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Unit: Adjusting cabinets on-site

Supporting: LMFKB3004A Conduct on-site adjustments to cabinets

Section 2: Using tools on-site

Safety with power tools


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Any tool has the potential to cause an injury, but power tools have several hazards that don't apply to simple hand tools.

Firstly, they are more powerful and much faster, so they produce reaction forces that can cause you to lose control if you're not extremely careful.

Secondly, the power source itself is potentially dangerous if you come into direct contact with it.

And thirdly, they often generate dust, sparks or flying particles that can cause serious problems if you don't take proper precautions.

Set out below are some basic principles for using power tools safely.

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Basic safety procedures

1. Wear the correct personal protective equipment for the job at hand. This may include safety glasses, ear muffs and steel capped boots. Depending on the job, it might also include a dust mask and gloves.

Remove any loose clothing or jewellery, and tie back long hair.

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2. Keep cutting edges sharp.

Inspect the saw blade, drill bit or planer cutters before you plug in the tool, and make sure that they are in good condition, properly fitted and sharp.

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3. Make sure that the guards are in place and correctly adjusted, and that spring-loaded mechanisms or other moving parts are working normally.

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4. Secure the material firmly before you start the job.

This could mean using a G-clamp or some other clamping system.

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5. Always allow the motor to reach normal operating speed before letting the tool come into contact with the job.

This helps to avoid the problem of 'kickback', and overloading the motor.

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6. Always lift the tool clear of the job before turning off the motor.

This helps to avoid the chance of the tool jamming in the job.

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7. Wait until the motor has stopped and the guard has sprung back in place before laying the tool down.

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8. Listen to the sound of the motor when you start up the tool and while you're operating it.

If you hear any unusual sounds, stop the tool, unplug it, and look for the problem.

If you can't fix it on the spot, tag the tool and take it to your supervisor or maintenance person for servicing.

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9. Keep the work area clear of off-cuts, sawdust build-up and rubbish that might get in the way.

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10. Don't use electric tools in wet conditions. If it has been raining, or you're in a wet area, only use an electric tool if:

  • your hands are dry

  • the tool is completely dry

  • you are wearing rubber soled boots and standing on a dry surface

  • electrical leads and connections are clear of damp ground.
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Learning activity

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Has your company got safe operating procedures (SOPs) for the power tools you need to use on-site? Alternatively, have you been given access to a copy of the manufacturer's operating instructions or owner's manual for each of the power tools you use?

If you haven't come across any of these documents, ask your supervisor whether they are kept on file somewhere in the office. In particular, see if you can get hold of written instructions covering the safe use of circular saws, electric planes and jig saws.

The assignment for this section will ask you to develop a brief SOP of your own for either an electric plane or a jig saw, so it will be very handy if you can refer to a formal document for guidance.

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