Hand And Power Tools

By Author: HAZARD RECOGNITION
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Tools are such a common part of our lives that it is difficult to remember that they may pose hazards. All tools are manufactured with safety in mind but, tragically, a serious accident often occurs before steps are taken to search out and avoid or eliminate tool-related hazards.

In the process of removing or avoiding the hazards, workers must learn to recognize the hazards associated with the different types of tools and the safety precautions necessary to prevent those hazards.

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.

Some 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.
·A wrench must not be used if its jaws are sprung, because it might slip.
·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.
The employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees but the employees have the responsibility for properly using and maintaining tools.

Employers should caution employees that saw blades, knives, or other tools be directed away from aisle areas and other employees working in close proximity. Knives and scissors must be sharp. Dull tools can be more hazardous than sharp ones.

Appropriate personal protective equipment, e.g., safety goggles, gloves, etc., should be worn due to hazards that may be encountered while using portable power tools and hand tools.

Safety requires that floors be kept as clean and dry as possible to prevent accidental slips with or around dangerous hand tools.

Around flammable substances, sparks produced by iron and steel hand tools can be a dangerous ignition source. Where this hazard exists, spark-resistant tools made from brass, plastic, aluminum, or wood will provide for safety.

POWER TOOL PRECAUTIONS

Power tools can be hazardous when improperly used. There are several types of power tools, based on the power source they use: electric, pneumatic, liquid fuel, hydraulic, and powder-actuated.

Employees should be trained in the use of all tools - not just power tools. They should understand the potential hazards as well as the safety precautions to prevent those hazards from occurring.

Power tool users should observe the following general precautions:
·Never carry a tool by the cord or hose.
·Never yank the cord or the hose to disconnect it from the receptacle.
·Keep cords and hoses away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
·Disconnect tools when not in use, before servicing, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits and cutters.
·All observers should be kept at a safe distance away from the work area.
·Secure work with clamps or a vise, freeing both hands to operate the tool.
·Avoid accidental starting. The worker should not hold a finger on the switch button while carrying a plugged-in tool.
·Tools should be maintained with care. They should be kept sharp and clean for the best performance. Follow instructions in the user's manual for lubricating and changing accessories.
·Be sure to keep good footing and maintain good balance.
·The proper apparel should be worn. Loose clothing, ties, or jewelry can become caught in moving parts.
·All portable electric tools that are damaged shall be removed from use and tagged "Do Not Use."

GUARDS

Hazardous moving parts of a power tool need to be safeguarded. For example, belts, gears, shafts, pulleys, sprockets, spindles, drums, fly wheels, chains, or other reciprocating, rotating, or moving parts of equipment must be guarded if such parts are exposed to contact by employees.

Guards, as necessary, should be provided to protect the operator and others from the following:
·point of operation,
·in-running nip points,
·rotating parts, and
·flying chips and sparks.
Safety guards must never be removed when a tool is being used. For example, portable circular saws must be equipped with guards. An upper guard must cover the entire blade of the saw. A retractable lower guard must cover the teeth of the saw, except when it makes contact with the work material. The lower guard must automatically return to the covering position when the tool is withdrawn from the work.

SAFETY SWITCHES

The following hand-held powered tools must be equipped with a momentary contact "on-off" control switch: drills, tappers, fastener drivers, horizontal, vertical and angle grinders with wheels larger than 2 inches in diameter, disc and belt sanders, reciprocating saws, saber saws, and other similar tools. These tools also may be equipped with a lock-on control provided that a single motion of the same finger or fingers that turn it on can accomplish turnoff.

The following hand-held powered tools may be equipped with only a positive "on-off" control switch: platen sanders, disc sanders with discs 2 inches or less in diameter; grinders with wheels 2 inches or less in diameter; routers, planers, laminate trimmers, nibblers, shears, scroll saws and jigsaws with blade shanks