Electrical Safety and Power Tools

Power tools are one of the greatest conveniences for getting handyman jobs and professional jobs done quickly, but since power tools often run on electricity, it is essential that safety instructions are followed.

Here are a few quick power tool safety tips.

Tip 1 - Always use the correct power tool for the environment.Power tools that are made for outdoor use have better insulation, heavier wiring and a three way grounded plug.

Tip 2 - Keep your power cord tangle free and away from the tool "action" zone.

Tip 3 - If you get any nicks or cuts in the cord, inspect them immediately. If it severe consider replacing the cord. As a last resort use tape to shield it from the elements for minor nicks.

Tip 4 - Inspect the power cord and all connections regularly for signs of breakage.

Tip 5 - Avoid using electric power tools on wet surfaces as water is a good electrical conductor. In combination with other factors - broken cords, machine malfunctions etc, it can put you at risk of shock.

Tip 6 - Never immerse your power tool in water - seems obvious but has to be said.

Tip 7 - Keep your work area clean - dust can ignite from a spark. Avoid using power tools near flammable liquids or gas.

Tip 8 - Follow any specific instructions from the manufacturer.

Ok, so these are some safety tips, nothing beats a safety consciousness and putting safety as a priority when using power tools. So be safe and enjoy your work.

Graeme Sprigge is the webmaster of Power Tools Info. For more information on power tools and accessories of all types visit Power Tools Info

In The News:

Yahoo! News: Top Stories

President-elect Barack Obama is welcomed by President George W. Bush for a meeting at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, with former presidents, from left, George H.W. Bush, Bill  Clinton, and Jimmy Carter.  (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)AP - President-elect Barack Obama hailed a rare Oval Office gathering of all U.S. presidents as an extraordinary event on Wednesday as the current occupant, President George W. Bush, reminded his predecessors and successor that the office "transcends the individual."



President-elect Barack Obama names Nancy Killefer, left, to the newly created position of chief performance officer, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, at his transition office  Washington. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)AP - President-elect Barack Obama said Wednesday that reforming massive government entitlement programs — such as Social Security and Medicare — would be "a central part" of his effort to control federal spending.



Illinois U.S. Senate Appointee Roland Burris smiles as he meets with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev. on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)AP - Roland Burris says he expects "very shortly" to represent the state of Illinois in the U.S. Senate. The man appointed to the vacant seat by Gov. Rod Blagojevich says he expects resolution soon of the remaining issues standing in the way of his taking President-elect Barack Obama's former spot.



Bundles of one dollar bills at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. The provisional US budget deficit in 2008/2009 will balloon to a record 1.2 trillion dollars, the Congressional Budget Office said Wednesday.(AFP/File/Shawn Thew)AP - The federal budget deficit will hit an unprecedented $1.2 trillion for the 2009 budget year, according to grim new Congressional Budget Office figures.



Palestinians read leaflets dropped by an Israeli aircraft over their houses in Rafah refugee camp, southern Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009. Residents on the Gaza-Egypt border say Israel dropped leaflets in the area, urging them to leave, presumably because of planned air strikes. Israel TV's Channel 10 said residents were given until 8 p.m. Wednesday to get out. Hamas' weapons smuggling tunnels are located in the area, and Israel has already destroyed dozens of them in repeated airstrikes. (AP Photo/Eyad Baba)AP - Israeli airstrikes and Hamas rockets resumed on Wednesday after a brief lull to allow food and fuel to reach Palestinian civilians in Gaza, where an Israeli warplane dropped leaflets urging residents to flee because of imminent attacks.



AP - Heavy rain across the South on Wednesday caused flooding, school and road closures and a landslide that destroyed a home in North Carolina.

AP - Mississippi now has the nation's highest teen pregnancy rate, displacing Texas and New Mexico for that lamentable title, according to a new federal report released Wednesday.

In this Oct. 15, 2008 file photo, rapper Jay-Z performs at the grand reopening of the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.  (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, file)AP - Jay-Z isn't performing at President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration, but he is planning to make a big splash on the eve of the event.



In a  photo provided by the 'Tiergarten Nuremberg' zoo in Nuremberg, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009 'Flocke', the young female polar bear left, seen with a young, nameless male polar bear from Russia. Nuremberg's celebrity polar bear cub, Flocke, has a new friend: a Russian bear. The city's zoo says it introduced the male polar bear Wednesday to 1-year-old Flocke, who was raised by zookeepers after her mother rejected her. (AP Photo/Tiergarten Nuremberg) * EDITORIAL USE ONLY * NO SALES *AP - Nuremberg's celebrity polar bear cub, Flocke, has a new friend: a Russian bear.



