Hand Tools & Power Tools

“Getting a Grip on

Safety”

HH

July 2007

(This includes tools and equipment which may be furnished by employees)

(This includes tools and equipment which may be furnished by employees)

* PPE task assessment is required under 29CFR 910.133(d)

Regulatory RequirementsFederal regulations governing hand tools and power tools (29CFR 1910.241-244) state that the employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees.

To control unsafe exposures and to limit liability, employers will need to:

Establish guidelines limiting what employees can bring to the jobsite Require an inspection regimen for all tools Determine when tools must be discarded Review all tasks and determine required

personal protective equipment (PPE)*

Personal Protective EquipmentEmployees who use hand tools and power tools and who

are exposed to the following hazards must be provided

with the particular PPE necessary to protect them:

Falling objects

Flying objects

Abrasive materials

Splashes or sprays

Exposure to harmful dusts,

fumes, mists, vapors, or gases

Hand ToolsHand tools are non-powered. They include anything from axes to

wrenches. The greatest hazards posed by hand tools result from misuse

and improper maintenance.

Examples: Using a screwdriver as a chisel may

cause the tip of the screwdriver to

break and fly, hitting the user or

other employees

If a wooden handle on a tool such

as a hammer or an axe is loose,

splintered, or cracked, the head

of the tool may fly off and strike the user

or another worker

Impact tools such as chisels, wedges, or drift pins are unsafe if they have

mushroomed heads. The heads might shatter on impact, sending sharp fragments

flying.

Care of Hand Tools

To aid in proper use and to minimize risk of injury:

Ensure that tool grips are in good condition

Clean tools from oil and other debris after use

Use the proper tool for the job (pry bar for prying…not a screwdriver)

Do not unnaturally hone or sharpen tools not intended for cutting

Power Tools

All hazards involved in the use of power tools can

be prevented by following five basic safety rules: Keep all tools in good condition with regular maintenance

Use the right tool for the job

Examine each tool for damage before use

Operate according to the manufacturer's instructions

Provide and use the proper protective equipment

Power ToolsOther good rules of thumb include:

Know the power tool Read and understand the owner's manual and all warning labels Do not remove warning labels Be aware of all power lines and electrical circuits, water pipes,

and other mechanical hazards in the work area (especially those hidden from view)

Wear proper apparel - loose clothing, dangling objects and jewelry can become caught in the equipment and cause serious injury!

Tie back long hair Take care if wearing gloves when operating

certain power tools (check the owner’s manual)

Care of Power Tools

To ensure longer tool life and to preserve good condition:

Never carry a tool by the cord or hose

Never yank the cord or the hose to disconnect it

Keep cords and hoses away from heat, oil, and sharp edges

Remove damaged tools from use and tag “Out of Service"

Power Tools - ElectrocutionAmong the chief hazards of electric-powered tools are burns and slight shocks which can lead to injuries or even heart failure:

Even a small amount of current can result in fibrillation of the heart and eventual death

A shock also can cause the user to fall off a ladder or other elevated work surface

To reduce risk of electrocution: Electric tools must either be grounded or

double insulated Grounding prongs must NOT be removed Electric tools should not be used in damp or

wet locations When not in use, tools should be stored in a dry place

Power Tools – Hand Safety

Keep all fingers, clothing, gloves, etc. clear of rotating parts

Never place hands or fingers in the cutting path

Ensure that work areas are well-lighted Disconnect tools when not in use,

before servicing, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits and cutters

Avoid accidental starting – do not hold a finger on the switch button while carrying a plugged-in tool

To protect hands and arms from injury due to cuts:

Circular SawsBecause circular saws can cause very serious damage, there are some special safety considerations:

Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields Use a dust mask in dusty work conditions Wear hearing protection during extended periods of operation Don't wear loose clothing, jewelry or dangling objects; tie back long hair Don't use a circular saw that is too heavy for

you to easily control Ensure that the switch actuates properly Ensure that the blade is sharp - dull blades

cause binding, stalling and possible kickback Use the correct blade for the application:

• Does it have the proper size and shape arbor hole?

• Is the speed marked on the blade at least as high as the no-load RPM on the saw's nameplate?

Ensure that the blade guard is functioning properly• If a guard seems slow to return or hangs up, repair or adjust it

immediately• Never defeat the guard to expose the blade by tying it back or

removing it Before starting a circular saw, ensure that the power cord and

extension cord are out of the blade path For maximum control, hold the saw firmly with both hands Secure the work piece with clamps and check frequently to be sure

clamps remain in place Avoid cutting small pieces that can't be properly secured When starting the saw, allow the blade to reach full speed before

contacting the work piece When making a partial cut, or if power is interrupted, release the

trigger immediately and don't remove the saw until the blade has come to a complete stop

Circular Saws, Continued

Power Drill

Power drills are the most frequently used handheld power tool.

To ensure safe operation: Tighten loose power cord connections and replace frayed or damaged cords

immediately

Be sure the chuck is tightly secured to the spindle

Tighten the bit securely as prescribed by the owner/operator's manual. The

chuck key must be removed from the chuck before starting the drill. A

flying key can be an injury-inflicting missile Ensure that auxiliary handles, if applicable, are securely

installed (always use the auxiliary drill handle when

provided)

Always hold the tool securely or brace against stationary

objects for maximum control

Don't force a drill - apply enough pressure to keep the

drill

bit cutting smoothly. If the drill slows down, relieve the

pressure. Forcing the drill can cause the motor to

overheat,

damage the bit and reduce operator control.

Compressed Air OSHA requirements state that compressed air used for

cleaning purposes:• Must be regulated to <30 p.s.i.

• Must utilize effective chip guarding

• Must have proper PPE in place

Compressed air may never be used to blow down personnel

Horseplay is absolutely forbidden Compressed air hoses and hose connections must be

designed for the pressure and service to which they are subjected

Employee Responsibility

Although the employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees, employees also bear responsibility to:

Follow all workplace safety rules governing tool use

Wear all required PPE

Work with management to establish safe procedures

Report unsafe conditions to management immediately

Thank you for your cooperation!