Hand & Power Tool Safety

Injuries caused by hand & portable powered tools

� Eye injuries can result if materials shatter

� Chiseling, grinding, creates flying chips

� Other serious injuries

1a

Injuries caused by hand & portable powered tools

� Tool use in areas of flammable atmospheres requires:

● non-sparking hand tools● specially rated electric power tools

1b

Tool quality and design

� Metal tool parts should be strong

� Use the appropriate blades, bits, fasteners

2a

Tool quality and design

� Handles should comfortably fit the hand

� Avoid using tools that are too heavy or large for you

2b

Job set-up

� You want to easily reach your work

� Secure the parts you work on

� Direct chips or debris away from people

3a

Protective equipment

� Wear eye protection if there is a chance that chips, splashes, sparks, dust, or debris could get into your eyes

4a

Protective equipment

� Eye protection is required when using explosive actuated tools

� Gloves can protect against cuts, vibration, impacts

4b

Protective equipment

� Ear protection when using powered tools

� A respirator may be needed

4c

Tool inspection

� Inspect before/after each use

� Look for:

● cracked/loose handles, casings, guards

● bent shafts

● worn, cut, frayed cords/hoses

5a

Tool inspection

� Look for:

● dull, rounded, chipped cutting surfaces

● scrapes on gripping surfaces

● mushroomed striking surfaces

5b

Tool maintenance and repair

� Keep tools clean

� Sharpen cutting edges

� Follow lubrication schedule

6a

Tool maintenance and repair

� Damaged tools out of service immediately

� Authorized employees repair tools

� Repairs meet specifications

6b

Tool maintenance and repair

� Discard damaged tools that cannot be repaired

� Use tool boxes, tool chests to keep tools organized

6c

Using different types of hand tools

� Hazards from misuse, improper maintenance

7a

Using different types of hand tools

� Loose handles can cause the tool head to fly off and strike someone

� Impact tools (chisels, wedges) are unsafe if they have mushroomed heads

7b

Using different types of hand tools

� Types of hand tools:

● hammers, mallets

● pliers

● cutters

● wrenches

7c

● wood saws

● hack saws

● knives

● screwdrivers

Precautions for power tool use

� Types of power sources:● electric

● pneumatic

● liquid fuel

● hydraulic

● explosive-actuated

8a

Precautions for power tool use

� Don’t carry by the cord/hose

� Don’t yank the cord/hose

� Keep cords/hoses away from heat, oil, sharp edges

8b

Precautions for power tool use

� Disconnect tools:● not in use

● before servicing

● changing accessories

8c

Precautions for power tool use

� Loose clothing, jewelry can get caught in moving parts

� Remove damaged tools from use – tag “Do Not Use”

8d

Guards

� Guards in place when tool is used:● point of operation

● in-running nip points

● rotating parts

● flying chips, sparks

9a

Safety switches

� Powered tools equipped with a constant-pressure switch or control

10a

General precautions for electric power tools

� Do not use in damp, wet locations

� Work areas well-lit

� Power cords are not a tripping hazard

11a

Electrocution and shock

� To protect the user from shock:

● three-wire cord with ground; grounded receptacle

● double insulated

● low-voltage isolation transformer

12a

Powered abrasive wheel tools

� Inspect and sound- or ring-test abrasive wheels before mounting in grinder

13a

Powered abrasive wheel tools

� Guards protect workers from:● the moving wheel surface

● flying fragments in case of breakage

� When using a grinder:● wear eye protection

● turn off when not in use

● never clamp a hand-held grinder in a vise

13b

Pneumatic tools

� Pneumatic tools are powered by compressed air

� Wear eye, face, hearing protection

� Fasten tool securely to the hose – use a locking device

� Screens protect nearby workers from flying fragments

14a

Compressed air

� Only use compressed air for cleaning if:● pressure is reduced to less than 30 p.s.i.

● effective chip guarding is used

● personal protective equipment is used

15a

Compressed air

� Never point compressed air guns toward anyone

� Never “dead-end” an air gun against yourself

15b

Compressed air

� Compressed air contains chips, oil particles that can cause serious injuries to eyes, ears, skin

� Use a brush to remove dust and debris from clothing

15c

� Inspect before use:● clean

● parts operate freely

● barrel is unobstructed

● shield, guards in place

16b

Explosive-actuated tools

� Never point tool at anybody

� Only load when in use

� Never leave loaded tool unattended

� Tools may not be available to unauthorized persons

16c

Explosive-actuated tools

Misfires

� If an explosive-actuated tool misfires:● wait at least 30 seconds

● then try firing it again

17a

Misfires

� If it still will not fire:● wait another 30 seconds

● carefully remove the load

● place the bad cartridge in water

17b

Misfires

� Take defective tools out of service – tag “Do Not Use”

� Repairs must meet manufacturer’s specifications

17c

Fasteners

� Don’t fire fasteners into thin, brittle material

� Follow instructions to fire near edges, corners, existing holes

18a

Hydraulic power tool precautions

� Never exceed the manufacturer’s recommended safe operating pressure for hoses, valves, pipes, filters, and other fittings

19a

Safe use of jacks

� To set up a jack:● base rests on a firm, level surface

● jack is centered

● jack head bears against a level surface

● lift force is applied evenly

20a