| • |
Always keep safely in mind before you do any diy activity,
use caution, care, and good judgement - if in doubt, don't ! |
| • |
Always read the labels on cans containing paints, solvents,
and other products; AND always follow the guidelines and any
other warnings. |
| • |
Always read the manufacturer's instructions (especially the
warnings) before using any tool, especially power tools with
cutting blades/bits. |
| • |
Always pay deliberate attention to how a tool works, if you
understand it's operation, you are less likely to cause injury. |
| • |
Always know and accept the limitations of your tools - use
the appropriate tool for the task. Do not try to use a tool
for anything it is not designed to do. |
| • |
Always remove the key from any drill chuck (hand or stand
mounted) after you have removed/fitted a drill bit. Do not leave
the key in the chuck even when the drill is switched off. |
| • |
Always wear the appropriate protection for the job in hand.
This may involve gloves, facemasks (to filter dust etc.) and/or
eye protection. |
| • |
Always keep your body (especially hands) away from the business
ends of power tools using blades, cutters, and bits. |
| • |
Always make sure that any tool adjustment is secured before
using the tool - it is always better to double check an adjustment
- e.g., always check the fence on a saw bench - this will avoid
possible injury and scraped material. |
| • |
Always be sure that the electrical supply is safe before using
it; do not overload any circuit. Make sure all power tools,
extension cables and electrical outlets are serviceable and
undamaged. Do not use power tools in wet conditions. |
| • |
Always check for possible cables/pipework before drilling
or cutting 'blind' into any wall or other surface. Take care
when you cannot see the reverse side of what you are drilling
or cutting. |
| • |
Always use special care when using a saw bench; older benches
may not have the latest safest features (blade guard, safety
cut-out etc.). Avoid sawing short pieces if you can, as these
can be hard to keep a firm grip of. |
| • |
Always clamp small workpieces firmly to a bench or other work
surface when using a power tool on them. |
| • |
Always remember that things can go wrong very quickly and
the body's reaction will not always be quick enough. |
| • |
Always use both hands where a tool is designed to be used
two handed. |
| • |
Always ensure that the work area is adequately lit. |
| • |
Always check your local building regulations before carrying
out any new construction or major remodelling. The regulations
are intended to avoid safety hazards and should be observed
- they should not be considered obstructions to be circumvented.
|
| • |
Always check ladders and steps before use, make sure the rungs
and sides are undamaged. |
| • |
Always check the security of a ladder or set of steps before
you start to climb. |
| • |
Always be aware and alert! |
| • |
Never wear loose clothing, hanging hair or jewellery when
using power tools. |
| • |
Never try to use a tool (especially a power tool) for any
task it was not designed to do. |
| • |
Never work with power tools when you are under the influence
of alcohol or drugs or are tired. If in doubt - don't. Any of
these factors can impair judgement of your ability, your physical
state and general safety aspects - if always better to delay
a job than risk serious injury. |
| • |
Never use a power tool which is damaged in any way (case,
switch or cable etc.). If it starts to make an odd noise or
emit smells - stop and investigate. |
| • |
Never cut small, loose pieces of wood, metal or other material
using a power tool - small off-cuts which you cannot hold or
secure, will tend to fly off with potential for injury. |
| • |
Never change a drill bit, router cutter or saw blade or make
any adjustment to a 'cutting' power tool - until the power cable
has been unplugged. Do not rely only upon the switch on the
tool or outlet. |
| • |
Never use power tools is you are at risk of overbalancing,
reposition any ladder, scaffold etc. to make the job comfortable.
|
| • |
Never work with blunt tools (saws, drill bits, cutters etc.).
Sharpen the tools yourself, have them sharpened, or throw them
away and use a new tool. |
| • |
Never use a power tool on a workpiece which is not firmly
secured. |
| • |
Never drill or cut 'blind' into a surface before checking
the possible location of electrical cables or pipework. |
| • |
Never saw a large workpiece unless it is well supported both
sides of the cut or there is someone else to support the off-cut.
|
| • |
Never saw a workpiece supported on any part of your body (or
anyone else's body !). |
| • |
Never carry sharp tools in your pocket. If you want to carry
such tools, use a special-purpose tool belt. |
| • |
Never relay on your weight to stabilise a ladder or mobile
steps, if necessary get someone to stand at the bottom or use
stabilisers. |
| • |
Never overreach when working on a ladder or steps, always
re-position the ladder/steps. |
