Tools are so commonplace in our lives that we often forget they may pose a risk when damaged or used differently than their intended design. Employees should be trained in the proper use of all hand tools in their workplace, Workers should be able to recognize the hazards associated with several types of tools and the safety precautions necessary to mitigate exposure.
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) hand and portable powered tools and other hand-held equipment rules ( 29 CFR 1910.243 Subpart P ) requires employees and employers to establish procedures and safeguards associated with hand and portable power tools.
- The following are some tips from the National Grain & Feed Association,
Five basic safety rules can help prevent hazards associated with the use of hand and power tools: 1. Keep all hand tools in good condition with routine maintenance 2. Use the right tool for the job and within its intended purpose of design 3. Examine each tool for damage prior to use and never use if damaged 4.
- Operate tools within the manufacturer’s guidance 5.
- Provide and use properly the correct personal protection equipment associated with the task Employers are responsible The wide variety of hand and power tools on the market today helps workers be more efficient and perform more tasks than ever before.
When used incorrectly however, they can cause injury and even death. OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.242 provides general requirements for employers and employees. All hand and power tools, whether furnished by the employer or the employee, are to be maintained in a safe condition and inspected for any defects.
Operating and maintenance instructions are to be made available and should be read by the operator. Power Tools: Best Practices Before using any power tool, it’s crucial to read and follow all safety precautions found in the owner’s manual for the tool. OSHA’s publication 3080 Hand and Power Tools (2002) provides these general guidelines for safe power tool use: • Never carry a tool by the cord or hose.
• Never yank the cord or hose to disconnect it from the receptacle. • Keep cords and hoses away from heat, oil and sharp edges. • Disconnect tools when not using them, before servicing and cleaning them, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits and cutters.
- Eep all employees not involved with the work at a safe distance from the work area.
- Secure work with clamps or a vise, freeing both hands to operate the tool.
- Avoid accidental starting.
- Do not hold fingers on the switch button while carrying a plugged-in tool.
- Maintain tools with care; keep them sharp and clean for best performance.
• Follow instructions in the user’s manual for lubricating and changing accessories. • Be sure to keep good footing and maintain good balance when operating power tools. • Remove all damaged portable electric tools from use and tag them: “Do Not Use.” Hand Tools: Best Practices • Do not use tools for jobs for which they are not intended.
- For example, do not use a slot screw driver as a chisel, pry bar, wedge or punch, or wrenches as hammers.
- Do not apply excessive force or pressure on tools.
- Do not cut towards yourself when using cutting tools.
- Do not hold the stock in the palm of your hand when using a cutting tool or a screwdriver.
Always lay it on a workbench or in a vice. • Do not wear bulky gloves to operate hand tools. • Do not throw tools. Hand them, handle first, directly to other workers. • Do not carry tools in a way that interferes with using both hands on a ladder, while climbing on a structure, or when doing any hazardous work.
- If working on a ladder or scaffold, tools should be raised and lowered using a bucket and hand line.
- Do not carry a sharp tool in your pocket.
- Do not use tools during electrical work unless they are designed for electrical work (e.g., properly insulated).
- Do not leave tools lying around on elevated structures, such as a platform or scaffold, as they may be bumped and fall.
For more information, visit ngfa.org.
Contents
What are the safety rules for hand power tools?
Keep cords and hoses away from heat, oil, and sharp edges. Disconnect tools when not using them, before servicing and cleaning them, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits, and cutters. Keep all people not involved with the work at a safe distance from the work area.
What are the hazards of hand and power tools?
Employees who use hand and power tools are exposed but not limited to the following hazards: falling, flying objects, abrasions, splashing objects, harmful dusts or fumes, mists, vapors and gases. Workers shall be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to eliminate exposures.
What is the first rule in hand and power tools safety?
Tools are so commonplace in our lives that we often forget they may pose a risk when damaged or used differently than their intended design. Employees should be trained in the proper use of all hand tools in their workplace, Workers should be able to recognize the hazards associated with several types of tools and the safety precautions necessary to mitigate exposure.
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) hand and portable powered tools and other hand-held equipment rules ( 29 CFR 1910.243 Subpart P ) requires employees and employers to establish procedures and safeguards associated with hand and portable power tools.
