Chapter 2 Safety 27 hazardous to use because additional force must be applied to make them cut. Oil or dirt on a tool may cause it to slip, resulting in injury. Here are a few rules to follow regarding hand tools: • Hold hand tools correctly. Most edge tools should be held in both hands with the cutting action away from your body. • Be careful when using your hand or fingers as a guide to start a cut with a handsaw. • Keep edged and pointed tools turned downward. • Carry only a few tools at one time unless they are mounted in a special holder, Figure 2-10. • Do not carry sharp tools in pockets of your clothing. • When not in use, tools should be kept in special boxes, chests, or cabinets. 2.8 Power Tools Before operating any power tool or machine, you must be thoroughly familiar with the way it works and the correct procedures to follow. Read the directions in the owner’s manual, if there is one. Make sure you understand them. Be alert and, above all, use common sense as you work. In general, when you learn to use equipment the correct way, you also learn to use it the safe way, Figure 2-11. If the tool you are using has a power cord, check it to make sure there are no breaks in the insulation. Power cords must not be taped or Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 2-10. A tool belt is a safe, handy method of keeping hand tools close by. Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 2-11. Using a power tool the safe way means wearing safety glasses and making sure all guards are in place and working properly. Do not use a corded tool with a damaged cord. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.