TOOL USE is one of the behaviorsthat helps define us as human.

From the small and unassuming (scissors)to the large and impressive (clutch operat-ed drill press), tools make our work fasterand easier and contribute to our quality oflife. Failing to use them safely, however,

can turn tools from allies into enemies.Statistics show that tool-related injuries occur

more often at home than at work, and are almostalways the result of human error. Workshop and auto-

motive tools, knives, saws, heat-producing devices andeven bungee cords are tools that can be mishandled. Theconsequences include cuts, scrapes, bruises, burns, elec-trocution, broken bones and crushing injuries. Accordingto the US Department of Labor, more than 4,500 fatalitiesoccurred in American workplaces in 2010, many of whichinvolved tools and electricity. Whether you work in anoffice or a machine shop, whether you are at home or atwork, take tool safety seriously.

Choosing the right tool for your project is the first step inavoiding injury. Select tools designed for the task. Seriousproblems can arise when tools are altered or used inunintended ways. Tool grips should fit your hand and the

tool should be comfortable for you to operate. Toolsshould be clean, in good repair and properly maintained.Power tool accessories (blades, bits, extensions) shouldonly be adjusted when the tool is unplugged, locked outand tagged out. Extension cord capacity should alwaysmatch or exceed the electrical demands of the power tool.

Think the project through and preparecarefully before picking up a tool andstarting a task. This includes reading andfollowing manufacturer’s instructions.Be prepared to react if the unexpectedshould happen. What are the risksand hazards associated with thistask? Could your fingers stray intothe path of the office paper cutter? Arethere knots in the board you’re about tocut that could throw off your power saw?

Poster of the Month

A Quick Checklistof Tool Safety Dos and Don’ts

Print outand postthismonth’sposter toprovideeveryonein yourworkplacewith

some helpful tool and elec-trical safety advice. Thecolorful list of “dos anddon’ts” addresses commonsafety issues for home andwork environments.

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Links & Resources

Power Tool Safety Learning Resources

Article: Safety in the Workplace

OSHA eTOOLS Learning Resources

Hand Tool Safety Quiz

Tool Safety Publications, Checklists, Videos from the Power Tool Institute

Construction How-tos for Novices

Consumer Product Safety Review Newsletter

Video: Power Tool Accidents - They Can be Prevented

Ladder Safety Basics

DIY Plumbing & ElectricalWork: the Hidden Cost

February 2012

Shop and ToolSafety, ElectricalSafety

Safety SpotlightUCA UC System-Wide Publication of the Environment, Health & Safety Leadership Council

Proper training anda personal commit-ment to safety helpyou use tools safelyand efficiently.

Is it possible for the drill toslip to the side and strikeyour leg or foot? For eachpossible hazard, there is apreventive measure youcan take to reduce risk.

A well-managed workspace is also essential.Be sure your work area islevel, dry, well lit and wellventilated. Assess yourelectrical power needs andarrange for safe, adequatepower sources before youstart working.

Operator performance isthe most important ele-ment in ensuring a safework day. Lack of trainingor preparation, failure toread and follow productinstructions, and usingtools differently from theirintended purpose or pasttheir limits are only some examples of operator faults thatcan lead to injury or fatality. Improper body positioning andtaking shortcuts with protective equipment can also con-tribute to injuries. Complacency or overconfidence accountfor many incidents each year, as even highly skilled, experi-enced operators can become careless or distracted, or takeshortcuts when they are in a hurry.

As with all work tasks and processes, performing your jobsafely is directly affected by your state of mind. Be aware ofthe task at hand and recognize how seriously you can beinjured, even when using simple tools. Understanding whocould be affected (besides yourself) is another reality check.Not only you, but your family, co-workers and community allpay the price if you are injured.

No matter who you are or whatyou do, tools are part of your

life. You havethe power to

avoid injuryby followingsafe workpractices.

Tool Safety Food for Thought� Have you read the

instruction manual?

� Do you regularlyreview departmentsafety proceduresor SOPs?

� Do you follow safework practices evenwhen you’re tryingto meet a deadline?

� Do you always wear requiredPersonal ProtectiveEquipment (PPE)?

Are Your Tools WorkingWith You or Against You?

Tool

Task

Operator

Proper posture, stance and body posi-tioning are integral to safe tool use.Over-reaching, improper ladder use and unsta-

ble footing can cause a fall orcontact with moving parts.