- The following are some tips from the National Grain & Feed Association,
Five basic safety rules can help prevent hazards associated with the use of hand and power tools: 1. Keep all hand tools in good condition with routine maintenance 2. Use the right tool for the job and within its intended purpose of design 3. Examine each tool for damage prior to use and never use if damaged 4.
Operate tools within the manufacturer’s guidance 5. Provide and use properly the correct personal protection equipment associated with the task Employers are responsible The wide variety of hand and power tools on the market today helps workers be more efficient and perform more tasks than ever before.
When used incorrectly however, they can cause injury and even death. OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.242 provides general requirements for employers and employees. All hand and power tools, whether furnished by the employer or the employee, are to be maintained in a safe condition and inspected for any defects.
Operating and maintenance instructions are to be made available and should be read by the operator. Power Tools: Best Practices Before using any power tool, it’s crucial to read and follow all safety precautions found in the owner’s manual for the tool. OSHA’s publication 3080 Hand and Power Tools (2002) provides these general guidelines for safe power tool use: • Never carry a tool by the cord or hose.
• Never yank the cord or hose to disconnect it from the receptacle. • Keep cords and hoses away from heat, oil and sharp edges. • Disconnect tools when not using them, before servicing and cleaning them, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits and cutters.
Eep all employees not involved with the work at a safe distance from the work area. • Secure work with clamps or a vise, freeing both hands to operate the tool. • Avoid accidental starting. Do not hold fingers on the switch button while carrying a plugged-in tool. • Maintain tools with care; keep them sharp and clean for best performance.
• Follow instructions in the user’s manual for lubricating and changing accessories. • Be sure to keep good footing and maintain good balance when operating power tools. • Remove all damaged portable electric tools from use and tag them: “Do Not Use.” Hand Tools: Best Practices • Do not use tools for jobs for which they are not intended.
For example, do not use a slot screw driver as a chisel, pry bar, wedge or punch, or wrenches as hammers. • Do not apply excessive force or pressure on tools. • Do not cut towards yourself when using cutting tools. • Do not hold the stock in the palm of your hand when using a cutting tool or a screwdriver.
Always lay it on a workbench or in a vice. • Do not wear bulky gloves to operate hand tools. • Do not throw tools. Hand them, handle first, directly to other workers. • Do not carry tools in a way that interferes with using both hands on a ladder, while climbing on a structure, or when doing any hazardous work.
If working on a ladder or scaffold, tools should be raised and lowered using a bucket and hand line. • Do not carry a sharp tool in your pocket. • Do not use tools during electrical work unless they are designed for electrical work (e.g., properly insulated). • Do not leave tools lying around on elevated structures, such as a platform or scaffold, as they may be bumped and fall.
For more information, visit ngfa.org.
What is hand tools and power tools?
Why Are They Necessary? – In any given workspace—whether it’s a home garage or a professional workshop—hand and power tools are a necessary part of getting any job done. With the right tools, workers can complete any task more efficiently and with greater precision.
- But why are hand and power tools so necessary? First, they allow us to work more efficiently and productively.
- Second, they help us to avoid injuries by performing tasks that would otherwise be too difficult or dangerous for us to do.
- Lastly, they help us create better quality products.
- When it comes to hand tools, they enable workers to perform tasks that would otherwise be impossible or very difficult to do.
For example, a screwdriver lets them insert and remove screws easily. A hammer allows them to drive nails into wood, while a saw helps cut through wood. On the other hand, power tools help workers complete tasks more quickly and easily through the use of equipment powered by electricity or batteries.
What is the importance of hand tools safety?
Hand tools deserve respect for safety sake Hand tools are extensions of our hands. When we misuse our hands, we experience pain. When we misuse hand tools, the possibility of injury to ourselves or people working around us increases considerably. Furthermore, using a tool incorrectly can damage the tool or even cause the tool to fail.
Here are some guidelines for hand tool safety. Use the Right Tool for the Job Using the correct tool for the job is the first step in safe hand tool use. Tools are designed for specific needs. That’s why you’ll find screwdrivers with various lengths and tip styles and pliers with different head shapes.
Using any tool inappropriately is a step in the wrong direction. To avoid personal injury and tool damage, select the proper tool to do the job well and safely. Quality professional hand tools will last many years if they are taken care of and treated with respect.
