Mishandling regular tools, like hammer, saw or an axe can cause grievous injuries. Even though power tools are much more effective, the injuries caused by them are much more severe and harder to treat. Using the right protective gear, and handling the power tools with care is the first step towards avoiding this type of serious injury. This article will offer a short insight on five most common power tool injuries and few usefull tips on how they can be avoided. So let’s start!
1. Electrocution
One thing that most power tools have in common is that they need electricity. Where there is electricity, there is a chance of electrocution. No matter how small it is, one should never take lightly such a hazard, especially since it often has a deadly outcome. For example, while mowing your lawn you should always be aware of the power cord. If by any chance you manage to get over it and cut it while it is plugged in, this kind of mistake could be fatal. You should also be mindful of the liquids and the state of the cable. As soon as you see any irregularity, you need to take a break and fix it. This goes for all power tools with a cord, if you are plugged into a power supply you need to be aware of possible dangers, thus abiding to the safety rules that apply in those kinds of situations.
2. Eye Injury
Another hazard that most power tools represent is that to your eyes. Sparks, splinters and other kinds of debris are usually flying around everywhere and if you are not careful, some of it could end up in your eyes. This might lead to serous infections, eye damage and can even impair your eyesight permanently. This is why, when going through log splitter reviews in order to get yourself a new power tool for winter, you should also look up a pair of protective glasses. This alone can safeguard your eyes from a potential accident.
3. Tripping Hazard
Even though some power tools require a battery or work with a gas reservoir, most of them need to be plugged in. This means that your workshop suddenly gets another thing you can trip on and fall. Seeing how there is a plethora of sharp or pointy objects lying everywhere around, this kind of misstep can be extremely dangerous. The best way to avoid this would be to keep your workspace immaculate and unplug the cord as soon as you are done with the tool, even if you intend to return to it later on.
4. Amputations
When handled safely, most power tools are completely hazard free. Unfortunately, the more you work with a particular tool, the less threatening it seems. This is a mistake that many people make around some of the most dangerous power tools. Remember, there is no rushing, no placing the tools on uneven surfaces, and no leaving the tools on while you take a break to do some other task. All it takes is a tiny mistake and you get the outcome that will affect the est of your life, and for what, a simple home repair task. No matter how sophisticated modern prosthetics 3D printers can make, they will never be as good as the real limb.
5. Lacerations
Now, lacerations are not something that is strictly connected to power tools, but it is something that happens around them quite often. The main reason why these accidents happen is because most people assume these machines are only hazardous when turned on. Unfortunately, drills and saws stay sharp even when not moving and this is something that you should always have in mind. Another cause of these accidents happens when people try to fix these machines on their own. Not only does this create the risk of making things worse, but it also creates an actual laceration hazard.
Conclusion
If we had to give one final piece of advice, it would be that power tools always needs to be taken seriously. The fact that you have been using a chainsaw for two decades without an incident doesn’t mean you have become immune to it. There is no such thing. Remember, it only takes one second of recklessness for you to make a mistake you will regret until the rest of your days. Just take it easy, stay calm and be careful around these machines even when they look most harmless.
