75-M (1530) This publication updates in June/December...Hazards Permit Rescue and Emergency Services Written Program Cranes & Derricks Assembly/Disassembly Crane Operator Training

75-M (1530)

This publication updates in June/December

Copyright 2017

J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.3003 Breezewood Lane

P.O. Box 368Neenah, Wisconsin 54957-0368

Phone: (800) 327-6868Fax: (800) 727-7516

JJKeller.com

Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 9773328

ISBN 978-1-60287-566-1

Canadian Goods and Services Tax (GST) Number: R123-317687

All rights reserved. Neither the publication nor any part thereofmay be reproduced in any manner without written permission ofthe Publisher. United States laws and Federal regulations pub-lished as promulgated are in public domain. However, theircompilation and arrangement along with other materials in thispublication are subject to the copyright notice.

Printed in the U.S.A.

J. J. KELLER’S CONSTRUCTION TOOLBOX TALKS

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Original content is the copyrighted property of J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc.

Introduction

Toolbox talks are an important part of your “whole” safety program. They are an effective meansto provide: (1) required OSHA safety instruction, (2) specific jobsite hazard training, and (3) apositive method to let your employees know that their company is serious about their safety,health, and welfare.

Toolbox talks can be ten-minute refreshers of previous formal training, a time to remind youremployees of specific hazards they will encounter during the week, or a formal one-half hourtraining session on OSHA or company rules for a particular subject. For example, you are autility contractor, and all of your employees have received formal trenching and shoring instruc-tion. They know the basics, i.e., an escape ladder, stairway, or ramp must not be more than 25feet from any employee at any time. But this week is different. This week, they will likelyencounter underground and overhead utility hazards. When was the last time you spoke seri-ously about the requirements for dealing with those hazards and the fact that untrainedconstruction workers can lose their lives under similar conditions. Is it before someone getselectrocuted, or after?

In this situation, an informal toolbox talk can remind employees of the requirements. But moreimportantly, it can instill in them the urgency of the situation and the desire to implement andfollow the rules. Not only could it save their lives, but it also lets them know that their companycares about their welfare.

J. J. KELLER’S CONSTRUCTION TOOLBOX TALKS assists you by providing tools you needto conduct employee toolbox talks. Such training sessions, usually 5-15 minutes long andconducted weekly at the start of the shift, are a popular and widely used means to convey safetyinformation in the construction industry. This product is designed specifically for use in thesetypes of training sessions. However, the information included here can also be used whenpreparing other, more in-depth training sessions for your construction employees.

Each toolbox talk topic includes an overview, a summary of training requirements, trainingtips, a handout page, and a sign-off sheet to help document training. Alternate talks, which tella brief story to illustrate a hazard or regulation, and Citations talks, which summarize thecitations and fines that resulted from OSHA inspections, are also provided for several topics. Inaddition, the manual presents a table that lists construction training requirements at-a-glanceto help you pinpoint your training needs. The manual also offers general information to aid inpreparing and conducting any toolbox talk.

J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., grants permission to reproduce the handouts and sign-of sheetsincluded in this publication, provided that J. J. Keller’s copyright notice and imprint remainvisible on all copies. The reproductions you make may not be resold or incorporated in any otherpublication.

Due to the constantly changing nature of government regulations, it is impossible to guaranteeabsolute accuracy of the material contained herein. The Publisher and Editors, therefore,cannot assume any responsibility for omissions, errors, misprinting, or ambiguity containedwithin this publication and shall not be held liable in any degree for any loss or injury causedby such omission, error, misprinting or ambiguity presented in this publication.

This publication is designed to provide reasonably accurate and authoritative information inregard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the Publisher is notengaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or otherexpert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.

The Editors & PublisherJ. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.