In this April 6, 2001, file photo, Oakland Athletics' Jason Giambi holds the American League MVP trophy over his head in a ceremony prior to the Athletics' baseball game against the Anaheim Angels in Oakland, Calif. Giambi might just finish his career where it began more than a decade ago. The free-agent first baseman was nearing a deal Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009, to return to the Athletics nearly 14 years after making his debut with the club, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File)AP - Jason Giambi is returning to his professional baseball roots with the Oakland Athletics.



Palestinian women mourn as they watch the funeral of Palestinians killed at a U.N. school, in Jabalya in the northern Gaza Strip January 7, 2009. (Mohammed Salem/Reuters)Reuters - Hundreds of embattled Palestinians ventured outside to shop for food on Wednesday during a three-hour Gaza truce, a first step toward an Egyptian-proposed ceasefire under discussion by Israel and Hamas.



President Bush greets President-elect Barack Obama at the White House, November 10, 2008. (Joshua Roberts/Reuters)Reuters - The U.S. budget deficit will swell to a record $1.186 trillion in fiscal 2009 as the global recession saps the economy, congressional forecasters said on Wednesday, presenting a daunting challenge to President-elect Barack Obama who has said tough choices will be necessary.



Illinois Senate appointee Roland Burris during a new conference at Midway Airport in Chicago, before leaving for Washington D.C., January 5, 2009. (Jeff Haynes/Reuters)Reuters - In an abrupt switch, Senate Democratic leaders began talks on Wednesday about swearing in former Illinois attorney general Roland Burris, nominated by embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the Senate.



A man walks past a store advertising a sale in Virginia, November 28, 2008. (Larry Downing/Reuters)Reuters - Job losses and plans to lay off workers hammered the struggling U.S. economy in the final month of 2008, according to private reports that could foreshadow surprisingly grim labor market data from the government on Friday.



A door gunner on a U.S. Army Chinook helicopter keeps a watch on the terrain during a resupply mission in eastern Afghanistan December 25, 2008. (Bob Strong/Reuters)Reuters - Defense Secretary Robert Gates has told Congress that a planned buildup of U.S. forces in Afghanistan could add $5.5 billion to U.S. war costs in the current federal fiscal year, officials said on Wednesday.



Bernard Madoff is escorted in a vehicle from Federal Court in New York, January 5, 2009. (Lucas Jackson/Reuters)Reuters - One of the packages accused swindler Bernard Madoff sent in violation of a court order contained about 13 watches, a diamond necklace and other valuables worth more than $1 million, prosecutors said in court papers released on Wednesday.



Graphic shows countries affected by the cutoff of Russia’s natural gas pipelines through Ukraine; 2 c x 3 in; 96.3 mm x 76.2 mmReuters - Russia shut down all gas flows to Europe through Ukraine on Wednesday and told Kiev it would restore supplies only after it had signed a new contract at prices comparable to those paid by European countries.



Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Tehran, December 25, 2008. (Morteza Nikoubazl/Reuters)Reuters - President-elect Barack Obama should seek tougher sanctions against Iran, which will be his biggest Middle East challenge, outgoing White House national security adviser Stephen Hadley said on Wednesday.



Smoke billows following an Israel air strike in Rafah near the Gaza Strip's border with Egypt. Top Israeli ministers on Wednesday approved an even tougher war on Hamas despite warming to a new ceasefire initiative and briefly silencing its guns to let Gaza City residents hunt for food and fuel.(AFP/Said Khatib)AFP - Top Israeli ministers on Wednesday approved an even tougher war on Hamas despite warming to a new ceasefire initiative and briefly silencing its guns to let Gaza City residents hunt for food and fuel.



An employee makes a routine check at a natural gas control center of German E-On Natural Gas Storage Closed Company Limited in Hajduszoboszlo, more than 200 kms east of Budapest, Hungary. All deliveries of Russian gas through Ukraine were halted Wednesday, depriving tens of thousands of Europeans of heat in freezing weather and raising the stakes in a bitter dispute between Moscow and Kiev.(AFP/Attila Kisbenedek)AFP - All deliveries of Russian gas through Ukraine were halted Wednesday, depriving tens of thousands of Europeans of heat in freezing weather and raising the stakes in a bitter dispute between Moscow and Kiev.




Choosing a Home Construction or Remodeling Contractor

Choosing the right Contractor is the most important aspect of any home... Read More

Spring Deck Prep Tips

It's finally spring! Time to move out the patio furniture and get... Read More

A Checklist for Bathroom Remodeling Plans

Careful planning is the key to a successful bathroom-remodeling project. Before you... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Garage Conversions - What Value Do They Add?

