Every time you turn on any of your power tools you run the risk of catastrophic injury. This unfortunate fact keeps many trades people awake at night, and staying aware of danger is part of what keeps them safe. Furthermore, the very safest people in the power tool using community know and follow the seven laws of safe power tool operation outlined for you below.



This guide is not intended to replace the importance of reading the safety instructions in the manual that comes with every power tool... Be careful and be safe.

1) You Are The Most Dangerous Power Tool

Power tool users debate at great length about which is actually the most dangerous power tool. Everyone agrees however that the number one most dangerous power tool is the user himself, as there are very few cases of any power tools leaping out to attack randomly. Remember that every time you turn on a power tool it's you who are responsible for having the same number of fingers when you turn it off. This may seem like an obvious statement but it's the folks who let their danger to themselves slip away who end up forgetting this cardinal habit.

2) Some Power Tools More Frequently Hurt Their Operators But All Are Equally Dangerous

Every tool in your tool box can be dangerous to you if you forget the cardinal habit, but some are definitely more frequent causes of trips to the emergency room. You should exercise caution especially when you pick up that box cutter of yours to break down some boxes. Also, the table saw is widely considered one of the most frequent manglers of fingers, as is the radial arm saw and the chain saw.

3) Keeping Tools Clean, Sharp, Smooth Running and True Keeps You Safe

Tool maintenance is another important factor in power tool safety. You should study the manual that comes with all of your power tools to learn how and how often you should be sharpening, aligning and cleaning your tool. And always be keeping an eye out for changes in its operating function - listen for funny noises or any jiggles that may develop. These are signs that you need to fix your tool. A calendar in your shop that you can mark with tool maintenance times is a good idea too.

4) Keep Your Work Space Tidy, Well Lit and Distraction Free

Whether you're operating power tools in your basement shop or a job site it's vital that you keep it clean, well lit and free from distractions. The tidiness means that you won't be tripping over any bits and pieces of your project that you've left around. Get into the habit of cleaning up after yourself as you work and you'll be well along your way to preventing work-site accidents. Strong lighting too is vital to any power tool operation as the lighting helps you keep your limbs away from the blade and shows you exactly where blades are at all times. Get as many work lights as possible on your next job and you'll keep yourself out of the emergency room. Finally, make sure that there's no music on that could distract you, or cell phones or anything else that could pull your awareness away from where it needs to be.

5) Purchase or Make the Appropriate Safety Accessories

Woodworkers have their push sticks, feather boards and push blocks to make sure that they keep their cuts as true as possible while keeping their fingers away from the blade. Many power tool operators protect their ears with ear plugs and their lungs with masks or good ventilation. Many power tools have common safety accessories and it's up to you to make sure that you've learned as much as you can about each one and that you use it effectively to protect yourself from catastrophic injury.

6) Keep a First Aid Kit Handy

In addition to the normal stuff like bandages and peroxide you're going to want to keep a couple of extra items handy that have a grizzly importance. Keep a plastic garbage bag handy for transporting any severed limbs with you to the emergency room. Further, a small pocket mirror is vital for checking on your face in the case of a facial wound. Have these items available and hope that you never have to use them.

7) If Your Instincts Say "Stop" Then Believe Them

Most power tool operators report a little feeling in their gut right before they get cut on a power tool. A little voice or feeling that says "hm... this isn't safe." If you get that feeling then stop what ever you're doing right away. Further, it's often when people try old jobs in new ways - new ways that they just make up on the spot without thinking them through - that they get hurt too. So listen closely to that little voice inside of you and you'll be much more likely to keep all of your fingers with you into your old age!

Remember - it's up to you to keep yourself safe when using power tools. Always read the manuals and remember the seven habits of power tool safety!