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Published & Printed by

J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.3003 Breezewood Lane, P.O. Box 368Neenah, Wisconsin 54957–0368Phone: (800) 327–6868Fax: (800) 727–7516JJKeller.com

EDITORIALdirector of editorial resources PAUL V. ARNOLD

project editor TRICIA S. HODKIEWICZsr. editorial manager – workplace safety PETER M. MCLAUGHLIN

sr. editor – workplace safety J. TRAVIS RHODENeditor – workplace safety ROBERT A. ERNSTeditor – workplace safety MICHELLE M. GRAVEENeditor – workplace safety LISA M. NEUBERGEReditor – workplace safety JUDIE SMITHERSeditor – workplace safety MARK H. STROMMEeditor – workplace safety JENNIFER J. STROSCHEIN

sr. metator/xml analyst MARY K. FLANAGAN

PUBLISHING GROUPchairman ROBERT L. KELLER

vice chairman & treasurer JAMES J. KELLERpresident & ceo MARNE L. KELLER-KRIKAVA

evp & chief operating officer RUSTIN R. KELLERchief financial officer DANA S. GILMAN

sr. director of product development CAROL A. O’HERNsr. product development manager JENNIFER M. JUNGsr. product development specialist SUZANNE IHRIG

director of manufacturing TODD J. LUEKEsr. electronic publishing & prepress manager GERALD L. SABATKE

The Editorial Staff is available to provide information generally associated with this publication to anormal and reasonable extent, and at the option of, and as a courtesy of, the Publisher.


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How to use this manual

How to conduct a toolbox talk

Toolbox talk topics

Subject Index


Table of Contents

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Toolbox Talk Topics

Building Construction

General Building Site Safety

Residential Construction — Fall Protection

Building Construction — Citations — Residential Construction

Concrete & Masonry Construction

Concrete Construction Safety

General Requirements

Impalement Protection

Impalement Protection: Alternate

Concrete & Masonry Construction — Citations

Concrete & Masonry Construction — Citations—Shoring System Collapse

Confined Space Entry

Overview

Air Testing and Monitoring

Attendants

Entry Preparations

Entry Preparations: Alternate

Hazards

Permit

Rescue and Emergency Services

Written Program

Cranes & DerricksAssembly/Disassembly

Crane Operator Training

Inspections

Power Line Safety — Clearance Distances

Rigger Training

Signal Person Training

Electrical SafetyAccident Prevention

Arc Flash & Blast

Extension Cords

Extension Cords: Alternate


TOOLBOX TALK TOPICS TOC-1

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Focus Four Hazard — Electrical

Hazards of Electricity

Overhead Power Line Safety

Overhead Power Line Safety: Alternate

Protection (GFCIs & Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program)

Safe Work Practices

Electrical Safety — Citations

Electrical Safety — Citations— Shock Hazards

Environmental IssuesHazardous Waste

Used Oil

ErgonomicsAn Overview

Back Safety & Lifting

Back Safety & Lifting: Alternate

Hand-Arm Vibration

ExcavationsAn Overview

Protective Systems

Protective Systems: Alternate

Soil Classifications

Soil Classifications: Alternate

Underground Utilities

Underground Utilities: Alternate

Excavations — Citations

Excavations — Citations — Inspection, PPE, Egress

Fall ProtectionAn Overview

Equipment & Systems

Equipment & Systems: Alternate

Falling Object Protection

Falling Object Protection: Alternate

Fall Rescue

Focus Four Hazard — Falls

Inspecting Your Harnesses & Lanyards



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Inspecting Your Harnesses & Lanyards: Alternate

Top 5 Fall Protection Citations/Violations

Fall Protection — Citations

Fall Protection — Citations — Roofing Work

Fall Protection — Citations — Water Tower

Fire Protection & PreventionExtinguishers

Firefighting

Flammables

Flammables: Alternate

First Aid & MedicalAutomatic External Defibrillators (AEDs)

Bloodborne Pathogens

Cold Related Illnesses & Injuries

Eyewash and Safety Shower

Eyewash and Safety Shower: Alternate

First Aid

Heat Related Illnesses & Injuries

Heat Related Illnesses & Injuries: Alternate

ForkliftsBattery Charging

Handling Loads

Inspection

Inspection: Alternate

Forklift — Citations

Hazard CommunicationHAZWOPER

What Is GHS?