Leaning, twisting or standing inawkward positions to reach a taskcan also cause serious injury.Whenever possible, place yourselfat a comfortable level with yourwork. Keep your balance by work-ing on a dry, level surface andmaintaining a solid stance with

feet about shoulder-width apart. Be sure yourreach distance and force requirements areappropriate for the tool and the task.

Follow safe-work requirements that specify yourdistance from “energized” or moving parts or anyobject that could begin to move due to counter-weights, air movement or other means.

Every year, many tool-related injuries occur simplybecause people have not completed required

training or fail to follow manufacturer’s instructions. Puttingyourself in the path of a tool’s energy, failing to wear protec-tive clothing and other common pitfalls are less likely to occurif you are properly trained.

Taking the time to train for and learn about your tools is agreat investment in your health and safety. Read and followthe manufacturer’s cautionary instruc-tions as well as your department’ssafe work procedures. To stay safe,be clear on the tool’s intended pur-pose and limitations and how it func-tions. Understand and follow correctmaintenance and storage require-ments. Seek out specific online or in-person instruction if necessarywhen using unique and customized tools.

ElectricalSafety Basics

Use These ValuableTools Every Day

Proper Training

Body Positioning

Experienced and novice operators alikecan allow dangerous practices to slip intotheir work routines. Distraction, rushing, fatigue or“off-work” states of mind can cause you to losefocus and make a mistake that leads to injury.

When a tool becomes adanger, not only the opera-tor is at risk. Nearby co-workers, or family membersif working at home, can beinjured if a power tool sendsa shard of metal or woodacross the room, or ifsparks ignite fumes or saw-dust in the work area.

Practice putting your entire concentra-tion on the task you’re about to per-form. Take periodic breaks to avoidfatigue from repetitive actions. Pausebefore starting your work so that youcan take the time to assess potential

dangers and do what is needed to avoid them.Never cut corners on wearing Personal ProtectiveEquipment or following safe work procedures. Beon your guard for feelings of overconfidence. Theunexpected can happen and you and others can beseriously injured, even if you have safely performedthe task many times before.

Mind on Task

Some tools require specific Personal ProtectiveEquipment (PPE), which is defined in yourdepartment’s safe work procedures. Examplesinclude UC laboratory SOPs, workshop safework practices and field operations safety manu-als. Even when PPE is not explicitly defined(such as with home-based activities), some common-sense guidelines should always be followed. Theseinclude not allowing clothing, jewelry or long hair tobecome entangled in moving parts, and using safetyglasses, ear plugs, dust masks and appropriate glovesfor the task at hand. Other safety measures include notworking with tools when you are fatigued or under theinfluence of alcohol or sedating prescription drugs.

ProtectiveEquipment

Caring for tools properly can avert serious injury. Consider thedanger when a power cord is allowed to fray, or when an opera-tor pushes too hard on a tool because the blade is dull.

Check power tool cords andplugs with every use. Keep mov-ing parts lubricated according tomanufacturer’s instructions. Handtools should be clean and free ofoil, dirt or damaged grips thatcould cause your hand to slip.Arrange for required maintenance

and other service, and store tools in safe, dry locations. Keepblades and sharp points covered.

Proper Maintenance and Storage

� Be sure power toolsare clean and ingood condition.

� Read and followthe manufacturer’sinstructions.

� Use gloves accord-ing to the specificsafety requirementsof the tool that youare using.

� Do not carry tool byits power cord.

� Power tools shouldbe in the “off”position when theyare carried fromplace to place.

� Do not yank apower cord to dis-connect it from thepower source.Always disconnecta power cord bypulling on theplug-body itself.

� Replace or repairtools if cords arefrayed, cracked orhave loose plugs.

� Extension cordsmust be properlyrated for the toolsyou are using.

� Keep cords awayfrom heat, oil andsharp edges.

� Unplug tools whennot in use, beforeservicing or whenchanging blades,bits or cutters.

� Maintain stablefooting and balanceso you can controlyour tools.

� When using powertools, avoid touch-ing metal pipes,beams or posts.Current could flowto ground throughyour body.

� Never modify agrounded (3-prong)plug or a double-insulated plug (2 differentlyshaped prongs) inan attempt to fitthem in outlets forwhich they are notdesigned.

Think again! Not all tools reside in work-shops, garages or industrial facilities.

Starting with the toaster you use tomake breakfast, to your stapler andscissors at work and on to the knivesyou use at dinner, tools are a natural

part of your home and work life. Even the most familiarones have the potential to harm you and others. Focus onusing tools safely every time you use them and carefullycontrol their use by children. Take thetime to learn how to operate, maintainand store tools properly.

