Electrical safety tips for power tools

As more of us are spending time at home these days, with good weather for being outdoors, perhaps we are busy checking things off the “to do” list around the house. If conditions are right for you to be working your way through some do-it-yourself projects, electrical safety always needs to be a priority. In fact, here are a few tips, passed along from the Electrical Safety Foundational International (esfi.org) to keep in mind while completing those projects.

• Always use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) with every power tool to protect against electric shocks.
• Do not use power tools with an extension cord that exceeds 100 feet in length.
• Never use power tools near live electrical wires or water pipes.
• Use extreme caution when cutting or drilling into walls where electrical wires or water pipes could be accidentally touched or penetrated.
• If a power tool trips a safety device while in use, take the tool to a manufacturer-authorized repair center for service.
• When working with electricity, use tools with insulated grips.
• Appropriate personal protective gear should be worn when using power tools.
• Do not use power tools without the proper guards.
• When using a wet-dry vacuum cleaner or a pressure washer, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid electric shock.

Your friends at GRDA want you to stay safe while you complete those projects at home.

GRDA is Oklahoma’s largest public power utility; fully funded by revenues from electric and water sales instead of taxes. Each day, GRDA strives to be an “Oklahoma agency of excellence” by focusing on the 5 E’s: electricity, economic development, environmental stewardship, employees and efficiency. 

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