01 Jun Portable Power Drills – Safe Handling and Operation

Portable Power Drills – Safe Handling and Operation

Safe handling of portable power drills is essential because these commonly used tools can cause serious injuries when they are damaged, improperly operated, or used for the wrong application. Hazards include electric shock, flying particles, cuts and punctures, entanglement, kickback, and injuries caused by broken or binding drill bits.

Inspect the Drill Before Use

Inspect the drill before each use to make sure it is safe and suitable for the work.

• Check the housing for cracks, damage, or missing components.
• Make sure handles and grips are secure.
• Verify that switches and triggers operate properly and return to the OFF position when released, when designed to do so.
• Make sure guards, auxiliary handles, and other safety devices provided by the manufacturer are installed and functional.
• Check ventilation openings and keep them clear of excessive dust and debris.
• Inspect the chuck for damage and proper operation.
• Make sure the drill is appropriate for the material and work being performed.
• Remove damaged or defective drills from service and tag them to prevent use until repaired or replaced.

Never use a drill that has been dropped, damaged, modified, or exposed to conditions that may have affected its safe operation until it has been inspected.

Inspect the Drill Bit

Use the correct type and size of bit for the material being drilled.

• Inspect bits for cracks, excessive wear, dullness, bending, or other damage.
• Make sure the bit is properly seated and securely tightened in the chuck.
• Remove the chuck key before starting the drill.
• Never use a damaged or improperly fitted bit.
• Keep cutting edges sharp and in good condition.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommended drill speed for the bit and material.

A dull bit may require excessive pressure, increasing the likelihood of overheating, binding, breaking, or losing control of the drill.

Electrical Safety

Corded electric drills must be inspected for electrical hazards before use.

• Inspect the power cord and plug for cuts, fraying, exposed conductors, damaged insulation, or loose connections.
• Never carry or pull the drill by its power cord.
• Keep cords away from heat, oil, sharp edges, and moving parts.
• Never remove or defeat a grounding prong.
• Use properly grounded or double-insulated tools as designed by the manufacturer.
• Use GFCI protection where required, particularly in construction environments and damp locations.
• Do not use electrical drills in wet conditions unless the equipment and electrical system are specifically approved for those conditions.
• Disconnect the drill from its power source before changing bits, making adjustments, clearing jams, or performing maintenance.

Remove damaged electrical equipment from service immediately.

Prepare the Work Area

Before drilling, inspect the work area and determine what hazards may be present.

• Maintain adequate lighting.
• Keep floors and walking surfaces clear of cords, tools, debris, and other trip hazards.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away from the immediate work area.
• Determine what is behind or inside the material before drilling.
• Check for electrical wiring, pipes, gas lines, and other concealed hazards before drilling into walls, floors, or ceilings.
• Secure loose materials before beginning work.

Never drill into a surface when you do not know what may be concealed behind it.

Secure the Workpiece

Whenever practical, secure the material with clamps, a vise, or another suitable holding device.

Do not hold small or unstable workpieces in your hand while drilling. A bit can bind and cause the material to rotate suddenly, resulting in cuts, crushing injuries, or loss of control.

Position yourself so that unexpected drill movement will not throw you off balance.

Personal Protective Equipment

Wear PPE appropriate for the drilling operation and material being drilled.

This may include:

• Safety glasses with side protection.
• Additional face protection when flying particles present a significant hazard.
• Hearing protection when noise exposure requires it.
• Appropriate respiratory protection when drilling creates hazardous dust.
• Safety footwear where falling materials or tools present a hazard.

Avoid loose clothing, jewelry, unsecured long hair, or anything else that could become caught in the rotating drill or bit.

Do not wear loose-fitting gloves around rotating drill bits or other rotating components where the glove could become caught and pull the hand into the equipment.

Operating the Drill

Maintain control throughout the drilling operation.

• Hold the drill securely using the designated handles.
• Use an auxiliary handle when provided or required by the manufacturer.
• Maintain stable footing and good balance.
• Keep your hands away from the rotating bit.
• Start drilling at the appropriate speed for the material and bit.
• Apply steady pressure without forcing the drill.
• Reduce pressure as the bit approaches the opposite side of the material.
• Be prepared for increased torque if the bit binds.
• Never reach underneath material being drilled.
• Do not leave a running drill unattended.

When drilling metal, use the appropriate bit and cutting method. A center punch may be used when appropriate to help prevent the bit from wandering.

Prevent Binding and Kickback

A drill bit can catch or bind suddenly, causing the drill to rotate or kick back toward the operator.

To reduce this hazard:

• Use the correct bit and speed.
• Keep bits sharp.
• Secure the workpiece.
• Maintain a firm grip on the drill.
• Do not apply excessive pressure.
• Use auxiliary handles on high-torque drills when provided.
• Stop immediately if the bit binds.

Disconnect the power source before attempting to remove a jammed or stuck bit.

Battery-Powered Drills

Cordless drills eliminate the electrical cord hazard but still require safe handling.

• Inspect batteries for cracks, swelling, leakage, or other damage.
• Use only batteries and chargers approved by the manufacturer.
• Keep batteries away from excessive heat, moisture, and ignition sources.
• Remove the battery or otherwise prevent activation before changing bits or performing maintenance when required by the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Never use a visibly damaged battery.

After Use

When drilling is complete:

• Turn the drill off and wait for the bit to stop completely.
• Disconnect the power or otherwise secure the tool against accidental activation.
• Allow hot bits to cool before handling them.
• Remove bits before transporting or storing the drill when appropriate.
• Coil electrical cords without creating sharp bends or kinks.
• Store the drill and accessories in a clean, dry, secure location.

Never leave a drill plugged in or positioned where it could be accidentally activated.

Remember

Portable power drills are safe and effective when they are properly inspected, equipped, and controlled. Use the correct bit, secure the workpiece, protect against electrical hazards, maintain a firm grip, and keep hands, clothing, and other body parts away from rotating components.

Inspect it, secure it, and control it before you drill.