05 Aug Power Tool Safety – Safe Use of Portable Power Tools

Power Tool Safety – Safe Use of Portable Power Tools

Power tool safety requires employees to inspect, operate, and maintain portable power tools properly to prevent electrical shock, cuts, flying-particle injuries, entanglement, and other serious hazards. Power tools make many jobs easier, but their speed and energy can cause severe injuries when they are damaged or used improperly.

Guide for Discussion

Inspect Tools Before Use

Inspect each power tool before use to make sure it is safe and in proper working condition.

• Check cords for cuts, fraying, exposed conductors, or damaged insulation.
• Inspect plugs and grounding prongs for damage.
• Make sure switches and controls operate properly.
• Verify that guards, handles, and other safety devices are installed and functional.
• Check blades, bits, wheels, and other accessories for damage or excessive wear.
• Make sure accessories are properly installed and rated for the tool.
• Remove damaged or defective tools from service immediately and tag them “Do Not Use.”
• Repairs must be performed only by qualified or authorized personnel.

Never attempt to make an unsafe tool usable with a temporary repair.

Use the Right Tool for the Job

• Select a tool designed for the work being performed.
• Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
• Never force a small or light-duty tool to perform work requiring a heavier-duty tool.
• Use only manufacturer-approved or compatible accessories.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and properly maintained.
• Never exceed the tool or accessory’s rated capacity or speed.
• Do not modify tools, guards, switches, or safety devices.

Electrical Safety

Electric shock is a serious hazard when using portable electric tools.

• Use tools that are properly grounded or double-insulated as designed.
• Never remove or alter a grounding prong.
• Never use damaged electrical cords or plugs.
• Keep cords away from heat, oil, sharp edges, and moving equipment.
• Never carry a tool by its cord.
• Never pull on the cord to disconnect the plug; grasp the plug itself.
• Keep electrical connections protected from water and moisture.
• Use required Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection on construction sites and wherever otherwise required.
• Never use ordinary electric tools in hazardous locations containing flammable gases or vapors unless the equipment is approved for that environment.

Do not assume rubber gloves or footwear will make unsafe electrical conditions acceptable.

Guards and Safety Devices

Machine guards and other safety devices must remain in place and functional.

• Never remove, bypass, wedge open, or defeat a guard.
• Keep hands and body parts away from blades, bits, wheels, belts, and other moving components.
• Never reach around or beneath operating equipment.
• Allow moving parts to stop completely before adjusting or handling them.
• Disconnect the tool from its energy source before changing blades, bits, cutters, or other accessories when required.
• Follow applicable lockout/tagout procedures when servicing or maintenance could expose employees to hazardous energy.

Prevent Accidental Starting

• Keep your finger off the trigger or switch when carrying a tool.
• Disconnect tools before servicing, cleaning, or changing accessories as required.
• Make sure the switch is in the OFF position before connecting the tool to its power source.
• Never leave an energized tool unattended where it could be accidentally activated.

Secure the Work

Whenever practical:

• Secure material with clamps, a vise, or another suitable device.
• Do not hold small workpieces in your hand while drilling, cutting, grinding, or sawing.
• Maintain stable footing and good balance.
• Do not overreach.
• Position yourself so you will remain balanced if the tool binds, kicks back, or suddenly stops.
• Keep employees and observers away from the tool’s line of fire and plane of rotation.

Personal Protective Equipment

Wear PPE appropriate for the tool and task, which may include:

• Safety glasses or goggles.
• Face protection for flying-particle hazards.
• Hearing protection.
• Safety footwear.
• Respiratory protection when required by the hazard assessment and Respiratory Protection Program.

Avoid loose clothing, jewelry, unsecured long hair, or other items that could become caught in moving equipment.

Gloves should be selected carefully. Do not wear gloves around rotating equipment when they could become caught and pull the hand into the tool.

Cords and Work Areas

• Route cords and hoses so they do not create trip hazards.
• Protect cords from vehicle traffic, sharp edges, pinch points, and other damage.
• Keep the work area clean and well illuminated.
• Keep combustible materials away from operations that generate sparks or heat.
• Keep unnecessary personnel away from the work area.
• Never use electrical tools while standing in water.

After Using the Tool

When work is complete:

• Turn the tool off and allow moving parts to stop completely.
• Disconnect the tool when appropriate.
• Clean the tool according to manufacturer instructions.
• Inspect it for damage that may have occurred during use.
• Store tools and accessories in their designated locations.
• Never leave tools where they could create a trip, falling-object, or other hazard.

Remember

Power tools should never be treated casually. Use the correct tool, inspect it before use, keep guards in place, control electrical hazards, wear required PPE, and remove defective equipment from service immediately.