Power Tools and Hand Tools: How We can Watch out for Ourselves and Our Fellow Co- Workers

Part of safety culture is to watch out for us and to watch out for our fellow employees. We need to do this when it comes to hand and power tools, but we sometimes take short cuts, act selfishly or with over confidence leading to accidents for us and our fellow employees.

Hand tools are tools that are powered manually. Hand tools

include anything from axes to wrenches. The greatest hazards posed

by hand tools result from misuse and improper maintenance.

Some examples include the following:

• If a chisel is used as a screwdriver, the tip of the chisel may

break and fly off, 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 other employees.

• If the jaws of a wrench are sprung, the wrench might slip.

• If impact tools such as chisels, wedges, or drift pins have

mushroomed heads, the heads might shatter on impact, sending

sharp fragments flying toward the user or other employees.

E Light is responsible for ensuring our employees have the right tools for job. We are also responsible for training our employees on their use. We do though our apprenticeship program and our supervisors and journeyman in the field. If you have are not sure how to use a tool safely, ask for help. Also E Light provides access to all power tools operating manuals on elightinformation.com. Our policy is that no employee is allowed to use a power tool od any kind unless they have read the operators manual at least one time first. There are no exceptions to this policy. If you have used a power tool for years and you don’t remember reading the operators manual for that tool. Stop, look up the operator’s manual on elightinformation.com and read it. It only takes a few minutes.

Employees, when using saw blades, knives, or other tools, should direct the tools away from aisle areas and away from other employees working in proximity.

Knives and scissors must be sharp; dull tools can cause more hazards than sharp ones. Cracked saw blades must be removed from service. E Light will replace blades, just ask you supervisor.

Wrenches must not be used when jaws are sprung to the point that slippage occurs.

Impact tools such as drift pins, wedges, and chisels must be kept free of mushroomed heads.

The wooden handles of tools must not be splintered.

Iron or steel hand tools may produce sparks that can be an ignition source around flammable substance. Where this hazard exists, spark-resistant tools made of non-ferrous materials should be used where flammable gases, highly volatile liquids, and other explosive substances are stored or used.

What Are the Dangers of Power Tools?

Appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety goggles and gloves must be worn to protect against hazards that may be encountered while using hand tools.

Workplace floors shall be kept as clean and dry as possible to prevent accidental slips with or around dangerous hand tools.

Power tools must be fitted with guards and safety switches; they are extremely hazardous when used improperly. The types of power tools are determined by their power source: electric, pneumatic, liquid fuel, hydraulic, and powder-actuated.

To prevent hazards associated with the use of power tools, workers should observe the following general precautions:

• Never carry a tool by the cord or hose. This includes when raising or lowering from a ladder.

• 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 using them, before servicing and cleaning them, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits, and cutters.

• Always return the tool to its case when you are done. Wipe it down, inspect it and replace all accessories in the case so that they are available, safe and ready for the next person. Never be selfish and throw the tool into the gang box , unprotected and with out a case and its accessories.

• Keep all people 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.

• Wear proper apparel for the task. Loose clothing, ties, long hair or jewelry can become caught in moving parts.

• Remove all damaged portable electric tools from use and tag them: “Do Not Use.” Notify your supervisor and return the took prefab for repair or replacement.

Thank you for keeping these things in mind and considering how you can help keep yourself safe and your fellow co-workers safe. Next week will continue our hazard communication series and discuss what is on an Safety Data Sheet.