GHS Overview

Container Labels

Container Labels: Alternate

Outer Container Labels

GHS Pictograms

Health Hazards

Safety Data Sheets



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Safety Data Sheets: Alternate

Other Hazards

Physical Hazards

Written Program

Heavy Construction

Flagging Safety

Highway Construction

Power Transmission and Distribution — An Overview

Heavy Equipment

Backovers

Materials Handling Equipment

Inspection

Operating Safely

Operating Safely: Alternate

Seat Belts

Working Safely Around Heavy Equipment

Working Safely Around Heavy Equipment: Alternate

Heavy Equipment — Citations — Setting Brakes & Chocking Wheels

Heavy Equipment — Citations — Paving

Ladders & Stairways

Extension Ladder Selection

Ladders

Ladders: Alternate

Stairways

Ladders & Stairways — Citations

Lockout/Tagout

Electrical Equipment

Electrical Equipment: Alternate

Mechanical Equipment

Materials Handling & StorageHandling Compressed Gas Cylinders

Handling Compressed Gas Cylinders: Alternate

Housekeeping

Sling Types and Selection



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Storing Flammable Liquids in Containers and Cabinets

Using Forklifts to Load or Unload Trucks and Trailers

Motor Vehicles

General

Drug/Alcohol Use and Testing

Hazardous Materials Transportation

Occupational Health

An Overview

Abrasive Blasting

Asbestos

Beryllium

Cadmium

Carbon Monoxide

Carcinogens

Diesel Exhaust

Exposure Limits

Lead — An Overview

Medical Screening & Surveillance

Methylene Chloride

Radiation

Respirable Crystalline Silica

Skin Exposures

Sun Exposure

Ventilation

Occupational Health — Citations — Asbestos

Occupational Health — Citations — Lead

Personal Protective EquipmentElectrical Protective Equipment

Eye Protection

Eye Protection: Alternate

Face Protection

Foot Protection

Hand Protection

Hand Protection: Alternate

Head Protection



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High-Visibility GarmentsNoiseRespiratory Protection — An OverviewRespiratory Protection — Respirator Fit TestingRespiratory Protection — Respirator UseRespiratory Protection — Dust Masks (Voluntary-Use)Working Over or Near WaterPPE — Citations

Safety & Health Program ManagementEmergency Action PlanEmployee Exposure and Medical RecordsHearing Conservation ProgramIntroduction to OSHANear MissesOSHA’s Focus Four Inspection InitiativeReporting Injuries and IllnessesSafety and Health Program

Safety Color Code

Safety Training & Education

Signs, Tags, Signals, & Barricades

Substance Abuse Program

ScaffoldingAccess to Scaffolds

Access to Scaffolds: Alternate

Aerial Lifts

Erecting/Dismantling

Erecting/Dismantling: Alternate

Fall Protection

Scissor Lifts

Scaffold Specific Training

Top 5 Scaffolding Citations/Violations

Using Scaffolds

Scaffolding — Citations

Scaffolding — Citations — Makeshift Scaffold

Site Safety — GeneralAn Overview



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Caught In/Between Hazards

Caught-in or -Between Hazard Defined

Competent Person

Harmful Plants

Harmful Plants: Alternate

Histoplasmosis

Insects, Snakes, & Animals

Lightning Safety

Mosquito-Borne Hazards

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Struck-by Hazard Defined

Struck-By, Hit-by Hazards

Weather Factors

Working in Cold Conditions

Site ViolenceAn Overview

Building & Facility Security

Special TradesDemolition — Preparatory Operations

Explosives

Steel ErectionAssembly Overview

Fall Protection

Tools, Hand & PowerAn Overview

Amputations

Chain Saws

Hand Tool Safety

Hand Tool Safety: Alternate

Jacks

Nail Guns

Pneumatic Tools

Powder-Actuated Tools

Power Tools

Tools, Hand & Power — Citations



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Welding & CuttingAn Overview

Arc Welding

Fire Prevention

Fumes and Gases

Gas Welding

Work Zone SafetyPersonal Protective Equipment

Traffic Control Devices

Basic Training



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Overview of Topic The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regu-lations indirectly or directly mention hand tool safety in many lo-cations. However, for construction, there are two main sources forsafety information on tools. They are:• Construction-specific standards:

29 CFR 1926.300-.307 — Tools, hand and power.

29 CFR 1926.702 — Concrete and masonry construction.• General industry rules on hand and portable powered tools not

specifically covered in the construction regulations.

