Hand & power tools Code of safe practices . Bi-Weekly Safety Meeting July 11, 2013

Types of Hand Tools Examples of common hand tools include: Axes Wrenches Screwdrivers Hammers Punches Handsaws Chisels Box cutters Pliers Slide Show Notes Hand tools are nonpowered tools that require human force in order to function and include anything from axes to wrenches. Other common examples of hand tools include screwdrivers, hammers, punches, handsaws, chisels, files, snips, axes, knives, box cutters, wrenches, pry bars, hooks, and pliers Modify this slide to list the specific types of hand tools used at your facility. Bring examples of the hand tools used at your workplace.

Hand Tool Hazards The greatest hazards of hand tools result from misuse and improper maintenance. Examples: Using a screwdriver as a chisel and the tip breaks Wooden handle is damaged and the head of the hammer flies off Wrench, with jaws sprung, slips and your hand strikes another object Impact tool, such as a chisel, with a mushroomed head shatters into fragments Slide Show Notes The greatest hazards posed by hand tools result from misuse and improper maintenance. 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.

Selecting the Right Tool Consider the shape, size, and grip of the tool Consider the quality of the tool Use spark-resistant tools when working near flammable materials Use insulated tools when working near electricity Slide Show Notes Consider the shape and size of the tool and the handle or grip - the tool should be comfortable to hold and should fit your hand properly. Do not select undersized tools Consider the quality of the tool. Cheaper tools are more likely to break, get damaged, or become dull. Select high-quality tools. Iron and steel hand tools can generate sparks, which are dangerous around flammable substances. Instead, use spark-resistant tools made from brass, plastic, aluminum, or wood. Use insulated tools when working around electricity. Select tools that are rated for the voltage you will be working near. Also, do not work on or near energized electrical equipment unless you are properly trained.

Consider Tool Ergonomics Handles with no sharp edges or finger grooves Handles coated with soft material Handles with non-slip surfaces Tools with angle for working with straight wrist Tools designed to work in either hand Spring-loaded to return to open position Slide Show Notes Ergonomics is an important part of hand tool safety. Hand tool use in the workplace often involves repetitive motion, awkward body positioning, and the use of force—all are indicators of potential ergonomic injury. Select tools that can be used effectively with less force, less repetitive movement, and less awkward positioning of the body. Select tools with handles that do not have any sharp edges or finger grooves. Finger grooves require you to place your fingers in a specific position on the handle, which may not fit your hand size properly. Select tools with handles that are coated with a soft material so the force of a hard object is not placing contact pressure on your hand, which could cause ergonomic injury. Select tools with non-slip handles to maintain a better grip. Find tools that are angled appropriately to allow you to work with a straight wrist. Straight tools are not always the best option because you are required to put your wrist at an awkward angle in order to get the work done. Select tools that are designed to work in either hand. You can prevent some of the repetition by switching hands. Find double-handled tools that are spring-loaded to return to the open position so you do not have to open the tools as well as close them.

Carrying Tools Toolbox, belt, or pouch Never carry sharp tools in your pocket Hold sharp edges or points away from body Don’t carry tools in your hand when climbing ladders Keep tools out of walkways and edges Hand tools to others, do not throw them Slide Show Notes Use a toolbox, toolholder, tool belt, or tool pouch to carry tools in order to protect yourself as well as the tool. Never carry sharp or pointed tools in your pocket. Carry sharp or pointed tools with the sharp edge or point away from your body. Just in case you slip or fall, you will not land on the sharp edge of the tool because it faces away from your body. Do not carry tools in your hand when climbing ladders. Use a belt, rope, or hoist. Do not lay tools down in a walkway where someone can trip over them or on a high edge where they could fall on someone. Hand tools to others, do not throw them

Maintaining and Repairing Your Tools Purchase quality tools Inspect for damaged edges and handles Keep edges and tips sharp Replace damaged handles Report broken or damaged tools Tag damaged tools “Do Not Use” Slide Show Notes Avoid repair and maintenance costs by purchasing the best quality tools. Your tools will last longer and are less likely to be damaged from proper daily use. Inspect tools for dull or damaged edges, and damaged handles or grips. Wooden handles must be kept free of splinters or cracks and be held tight in the tool. Have a professional sharpen edges or tips of tools and blades. Replace damaged handles or grips immediately. If a tool breaks or malfunctions, report it to your supervisor. Mark or tag damaged tools with “Do Not Use” in order to prevent a co-worker from using the tool and getting injured.

General Tool Safety Practices (CONT’D.) Wear PPE appropriate for the work Do not wear loose clothes or jewelry Do not work with oily or greasy hands Slide Show Notes When using hand tools, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, work gloves, work boots with steel toes, and tough work clothes. Keep cutting tools sharp, well lubricated, and in good condition to be sure they work properly. Never wear loose clothing or jewelry, and tie back long hair when using hand tools. Mark damaged tools clearly and notify your supervisor. Do not work with oily or greasy hands because you are likely to lose your grip on the hand tool, which could result in an injury. Bring examples of PPE (personal protective equipment) used in your workplace when working with hand tools.

General Tool Safety Practices (CONT’D.) Use the right size and type of tool for the job Do not use tools that are loose or cracked Do not put tools on edges at heights where they could fall After using a tool, clean it and put it back in its proper place Slide Show Notes Select the correct tool for the job and make sure it is the correct size needed for the job. Do not use tools that are loose, cracked, or otherwise damaged. Do not place tools on the edge of tables, work benches, or other flat surfaces. A co-worker could easily walk by that tool and be injured, especially if the tool has a sharp edge or blade. After using a tool, clean it and put it back in its proper place. Cleaning the tool will help maintain it. Putting the tool back will also make it easier to find it next time you need it.