Above all, keep your mind on the task.Follow manufacturer’s instructionsfor all power tools and appliances.Keep fingers away from pinchpoints and sharp edges. Don’tpush tools past their limits orremove safety guards. At work,familiarize yourself with yourdepartment’s safe work practicesand emergency response plan. Be sure you arecomfortable with and qualified to operate the toolsyou intend to use. If not, seek training or skilledhelp with tool use before proceeding.

Tools in Your Home

� Electrical appliances� Hammers, pliers, clamps, wrenches

and other common hand tools� Ladders and step stools� Bungee cords, straps and

fasteners� Scissors, craft knives, rotat-

ing fabric cutters and othersharp objects

� Kitchen knives, pizza cutters, skewers, etc.

� Garden tools, hedge trimmers and other landscaping equipment

A Tool by AnyOther Name

“I don’t work in a labora-tory or machine shop andI don’t use tools, so I don’tthink this safety adviceapplies to me.”

Think about how much youdepend on your hands.Working, playing, communi-cating and thousands ofother everyday activitieswouldn’t be possible with-out the use of your hands.Hand injuries can havedevastating effects on youas well as your family andyour career.

In 2009, the US Bureau ofLabor Statistics reportedthat more than 100,000workers lost an average offour workdays due to cutsand lacerations, the thirdmost common type of non-fatal work injury. Yourhands can sustain cuts,bruises, burns and pinchinginjuries whether you areworking in a lab, workshop,office or home.

� Be safety-consciouswhen using tools thatcan puncture or cut. � Keep tools in good

repair; dull tools aremore likely to slip andcause serious injury. � Wear gloves if appropri-

ate for the tool you areusing or task you areperforming. � Sweep up broken glass

and dispose of it safely;do not pick it up withyour fingers. � To treat minor cuts,

apply direct pressure,wash with mild soap andwater and, when thebleeding has stopped,cover with a bandagethat will not stick to the injury.� Report all injuries, no

matter how small, toyour supervisor as soonas possible.

Click here for more infor-mation on hand safety.

Take Care of YourHands so They CanTake Care of You

Tools in Your Office

� Scissors and paper cutters� Staplers and staple pullers� Exact-o knives and their blades (don’t store them with

blade installed in a drawer where someone could inadvertently touch them)

� Shredders� Box cutters (always retract blades into the knife body

before storage)� Extension cords and power strips� Heaters, fans, coffeemakers and other

electrical appliances� Copiers, LCD projectors, printers, and

other devices that have moving parts or generate heat.

Tool Safety Training Selecting and Using the Right Tools

Proper training is essential to prevent-ing tool-related injury. The CaliforniaCode of Regulations (CCR) states therequirements for tool safety training inthe workplace.

CCR/8-3203 requires a system forensuring that employees comply withsafe and healthy work practices anddefines how instruction should be pro-vided. Whenever new substances,processes, procedures or equipmentare introduced to the workplace,appropriate training is required foreach employee. Talk to your supervi-sor, department safety coordinator orEH&S office for more informationabout CCR requirements.

Learn More About

Using tools that are not right for the job or do not fit your hand result in awkwardpostures, harmful contact pressure and other risks. You can prevent injury by tak-ing a methodical approach to safe hand tool use. Start by choosing a tool that fitsyour hand comfortably. For example, with double-handle tools such as pliers, thegrip span (distance between the two handles) should not be less than one inchwhen fully compressed and no more than three inches when fully open.

When using single-handed tools such as screwdrivers and wrenches, be sure thatall of your fingers can comfortably wrap around the tool handle to ensure astrong, secure grip. Use angled pliers and wrenches to help you stay balancedand reduce pain and injury. Whenever possible, use tools with handles coated in asoft material, or add a sleeve to make the handle more comfortable and your gripmore secure. Use the right tool for the job. For example, don’t use a shovel as adigging bar, or a screwdriver as a chisel or pry bar. Keep sharp tools sharp, andkeep all hand tools clean. Accumulations of dirt, dust or oil can cause a tool toslip and cause an injury.

Click here for a helpful collection of tool safety tips.

work processes are document-ed, before the person sets outto work on the equipment. Jobplanning becomes easy andstraightforward as safe work steps are clear and easy tofollow, and all equipment energy hazards are known andde-energized by all workers.”

