Masks or respirators should be employed while operating drum sanders on a wooden surface because they produce a large amount of dust, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Safety glasses prevent shards and debris from injuring the eyes. Ordinary eyeglasses are not sufficient to provide the proper protection needed while operating drum sanders. Drum sanders can be very noisy tools. Consumers can wear earplugs or other ear protection to prevent ear damage.
The Woodworking Drum Sanding website recommends that consumers feed work pieces against the direction of the sander's rotation. This puts the user in a safe position if their drum sander breaks into pieces. Work pieces should not be put through drum sanders with excessive force. Drum sanders are manufactured to operate under a maximum number of rotations per minute (RPM). Operating a drum sander under improper RPM increases the risk of injury resulting from drum sander use.
According to DrumSanders.net, drum sanders are powerful machines that require the operator's total attention. Consumers need to limit their drum sanding use only to well-ventilated areas. Well-lit environments are ideal for using drum sanders. Dust collection systems and air filters can be employed to keep the environment around the drum sander clean and free from debris. Drum sanders should not be operated in wet environments.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, worn drums can produce excessive heat buildup, which can promote drum breakage. Broken bits become dangerous projectiles that can damage surrounding items and injure surrounding people. Power sanding can create dust that, when inhaled, can lead to silicosis or death in extreme cases, according to Steel City Tools.
Proper maintenance is essential for drum sanders to properly function on a consistent basis. Consumers should remain familiar with the safety measures described by the manufacturer of the drum sanders they work with. Drum Sanders recommends that all drum sanders be disconnected from their power source while they are in an unattended position or when they are getting worked on.