Power
tools have evolved through the years and have truly helped users perform tasks
easily and more efficiently everyday. However, these simple tools may pose
health and safety risks if not handled and maintained properly. Special care
and attention on hand and power tool safety is vital to reduce or eliminate
these hazards.
To
help raise greater awareness of the importance of safe work practices and
workplace safety, power tools pioneer Bosch shares some tips on proper power
tool handling and maintenance.
Wear the right safety
gear
Personal protective equipment gear and clothing must be worn when working
with tools and equipment. Safety goggles, face shields, ear plugs, dust masks,
gloves, safety boots or shoes, or rubber boots are some protective garments
that workers may wear to protect the body from injury or infection from dust,
debris, sharp splinters, wood shaving and other substances and damages to
health.
Conduct regular tool
inspections
It is imperative to inspect tools for any damage prior to each use. The
body casing, power cord and plug should be checked thoroughly for any defects. Check
the handle and body casing of the tool for cracks or other damage, and inspect cords
for any defects. Damages, including exposed wiring, broken switches and loose
plug pins, should be given proper attention. Defective tools, especially those
that sound and feel differently upon inspection, should be immediately checked
and repaired.
Maintain cleanliness at
work stations
Keep the work area of free
of clutter and debris that could be tripping or slipping hazards. Make sure
that any flammable items and dangerous liquids are kept covered and stored away
from the work area. Stow any wirings, materials, tools or equipment that will
not be used for the task at hand to ensure that the work area is uncluttered. This
will provide ample space for the worker to move around and operate the power
tools, and will also help avoid any accidents. Cleaning the work area after
every use must also be a habit for all workers.
Use and store tools
properly
To help avoid injury or
damage to oneself and to the materials, workers must know which power tools
should be correctly used for the job. Reading the equipment instruction manuals
will help operators get familiar with the recommended safety precautions. Electrical
equipment must not be used in wet conditions. It is also important to use
proper lighting while working to give the worker better vision and focus on the
task at hand. After using power tools, cords must be disconnected and tools
must be stored properly in their cases to prevent them from being used by
unauthorized or unqualified personnel.
Always keep a
first aid kit handy
Some
accidents cannot be avoided in high risk tasks, even if done with extreme
caution. It is important to have a first aid kit stocked with essentials such
as cotton, gauze pads, bandages, hand sanitizer, antiseptic solution and
medicines ready at all times. Workers must also be knowledgeable about basic
first aid procedures to be performed in case of any untoward incident.
“The
protection of workers’ health and safety has always been a priority for Bosch,”
said William Go, Bosch Power Tools Country Manager. “This is why we have
designed our products are designed with parts and technology which provide our
users protection from hazards. We strongly encourage everyone to still take the
necessary precautions when handling mechanical tools to prevent risks on health
and safety.”
Bosch
products incorporate innovative technology to advance workers’ health and safety
protection, including vibration control technology, dust extraction systems,
lightweight eco-friendly cordless tools and high-tech security features such as
kick-back stop, restart protection, electronic rotation control, safety clutch,
triple action switches, soft start, and protective guards.
To
know more about working effectively and safely with Bosch power tools, visit www.bosch-pt.com.ph.
Follow Bosch Philippines on Facebook and @BoschPH on Twitter.
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