Most conversion works to an existing structure is often more expensive than... Read More

Designing Your Log Home: Tips To Keep You Out of Trouble

Nearly every log home is a custom design, whether you are altering... Read More

Non Slip Maintenance Of Honed Interior Marble

A honed finish is a satin surface with relatively little light reflection.... Read More

Gas Stoves - Pros and Cons

Gas stoves are those preferred by professionals. The heat distribution is more... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Pre-application Enquiries to the Council - Is the Delay Worthwhile?

The holiday season is now in full swing & for about the... Read More

Buying the Right Garage Door Opener

If you have recently built a new garage you might be having... Read More

Fixer-Uppers: What To Fix

You've bought a house, a fixer-upper you can make some money on.... Read More

Replacement or Retrofit Style Frame? Which is Right for You?

Last week I told you how to measure for your vinyl replacement... Read More

Laminate Flooring is Built for the Twenty First Century

The tradition of hardwood floors dates back hundreds of years, their beauty... Read More

Make Your House A Home

When thinking about polished floors, cushions in place, an exquisite flower arrangement,... Read More

Roof Cleaning - Making Your Old Roof Look Like New!

Many Florida residents that have come from the North are surprised by... Read More

Luxury Bedding is More Than Just Thread Count

Thread count is the most widely referred to term when searching for... Read More

Hand Hooked Rugs

Hand hooked rugs are a great way to add splendor to a... Read More

Art and Design

Maybe you've faced it before ? a new house with an empty... Read More

Rodent Proofing Your Home

It's that time of year where rats and mice are apt to... Read More

Remodel Your Kitchen or Bathroom For The Best ROI!

Trying to decide which home improvement project to tackle next? To start... Read More

Choosing Blinds For Damp Atmospheres

There are some important things to consider when choosing blinds for the... Read More

The Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping for a Mattress

Buying a new mattress is a daunting task that few relish. The... Read More

How to Collect Physical Mold Growth Samples for Low-Cost Mold Laboratory Identification of Mold Spec

How to Collect Physical Mold Growth Samples for Low-Cost Mold Laboratory Identification... Read More

Inspecting your Swimming Pool

With the varied availability of swimming pool equipment and designs, you have... Read More

Your Shower Door Can Have A Huge Impact On The Look And Feel Of Your Bathroom!

These days shower doors come in a wide variety of styles and... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Is Todays Popular Quest For Contemporary Design The New Bad Taste

Can you remember when people used to install slatted louvre windows as... Read More

Eclectic Patio Furniture Shows Your Style

Your home's interior is exquisitely decorated in your favorite style; why not... Read More

Small Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

Any remodeling idea for a small kitchen must address the following issues:... Read More

A Few Concrete Suggestions

Up until a few years ago, my professional experience was in industries... Read More

Hardwood Floor Care Will Keep Your Hardwood Looking Fantastic

Hardwood is still the homeowner's favorite choice of flooring and caring for... Read More

Painting and Decorating Tile

Ceramic tile can be beautiful and elegant. But it can also be... Read More

Swim Spas Make a Big Splash with Baby Boomers

If you are an aging baby boomer like I am, you may... Read More

All You Need To Know About The Feng Shui Bagua Map

The feng shui bagua map is an octagonal shaped map which allows... Read More

Kitchen Remodel - How to Survive

You have decided to make the plunge and begin to plan your... Read More

Building Your Dream Home ? Part 2

Razing the CottageWith new house plans and permits in hand, subcontractors hired... Read More

Natural Gas vs Charcoal Grills ? Which One Is Right For You?

Barbequing outdoors is a pleasure that anyone can partake in and with... Read More

Tips To Improve The Quality Of Your Outdoor Space And Patio

It's easy to get overwhelmed trying to figure out just how to... Read More

Prepare for Winter Before It Arrives

Even though we are still enjoying warm weather and winter seems far... Read More

5 Reasons to Make Early Spring Firewood Time at Your Home

As the weather hints of warmth and the spring buds appear on... Read More

Pool Supplies Should Also Contain Safety

A swimming pool with attached spa has just been installed in your... Read More

A Beautiful Carpet Sets The Mood Of Any Room

The first discovered carpet dates back to 1480 BC in the form... Read More

How To Ward Off House Thief

To most of us, security at home is very important. Ever experienced... Read More

Why Laminate Flooring is the Perfect Choice for Families

If you've ever had carpets or vinyl flooring you've probably had your... Read More

A Beginner?s Guide to Buying House Plans

Learn How to Select a House Plan That Will Result in The... Read More

So You?ve Put an Offer on a Home. What?s Next?

You've finally found the home of your dreams, 3 bedrooms, attached garage,... Read More

Building a Home Addition

Besides providing your home with more living space, a home addition can... Read More

Are Your Ducts Making You Sick?

If you have a heating or cooling systems that uses air ducts,... Read More

Home Remodeling: Colors and Temperature Perception

Colors contain underlying psychological meanings and evoke particular feelings when we see... Read More