The hazards of using hand tools include ergonomic hazards such asrepetitive motion injuries or injuries from holding or using the toolimproperly, injuries due to lack of personal protective equipmentthat should have been worn while using the hand tool, and injuriesfrom the tool itself striking, cutting, or otherwise injuring the useror a nearby worker.

There are only a few specific rules regarding hand tools in theOSHA standard at §1926.301 — Hand tools. They are:• Employers shall not issue or permit the use of unsafe hand tools.• Wrenches, including adjustable, pipe, end, and socket, must not

be used when jaws are sprung to the point that slippage occurs.• Impact tools, such as drift pins, wedges, and chisels, must be

kept free of mushroomed heads.• The wooden handles of tools must be kept free of splinters or

cracks and shall be kept tight in the tool.

These rules apply to the condition of the hand tools and not theirusage, but safe usage instructions can also prevent injuries fromhand tools.

Employee Training Train employees on the proper use of hand tools. The handout pro-vided here is an overview of general rules for using hand tools. Trainemployees on specific information regarding the tools they workwith to ensure they know how to operate their hand tools safely andeffectively.

OSHA state-plan-states: Remember that certain states have morestringent regulations that go above and beyond the OSHA stan-dards.


Tools, Hand & Power — Hand Tool Safety

TOOLS, HAND & POWER — HAND TOOL SAFETY-1


Training Tips Use the demonstration technique for hand tool training. Chooseyour best user of a specific tool if there is a particular point you wantto emphasize regarding that tool, especially if there is an ergonomicinjury hazard associated with the incorrect handling or use of thetool.

To create a dramatic effect or to get a serious point across on handtool dangers:• Use a true story of an accident.• An example of a severe puncture, cut, or other significant acci-

dent, can really get the point across about dangers.• If it’s an example from your own company or even the site itself,

the point can be that much more effective.

Where to go for more informationConstruction regulatory text: 29 CFR 1926.300-.307 — Tools, handand power.

Construction regulatory text: 29 CFR 1926.702 — Concrete andmasonry construction.

General industry regulatory text: 29 CFR 1910, Subpart P — Handand portable powered tools and other hand-held equipment.


TOOLS, HAND & POWER — HAND TOOL SAFETY-2


Hand Tool SafetyHand tools include anything from axes to wrenches. They seem simple, but hand tools can behazardous on your construction worksite. The greatest hazards posed by hand tools are misuseand improper maintenance. Some OSHA requirements to follow include:• Never use a chisel as a screwdriver (or vise versa), doing so could cause the tip of the chisel

or screwdriver to break, hitting you or other employees.• If a wooden handle on a tool such as a hammer or an axe is loose, splintered, or cracked, the

head may fly off and strike you or another worker.• A wrench must not be used if its jaws are sprung or smooth; it might slip.• Impact tools such as chisels, wedges, or drift pins are unsafe if they have mushroomed heads.

The heads might shatter on impact, sending sharp frag-ments flying. Never use a tool in that condition, give it toyour supervisor and get a replacement.

Safety tips

Your employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools andequipment you use, but you have the responsibility to use andmaintain tools properly and let your employer know if toolsare inadequate or in poor condition. Other safety tips to keepin mind for hand tools are:• Whatever tool you’re using, whether it’s a saw, knife, or

other tool, direct it away from other employees workingnearby.

• All cutting tools must be sharp. Dull tools can be morehazardous than sharp ones.

• When working with draw knives, adzes or similar cutting tools, use personal protectiveequipment such as wire mesh gloves, wrist guards, arm guards, and aprons or belly guards.

