Office Ergonomics Today

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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, its 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 youll
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 youll 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 companys 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 youll need for the
tools you use, ask your supervisor.
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Choosing The Right Tool
Always follow the manufacturers 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
manufacturers 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 isnt 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 tool such 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 tools 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, its
  important to operate all tools according to the
  manufacturers 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 thats 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
  tools 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 tools 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
  tools 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 cords 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 manufacturers 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 cant 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. Weve
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.
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