Energy Isolation is the Key

Avoiding electrocution is only one of the ways that EI-LOTO procedures protect people. Other forms of energycan be just as hazardous as electricity and must be isolat-ed and controlled. Basic physics concepts come into play

when any kind of potential energy is involved. For exam-ple, an experienced worker was injured while cleaning alarge building ventilation fan. Even though the motor wasturned off for cleaning, the fan did not stop. Differences inair temperature in the duct caused the blades to continueturning. The worker, who had used a make-shift method tostop the fan’s rotation and then continued cleaning, wasinjured. This is an example of how a proper EI-LOTO pro-cedure is needed for all kinds of energy sources.

Equipment may be powered by or storehydraulic, mechanical, compressed air,pressurized water or other kinds of energy.An EI- LOTO program identifies all energy-hazards on a piece of equipment, and out-lines safe work processes and tools to con-trol the hazards while work is done on theequipment. To de-energize fluids or gasses

under pressure, valves can be locked closed, bleed-valvesopened or “blinds” installed to block pipes. To preventmovement, equipment can be “blocked” with devices thattemporarily prevent suspended or rolling parts from mov-ing. Even placing a wheel-chock on a parked vehicle, orbuckling your seat-belt, is practicing EI-LOTO!

Click here to view the complete article.

What is “EI-LOTO” andWhy is it so Important?

It is a methodical way of controlling equipment hazards that could cause injury

It is practiced throughout the UC system

It is required by CalOSHA to help ensure worker safety

It identifies hazardous physical conditions and guides you to control them

It is a reliable way to personally ensure your safety and to stay healthy

�����

EI-LOTO MINI-QUIZ: Which of the following statements about EI-LOTO are true?

EI-LOTO is an easy-to-follow safe work process that is customized foreach department’s needs. It protectsUC personnel as well as infrastructure,research, capital projects, patient care and other critical operations.

If you checked all of the boxes above, you have the rightidea about EI-LOTO. Energy Isolation - Lock Out/Tag Outor “EI-LOTO” broadly defines a set of methods used toprevent tool or machine parts from moving, or energy fromflowing unexpectedly in equipment, causing workerinjuries. EI-LOTO, pronounced “E-I-LOTO (where LOTOrhymes with grotto)” is highly effective, required by regula-

tory agencies, and an integralpart of UC employee safetyprograms. In the UC system,EI-LOTO safety processesapply to everything from com-puterized robotics, to scanningelectron microscopes, toparked vehicles.

How does EI-LOTO work? What is likely to come to mindis the need to disable electrical equipment during cleaningor servicing. Basic EI-LOTO is simply unplugging equip-ment with the plug being controlled by the person workingon the equipment.

More complex EI-LOTO may involve fuses, breakers andalternate electricity sources also being disabled. This iscalled “de-energizing” and there are points on equipmentwhere locks are installed to ensure power cannot acciden-tally be restored. An “Accident Prevention Tag” is attachedto the locked equipment to document the EI-LOTO processongoing at the equipment.

Each lock and tag can only be removed by the person whoput it there following a systematic safety review to ensurethat it is safe to re-start the equipment.While the lock and tag are in place, noone is permitted to touch or try to activatethe equipment.

“Practicing EI-LOTO is vital in preventinginjury, and it’s each worker’s personalassurance that they’ll maintain their healthand safety on the job,” says Jim Gilson, Senior SafetyEngineer at UC Berkeley. “Even a small departure from theEI-LOTO procedure can result in disaster. People havebeen seriously injured and departments have sufferedmajor disruptions and financial losses to their operationswhen short-cuts around EI-LOTO were taken. By practic-ing EI-LOTO, equipment hazards are identified and con-trolled before personnel start working on the equipment,energy-isolation locations are locked and tagged, and safe

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Do You Need a GFCI?

If a lab bench has a sink or awork area is wet, electricaloutlets should be equippedwith ground-fault circuit inter-rupters or GFCIs. Homekitchens and baths shouldalso be equipped with GFCIs.In addition, any circuit supply-ing power to an outdoor workarea must be equipped with aGFCI. GFCIs protect you fromelectric shock by instantlyshutting off power to that cir-cuit if a dangerous groundfault is detected. GFCIs canbe built into your building orbe portable as part of anextension cord. Test GFCIs inyour work area monthly tomake sure they are workingproperly. Check with yourFacilities or BuildingMaintenance Office if youthink your area needs a GFCI.

