f) Do not use a damaged accessory. Before each use inspect the accessory such as abrasive wheels
for chips and cracks, backing pad for cracks, tear or excess wear, wire brush for loose or cracked wires.
If power tool or accessory is dropped, inspect for damage or install an undamaged accessory. After
inspecting and installing an accessory, position yourself and bystanders away from the plane of the
rotating accessory and run the power tool at maximum no-load speed for one minute. Damaged
accessories will normally break apart during this test time.
g) Wear personal protective equipment. Depending on application, use face shield, safety goggles or
safety glasses. As appropriate, wear dust mask, hearing protectors, gloves and workshop apron
capable of stopping small abrasive or workpiece fragments. The eye protection must be capable of
stopping flying debris generated by various operations. The dust mask or respirator must be capable of
filtrating particles generated by your operation. Prolonged exposure to high intensity noise may cause
hearing loss.
h) Keep bystanders a safe distance away from work area. Anyone entering the work area must wear
personal protective equipment. Fragments of workpiece or of a broken accessory may fly away and
cause injury beyond immediate area of operation.
i) Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces only, when performing an operation where the
cutting accessory may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Cutting accessory contacting a “live” wire
may make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
j) Position the cord clear of the spinning accessory. If you lose control, the cord may be cut or
snagged and your hand or arm may be pulled into the spinning accessory.
k) Never lay the power tool down until the accessory hascome to a complete stop. The spinning
accessory may grab the surface and pull the power tool out of your control.
l) Do not run the power tool while carrying it at your side. Accidental contact with the spinning
accessory could snag your clothing, pulling the accessory into your body.
m) Regularly clean the power tool’s air vents. The motor’s fan will draw the dust inside the housing
and excessive accumulation of powdered metal may cause electrical hazards.
n) Do not operate the power tool near flammable materials. Sparks could ignite these materials.
o) Do not use accessories that require liquid coolants. Using water or other liquid coolants may result
in electrocution or shock.
2) Kickback and related warnings
Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched or snagged rotating wheel, backing pad, brush or any other
accessory. Pinching or snagging causes rapid stalling of the rotating accessory which in turn causes
the uncontrolled power tool to be forced in the direction opposite of the accessory’s rotation at the point
of the binding.
For example, if an abrasive wheel is snagged or pinched by the workpiece, the edge of the wheel that is
entering into the pinch point can dig into the surface of the material causing the wheel to climb out or
kick out. The wheel may either jump toward or away from the operator, depending on direction of the
wheel’s movement at the point of pinching. Abrasive wheels may also break under these conditions.
Kickback is the result of power tool misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or conditions and can
be avoided by taking proper precautions as given below.
a) Maintain a firm grip on the power tool and position your body and arm to allow you to resist
kickback forces. Always use auxiliary handle, if provided, for maximum control over kickback or torque
reaction during start-up. The operator can control torque reactions or kickback forces, if proper
precautions are taken.
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