What should you avoid when carrying an energized tool?

When carrying an energized tool, keeping your finger on the power switch is a critical safety concern. This practice can lead to several dangerous situations. If your finger is constantly on the power switch, there is a heightened risk of accidentally activating the tool, which can result in unintended operation. This not only poses a danger to the user but also to those in proximity, as the tool could cause injury or damage if engaged unexpectedly.

Additionally, there is the potential for the tool to get caught or snagged on clothing, tool belts, or other objects, further increasing the risk of accidents. Maintaining control over energized tools is essential, and not keeping fingers on the switch ensures that the tool will remain inoperable until the user intends to use it safely and appropriately.

As for the other options, gripping the tool tightly is generally a good practice to maintain control, walking slowly can help prevent accidents and falls, and removing the battery is a proactive measure to ensure safety but may not apply in all situations, such as using corded power tools. The most critical aspect, however, is to avoid holding the power switch while carrying the tool to prevent accidental activation.