Essential safety practices and PPE requirements for common power tools. Helps prevent injuries and establish safe workshop habits.
These rules apply to ALL power tools - no exceptions!
Eye Protection - ALWAYS
Hearing Protection - Above 85dB
Respiratory Protection
Clothing & Accessories
⚠️ #1 Cause of Serious DIY Injuries
Kickback can happen in milliseconds - respect this tool
Required Safety Practices
Kickback Prevention
Safe Operating Zone
Minimum 36" clearance in front and behind the saw
24" on either side for maneuvering
Critical Safety Rules
Body Position
Cord Management
Safe Operation
Work Support
Common Hazards
Critical Rules
Feed Direction
PPE Requirements
Secure the workpiece - Never hold small pieces by hand
Use the clutch - Prevents wrist injury from torque
Clear bit path - Check what's behind the material
Start slow - Especially with large bits
Watch for bit binding - Can twist drill from your hands
Long hair danger - Can wrap around bit instantly
Battery safety:
⚠️ High-Risk Tool
Discs can shatter at high RPM - always use guard
Critical Safety Rules
Required PPE
Secure workpiece firmly - Vibration can walk piece around
Keep base plate flat - Prevents binding and breakage
Know what's behind the cut - Blades are long
Let blade stop before setting down
Use correct blade for material - Wrong blade = dangerous
Recip saw specifics:
Environment
Electrical Safety
Fire Safety
| Tool | Typical dB | Protection Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Hand drill | 85-90 | Recommended |
| Circular saw | 100-105 | Required |
| Router | 95-105 | Required |
| Miter saw | 100-110 | Required |
| Table saw | 95-105 | Required |
| Planer | 100-110 | Required |
Damage begins at sustained 85dB exposure. Use hearing protection!
First aid kit - Stock for cuts, splinters, eye flush
Know your shutoffs - Circuit breaker, shop vac emergency stop
Phone accessible - Not buried under material
Tell someone - Let others know when you're in the shop
Know your exits - Keep paths clear
If injured:
Power tools make work faster and easier, but they demand respect. Table saws alone cause over 30,000 emergency room visits annually in the US. Most power tool injuries are preventable by following basic safety rules: wearing appropriate PPE, using guards and safety devices, and maintaining focus on what you're doing. A moment of inattention can result in a lifetime of consequences.
This guide covers universal safety rules that apply to all power tools, specific safety requirements for common tools like table saws, circular saws, routers, and grinders, appropriate PPE for different operations, and workshop safety practices. You'll learn the most dangerous aspects of each tool and how to mitigate those risks.
Whether you're a beginner setting up your first workshop or an experienced user who wants a safety refresher, this reference helps you work more safely. No project is worth an injury - take the time to do it right.
Safety complacency develops with experience - experienced users often have more injuries than beginners because they skip safety steps. This guide helps maintain awareness of critical safety practices.