Manufacturers design tools for specific applications. If you use your screwdriver as a chisel or a pry bar, you can’t expect it to be in good shape when you actually need to drive a screw. Use tools only for their intended purpose. Use Insulated Tools When Needed Many jobs require the use of insulated tools.
Hand tools are often used in combination with lockout tag systems to ensure that the circuits are not live. Most maintenance technicians claim they never work a job “hot.” But, what happens when a computer is on the circuit and it can’t be shut down, or when medical equipment is connected to the circuit? You never know when a situation will arise where insulated tools are required.
All professionals need to have some insulated tools in their collection. Insulated hand tools must be clearly marked with the official, international 1,000-volt rating symbol. They also must meet IEC 60900 and ASTM F1505 standards. Every insulated tool is tested at 10,000 volts to receive a 1,000-volt rating.
These tools are designed to reduce the chance of injury if the tool should make contact with an energized source. Make note, tools with plastic-dipped or slip-on plastic handles are not insulated. Those features are for comfort only. Likewise, wrapping a tool with electric tape does not provide insulation.
Inspect insulated tools frequently. Watch for any wear or cracking of the insulation. Keep them clean, dry, and free of surface contaminants, which can compromise their insulating properties. If the dielectric insulation has been breached by cutting, wear, or a burn, the tool should be taken out of service to ensure safety.
Recommended reading: Follow General Safety and Maintenance Practices Safe tool use contributes to a safer, more efficient work environment. Misusing tools is not only dangerous, it shows a lack of understanding of tool safety and a lack of respect for those around you.
Also, if improper tool use causes an accident, downtime will impact the entire job. Always wear approved eye protection when using hand tools. Metal will fly when it is cut. Safety glasses protect your eyes and prevent serious injury. Other workers in the vicinity should wear eye protection, as well. Keep cutting tools sharp, lubricated, and in good repair.
This applies to knives, bolt cutters, cable cutters, many types of pliers, and all other cutting tools. When cutting wire, bolts, and similar materials, cuts should be made at a 90-degree angle to the work to avoid chipping the edges of the knives. Pliers should not be wiggled or rocked as you attempt to cut material, as this puts tremendous side pressure on the cutting surfaces and can result in the failure of the cutting knives.
- Most accidents happen because one or more safe operating procedures were not followed.
- History usually tells us what we did right or wrong and how that affected our job performance.
- The old saying “Do it right the first time” applies to using hand tools safely.
- This includes staying up-to-date on safety techniques and following safe practices in the work place.
Professionals shouldn’t need second chances, because professionals do the job right the first time. Use Well-Designed, High-Quality Tools Finally, investing in high-quality tools makes the professional’s job safer and easier.
If extra leverage is needed, use high-leverage pliers, which give more cutting and gripping power than standard pliers. This helps, in particular, when making repetitive cuts or twisting numerous wire pairs. Knurled jaws provide sure-gripping action when pulling or twisting wires. Some side-cutting and diagonal-cutting pliers are designed for heavy-duty cutting. When cutting ACSR, screws, nails and hardened wire, only use pliers that are recommended for that use. Pliers with hot riveting at the joint ensure smooth movement across the full action range of the pliers, which reduces handle wobble, resulting in a positive cut. The knives align perfectly every time. Induction hardening on the cutting knives adds to long life, so the pliers cut cleanly day after day. Sharp cutting knives and tempered handles also contribute to cutting ease. Some pliers are designed to perform special functions. For example, some high-leverage pliers have features that allow crimping connectors and pulling fish tapes. Tool handles with dual-molded material allow for a softer, more comfortable grip on the outer surface and a harder, more durable grip on the inner surface and handle ends. Well-designed tools often include a contoured thumb area for a firmer grip or color-coded handles for easy tool identification. Insulated tools reduce the chance of injury where the tool may make contact with an energized source.
Well-designed tools are a pleasure to use. They save time, give professional results and help you do your job more safely. This article has covered the importance of using hand tools safely and treating them with respect. Always remember, safety is essential to good job performance.
Pay attention to what’s going on around you, be flexible, and adapt to changing conditions. Think before you react, and keep your head in the game. Think about tool safety each and every time you begin a job, and you’ll perform your job safely and effectively. Those are your hands that are being extended by the pliers or the screwdriver.
Treat your tools as carefully as you treat your hands. This article was provided by Klein Tools. For more information, visit, : Hand tools deserve respect for safety sake
What are 5 dangers of power tools?
