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Hand & Power Tool Safety

Hand & Power Tool Safety


Introduction

Everyday, tools help us build and repair a variety of things. Some tools are more powerful and

dangerous than others, but any tool can cause you harm if not used properly.


Introduction

Unfortunately, potential hazards are often forgotten or disregarded making work

environments where hand and power tools are used unsafe for employees and bystanders.


Introduction

But by learning how to handle tools correctly, and wearing the correct personal protective equipment, you can help ensure a safe work

environment for everyone.


Introduction

Because tools are such a routine part of our everyday lives, it’s easy to forget how dangerous they can be. Electric and pneumatic power tools

can make performing a task easier and more efficient, while minimizing wear and stress on the body. But the same thing that makes power tools so useful, their motor-driven energy and speed,

can also create potential hazards for you.


Introduction

While injuries from manually powered hand tools are often less serious than injuries from power tools, hand tool injuries occur more frequently and include eye loss, fractures, punctures, cuts and bruises. Most hand and power tool hazards

can be traced to either using a tool improperly or poor maintenance. But by remembering the risks and following basic safety procedures while in

the shop or out on the job, accidents can be avoided.


Preparing To Work

The first step in working safely with hand and power tools is to maintain a safe work environment.


Preparing To Work

Make sure the lighting in the area where you’ll be working is adequate. Cluttered work areas invite

accidents -- tools left on the floor can become trip hazards, while tools scattered on a bench or ledge can

fall off and injure someone.


Preparing To Work

Store tools in a dry, secure location when not in use. To prevent accidental slips, keep floors as clean and

dry as possible.


Preparing To Work

When working with hand and power tools dress appropriately. Before using power tools, tie back hair that is shoulder length or longer and avoid wearing jewelry or loose clothing that can catch in rotating

parts.


Preparing To Work

The personal protective equipment you’ll need to wear depends on the type of tools you will be working

with. Each hand or power tool you use may require specific personal protective equipment that you

should be aware of.


Preparing To Work

For example, cutting, grinding, chipping and sanding are a few of the tasks that can produce flying objects or dust, and safety glasses with side shields or safety

goggles are a must.


Preparing To Work

If an activity generates fine or toxic dusts, check your company’s written Respiratory Protection Program to determine the respirator or dust mask you will need to

wear.


Preparing To Work

When using power tools, hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs must be worn if noise levels

reach 85 decibels or more, averaged over an 8-hour time period.


Preparing To Work

In most situations, work shoes or boots with sturdy leather uppers and non-skid soles are appropriate. Choosing footwear with a reinforced toe provides additional protection against dropped equipment,while a non-conductive sole provides additional

protection against hazardous electricity.


Preparing To Work

Wearing the appropriate gloves can protect from splinters and minor cuts, and reduce the impact of

vibration. But, when working with some power tools such as drills or saws, gloves themselves can become

a hazard and should not be worn.


Preparing To Work

If you have any questions about the type of personal protective equipment you’ll need for the tools you

use, ask your supervisor.


Choosing The Right Tool

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper use and maintenance of hand and power

tools.



When selecting blades, bits, cutters, grinding wheels or other attachments for power tools, the

manufacturer’s recommendations provide the best guide.



Remember that each tool is designed to do only certain jobs. For example, never substitute a

screwdriver for another type of tool, just because the screwdriver is handy. Using a screwdriver as a

chisel or pry bar can easily cause it to break or chip, exposing you or a nearby coworker to injury.



Pliers are a versatile tool, but do not use them in place of a wrench. Plier jaws are flexible and non-locking, making it difficult to turn tight nuts and

bolts without slipping.



Choosing the right tool for each task isn’t just a smart safety decision – it is another way of

improving productivity while turning out higher quality work.



Before using any tool inspect its condition to make sure it can function safely. If the handle on a toolsuch as a hammer or an axe is loose, splintered or cracked, the head of the tool may fly off and strike you or a coworker. Instead of taping the handle or attempting to “get by” – have the handle replaced

before using the tool.



Discard wrenches that have cracked, sprung or worn jaws – they can easily slip and cause an

injury.



With repeated use, impact tools such as chisels and wedges can develop mushroomed heads – when

used in that condition, they can shatter on impact, sending sharp fragments flying.



To work safely, recondition or replace these tools as necessary.



Inspect the body of electric tools for cracks or other damage. Check that power cords are not frayed, and

that plugs do not have loose or broken prongs.



