Safety tips to implement while using pipe cutters

cutter-87704_1280

While cutting through pipes, you are working through high strength material, applying a reasonably high amount of force and therefore risking injury to yourself or the people around you. Most pipe cutters are powerful enough to cut through plastic, PVC or metal without bending or twisting, and can therefore cause substantial bodily harm if not properly handled.You will therefore need to take precautions while cutting through pipes, and this piece points you in the right direction.

  1. Position the blade away from you

You will be cutting through all sorts of pipes. While some will be rough and therefore safe to handle, others can be too smooth, and therefore slippery. In the event that something triggers your hand to slip, then the blade will slip too, and you do not know what will happen if it finds you unguarded. To prevent against this eventuality, you have to ensure that the blade points away from you, so that if your hand slips, the blade falls away from you and not towards you.

  1. Dress up for the occasion

While cutting through pipe, shards of metal may fly your way. In addition, dust particles present on the pipe you are cutting through could make their way into your eyes, and this may cause all sort of problems with your eyesight. You will need to find a good set of safety goggles to wear during the cutting process. To keep your hands covered, throw in a set of hard, strong gloves on.

  1. Follow instructions

The pipe cutter you intend to use comes with a set of instructions on the proper way of handling. You will need to understand that instructions exist for a reason and follow them to the end. If you do not know how to use the device, look at the manuals and see how the whole thing goes. You are only able to take care when you know precisely how to go about using pipe cutting appliances. Learn to cut around angled areas and tight spaces, as these provide a great safety test.

  1. Ensure that the blade is sharp

Many plumbers believe that having a dull blade keeps them safer because it is far less likely to slide and harm the user. However, this is untrue. A dull blade will keep the task going on longer than necessary. It will also cause a lot of friction between your hand and the holding area. This tension will then move through, residing between the blade and the pipe. You are therefore very exposed to injury in this position. A sharp blade has a flawless cut, ensuring that the process is smooth, fast and effective.

  1. Store the cutter away

When you are done, put the device away safely, do not simply throw it blade up in to your toolbox, as it may injure you in the future. Leaving it lying around the workshop floor or bench will not cut it either. Find a protective sleeve. It helps.

A pipe cutter can be handy, but it can also prove dangerous. Following safety precautions can be hectic, but the alternative here is the emergency room, and you certainly do not need that.

You may also like...