General safety rules

These general safety rules apply to all hand tools as well as any job situation:• Maintain your tools. This includes proper sharpening, oiling and storage.• Regularly inspect tools, and accessories.• Replace problem equipment immediately. Make repairs only if you are qualified.• Keep your work area clean.• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, respirators and hearing

protection.• Dress right. This includes choosing clothing that will not tangle in tools, and not wearing

jewelry.• Choose the right tool for the job. Also, make sure it is not only the right tool, but it is the

correct size for the job.


TOOLS, HAND & POWER — HAND TOOL SAFETY HANDOUT-1Handouts may be copied and distributed to workers for useduring your training session. Please refer to HOW TO USETHIS MANUAL for restrictions.

Copyright J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.®,www.jjkeller.com


This sign-off sheet documents the names of employees who attended this training session onTools, Hand & Power — Hand Tool Safety at this company, .

The session covered general information on good work practices for working with hand tools.

The space below is for employees to “sign-off” that they were in attendance.


Tools, Hand & Power — Hand Tool Safety —Sign-Off Sheet

Employee Signature

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Print Name Here

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Date of Training: _______________________ Job Location:___________________________

Supervisor’s Signature

TOOLS, HAND & POWER — HAND TOOL SAFETY SIGN-OFF-1Sign-off sheets may be copied and distributed to workersfor use during your training session. Please refer to HOWTO USE THIS MANUAL for restrictions.



Hand tools include anything from axes to wrenches. They seemsimple, but hand tools can be dangerous, especially if misused orimproperly maintained.

That’s why there are specific requirements for workers using handtools.

Story It happened like this

Tom was an “old school” type of construction guy. In general, heliked things to stay the same. This even carried over to his tools.Tom liked his tools, some of the same ones he’d used since he startedworking in construction, 20 years ago.

Megan, the safety person on the jobsite, was walking past Tom andnoticed the hammer that he had sitting in his toolbox was very oldand had a cracked wooden handle.

“Tom, that hammer is ancient. You don’t still use it, do you?” Meganguessed.

“Sure, I use it, why?”

“The handle is cracked. The head is going to come off the next timeyou use it.”

“I just used it a minute ago, it’s fine,” Tom growled.

“Not so fast. OSHA says you can’t use tools that have crackedwooden handles.”

“What do they know, anyway? Some of my other tools have crackedhandles and I use them almost everyday.”

“Well you can’t use those either.” Megan stood tall, projecting au-thority.

“Show me the OSHA regulation that says that,” Tom challenged.

“I’ll get that and make a copy for you. Don’t use those tools with thecracked handles anymore. They’re not safe.”

“Whatever you say,” Tom bitterly replied.

Discussion Let’s talk about this, OK?

What did Megan do right?• Noticed that the hammer wasn’t suitable for use.• Told Tom not to use it.


Tools, Hand & Power — Hand Tool Safety:Alternate

TOOLS, HAND & POWER — HAND TOOL SAFETY: ALTERNATE-1


• Was to bring a copy of the OSHA regulation over to prove herpoint.

What did Tom do wrong?• Used tools that had cracked handles. After 20 years in the con-

struction business he should have known better.• Argued with Megan instead of listening to her.

What happens next?What do you think should happen next?• Megan should come back and show Tom the OSHA standard

that applies (1926.301(d)).• Megan should make sure that those tools are removed from the

jobsite.• Tom should either destroy the tools, get them fixed, or take them

off the jobsite.

Tool safety rulesThese general safety rules apply to all hand tools as well as any jobsituation:• Maintain your tools. This includes proper sharpening, oiling,

and storage.• Regularly inspect tools.• Replace problem equipment immediately. Make repairs only if

qualified.• Use PPE as necessary.• Choose the right tool for the job. Make sure it’s the correct size

for the job.


TOOLS, HAND & POWER — HAND TOOL SAFETY: ALTERNATE-2


Hand Tool Safety: AlternateHand tools include anything from axes to wrenches. They seem simple, but hand tools can bedangerous, especially if misused or improperly maintained. That’s why there are specific re-quirements for workers using hand tools.