Types of Portable Power Tools Electric Pneumatic (air) Liquid fuel Hydraulic Powder-actuated Regardless of the source of energy, tools present dangers because of their power, speed, and sharp edges. Each of these types of power tools has specific hazards: Electric Pneumatic (air) Liquid fuel Hydraulic Powder-actuated

Power & HAND Tool Hazards Hit by flying debris Hit by broken tool part Puncture with a sharp tool Explosion or fire when sparks from a tool ignite flammable or combustible materials Electric shock from a frayed or defective power cord Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) from repetitive misuse of a tool It is easy to overlook hazards on hand or power tools, or figure that it is no big deal. You might think, “I’ll just use it this once.” Some common hazards associated with hand and power tools are: Someone is hit by flying debris from the item on which the tool is used. Part of tool hits someone after it breaks or shatters under force. A person punctures themself with a sharp tool. Sparks from a tool ignite flammable or combustible material. Someone receives an electrical shock from a frayed or defective power cord or tool. Repetitive misuse of tools (e.g., awkward grip, excessive grip, awkward position) can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

POWER TOOL HAZARDS

General Precautions for Operating Power Tools Never carry a tool or unplug it by the cord or hose Disconnect tools when they are not in use Make sure observers are at a safe distance Secure work with a vise, clamp, or other support Keep cords and hoses away from heat, liquids, and sharp edges Examine tools before each use Power tool hazards and injuries can be avoided by taking several simple precautions: Do not carry a tool by the cord or yank the plug. It can result in loose wires and create a fire hazard. Always disconnect tools when they are not in use to prevent accidental start-up. Make sure no one is standing near you when operating a tool unless they are wearing appropriate protective equipment. Anyone watching the work may be hit by flying debris. Secure the working surface with a vise, clamp, or other support. Moving work surfaces can cause the tool to “kick back,” injuring the operator. Always make sure that cords are not strung near a heat source, across sharp edges, or through liquids. Examine tools before each use for defects or damage.

Tool Guards Guards protect from: Point of operation hazards Nip points Rotating parts Flying chips or sparks Tool guards offer protection from: Point of operation hazards Nip points Rotating parts Flying chips or sparks

Pneumatic Tool Safety Always wear eye and hearing protection Make sure air hose connections are secure Ensure the safety clip for attachments is installed and secure Use screens to protect nearby workers Never point the tool at anyone When using pneumatic tools: Always wear eye and hearing protection. Face protection is recommended. Check air hose connections to make sure they are secured properly. Make sure a safety clip or retainer is 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. Never point a compressed air gun toward anyone. Users should never “dead-end” it against themselves or anyone else.

Powder-Actuated Tools Do not use in an explosive or flammable atmosphere Inspect the tool prior to use Never point the tool at anyone Load the tool only when it is going to be used Keep hands clear of the barrel end If you are not familiar with this type of tool, do not use them until you have been properly trained. Remember, although these are not guns, they can cause damage like one! Don’t use in an explosive or flammable atmosphere. Inspect the tool prior to use. Never point the tool at anyone. Load the tool only when it is going to be used. Keep hands clear of the barrel end.

What’s Wrong with This Picture? Employee was cutting plywood with a circular saw This is a simulation of an actual workplace accident. It was inspected and documented by OSHA: Accident 170883706, Report ID 0950642, Inspection 119873248. An employee was preparing to cut through some plywood. He placed one end of the plywood on the ground, and held up the other end with one hand so that he could operate the circular saw with his other hand. He taped back the self-retracting lower blade guard that automatically closes over the lower part of the blade when material is not being cut. As he began cutting, the saw got caught in the wood and kicked backward. The man was struck in the abdomen with the unguarded circular saw. He was hospitalized with a 10” laceration that required a number of stitches.

What’s Wrong with This Picture? He tapes back the lower blade guard and holds the wood. The saw catches in the wood and kicks back.

What’s Wrong with This Picture? The saw hit the employee in the abdomen, leaving a 10” laceration What caused the accident? Possible answers:

WHAT CAUSED THIS ACCIDENT? Possible Answers… The guarding for the saw was disabled. The guard probably got caught in the wood when cutting at a downward angle. He had probably cut wood this way many times before and never been hurt, so he assumed it was safe. The sheet of plywood was not in a safe position for cutting. To hold the wood still in this upright position, he was probably pushing down, which put too much pressure on the blade and caused the saw to kick back. Because the employee was not able to use both hands to control the saw, he was not able to control it when it kicked back. The saw blade may have been dull, which could contribute to the saw catching on the wood. Possible answers:

HOW COULD THIS WORKER HAVE CUT THE BOARD SAFELY? Possible answers… When using a circular saw, the material to be cut should have been laid flat on top of sawhorses or a designated cutting table. In this position, the guard would have move freely out of the way. He would have been in a better position to control the saw and avoid injury, even if the saw kicked back He should have inspected the blade prior to use. Blades must be sharp and have no signs of damage.

Code of Safe Practices In California, there is an entire group of safety and health regulations which pertain to construction activities only. These regulations are included in the Construction Safety Orders (“CSOs”). One element of the CSOs is the Code of Safe Practices, which is part of the company’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP).

Code of Safe Practices The employer must adopt and develop a written Code It must be specific to an employer’s operations It must be posted or readily available at the job site Workers must be directed to read and sign it

Example

Key Points to Remember Keep all tools regularly maintained Use the right tool for the job Examine each tool for damage before use Operate tools in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions Use the proper personal protective equipment Remember these five keys to power tool safety. In doing so, you’re helping to protect yourself, as well as your co-workers, from injury. .