Engineering a sustainable future…… 1
Hazards
Workers using hand and
power tools may be exposed
to these hazards:
objects that fall, fly, are
abrasive, or splash
harmful dusts, fumes,
mists, vapors, and gases
frayed or damaged
electrical cords, hazardous
connections and improper
grounding
Engineering a sustainable future…… 2
Basic Tool Safety Rules
Maintain regularly
Use right tool for the job
Inspect before use
Operate according to
manufacturers’ instructions
Use the right personal
protective equipment (PPE)
Use guards
Engineering a sustainable future…… 3
Hand Tool Hazards
Hazards are usually caused by
misuse and improper
maintenance
Do not use:
wrenches when jaws are sprung
Crack
impact tools (chisels and
wedges) when heads have
mushroomed
tools with loose, cracked or
splintered handles
a screwdriver as a chisel
tools with taped handles – they
may be hiding cracks
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Hand Tools - Protection
Use PPE, such as safety
goggles and gloves
Keep floor surface where
working free from debris
and tripping or slipping
hazards
Keep cutting tools sharp
Engineering a sustainable future…… 5
Power Tools
Must be fitted with guards
and safety switches
Extremely hazardous when
used improperly
Different types, determined
by their power source:
Electric
Pneumatic
Liquid fuel
Hydraulic
Powder-actuated
Engineering a sustainable future…… 6
Hand-held power tools must be
equipped with one of the
following:
Constant pressure switch
shuts off power upon release
Examples: circular saw, chain
saw, grinder, hand-held power
drill
On-Off Switch
Examples: routers, planers,
laminate trimmers, shears, jig
saws, nibblers, scroll saws
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Power Tools - Precautions
Disconnect tools when not in use, before
servicing and cleaning, and when changing
accessories
Keep people not involved with the work away
from the work
Secure work with clamps or a vise, freeing
both hands to operate the tool
Don’t hold the switch button while carrying a
plugged-in tool
Keep tools sharp and clean
Consider what you wear – loose clothing and
jewelry can get caught in moving parts
Remove damaged electric tools & tag them:
“Do Not Use”
Engineering a sustainable future…… 8
Power Tools – Precautions (Electric Cords)
Don’t carry portable tools by
the cord
Don’t use electric cords to
hoist or lower tools
Don’t yank cord or hose to
disconnect it
Keep cords and hoses away
from heat, oil, and sharp
edges
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To protect a worker from
shock, these tools must:
have a 3-wire cord plugged Plug with a
into a grounded receptacle grounding pin
be double insulated, or
be powered by a low-
voltage isolation transformer
Double insulated
markings
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Abrasive Wheels and Tools
May throw off flying fragments
Equip with guards that:
Cover the spindle end, nut, &
flange projections
Maintain proper alignment
with the wheel
Don’t exceed the strength of
the fastenings
Guard so that a minimal
amount of the wheel is exposed
Engineering a sustainable future…… 11
Inspecting Abrasive Wheels
Before mounting:
inspect closely for damage
perform sound- or ring-test
to ensure free from cracks /
defects
To test:
tap wheel gently with a light,
non-metallic instrument
if wheel sounds cracked or
dead, do not use it because it
could fly apart
Engineering a sustainable future…… 12
Guarding
Guard exposed moving
parts of power tools
Guard belts, gears,
shafts, pulleys, sprockets,
spindles, flywheels,
chains, or other moving
parts
Never remove a guard
when a tool is in use
Engineering a sustainable future…… 13
Guarding Protection
Machine guards must
protect the operator
and others from:
Point of operation
In-running nip points
Rotating parts
Flying chips and Nip Point
sparks
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Hood guard
Use a hood for guarding
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Pneumatic Tools
Powered by compressed air
Includes nailers, staplers,
chippers, drills & sanders
Main hazard - getting hit by
a tool attachment or by a
fastener the worker is using
with the tool Nail Gun -
Cut-Away View
Take the same precautions
with an air hose that you
take with electric cords
Engineering a sustainable future…… 16
Pneumatic Tool Safety
Place a safety device on the
muzzle to prevent the tool
from ejecting fasteners,
unless the muzzle is in
contact with work surface
Install a safety clip or
retainer to prevent
attachments, such as chisels
on a chipping hammer, from Muzzle in contact
being ejected with work surface
Wear eye protection. Wear
hearing protection with
jackhammers.
Engineering a sustainable future…… 17
Compressed Air Cleaning
Don’t use compressed
air for cleaning
Exception - where
reduced to less than
30 p.s.i. with effective
chip guarding and PPE
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Liquid Fuel Tools
Usually gas powered
Main hazard – fuel vapors
Use only approved flammable
liquid containers
Before refilling a fuel-
powered tool tank, shut down
the engine and allow it to
cool
Engineering a sustainable future…… 19
Powder-Actuated Tools
User must be trained and
licensed to operate
Test tool each day before
loading to ensure the
safety devices are working
properly
Wear suitable ear, eye, and
face protection
Select a powder level that
will do the work without
excessive force
Engineering a sustainable future…… 20
Fatal Fact
Employee killed
when struck in head
by a nail fired from
a powder actuated
tool.
Tool operator was
attempting to
anchor a plywood
form in preparation
for pouring a
concrete wall
Engineering a sustainable future…… 21
Powder-Actuated Tool Safety Tips
Don’t use in explosive or flammable
atmosphere
Inspect tool before use to ensure:
it is clean,
that moving parts operate freely
the barrel is free from obstructions and has
the proper shield, guard, and attachments
Don’t load the tool unless using immediately
Don’t leave a loaded tool unattended
Keep hands clear of the barrel end
Never point the tool at anyone
Store unloaded in a locked box
Engineering a sustainable future…… 22
Jacks
To set up a jack, ensure:
The base is on a firm, level
surface
It’s centered
The jack head is placed
against a level surface
You apply the lift force evenly
Lubricate and inspect jacks
regularly
Engineering a sustainable future…… 23
Summary
Hazards are usually the result of improper
tool use or not following one or more of
these protection techniques:
Inspecting the tool before use
Using PPE (Personal Protective
Equipment)
Using guards
Properly storing the tool
Using safe handling techniques
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