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Hand & Power Tool Safety
Hand & Power Tool Safety
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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.
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Introduction
Unfortunately, potential hazards are often forgotten or disregarded making work
environments where hand and power tools are used unsafe for employees and bystanders.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Preparing To Work
The first step in working safely with hand and power tools is to maintain a safe work environment.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Choosing The Right Tool
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper use and maintenance of hand and power
tools.
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Choosing The Right Tool
When selecting blades, bits, cutters, grinding wheels or other attachments for power tools, the
manufacturer’s recommendations provide the best guide.
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Choosing The Right Tool
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.
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Choosing The Right Tool
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.
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Choosing The Right Tool
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.
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Choosing The Right Tool
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.
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Choosing The Right Tool
Discard wrenches that have cracked, sprung or worn jaws – they can easily slip and cause an
injury.
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Choosing The Right Tool
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.
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Choosing The Right Tool
To work safely, recondition or replace these tools as necessary.
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Choosing The Right Tool
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.
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Choosing The Right Tool
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.
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Choosing The Right Tool
Replace drill or router bits that are dull or bent, and saw blades with teeth that are dull, chipped or
missing.
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Choosing The Right Tool
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.
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Choosing The Right Tool
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.
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Choosing The Right Tool
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Using Tools Safely
Maintain good balance while using power tools by distributing your weight equally on both feet, and do not
overreach.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Using Tools Safely
Avoid forcing a power tool by applying excessive pressure, this can overheat the tool and reduce operator control.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Using Tools Safely
Before working with a pneumatic tool, check couplings and fittings and set the air pressure according to the
manufacturer’s specifications.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Summary
To prevent accidents or injuries from slowing you down, follow safe work practices every time you
pick up a hand or power tool.
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Summit Training Source, Inc.
Contact us at:
1-800-842-0466
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