Whether the tool’s power switch can be locked in the “on” position, or automatically shuts power off

when the trigger is released, the switch should operate freely without sticking.



Replace drill or router bits that are dull or bent, and saw blades with teeth that are dull, chipped or

missing.



Before mounting an abrasive wheel test it for cracks by gently tapping it with a light, nonmetallic

instrument. If, instead of a clear metallic tone, it sounds cracked or dead, do not use it – the wheel

could fly apart in operation.



Many power tools have safety guards to prevent contact with potential hazards such as rotating parts,

blades, pinch points, flying particles, or sparks. Before using a power tool, check that the

appropriate guards are in place and working properly.



A circular saw, for example, has two guards. The upper guard is fixed; the lower guard retracts while making a cut. To protect the operator from contact

with the moving blade, the lower guard automatically returns to the covering position when

the tool is withdrawn.


Using Tools Safely

Every hand and power tool has built-in design limitations. Overloading a tool by pushing it beyond its range of safe operation can damage the tool and cause injury. For this reason, it’s important to operate all tools according to the

manufacturer’s instructions.


Using Tools Safely

To prevent accidental start-ups, run the extension cord to the work site before connecting it to a power tool, and, before plugging in a tool, always make sure the power

switch is in the “off” position.


Using Tools Safely

When carrying a plugged-in tool, remember to keep your finger off the start switch. To avoid creating a trip hazard or causing damage to electrical cords, keep them off of pathways or, when this is not possible, place a rollover

protector over the cord.


Using Tools Safely

Carrying screwdrivers, chisels, punches or other sharp- edged tools in your pocket could cause a serious injury if

you trip – use a toolbelt, a cart, or a toolbox instead.


Using Tools Safely

A knife should be carried in a sheath or holder, placed over the hip rather than on the front part of the belt.


Using Tools Safely

When climbing a ladder, carry your tools on a toolbelt, or hoist the tools to the work location using a bucket or bag

that’s secured to a rope. This leaves both hands free so that you can maintain three points of contact with the ladder for

safer climbing.


Using Tools Safely

Only use tools around live electrical systems if you are qualified to do so. Choose pliers, screwdrivers or wire cutters that have an insulated grip, and check that the

protective covering is free of cracks or holes.


Using Tools Safely

If working around flammable gases, highly volatile liquids, or other explosive substances only use power tools that

have been specially designed to be explosion proof.


Using Tools Safely

Even metal hand tools can produce sparks that could be an ignition source. Where a flammable or explosive hazard

exists, use spark-resistant hand tools made of non-ferrous materials.


Using Tools Safely

When using hand or power tools, make sure your hands are free of oil and grease to prevent slipping. Before using a

power saw, inspect the material to be cut for nails, staples, or other objects that could create potential hazards if struck

by a rotating blade.


Using Tools Safely

Take note of your surroundings before beginning any cutting or striking activity, and direct the tool away from

aisle areas and other employees working nearby.


Using Tools Safely

When working with pneumatic tools, the most common danger is getting struck by one of the tool’s attachments or

by a fastener shot from the tool such as a staple or nail.


Using Tools Safely

To prevent this, first, always check that the tool you will be using is securely fastened to the air hose and any

attachment is secured to the tool.


Using Tools Safely

Whether a tool contains a fastener or not, never point it at yourself or anyone else. Be aware that many pneumatic tools have a trigger that is easily activated – to stay safe,

keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to begin working.


Using Tools Safely

Maintain good balance while using power tools by distributing your weight equally on both feet, and do not

overreach.


Using Tools Safely

Wait for the tool to achieve operating speed before beginning work. Once started, keep up a steady, even

pressure, but never force the tool. Letting the tool do the work allows the bit or saw blade to cut smoothly.


Using Tools Safely

To stay safe when using knives, box cutters or power saws, always make sure the blade you are using is sharp. To test a tool’s sharpness never run your finger along the edge – test

on a piece of scrap material instead. Dull tools are dangerous because they require greater effort and increase

the chance of a slip or a kickback.


Using Tools Safely

When using knives and box cutters, cut in the direction away from your body. While this may feel unnatural at first, it will prevent injuries if the blade catches or slips.


Using Tools Safely

When a cutting task is completed, retract the blade on a box cutter or utility knife to help ensure that no one gets hurt

while carrying the tool or retrieving it from storage.