Let’s talk about this, OK?

What did Megan do right?

What did Tom do wrong?

What happens next?

What do you think should happen next?

Tool safety rules

These general safety rules apply to all hand tools as well as any job situation:• Maintain your tools. This includes proper sharpening,

oiling, and storage.• Regularly inspect tools.• Replace problem equipment immediately. Make repairs

only if qualified.• Use PPE as necessary.• Choose the right tool for the job. Make sure it’s the cor-

rect size for the job.


TOOLS, HAND & POWER — HAND TOOL SAFETY: ALTERNATE HANDOUT-1Handouts may be copied and distributed to workers for useduring your training session. Please refer to HOW TO USETHIS MANUAL for restrictions.



This sign-off sheet documents the employees who have taken part in a training session on Tools,Hand & Power — Hand Tool Safety: Alternate at this company, .

The session covered:• The story of Megan and Tom.• What Megan did right and Tom did wrong.• The importance of knowing how to safely use, inspect, and maintain tools.

The space below is for employees to “sign off” that they were in attendance.


Tools, Hand & Power — Hand Tool Safety:Alternate — Sign-Off Sheet

Employee Signature

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Print Name Here

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TOOLS, HAND & POWER — HAND TOOL SAFETY: ALTERNATE SIGN-OFF-1Sign-off sheets may be copied and distributed to workersfor use during your training session. Please refer to HOWTO USE THIS MANUAL for restrictions.



Repairing construction equipment can be dangerous, but workingon equipment that needs to be jacked up for repair is doubly dan-gerous. From changing a tire on a pickup truck to maintaining afront end loader, there are certain precautions your employees musttake under OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1926.305.

A jack by definition is a tool for lifting and lowering a load by appli-cation of a pushing force. All jacks — lever and ratchet jacks, screwjacks, and hydraulic jacks — must have a positive stop to preventovertravel. Put another way, they must have a device that stopsthem from being jacked up too high.

Also, look for the jack manufacturer’s rated capacity to be legiblymarked on all jacks. Your employees cannot use a jack unless it hasthat marking. The rating itself is the maximum working load forwhich the jack is designed to lift safely. Your employees must makesure that the jack they are about to use has a rating sufficient to theload they are trying to lift. The rated load cannot be exceeded.

Using a jack

Before using a jack, make sure your employees read the manufac-turer’s instruction manual. The manual will provide any safetyprecautions your employees need to take. To set up a jack, have youremployees make certain: the base rests on a firm level surface, thejack is correctly centered, the jack head bears against a level sur-face, and the lift force is applied squarely.

Your employees will need to use wooden blocking under the base ofthe jack if necessary to make the jack level and secure. Where thereis a possibility of slippage of the metal cap of the jack, employeesmust also place a hardwood block or equivalent between the cap andthe load.

To raise the load, the point of application of the load, the appliedforce, and the length of the lever arm should match those designatedby the manufacturer for the particular jack. Once the load has beenraised, OSHA requires that your employees block, crib, or otherwisesecure it with jack stands or other suitable blocking devices or mate-rial. A jack should never be used to support a lifted load.

Jack inspection and maintenance

Common sense tells you to inspect a jack before each use, but OSHArequires a thorough inspection of jacks at frequencies that dependupon service conditions. The minimum frequencies are:• Once every six months — For constant or intermittent use at one

locality;


Tools, Hand & Power — Jacks

Overview of Topic

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• When sent out and when returned — For jacks sent out of shopfor special work; and

• Immediately before and immediately thereafter — For any jacksubjected to abnormal load or shock.

Examine the jack, including repair or replacement parts for possibledefects. If you find a jack that is damaged or defective, tag it “out-of-order” and don’t allow employees to use it until repairs are made.

Proper maintenance of jacks is essential for safety. Ensure thatjacks are maintained in a safe condition and properly lubricated atregular intervals. Fill hydraulic jacks exposed to freezing tempera-tures with an adequate antifreeze liquid.

