Hand Tools & Power Tools

1. H Hand Tools & Power Tools “Getting a Grip on Safety” July 2007

2. 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. 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)* (This includes tools and equipment which may be furnished by employees) * PPE task assessment is required under 29CFR 910.133(d)

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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! • Tie back long hair • Take care if wearing gloves when operating certain power tools (check the owner’s manual)

8. 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"

9. 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 orwet locations • When not in use, tools should be stored in a dry place

10. 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

11. 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?

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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

15. 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

16. Thank you for your cooperation!