Rigid shop vac safety

Sponsored Links

Rigid shop vacs are generally rugged machines that are designed for some pretty harsh environments. Nevertheless, proper safety practices must be followed to avoid injury and accidents even when using these rugged rigid shop vacs. In this article, we will briefly outline some of the safety precautions that must be taken. Of course, you must read and understand ALL of the safety precautions that are recommended by the manufacturer by reading the Rigid shop vac manual for the specific model that you have purchased.

The cardinal safety point is never to use your Rigid shop vac near or to vacuum up any combustible materials; because there are sparks generated in the motor assembly, this could pose a significant fire hazard. Using the vac to remove toxic materials is another safety hazard. Always use the proper filter cartridges that are rated for the specific material being vacuumed.

A key safety hazard can be posed by improper use of the electrical features of the shop vac. Using the electrical cord as a tugging device to drag the shop vac around is a bad practice. When using extension cords, always check for the proper electrical rating. Additionally, if there is wetness on the floor where the shop vac is located and if you are using an extension cord, ensure that the connection point of the supplied cord and the electrical extension cord does not touch any wet surfaces.

The shop vac is a useful shop tool and must be treated with respect and care. Playing around the shop vac or using it as a toy can cause significant injury. Use of all of the necessary safety gear such as ear protection headsets, eye protection safety glasses and if working in a highly dusty area, using proper respiratory protection, etc are all good safe operating practices. By following simple safety procedures, you will be able to enjoy your Rigid shop vac for a very long time.