Training requirements are found in §§1926.20(b)(4) and1926.21(b)(2). Only employees qualified by training or experiencemay operate equipment, such as jacks. Therefore, employees shouldnot be allowed to use jacks until they have been instructed in theirproper use. Moreover, employees must be trained to recognize andavoid unsafe conditions and in the applicable regulations (like§1926.305) to control or eliminate hazards. Employees should alsoknow who to report damaged or suspect jacks to, and how to takethem out of service.

Bring a typical jack and jack stands to your talk and demonstratehow to properly use them. If you have any photos of vehicles orequipment jacked up or on jack stands, bring them for discussion.Show trainees where they can find the load marking on a vehicle orequipment and where they can find the load rating on the jack.Stress that the rated load on the jack cannot be exceeded. Have themanufacturer’s instruction manuals on the use and maintenance ofthe jacks and jack stands, and tell trainees where they can locatethem. Also, review your own company’s inspection, maintenance,and repair procedures and where those are found.

Where to go for more information

29 CFR 1926.20 — General safety and health provisions.

29 CFR 1926.21 — Safety training and education.

29 CFR 1926.300 — Tools — Hand and power — General.

29 CFR 1926.305 — Jacks — Lever and ratchet, screw, andhydraulic.

The jack manufacturer’s written instruction manual(s).


Employee Training

Training Tips

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JacksJacks are very useful mechanical aids, but they must be used properly in order to be safe. As withany tool, before you use a jack, read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions.

Using a jack

It is important to look for the rated capacity of a jack. It should be legibly marked on all jacks.The rating itself is the maximum working load for which the jack is designed to lift safely, somake sure that the jack you select has a rating sufficient to the load you are trying to lift. Theload rating on the jack cannot be exceeded.

To set up a jack, make certain:• The jack’s base rests on a firm level foundation,• The jack is correctly centered,• The jack head bears against a level surface, and• The lift force is applied squarely.

You will need to use wooden blocking under the base ofthe jack if necessary to make the jack level and secure.Where there is a possibility of slippage of the metal capof the jack, also place a hardwood block or equivalentbetween the cap and the load. The lift should be straightup and down. If the load starts to shift or the jack startsto lean, reset the jack and the jack base more securely.Lift the load only as high as necessary, and do not over-run the stop indicator.

Another critical point — once the load has been raised, OSHA requires that you block, crib, orotherwise secure it with jack stands or other suitable blocking devices or material. In otherwords, a jack should never be used to hold a lifted load. Also, never place any part of your bodybeneath a raised load unless the load has been supported using blocking or jack stands. Its a goodidea to remove the jack handle once the load is raised, but if the handle cannot be removed, placeit in an upright position.

Jack inspection and maintenance

Common sense tells you to inspect a jack before each use, but at a minimum, OSHA “requires”a thorough inspection of jacks at the following frequencies depending upon the service conditions:• Once every six months — For constant or intermittent use;• When sent out and when returned — For jacks sent out of shop for special work; and• Immediately before and immediately thereafter — For any jack subjected to abnormal load

or shock.

Examine the jack, including repair or replacement parts for possible defects. If you find a jackthat is damaged or defective, tag it “out-of-order” and don’t allow anyone to use it until repairsare made.

Proper maintenance of jacks is essential for safety. Ensure that jacks are maintained in a safecondition and properly lubricated at regular intervals. Fill hydraulic jacks exposed to freezingtemperatures with an adequate antifreeze liquid. Finally, handle jacks carefully — dropping orthrowing them can distort or crack the metal, causing it to fail under a load.


TOOLS, HAND & POWER — JACKS HANDOUT-1

12/15Handouts may be reproduced and distributed to workersfor use during your training session. Please refer to HOWTO USE THIS MANUAL for restrictions.

Copyright J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.,www.JJKeller.com


This sign-off sheet documents the employees at this company, ,who have taken part in a training session on Tools, Hand & Power — Jacks.

