Tool Safety | Gellban

Every tool comes with an instruction manual. Read it fully before first use – even if you have used a similar tool before. Different tools have different risks and safety features.

Minimum recommended PPE for woodworking:

Safety glasses or goggles – always, for every task
Ear protection – for loud tools (planers, routers, table saws)
Dust mask (FFP2 or higher) – for sawing, sanding, routing
Cut-resistant gloves – for sharp tools (chisels, hand planes, knives)
Push sticks / push blocks – for table saws, jointers, band saws

Also wear: Sturdy closed-toe footwear, no loose clothing or jewellery, tie back long hair.

Check chisels and plane blades for sharpness, chips, or cracks
Ensure saw blades are tight, clean, and not cracked or missing teeth
Check power cords for damage (corded tools)
Inspect batteries for swelling or leaking (cordless tools)
Check that guards and safety features are in place and working

DO NOT use a tool that appears damaged. Contact us at info@gellban.co.uk if it arrived damaged.

Keep your workshop clean, dry, and well-lit – clutter causes accidents
Secure workpieces with clamps or a vice – never hold small pieces by hand
Disconnect power before changing blades, bits, or making adjustments
Keep hands behind the cutting edge – use push sticks when needed
Do not use tools while tired, unwell, or under the influence

Chisels: Always chisel away from your body. Keep both hands behind the cutting edge. Use a mallet, not a metal hammer.
Hand planes: Set the blade depth carefully – too deep causes kickback. Keep your fingers clear of the sides.
Saws: Use a sharp blade – dull blades require more force and are more dangerous. Keep fingers clear of the cutting line.

Only use the charger supplied with the tool
Do not charge damaged or swollen batteries
Do not leave charging batteries unattended for long periods
Store batteries away from metal objects (keys, coins, screws)
Recycle used batteries properly – do not dispose of in household waste

If someone is injured by a tool purchased from Gellban:

Seek medical help immediately – call 999 for serious injuries
Stop using the tool and disconnect power
Keep the tool, any damaged parts, and the packaging – do not throw anything away
Report the incident to us at info@gellban.co.uk so we can investigate

Tool safety is ultimately your responsibility. We provide these guidelines and manufacturer instructions to help you, but we cannot:

Know your skill level or experience
Monitor how you use the tool
Prevent you from taking risks

If you are unsure how to use a tool safely:

Watch manufacturer video guides (YouTube or brand websites)
Take a woodworking course (local colleges or workshops)
Ask an experienced woodworker to show you

These safety guidelines are provided in good faith to help you use tools safely. However, Gellban is not liable for:

Injuries caused by misuse, unauthorised modification, or failure to follow these guidelines or the manufacturer's instructions
Injuries caused by normal wear and tear or using a tool beyond its intended purpose
Consequential damages (e.g. lost wages, damage to other property) except where prohibited by UK law

Nothing in this disclaimer excludes our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or for defective products under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

If you believe a tool you purchased from us has a safety defect (e.g. a fault that could cause injury), please tell us immediately at info@gellban.co.uk.

We will:

Acknowledge your report within 2 working days
Investigate with the manufacturer
Take appropriate action, which may include a product recall or safety notice
Report serious defects to the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) if required by law

In any serious accident, call 999 immediately for ambulance and emergency services.

Woodworking Tool Safety