Protect your Eyes

According to the NationalInstitute for OccupationalSafety & Health, each dayabout 2,000 US workersexperience job-related eyeinjuries that require medicaltreatment. Wearing propereye protection can lessen theseverity or even prevent 90percent of eye injuries.Employees working in anarea that has dust particles,chemical splash hazards,lasers or any other potentialeye hazards should wear eyeprotection such as safetyglasses, goggles, faceshields or helmets. Contactyour EH&S office for addi-tional assistance and guidance on selecting properPPE for the job.

Click here for more informa-tion from the Centers forDisease Control.

UC Davis’ Safety Services staff and allied departments pro-vide a spectrum of programs and communications thatencourage a culture of safety. The true measure of their suc-cess is seen when employees take proactive steps to preventinjury and illness in their workplaces.To recognize conscientious employees who model safe workpractices, the UC Davis Safety Council* launched its land-mark “Safety Star” program in fall 2011. Each month, individual employees are nominated for SafetyStardom via a user-friendly form on the Safety Services web-site. Nominees are reviewed by the Safety Council and oneperson is selected to receive the award during a surprisepresentation in his or her workplace.Since the program was introduced in September 2011, SafetyStar winners have been selected from a range of differentcampus departments. Winners have initiated safety programs,encouraged others to follow safe work practices such aswearing appropriate PPE, identified areas for improvement,assisted in data collection or performed other tasks that resultin a safer campus environment. “The Safety Stars program directs praise where it is mostdeserved: to those who demonstrate their concern for othersregardless of their position or job title,” says Aimee Pfohl,Departmental Safety Coordinator (DSC) Program Coordinatorin UC Davis' EH&S group. “Their efforts set an example and help to nurture a culture of safety throughout the campus.”

*The UC Davis Safety Council is made up of representatives fromSafety Services departments, including EH&S, Risk Manage-ment, Occupational Health, Emergency/Continuity Planning andFire Prevention, as well as members of the UC Davis PoliceDepartment’s Crime Prevention staff.

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chemical & labsafety

UC Safety Spotlight is published by UC Office of the President

© 2012, Regents of the University of California

March 2012

Reducing YourExposure to Envi-ronmental Danger

COMING SOON!

Careless Chris

Careless Chris PutsSpeed BeforeSafety ...anImaginary Scenario

Know where to turn on your UC campus for the information you need to keep yourself, yourworkplace and your environment safe and secure. Click on the campus links below toconnect to local program, educational and informational resources.

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occupationalhealth

Dust, fumes, chemi-cals, biohazards andnoise can all be harm-ful when not properlycontrolled. The March2012 issue of SafetySpotlight highlightseffective measures forkeeping your work-place environment ahealthy one.

Rain wasin theforecast,so Care-less Chrisdecidedto get a jump on his land-scaping maintenance. Hemowed his lawn, pulledweeds and planted somecolorful flowers. All that wasleft was the simple task oftrimming the thorny hedgeat the back of his property.Trouble with the chain sawsoon turned into trouble forChris, however.

Click here to read the story

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UC Davis “Safety Star Program”Recognizes Employees Who ModelSafe Work Behavior

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Send an email to safetyspotlight@ucdavis.eduto submit your commentson the February 2012 issueor to suggest content ideasfor future issues. We lookforward to hearing from you!

Try Your Hand at These True-or-False Tool Safety Questions

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1. A screwdriver can substitute for a chisel if used carefully.2. It is not safe to carry a power tool from place to place

while it is running.3. Sparks emitted from a grinding

wheel or other tools can causenearby sawdust, debris or fumesto catch fire.

4. New, battery-driven power toolsare less likely to injure you thanolder plug-in models.

5. You are more likely to be injuredwhen using tools in the workplace than in the home.

6. Disabling the guard on a circular saw is safe if you are anexperienced woodworker.

7. You should always wear gloves when working with tools.8. Long hair, dangling jewelry or loose clothing can become

entangled in moving parts and cause serious injury.9. It is safer to push pliers and wrenches away from yourself

rather than toward yourself.10. The best hand tool is one that fits your hand, is designed

to do the task, comfortable to use and in good condition.11. Power tools that are not properly grounded or insulated

can cause electic shock.12. If you are careful, it’s OK to increase the leverage of a

tool by slipping a piece of pipe over the handle.Always follow your department’s safe work practices andStandard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Answer key: 1-False, 2-True, 3-True, 4-False, 5-False, 6-False, 7-False, 8-True, 9-False, 10-True, 11-True, 12-False