Transcript Hand Tools & Power Tools

HHand Tools & Power Tools
“Getting a Grip on Safety”
July 2007
Regulatory Requirements
Federal 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.
(This includes tools and equipment which may be furnished 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)*
*
PPE task assessment is required under 29CFR 910.133(d)
Personal Protective Equipment
Employees 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 Tools
Hand 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 Tools
Other 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!
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 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 - Electrocution
Among 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
To protect hands and arms from injury due to cuts:
 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
Circular Saws
Because 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?
Circular Saws, Continued
 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
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!