Using Tools Safely

Before using such tools as saws, screwdrivers or files, secure small workpieces on a flat surface or in a vice. Never hold the material in your hand while you are

working on it – if the tool slips it could cause a serious cut or puncture wound.


Using Tools Safely

Before drilling, always clamp smaller workpieces to prevent them from moving. An unsecured object can become a flying projectile if a drill catches or binds.


Using Tools Safely

Do not push tools beyond their capacity. Never hammer on a wrench, for instance, or use an extension, such as a pipe, to improve leverage. Instead, select a wrench with a longer handle and use penetrating oil to help loosen stuck nuts and

bolts.


Using Tools Safely

Avoid forcing a power tool by applying excessive pressure, this can overheat the tool and reduce operator control.


Using Tools Safely

If at any time you experience unusual vibration, noise, sparking or other indications that a power tool is

malfunctioning, stop work immediately and have the tool checked by a qualified individual.


Using Tools Safely

To protect yourself and coworkers from electrical shock or burns, be sure power tools have either a three-wire cord

with a grounding prong, or are double insulated.


Using Tools Safely

Double insulated tools have an internal layer of protective insulation completely isolating the tool’s external housing.

To check if a tool is double insulated, look for the Underwriters Lab seal and a “double insulation”

designation.


Using Tools Safely

To further protect against electrical injury, always unplug tools when not in use, before servicing and cleaning, and

when changing accessories. When unplugging a tool, grasp the plug instead of yanking the cord.


Using Tools Safely

To maintain a cord’s physical integrity, never carry an electric tool by its cord, and keep cords away from heat,

oil, and sharp edges.


Using Tools Safely

Remember that water is an excellent conductor of electricity and can create a dangerous path between you

and an electric power source – for that reason, never use a power tool while standing in water.


Using Tools Safely

When working with a power tool outdoors or in a damp environment, plug it into a GFCI-protected outlet. A GFCI, or ground fault circuit interrupter, monitors imbalances in

the flow of electricity – if current does not follow its intended path, the GFCI can quickly cut power before it travels through you and causes serious shock and injury.


Using Tools Safely

Before changing pneumatic tools or attachments, or making an adjustment, always turn off the air pressure and

vent the line unless the hose has a quick disconnect coupling that makes these precautions unnecessary.


Using Tools Safely

Do not “kink” the hose to stop airflow. When a task is completed, wait for the tool to come to a complete stop

before setting it down.


Using Tools Safely

If not handled carefully, compressed air can be extremely dangerous. A blast of compressed air is powerful enough to

drive dirt, grease or air into the body causing injury or death. For this reason, never point a compressed air gun at

anyone or use compressed air to clean your clothing.


Using Tools Safely

If using compressed air to clean equipment, make sure the pressure is reduced to less than 30 pounds per square inch,

and use a chip guard to protect against flying debris.


Using Tools Safely

Pneumatic tools should only be attached to a compressed air supply system – never to lines supplying breathing air

or any type of gas as this is extremely hazardous.


Using Tools Safely

Before working with a pneumatic tool, check couplings and fittings and set the air pressure according to the

manufacturer’s specifications.


Using Tools Safely

Housekeeping may seem like a simple or boring task, but removing excess sawdust, grime, moisture and other debris from your tools after each use will help keep them working

properly.


Using Tools Safely

To prevent accidents, as well as loss or damage to your tools, when you are finished with a task have a specific location to store each tool. Heavy-headed tools, such as

sledgehammers, should be stored with the heavy end down.


Using Tools Safely

Store cutting tools by covering or retracting blades, so that they can’t cause injuries to someone reaching into a

toolbox or drawer.


Using Tools Safely

To store a pneumatic hose, begin by carefully coiling it. Avoid putting kinks in the hose by hanging it over a broad

support, instead of a hook, nail, or angle iron.


Summary

Without hand and power tools many of the tasks we routinely perform would be much more difficult or

impossible. When we use tools everyday, however, it becomes all too easy to underestimate the hazards.


Summary

If you have any questions about the hand and power tools you use, ask your supervisor. We’ve come a

long way since the first tools, and our awareness of how to stay safe in the workplace has also advanced.


Summary

To prevent accidents or injuries from slowing you down, follow safe work practices every time you

pick up a hand or power tool.


Summit Training Source, Inc.

Contact us at:

1-800-842-0466

or at

[email protected]

Www.safetyontheweb.com. Hand & Power Tool Safety.

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