Power tools are found on virtually all construction sites and in most homes. They make work easier and quicker. You could spend hours sanding down a worktop by hand. Or you could use an electric sander and be done in minutes. It’s so much less effort! However, with these benefits also comes risk.
- As the name suggests, power tools are powerful.
- A circular saw can quickly cut through wood or metal, and it can just as quickly cut through flesh and bone.
- Yikes! Power tools create hazards such as noise, vibration, electrical, moving parts and projectiles.
- They have the power to cause severe and even fatal injury if used incorrectly.
When mistakes or accidents happen with power tools, they often cause serious injuries. Power tools are involved in many accidents and fires each year. Before you start working with one, consider safe use so that you don’t add to the injury statistics. The safe use of power tools is covered under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER),
Employers have a legal duty to comply with these regulations when using power tools and other equipment within their organisation. Find out more about the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations in what PUWER stands for, Here’s a quick rundown of some of the things to consider for the safe use of power tools: The power tool you use should be suitable for the job.
Using the wrong tool for a task can create mechanical and electrical stress that causes the equipment to become unsafe.
Is this the right tool for the job? Have you visually checked the tool? Does it have any damage or faults? Is it maintained and tested?
Always select the correct tool for the job. The right tool will get the job done quicker. The wrong tool will create additional risks. Check the power tool before use. Power tools get used in harsh environments and often do intensive tasks. They don’t last forever.
Do not use a tool that has any defects such as damage to the casing or faulty switches. Check that the outer cover of the equipment is not damaged in a way that will give rise to electrical or mechanical hazards. Keep your tool maintained and tested following the manufacturer’s instructions. Tools that are well maintained will last longer and be safer to use.
Regular visual checks by the user and more formal inspections should be in place. This will help identify problems with tools before they become unsafe.
Why is hand and power tool safety importance?
More than one million people are hurt using hand and power tools every year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Not only do people suffer physically, but their injuries also often hurt them financially. Their employers lose money, too.
- The CPSC reports injuries with hand and power tools cost $15.4 million a year in medical bills and lost work.
- Many of the visits to hospitals and doctors’ offices could be prevented with more attention to hand and power tool safety.
- HSI’s mission is to make the workplace safer and smarter,
- Thus, we offer the following tips for hand and power tool safety.
According to OSHA, these are the leading causes of injuries from using hand and power tools :
- Wooden handles break, causing the head of the tool to fly off and hit the user or others.
- Employees are exposed to harmful dust, fumes, or gasses.
- Workers using power tools that aren’t grounded properly get shocked.
Accidents on the job happen more frequently when employees are doing a repetitive job, something unexpected happens, or they are inexperienced or overconfident about using the tool. These tips for hand and power tool safety help employees stay safe and perform well.
Why is 2 points called a safety?
A safety in football is worth 2 points because it is a less common occurrence than a touchdown, which is worth 6 points. It’s called a safety because sometimes the team that has the ball will use it to their advantage.
What is 4 vs 5 star safety?
Meaning Behind the Scores – If a car gets a five-star rating, this means that there is a less than 10% chance of a serious injury. Cars with a four-star rating have an 11-20% chance of a bad injury in them. If some cars have a three-star rating, then this means that there is a 21-35% chance of a serious injury during a crash.
What are the 4 points of manual handling?
The nature of the task itself; 2. the weight and type of load being moved; 3. the ability of the individual person carrying out the task; 4. the environment in which the activity is being carried out.
What are the 4 basic tool rules?
What are the four general tool rules? Purchase quality tools, keep tools organized, keep tools clean, and use the right tool for the right job.
What is the first tool safety rule?
This is a sample or partial document Download the full customizable and printable version 1. Carry all sharp tools in sheath or holsters.2. Tag worn, damaged or defective tools “Out of Service” and do not use them.3. Do not use a tool if the handle surface has splinters, burrs, cracks or splits,4.
- When handing a tool to another person, direct sharp points and cutting edges away from yourself and the other person.5.
- Do not carry sharp or pointed hand tools such as probes or knives in your pocket unless the tool or your pocket is sheathed.6.
- Do not perform “make-shift” repairs to tools.7.
- Do not throw tools from one location to another or from one employee to another.8.
Transport hand tools only in tool boxes or tool belts.