Pipe benders, much like any other type of power tool or any other kind of tool in general, come with a load of risks when operating them. Shaping a pipe into the right angle requires a lot of force and strength, so you need to make sure that you’re practicing the right kind of safety when operating such a powerful tool. Machines like the REMS Pipe Bender can prove to be very dangerous when placed in unprepared or ignorant hands. One wrong move could result in a life-changing injury, so practicing the proper safety precautions before, during, and after operating the machine can go a long way in avoiding such risks.
Using the REMS pipe bender as well as any other type of bender safely goes well beyond watching your fingers. To use this tool properly to ensure device longevity and your personal safety, be sure to pay close attention to the following information.
Before You Start Bending
Before getting to work, you need to make sure that you look the part. That means donning personal protective gear before working the machine. This includes work pants, closed-toe shoes, long-sleeved shirts that cover your whole arms, safety goggles, and thick, durable gloves. If you’re not careful, the pipe can break while it’s being bent, so you need to make sure that no part of you is exposed.
Also before you start pipe bending, be sure to check both the pipe and the bender. Both need to be free of any clear damages or defects. Trying to work with a broken pipe or machine is asking for trouble. Make sure that the pipe is the correct size and capacity as stated by the manufacturer. If it’s your first time using the bender, carefully read and understand the user manual and/or have someone more experienced demonstrate how to use it.
Prior to connecting the drive unit, you must check that the voltage stated on the rating plate corresponds to the mains voltage. When operating a REMS bender on building sites, in a wet environment, indoors and outdoors, or under similar installation conditions, only operate the power tool on the mains with a fault current protection switch (FI switch) which interrupts the power supply as soon as the leakage current to earth exceeds 30 mA for 200 ms.
During and After Bending
While you’re bending the pipe, you need to keep your hands away from the former. If this machine can easily bend a thick pipe, imagine what it could do to a finger or a whole hand. That’s why you should keep your hands where they’re supposed to be at all times during the whole operation. Always keep your mind on the job and remain focused during the entire process.
Do not use the bender for anything other than pipe bending. Using a machine beyond its purpose can result in hazardous risks and injuries. Once the job is done and the machine has been properly powered down, you can then clean the pipe bender thoroughly to ensure that it can continue to operate at maximum performance. Keeping the pipe clean and well-lubricated regularly can also help with this. You should then store the power tool in a clean and non-humid location, safely out of reach of any children. Regular maintenance and cleaning can help protect the machine’s longevity as well.
By following these safety rules before, during, and after using the pipe bender, you’ll be able to properly avoid risks and injuries at the workspace. However, you can never be truly prepared for all kinds of situations. Accidents can happen anytime, no matter how much you practice safety. Still, it never hurts to be cautious and informed, and there’s no such thing as being too careful.
Safety Precautions for Batteries
Operating a pipe bender takes a lot of juice, so you need to make sure that you’re practicing proper battery safety precautions before, during, and after working with the bender. To begin with, you must only use the right type of battery that goes with the bender. For example, a REMS power tool only uses batteries that come with the tools. Only then is the battery safe from dangerous overloading. This includes taking note of the voltage specified on the rating plate and using the battery and rapid charger only in the specified operating temperature range to avoid injuries and risk of fire due to exploding batteries.
Speaking of the charger, only use the specific charger for the right kind of battery. For example, REMS batteries need to be charged in the REMS rapid charger. There’s a heavy risk of fire if you mismatch them. If this is the first time using the REMS power tool’s battery, make sure to charge it to full capacity before using it. However, never leave charging batteries unattended. This can cause hazards which can lead to material damage and/or injury.
Batteries need to be protected against heat, direct sunlight, fire, moisture, and wetness. They should also be kept away from paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects which could cause bridging of the contacts. Do not use them in areas where there is a risk of explosion and in the vicinity of harmful effects, such as inflammable gases, solvents, dust, fumes, and liquids. Do not try to open the battery or modify its construction, and if it’s damaged in some way, do not use it.
If the battery is damaged, it can cause fumes to escape, which can irritate the respiratory tracts. In case this happens and you inhale these fumes, breathe in fresh air and consult a doctor in case of symptoms. Fluid can also leak from an improperly used battery. In this case, do not touch the fluid as it can cause skin irritation and burns. Rinse the fluid off immediately with water in case of contact, and consult a doctor if the fluid gets into the eyes.
Remove the battery before stowing/storing the power tool for long periods of time and also take it out when it’s empty. Protect the battery contacts against short-circuiting. A cap can help with that. This reduces the risk of fluids escaping from the batteries. Do not throw defective batteries in the normal household waste. Hand the defective batteries over to a recognised disposal company or, if you are using a REMS product, over to an authorised REMS contract service workshop. Observe the national regulations as well. Finally, remember to never recharge non-rechargeable batteries, open them, throw them on fires, or create a short-circuit.