Friday, October 11, 2019

Tips for Hand and Power Tool Safety

Tips for Hand and Power Tool Safety

General safety tips for hand and power tools:

  • Buy quality tools. Many tools, including cutters and hammers, should be made of steel and should be heat-treated.
  • Regularly inspect tools to make sure they are in good shape and fit for use.
  • Be sure to maintain your tools by performing regular maintenance, like grinding or sharpening. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Dress for the job by avoiding loose clothing or articles that can get caught in a tool’s moving parts, like jewelry.
  • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, like leather gloves.
  • Use the right tool for the job. In other words, don’t try to use a wrench as a hammer.
  • Make sure that your feet are planted on a stable surface.
  • Be aware of the people around you and make sure they stay clear of the tools you are using.
  • Never carry tools up a ladder by hand. Instead, use a bucket or bag to hoist tools from the ground to the worker.
  • When working at heights, never leave tools lying out in the areas where they could present a hazard to workers below.
  • When appropriate, secure work with a clamp or vise to keep it from slipping.
  • Never carry pointed tools in your pocket. Carry them in a toolbox or cart instead.
  • Inspect your tools on a regular basis, checking for damage. Report damaged tools to your supervisor.
  • Make sure to keep extra tools handy in case the tool you had planned to use is damaged.
  • Make sure tools are stored in a safe place.

Safety tips for electric power tools:

  • Keep floors dry and clean to avoid slipping while working with or around dangerous tools.
  • Keep cords from presenting a tripping hazard.
  • Never carry a power tool by its cord.
  • Use tools that are double-insulated or have a three-pronged cord and are plugged into a grounded receptacle.  
  • Do not use electric tools in wet conditions unless they are approved for that use.
  • Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) or an assured grounding program.
  • Use appropriate PPE.
  • Verify that all parts of the tool are fastened securely before use.
  • Never point a compressed air gun at yourself or another person.
  • When you are finished using the tool, make sure that the pressure is released before you break the hose connections.
  • Use a safety clip or retainer to prevent attachments from being ejected during operation, and use a chip guard when using high-pressure compressed air for cleaning. Be sure to limit the nozzle pressure to 30 pounds per square inch.
  • Always wear eye protection.
  • Use screens to protect nearby workers from flying fragments.
  • Never leave your tool unattended.
  • Never store a loaded air gun.

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