What Safety Precautions Should I Keep In Mind When Using A Drill?

Drill Safety for Powered Hand Drills

How do you select the proper bit or attachment?

• Follow manufacturers' instructions when selecting and using a bit or attachment, especially with unfamiliar drills or work.
• Select the bit or attachment suitable for the size of the drill and the work being done.
• Ensure that the bit or attachments are properly seated and tightened in the chuck.
• Use only bits and attachments that turn true.
• Use the auxiliary (second) handle for larger work or continuous operation.

What should you do when working with powered hand drills?

• Wear safety glasses or a face shield.
• Keep drill air vents clear to maintain adequate ventilation.
• Keep drill bits sharp always.
• Keep all cords clear of the cutting area during use. Inspect for frays or damage before each use.
• Disconnect power supply before changing or adjusting bit or attachments.
• Tighten the chuck securely. Remove chuck key before starting drill.
• Secure workpiece being drilled to prevent movement
• Slow the rate of feed just before breaking through the surface.
• Drill a small "pilot" hole before drilling large holes.

What should you do when working with small pieces?

• Clamp stock so work will not twist or spin.
• Do not drill with one hand while holding the material with the other.

What should you avoid when working with powered hand drills?

• Do not use a bent drill bit.
• Do not exceed the manufacturer's recommended maximum drilling capacities.
• Do not use a hole saw cutter without the pilot drill.
• Do not use high speed steel (HSS) bits without cooling or using lubrication.
• Do not attempt to free a jammed bit by starting and stopping the drill. Unplug the drill and then remove the bit from the workpiece.
• Do not reach under or around stock being drilled.
• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance.
• Do not raise or lower the drill by its power cord.
• Do not use in wet or muddy locations. Use a nonpowered drill instead.
• Do not use excessive force to drill into hard material. Reduce drill speed if possible.

The following general precautions should be observed by power tool users:

• Never carry a tool by the cord or hose.
• Never yank the cord or the hose to disconnect it from the receptacle.
• Keep cords and hoses away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
• Disconnect tools when not in use, before servicing, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits and cutters.
• All observers should be kept at a safe distance away from the work area.
• Secure work with clamps or a vise, freeing both hands to operate the tool.
• Avoid accidental starting. The worker should not hold a finger on the switch button while carrying a plugged-in tool.
• Tools should be maintained with care. They should be kept sharp and clean for the best performance. Follow instructions in the user's manual for lubricating and changing accessories.
• Be sure to keep good footing and maintain good balance.
• The proper apparel should be worn. Loose clothing, ties, or jewelry can become caught in moving parts.
• All portable electric tools that are damaged shall be removed from use and tagged "Do Not Use."

Source Data:
www.ccohs.ca
www.osha.gov

When using power hand drills, make sure that you are not standing in water, unless you are wearing rubber gloves and leak-proof rubber boots; otherwise you could be electrocuted if there is a short in the wiring. In operating a drill press, clamp down the material being drilled, or clamp down a stop block for protection. This will keep the press from pulling the piece out of your hand and hitting you with it. Never use an electric grinding wheel without wearing a face shield or safety glasses. More than one worker has suffered permanent eye damage when a small piece of metal flew up and entered his eye. Also, the wheel could break and fly into your face.

Usually, women do not operate power woodworking equipment at home. But occasionally women use electric power tools themselves, and when they do they too should observe these safety rules.

Fathers should give their sons good instruction on safe use of hand and electric tools. School instruction classes also are very good, as is home study through various fine books on safe woodworking.

It is important for a person who enjoys working with wood to develop good habits in using his tools. Someday his thoughts may wander for a moment while he is working. Then, without thinking, his good habit will take over and automatically he will make the safe movement, never putting his hand in the wrong position. So get safe work habits clearly in mind. Always make yourself follow them and they will afford you the pleasure of safe home woodworking.

You should When using power hand drills, make sure that you are not standing in water, unless you are wearing rubber gloves and leak-proof rubber boots; otherwise you could be electrocuted if there is a short in the wiring. In operating a drill press, clamp down the material being drilled, or clamp down a stop block for protection. This will keep the press from pulling the piece out of your hand and hitting you with it. Never use an electric grinding wheel without wearing a face shield or safety glasses. More than one worker has suffered permanent eye damage when a small piece of metal flew up and entered his eye. Also, the wheel could break and fly into your face.