Hand and Portable Power Tools OSHE 112, Spring 2015

Review: Powered Industrial Truck Definition and common names Typical hazards and control General safe operation rules Importance of training Heavy-duty vehicle operation basics

Tool Hazards Misuse or using damaged tools Ergonomic stress Vibration Improper power tool grounding Improper maintenance and storage

Regulations OSHA 29 CFR 1910, Subpart P: Hand and Portable Powered Tools and Other Hand-Held Equipment 1910.241: Definitions. 1910.242: Hand and portable powered tools and equipment, general. 1910.243: Guarding of portable powered tools. 1910.244: Other portable tools and equipment.

Other Information Resources http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/handpowertools/index.html http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2004-101/chklists/r1n50p~1.htm http://webstore.ansi.org/ergonomics/hand_held_tool_ergonomics.aspx http://webstore.ansi.org/safety_standards/machine-tool-safety/hand-held-electric.aspx http://www.cpwrconstructionsolutions.org/masonry/solution/383/ergonomic-hand-tools.html?gclid=CLTp74mj-rYCFYtT4AoddhYAWg

General Safety Practices Select the right tool for the job Keep all tools in good working condition Use the tool only for what it is designed to do Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when operating tools Always wear the proper protective equipment when operating tools

Hand Tool Misuse and Improper Maintenance The greatest hazards posed by hand tools According to Accident Facts, hand tools are involved in 6 percent of all compensated work injuries. Examples: Using a screwdriver as a chisel Using tools with loose handles Wrenches with sprung jaws

Safety Rules for Specific Hand Tools Screwdrivers: Probably the most commonly used and abused hand tools Always ensure the screwdriver fits the head of the screw Do not hold the work piece against the body while using the screwdriver Do not use a screwdriver as a punch, chisel, pry bar or nail puller Do not use a screwdriver to test the charge of a battery Use blue handled screwdrivers when working on the electrical Do not use a screwdriver to make a starting hole for screws

Hammers Use a claw hammer for pulling nails Do not strike a hardened steel surface with a claw hammer Do not strike one hammer against another hammer Do not use a hammer as a wedge or pry-bar

Chisels Use only chisels that are sharp Do not use chisels with a mushroom head Use only hammers that are designed for use with chisels

Saws Do not carry the saw by the blade Do not use a saw that has a dull saw blade Keep control of the saw by releasing downward pressure at the end of each stroke

Wrenches Do not use wrenches that are bent, cracked, or that have loose handles A hammer may be used for striking “face wrenches” only If at all possible use socket or box wrenches

Snips Wear safety glasses or goggles when using snips Wear work gloves when cutting materials with snips Do not use snip as a hammer, screwdriver, wrench or pry-bar Use the correct types of snips for the job

Spark-Resistant 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.

Spark-Resistant Tools Preferred "non-sparking" metals have less tensile strength than steels usually used to make tools. A lower tensile strength means the metal has less strength or resistance to tearing apart when stretched under test conditions. It also means that these tools are softer, wear down more quickly than ordinary steel tools, and have to be dressed more frequently.

Spark-Resistant Tools

General Safety Guidelines for Power Tools Do not use power tools without training Do not lift or carry power tools by their power cords Keep power cords out of the paths of the power tools Do not leave tools unattended

General Safety Guidelines for Power Tools Do not stand in water or wet surfaces when running a power tool Hold all power tools by the plastic hand grips or other nonconductive areas Do not plug multiple electrical cords into a single outlet Do not use power tools or extension cords with a missing prong Ground all tools unless double insulated

General Safety Guidelines for Power Tools Be aware of all power lines, electrical circuits and water pipes are not visible Do not wear loose clothing, dangling objects or jewelry. Long hairs must be restrained. All observers should be kept at a safe distance away from the work area.

Safety Rules for Specific Power Tools Abrasive Wheel Tools Powered abrasive grinding, cutting, polishing, and wire buffing wheels create special safety problems because they may throw off flying fragments. Before an abrasive wheel is mounted, it should be inspected closely and sound- or ring-tested to be sure that it is free from cracks or defects.

Abrasive Wheel Tools To test, wheels should be tapped gently with a light non-metallic instrument. If they sound cracked or dead, they could fly apart in operation and so must not be used. A sound and undamaged wheel will give a clear metallic tone or "ring."

Abrasive Wheel Tools Portable grinding tools need to be equipped with safety guards to protect workers not only from the moving wheel surface, but also from flying fragments in case of breakage. In addition, when using a powered grinder: Always use eye protection. Turn off the power when not in use. Never clamp a hand-held grinder in a vise.

Circular Saws Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields Use a dust mask, especially when cutting treated woods Wear hearing protection, especially during extended periods of operation

Circular Saws Use sharp blades: dull blades cause binding, stalling and possible kickbacks Use the correct blade for the job Ensure the blade guard is in working order, never remove it or tie it back Avoid cutting small pieces that can’t be properly secured or the saw shoe can’t properly rest

Portable Drills Be sure the chuck is securely tightened to the spindle Tighten the bit securely and remove the chuck key Always hold or brace the tool securely and use any auxiliary handles if provided Don’t force a drill. Apply only enough pressure for the bit to do the cutting.

Miter Box Saws and Chop Saws Because of the saw's downward cutting motion, stay alert to keeping hands and fingers away from the blade's path. Be sure all guards are in place and working. Use only recommended size and RPM rated blades. When installing or changing a blade, be sure the blade and related washers and fasteners are correctly positioned and secured on the saw arbor.

Pneumatic Tools Pneumatic tools are powered by compressed air and include chippers, drills, hammers, and sanders. There are several dangers encountered in the use of pneumatic tools. The main one is the danger of getting hit by one of the tool's attachments or by some kind of fastener the worker is using with the tool. Eye protection is required and face protection is recommended for employees working with pneumatic tools.

Pneumatic Tools Noise is another hazard. Working with noisy tools such as jackhammers requires proper, effective use of hearing protection. When using pneumatic tools, employees must check to see that they are fastened securely to the hose to prevent them from becoming disconnected. A short wire or positive locking device attaching the air hose to the tool will serve as an added safeguard.

Pneumatic Tools A safety clip or retainer must be installed to prevent attachments, such as chisels on a chipping hammer, from being unintentionally shot from the barrel. Screens must be set up to protect nearby workers from being struck by flying fragments around chippers, riveting guns, staplers, or air drills. Compressed air guns should never be pointed toward anyone. Users should never "dead-end" it against themselves or anyone else.

Pneumatic Tools The manufacturer's safe operating pressure for hoses, pipes, valves, filters, and other fittings shall not be exceeded. The use of hoses for hoisting or lowering tools shall not be permitted. All hoses exceeding 1/2-inch inside diameter shall have a safety device at the source of supply or branch line to reduce pressure in case of hose failure.

Portable Power Tools