Just The “FACS”  Safety Notes

AVOID SOME NASTY SHOCKS

Power tools make the lives of many workers easier. They bring great force, speed and efficiency to a range of manual tasks. But with the advantages come increased risks. Tools that are able to potently cut through metal or concrete or wood can cause great injury, and even death, if they come into contact with human flesh.

Such injuries are not uncommon. A report this year by surgeons from the Victorian Trauma Center highlighted the dangers of power tools.

The report revealed that, of all power tools, angle grinders were responsible for the most "do-it-yourself" equipment injuries. But the report found that such incidents also frequently involved experienced trades people. A large proportion of the injuries (almost 80 per cent) involved foreign bodies in the eye, while 12 per cent involved head, neck and chest lacerations and finger amputations.

A key goal in the safe use of power tools is ensuring that they come from reputable dealers and conform to the relevant standards, says John Furbank, manager of electrical safety for the NSW Department of Fair Trading.

"All electrical appliances must meet the requirements of standards. If you don't know a tool has been approved, there is no way you can be certain that the item's safe performance has been properly tested.

"People should always ensure that any power tool they purchase is an approved article, and check the compliance mark. Once you have that assurance from the retailer, you know the tool has been through the process of being checked and meets all applicable standards, Furbank says.

 Don’t take for granted that just because you are the only person that uses your personal power tools that there is nothing wrong with them. Make it a habit to visually check all Guards, Electrical Cords, and any Accessories that your tools may have on a daily basis before beginning your work for the day. It only takes a few minutes to do this safety check in order to avoid a lifetime of misery.