Safety in the use of hand sanders should always be a priority for those who handle them. Therefore, this series of precautionary measures must be taken:
1. Before you start using the sander, you should check that it is in perfect condition, which includes its protections and insulations. The piece to be worked on must be stable and the sandpaper properly adapted to the device. In addition, it must be ensured, checking the technical specifications of the device, that the power grid we are going to use is adequate.
2. In addition to holding the hand sander with both hands, avoiding holding with one the material we are going to sand, during use it should never be released until it has stopped completely.
It is convenient to be aware take the posture that is being work , so that it is not harmful to the back and neck. The sander must never be forced and it is necessary to stop if any symptoms of damage, excessive heating, etc. can be seen.
3. Whenever we want to check the device, or replace some of its abrasives or other accessories, we must do it with the device disconnected from the electricity current.
4. As for the dust, shavings and other materials that appear when sanding, if possible you should vacuum at the same time (some sanders already perform this function), but never blow it.
These are other safety measures that whenever we work with a hand sander we must carry out:
5. Eye protection. It is essential to protect the eyes with safety glasses to prevent any chip, fiber or sanding particle from penetrating and damaging the eyesight. The small particles that come off during sanding, even when we have equipment that collects them, are a common cause of eye injuries if the appropriate risk prevention measures are not taken. The damage can be caused, even, by particles that move at low speed, such as dust. The safety glasses chosen must not only protect the eyes from impacts, but also be resistant to scratches.
6. Nasal protection. Protecting the airways by means of a mask to prevent the suspended dust generated during sanding from being inhaled by the operator is crucial. Inhalation of any type of airborne substance can lead to serious health disorders, even if that inhalation is brief. The protective equipment can be filtering or insulating. The protective masks, which are inside the first group, only cover the lower part of the face and can be with or without a valve. All of them have filters and adapters for the nostrils.
7. Hand protection. It is advisable to wear anti-vibration gloves to reduce fatigue caused by vibrations generated during sanding. The constant repetition of certain short movements can cause trauma to the joints of the wrists, elbows and the hands themselves, something that should be avoided. The gloves are also a protective element to avoid possible abrasions, chafing, cuts and burns, both with the machine itself and with the material on which it is working.
8. Hearing protection. Depending on the material you are going to work on, sanding can cause a high noise. To protect against it, especially if the noise lasts for a while, hearing protectors, sometimes called earmuffs, must be used.
