Here's What NOT To Do When Using Cutting Tools

I used to have a book called the The Darwin Awards; which you've probably heard of as it was pretty popular and a film based on some of the stories from the book ended up being released (the book itself is a pretty fun, if a little morbid, read). For those who haven't heard of it though it basically documents stories of people who have died due to doing something stupid. For example, cutting a tree branch off with a saw when you're sat on it is one of the things that would earn you one - provided you die of course. Funnily enough the safety tip I'm going to give you today is similar to the branch story, except you can substitute the branch for a massive pipe.

Although the video is titled 'welding accident' the guy sat on the pipe is actually using a cutting torch. Clambering up on the pipe to cut it probably ran through his mind as a good idea, although anyone else with an ounce of common sense will know that the pipe is going to be harboring a lot of tension. What happens when you slice something in half with a cutting tool that's holding a lot of tension? It fires off and flings anyone whose unfortunate to be sat on that half into the air.

To be fair on the bloke it's a tough job to handle when something as big as this pipe is under tension, but following safety procedures (e.g not sitting on the thing) can be the difference between a safe and trouble-free cut to suddenly finding yourself halfway in the air. Practice safety using cutting tools and you will be fine.

(Via Toolmonger)