefully otherwise they can lead to injury. Mishaps usually occur due to negligence, boredom, and overconfidence. By keeping the following 10 safety issues in mind, it is possible to work satisfactorily and safely with power tools. I have unfortunately been asked to finish a few jobs where the home owner wasn’t so careful and could not finish the job.
1. Safety glasses: These prevent dust, debris, wood shavings, shards from fiberglass, etc from getting into the eyes. Safety glasses are one of the most basic pieces of safety equipment that must be used when working with power tools.
2. Protection for the ears: Power tools can generate a lot of noise, which may sound louder in the closed in environment of a workshop; in order to minimize damage to the ears, it is advisable to wear earplugs. I am sorry to say I have not always used them and today I have to deal with the consequences. Don’t make the same mistake!
3. Knowing the right tools for the job: It is important to know the right tools for the job in order to avoid injury to oneself and damage to the materials. To this end, it is advisable to thoroughly read the instruction manuals provided with the equipment and get familiar with the recommended safety precautions. Trying to make a tool do something it wasn’t designed for is asking for trouble.
4. Use your tools correctly: Tools should not be carried by their cords; tools that are not in use should be disconnected; and while handling a tool connected to a power source, fingers should be kept away from the on/off switch. They should be held the way the tool was intended to be used preferably with both hands.
5. The right clothes: Long hair should be tied and loose clothing should be avoided. Ideally, clothing that covers the entire body should be worn and heavy gloves should be used in order to avoid sharp implements and splinters from hurting the hands. Masks prevent inhalation of harmful minute particles of the material that is being worked upon. Steel-toed work boots and hard hats can also be worn. I never do anything even around the house without my work boots.
6. Tool inspection: Power tools should not be used in wet environments and should never be dipped in water or used in the rain; they should be checked periodically for exposed wiring, damaged plugs, and loose plug pins. Nicked cords can be taped but if a cut appears to be deep, a cord should be replaced. Tools that are damaged or those that sound and feel different when used should be checked and repaired.
7. Cleanliness in the work area: An uncluttered work area also makes it easy to maneuver the power tool; often distractions caused by a tangled cord can result in an accident. Of course, you should not work around flammable liquids when power tools are being used. A clean work space should always be maintained.
8. Special care with particular tools: Miter saws and table saws should be used with a quick-release clamp and a wood push-through, respectively. Extra care should be taken while using air nail guns as it is easy to put a nail through your finger or somewhere else.
9. Keep tools in their place: Power tools should be returned to their cabinets after use to prevent them from being used by an unauthorized and inexperienced person.
10. Lighting: It is important to use proper and sufficient lighting while working with power tools, particularly when working in the basement and garage where normal lighting may not be satisfactory.
The best tip of all is to use your common sense, something that many people don’t seem to know how to do these days. (My kids gave me a T shirt once with a guy using a circular saw, cutting a piece of wood, not holding it, looking away from his work and waving to people.) I don’t think it was supposed to reflect my work? And It shouldn’t yours either.
Work Smart! Work Safe!
1. Start off by painting the whole room, including the ceiling with a deep, rich color. Even though this is a small room, a deep color on the walls allows them to fade away. At the same time it will make the room feel cozy and strangely enough seem more spacious.
2. Get rid of the clutter! This is always important and always makes the room seem more spacious. If you can’t get most of the makeup, shaving cream etc. under the sink, (and who can?) pick up a few baskets from the dollar store and corral things in them. Make sure there is a hamper for all the dirty clothes. If you are short on space, use the kind that hangs on the back of the door. A large drawstring bag would also work for this. (He might actually even use it…ok, it’s a dream.)
4. Speaking of cabinets, how about giving them a quick redo? Paint them black for a sophisticated look, or white with sponge painting for a country theme. Try any of the hot faux finishes. You can even paint the Formica counters. If you are painting the counter you will have to clean it well and then use a special primer first such as BIN or KILZ. Then after the paint dries seal with 4 or more coats of polyurethane. It will last for years!