Apparatus and a method of controlling operation of a wide variety of appliances so the appliance can only be used by an authorized individual, and then only under certain specified conditions. The apparatus and method provide safe use of the appliance since presumably the person authorized to use the appliance is trained in its use, and where circumstances warrant, knows how to use the appliance safely. It is a particular advantage of the invention to prevent unsafe use of the appliance, even by an authorized user.