There's nothing more satisfying than doing a job around the house with your own hands, and having the proper tools makes it easier to get those jobs done.
And those home improvement projects are made even more desirable to accomplish now that the weather isn't a hindrance.
Nowadays those home improvement projects have gotten a little easier with a wide assortment of affordable power tools for the home handyman.
But power tools are dangerous in the hands of the inexperienced and those who don't follow the simple safety procedures necessary in the operation of such tools.
For example, the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that in the United States about 37,000 people every year go to emergency rooms with injuries from nail guns.
As dangerous as a small handgun, a nail firing out of a nail gun travels at 490 feet per second.
According to the CDC, 40 percent of those injuries occur to consumers as nail gun injuries have tripled from 1991 to 2005, with foot and hand injuries among the most common.
Also, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that treating nail gun wounds costs at least $338 million per year nationally in emergency medical care, rehabilitation and workers' compensation.
Overall, it's estimated that nationwide there are about 125,000 serious injuries due to power tools annually with 90 percent of those injuries being lacerations and similar type injuries.
As dangerous as the nail gun is, the power table-saw is almost its equal as it causes around 32,000 related injuries every year.
And the common causes of those injuries are: inattention through repetition, an unexpected event, inexperience and overconfidence.
Whether it be using an air, gasoline, electrical or hydraulic powered tool, injuries can include electric shock, falling, hearing loss, ergonomic injuries, flash burns, eye injuries and crushing or losing a body part.
Here are a few safety rules when using portable power tools:
- Use the right tool for the job. Never use a tool for a job it wasn't designed to do. Make sure you're familiar with your tools and know how to use them properly.
- Select tools that fit the hand comfortably, have soft grips that don't cut into your hand, and are not too heavy.
- Select tools with reduced vibration and noise levels.
- Keep secure footing and balance when you use tools. The area where you're standing shouldn't be slippery or cluttered.
- Use tools on a stable work surface. Hold the work with a vise or clamps if necessary.
- Use tools in a well-lighted area.
- Avoid awkward positions when using power tools. Some tools are poorly designed and force you to work with unnecessary strain on your wrist, arm, shoulder or back. Use tools with a better design.
- Make sure you have enough work space to work, and can keep your body at a comfortable angle to the work. Adjust the position of the tool or the orientation of the work surface, to minimize bending your wrist or body, reaching or twisting.
- Keep tools where they belong. Never leave them on a ladder, scaffold or overhead work space. Keep them where they won't fall on someone or trip someone.
Also, according to the University of Maine Extension Service, it's important that you keep a first aid kit at hand and a telephone with a list of emergency numbers. Install an all-purpose fire extinguisher and smoke alarms in the area where tools are used.
Other safety tips, include:
- Choose the correct tool for the job.
- Keep work areas around power tools clean and organized.
- Wear eye, hearing and respiratory protection when warranted.
- Do not wear gloves when working with most tools.
- Always wear eye protection when working with metal.
- Do not wear sandals, open-toed or canvas shoes when working with tools.
- Avoid loose-fitting clothes that might become entangled in a power tool.
- Remove rings and other jewelry.
- Do not operate power tools when you are ill, taking strong medications, fatigued or consuming alcoholic drinks.
- Do not smoke while working with tools.
May is National Electrical Safety Month
Every year in the United States, home electrical problems account for an estimated 53,600 fires. These fires also cause more than 500 deaths, injure 1,400 people and account for $1.2 billion in property damage.
According to Southern Power District, which is based in Grand Island, many of these fires occur in aging homes.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, half of the homes in the United States were built prior to 1973.
If you live in an older home, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your property, according to Southern Power District.
- Tamper resistant outlets are standard wall outlets that feature an internal shutter mechanism that protects children from sticking objects into the receptacle. These devices are easy to install in older homes. They can be replaced for as little as two dollars per outlet in existing homes.
- Check the wattage of all bulbs in your lights. Are they the appropriate wattage for the size of the fixture?
- Check all lamp cords and extension cords. Are cords placed out of walking areas and free of furniture resting on them? Are cords in good condition? If not, do not repair them yourself. Be sure you are not using extension cords for permanent house wiring. Have receptacles installed where they are needed.
- Check all wall outlets and switches. Are they working properly? Are they cool to the touch? Do you hear crackling, sizzling or buzzing? Call a licensed electrician if you do. Replace cracked outlet and switch cover plates.
- Check all kitchen counter top appliances. Are all cords placed away from hot surfaces? Are all appliances located away from the sink? Do appliance cords hang off counter or table tops? They are likely to catch on people passing by.
