POWER TOOL SAFETY FEATURES: WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND WHY THEY MATTER

Published 4/5/23 by Angelina Dimaggio

 

Over one million people are injured using hand and power tools every year. According to OSHA, employers spend nearly $1 billion weekly on workers' compensation costs. However, you can avoid these costs by using power tools with the appropriate safety features and following proper safety procedures.

Read on to learn about some of the power tools we recommend for top-rated safety and efficiency. 

Safe Saws 

Every year, 40,000 Americans go to the emergency room with injuries sustained while operating table saws. Of these visits, ten a day are amputations.

SawStop

SawStop is America’s #1 table saw. Thanks to the brand’s commitment to safety and advanced technological engineering, SawStop Table Saws retract when they come in contact with skin. The blades carry a small electrical signal that changes when it touches the human body. As soon as someone makes contact, the saw stops, the motor shuts off, and the blade automatically drops below the table. The entire process takes place in less than five milliseconds, omitting the risk of serious injury or further contact.

Every SawStop table saw is meticulously inspected throughout the manufacturing process and again before leaving the facility to ensure each saw has the same level of quality. If you purchase a SawStop Table Saw, rest assured that you have brought a heightened level of safety to your shop. 

Festool

The Festool Cordless Track Saw is more refined, unique and reliable than ever thanks to exclusive safety features like Kickback Stop. Kickback is the number one cause of serious injury when using a track saw. Festool’s Kickback safety features minimize the risk of harm, and protect your workpiece. This can increase productivity, and help you make powerful, precise cuts.

Dust Management

Trips, slip and falls account for 35.3% of all workplace deaths. Keeping a clean work area lessens this risk. Keep your workspace safe and free from saw or concrete dust and debris with air filters, vacuums, and dust extractors from Beaver Industrial Supply.

For in-home or workshop, air filtration, and dust collection, make JET, Powermatic, and Supermax your go-to brands. However, if you need to clean on the move, Festool, Mirka, and Metabo will be the brands you want for jobsite dust extraction.

JET 

Keep your workstation safe and hazard-free by removing dangerous materials from the air. Dust particles can settle over equipment, surrounding surfaces, and even inside your lungs before you notice they are there! The JET JCDC-1.5 Cyclone Dust Collector takes shop clean-up to the next level with a direct mount filter, radio frequency remote control, and a massive collection bin.

Powermatic

Collect virtually all dust particles from your workshop with the Powermatic PM1300TX-BK Dust Collector. Plus, take fewer trips away from your work with a remote-controlled digital timer that can run for up to 99 minutes. 

Supermax

Collect up to 99% of all particles as small as just 5 microns with the 1-1/2 HP Dust Collector.  The machine design eliminates clean-up after wood sanding, so you don’t have to stop being productive. Plus, with four easy-gliding wheels, you can smoothly move the dust collector from the workstation to storage. 

Festool

Keep air 99% cleaner with Festool Dust Extractors. Don’t sweat clean up thanks to the power tool-triggered automatic dust extractor and adjustable suction settings for better results and reduced noise. Most importantly, avoid tripping hazards with built-in cord storage for added safety. 

Mirka

Bring industrial performance with you with the Mirka 6in DEROS Dust-Free Sanding System. Reduce airborne dust by over 99% while sanding. Additionally, Mirka’s autostart ensures the dust extractor only runs when the sander is in use.  

Metabo

Vacuum chips and dust cordlessly with the Metabo AS 18 L PC Cordless Vacuum. With no cords to trip over, you can maneuver around the workspace easily and stop up to 99.995% of fine dust particles. You can also blow, dry, and draw off exhaust air with the vacuum’s integrated blow function. 

Stay Safe 

The best way to prevent workplace injury is to follow strict safety practices and remain attentive and alert when operating power tools. 

Wear appropriate gear like safety goggles and durable, slip-resistant shoes. Be sure you work under proper lighting, and never use a tool that is too difficult or heavy to control. Keep a tidy workspace, and keep blades clean and sharp. 

Finally, be sure you are using the appropriate power tool for the job and that they are equipped with the proper safety features to keep unnecessary accidents from happening. 

View our expansive catalog of power tools today!