The session covered:• The importance of reading the jack manufacturer’s instructions.• The jack’s rated load capacity marking.• How to set up a jack.• The importance of blocking, cribbing, or otherwise securing the load once it is raised.• When to inspect a jack and what to do if damage or defects are found.• The basics in maintaining a jack.

The space below is for employees to “sign off” that they were in attendance.


Tools, Hand & Power — Jacks — Sign-Off Sheet

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Employee Signature

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Print Name Here

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Sign-off sheets may be reproduced and distributed to work-ers for use during your training session. Please refer toHOW TO USE THIS MANUAL for restrictions.

Copyright J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.,www.JJKeller.com


Nail guns are popular in construction, especially framing andsheathing work, because they boost productivity for nailing tasks.However, they’re also responsible for more than 25,000 emergencyroom visits each year from workers. In fact, a study of apprenticecarpenters found that two out of five were injured using a nail gunduring their four years of training.

Most nail gun injuries are caused by seven risk factors, including:unintended double firing, accidental discharge by a knocked safetycontact, a nail going through a work piece, nail ricochet, missing thework piece, awkward position nailing, and bypassing safety mecha-nisms. Over half of all nail gun injuries are to the hand and fingers.Some injuries have resulted in organ damage and death. Becausemany nail gun injuries go unreported, you should ensure that yourpolicies encourage employees to report their injuries.

All nailers rely on two basic controls: a finger trigger and a contactsafety tip located on the nose of the gun. The safest type of nail gunhas a full sequential trigger. This trigger will only fire a nail whenthe controls are activated in a certain order (push safety contact,then squeeze trigger to fire, release both safety contact and trigger,and repeat process for another nail).

Another common type of trigger is the contact trigger, which fires anail when the safety contact and trigger are activated in any order.Studies show the risk of nail gun injury is twice as high when usingthe contact trigger compared to using a sequential trigger. More-over, holding or carrying contact trigger nail guns with the triggersqueezed increases the risk of unintended nail discharge.

As an employer, you may wish to restrict inexperienced employeesto full sequential trigger nail guns starting out. Also, develop yourown nail gun work procedures, such as those listed in the handout.Make sure that nailer manuals are always available on thejobsite.

Safety shoes, which help protect workers’ toes from nail gun inju-ries, are typically required on most construction sites. In addition,you should provide hard hats, high-impact eye protection, and hear-ing protection when workers use nail guns.


Tools, Hand & Power — Nail Guns

Overview of Topic

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According to 29 CFR 1926.21, employees must be trained to recog-nize and avoid unsafe conditions and in the regulations applicable totheir work to control or eliminate the hazards. Recommended train-ing topics include:• How nail guns work and how triggers differ.• Causes of injuries — especially differences among trigger types.• Tool manufacturer instructions and where the manual is kept.• Hands-on training with actual nailers to be used, covering:

❍ How to load and fire the nail gun;❍ How to operate the air compressor;❍ How to hold lumber during placement work;❍ How to recognize and approach ricochet-prone surfaces;❍ How to handle awkward position work; and❍ How best to minimize nail gun recoil and double fires.

• What to do when the nail gun malfunctions.• Your company’s nail gun work rules and personal protective

equipment, including hearing protection.• Your company’s injury reporting, first aid, and medical treat-

ment procedures.

Be sure that training is provided in a manner that employees canunderstand. Define useful terms like recoil and double fire. Stressthat both new and experienced workers can benefit from safetytraining. If your company color-codes nail guns by trigger type, besure to explain your color-code system so employees can readilyidentify them.

You might bring up any injuries or close calls that your company orothers have suffered in the past. Encourage your employees toreport nail gun injuries or musculoskeletal pain or symptoms imme-diately, even if they seem minor. Failure to seek medical care canresult in complications and more serious injuries.

Where to go for more information

29 CFR 1926.52 — Occupational noise exposure.

29 CFR 1926.300 — General requirements, tools, hand andpower.

29 CFR 1926.302 — Power-operated hand tools.

ANSI A10.3-1970 — Safety requirements for explosive-actuated fas-tening tools.


Employee Training

Training Tips

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