Agricultural Engineering Safety Lesson Plan: Power Tool Safety

OBJECTIVE

Identify and use the safety practices that should be observed when working with power tools.

MATERIALS

Grinder, drill press, band saw, jig saw, circular saw, belt sander, electric drill, table saw, radial arm saw, jointer, and paint spray gun.

KEY POINTS AND SUPPORTING INFORMATION

1. Wear proper clothing for the type of work being done. When using a grinder do not wear gloves. Do not wear loose-fitting clothes or jewelry that can get caught in moving parts. Do not roll up long sleeves. Do not wear highly flammable clothes. Wear safety-toed shoes to protect your feet and toes.
2. Protect your eyes, face, head, and scalp. Wear industrial-quality safety glasses or a safety shield. Safety glasses should have the Z87.1 logo on them to assure they are industrial quality. Pull back long hair in a band or a cap to keep is from getting caught in tools.
3. Use a respirator. When working in dusty conditions, use a filter-type respirator.
4. Avoid distractions. Keep your mind on your work. Talking, running, pushing, and scuffling can lead to accidents.
5. Keep the work area clean. Keep the floor free of scraps and oil. Cluttered work areas invite accidents.
6. Work only at operating speed. Do not use a power tool before it has reached operating speed or while it is coming to a stop. Never force a tool by applying too much pressure.
7. Never stop moving parts abruptly. Once a power tool has been turned off, allow it to coast to a stop. Never force an object into moving parts to stop a machine. Be sure the tool has come to a complete stop before laying it down.
8. Use both hands. Use both hands to hold and guide material being sawed.
9. Stand in a safe location. Position yourself to avoid being hit if the tool kicks back. Do not stand directly behind the equipment.
10. Remove nails, staples, and loose knots before sawing.
11. Protect the electrical cord. Keep the power cord out of the line of the cut. Serious shock may result if the cord is cut.
12. Keep tools clean and in good repair. Always clean up power tools before putting them away. Avoid using tools that are or appear to be in disrepair.
13. Keep guards in place. Safety guards cannot protect you if they are not in place and in proper working order.
14. Do not leave a machine running unattended. Make sure all moving parts have come to a complete stop before you leave the work area or before you make minor adjustments.
15. Know the machine. Read the operator's manual and learn the applications, limitations, and potential of each power tool before you begin to use it.
16. Know the switch location(s). Remember where the switch is located so you can turn off the machine quickly.
17. Use safe blades. Never use cracked or kinked saw blades. Keep saw blades sharp and properly set.
18. Provide proper ventilation. Especially when using paint spray guns in confined areas, provide adequate ventilation to remove hazardous vapors.