DIY safety tips: Power tools

It's easy to get caught up in the DIY boom that's been sweeping New Zealand and Australia over the last few years. Shows like "The Block" and "House Rules" on both sides of the ditch have resulted in more and more people attempting projects at home. There's nothing quite like completing a job yourself that would otherwise require specialist (and often expensive) help. 

However, it's hugely important to make sure that these different projects are carried out in accordance with the very highest safety standards. The rise in DIY activity has seen an increase in avoidable injuries taking place, and a particular area for concern is the use of power tools. 

DIY power tool use

Power tools are a blessing to home improvers. They make it possible to complete tasks easily and to a high standard, while specialist pieces of equipment are available to tackle any specific challenge that might arise. On the other side of the coin, though, these are pretty powerful pieces of machinery, and they can cause damage if not used responsibly.

According to information reported from ABC, at least one power tool incident is reported every day at Queensland's Princess Alexandra Hospital. This injury rate is simply too high, and there are a few key ways that it can be reduced. 

The right power tools

One of the easiest ways to ensure that you remain safe when working with power tools is to only use the best pieces of equipment. This doesn't necessarily mean top-of-the-line, construction-level drills and saws, but rather tools that have been well-maintained and are up to modern safety standards. That old set of tools you have in the garage may be cheap and freely available, but the risk of malfunction isn't worth it. 

The best option is to rent the power tools that you need from Kennards Hire, where all of our products are in great condition and safe to use. Plus, you can get exactly the right tool that you need, which makes any DIY work that much easier. It's also safer to use specific pieces of equipment, rather than making a compromise. For example, your drill may be fine on wood, but trying to use it on a harder surface could result in a snapped bit, which can be hazardous.

Here at Kennards Hire we have an absolutely huge range of different tools available, so no matter what you're working on, we'll be able to get you exactly the equipment that you need. 

Safe use of power tools

Once you've got the right power tools, you'll need to use them correctly when embarking on your DIY project. The most important first step should be to get familiar with a piece of equipment either through reading the manual or talking to the Kennards Hire team, but there are a few other steps to take before you start working. 

You'll want to inspect the power tool for any damage before you start. Even something as innocuous as a frayed power cable should be flagged and replaced. It's also important to have a safe work space, with any secondary items that you may need such as benches or vices set up before you turn the tool on. 

When you are ready to get started, make sure you're only using the power tool for its designated purpose. If you do need to stop at any stage to swap drill bits or saw blades, always remember to turn the tool off at the wall. 

Of course, if you have any further questions about the safest way to tackle your next DIY project, the team at Kennards Hire are only too happy to assist with any other advice or hire questions.