Knives and scissors must be sharp; dull tools can cause more hazards than sharp ones. Cracked saw blades must be removed from service. 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 substances. 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.
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:. The exposed moving parts of power tools need to be safeguarded.
Belts, gears, shafts, pulleys, sprockets, spindles, drums, flywheels, chains, or other reciprocating, rotating, or moving parts of equipment must be guarded. Machine guards, as appropriate, must be provided to protect the operator and others from the following:. Safety guards must never be removed when a tool is being used. Portable circular saws having a blade greater than 2 inches 5. An upper guard must cover the entire blade of the saw. A retractable lower guard must cover the teeth of the saw, except where it makes contact with the work material.
The lower guard must automatically return to the covering position when the tool is withdrawn from the work material. The following hand-held power tools must be equipped with a constant-pressure switch or control that shuts off the power when pressure is released: drills; tappers; fastener drivers; horizontal, vertical, and angle grinders with wheels more than 2 inches 5.
It is recommended that the constant-pressure control switch be regarded as the preferred device. Other hand-held power tools such as circular saws having a blade diameter greater than 2 inches 5. Employees using electric tools must be aware of several dangers. Among the most serious hazards are electrical burns and shocks. Electrical shocks, which can lead to injuries such as heart failure and burns, are among the major hazards associated with electric-powered tools.
Under certain conditions, even a small amount of electric current can result in fibrillation of the heart and death. An electric shock also can cause the user to fall off a ladder or other elevated work surface and be injured due to the fall.
To protect the user from shock and burns, electric tools must have a three-wire cord with ground and be plugged into a grounded receptacle, be double insulated, or be powered by a low-voltage isolation transformer. Three-wire cords contain two current-carrying conductors and a grounding conductor. Any time an adapter is used to accommodate a two-hole receptacle, the adapter wire must be attached to a known ground.
The third prong must never be removed from the plug. Double-insulated tools are available that provide protection against electrical shock without third-wire grounding. On double-insulated tools, an internal layer of protective insulation completely isolates the external housing of the tool.
The following general practices should be followed when using electric tools:. In the construction industry, employees who use electric tools must be protected by ground-fault circuit interrupters or an assured equipment-grounding conductor program.
Portable abrasive grinding, cutting, polishing, and wire buffing wheels create special safety problems because they may throw off flying fragments. Abrasive wheel tools must be equipped with guards that: 1 cover the spindle end, nut, and flange projections; 2 maintain proper alignment with the wheel; and 3 do not exceed the strength of the fastenings. Before an abrasive wheel is mounted, it must be inspected closely for damage and should be sound- or ring-tested to ensure that it is free from cracks or defects.
To test, wheels should be tapped gently with a light, non-metallic instrument. If the wheels sound cracked or dead, they must not be used because they could fly apart in operation. The spindle nut must be tightened enough to hold the wheel in place without distorting the flange. Take care to ensure that the spindle speed of the machine will not exceed the maximum operating speed marked on the wheel.
An abrasive wheel may disintegrate or explode during start-up. Allow the tool to come up to operating speed prior to grinding or cuttin g. The employee should never stand in the plane of rotation of the wheel as it accelerates to full operating speed. Portable grinding tools need to be equipped with safety guards to protect workers not only from the moving wheel surface, but also from flying fragments in case of wheel breakage.
When using a powered grinder:. Pneumatic tools are powered by compressed air and include chippers, drills, hammers, and sanders.
There are several dangers associated with the use of pneumatic tools. Pneumatic tools must be checked to see that the tools are fastened securely to the air hose to prevent them from becoming disconnected.
A short wire or positive locking device attaching the air hose to the tool must also be used and will serve as an added safeguard. In general, the same precautions should be taken with an air hose that is recommended for electric cords, because the hose is subject to the same kind of damage or accidental striking, and because it also presents tripping hazards. When using pneumatic tools, a safety clip or retainer must be installed to prevent attachments such as chisels on a chipping hammer from being ejected during tool operation.
Pneumatic tools that shoot nails, rivets, staples, or similar fasteners and operate at pressures more than pounds per square inch 6, kPa , must be equipped with a special device to keep fasteners from being ejected, unless the muzzle is pressed against the work surface.
Airless spray guns that atomize paints and fluids at pressures of 1, pounds or more per square inch 6, kPa must be equipped with automatic or visible manual safety devices that will prevent pulling the trigger until the safety device is manually released. Eye protection is required, and head and face protection is recommended for employees working with pneumatic tools. Screens must also be set up to protect nearby workers from being struck by flying fragments around chippers, riveting guns, staplers, or air drills.
Compressed air guns should never be pointed toward anyone. A chip guard must be used when compressed air is used for cleaning. Use of heavy jackhammers can cause fatigue and strains. Heavy rubber grips reduce these effects by providing a secure handhold.
Workers operating a jackhammer must wear safety glasses and safety shoes that protect them against injury if the jackhammer slips or falls. A face shield also should be used. Noise is another hazard associated with pneumatic tools. Working with noisy tools such as jackhammers requires proper, effective use of appropriate hearing protection. Fuel-powered tools are usually operated with gasoline. The most serious hazard associated with the use of fuel-powered tools comes from fuel vapors that can burn or explode and also give off dangerous exhaust fumes.
Article Rating:. Article Discussion. Hand tools are used in construction, home workshops and other locations everyday. Many people overlook simple steps that can help to prevent accidents that can cause injury. By following basic safety precautions, the individual can complete a project without an accident occurring. Knowing how to properly use and care for hand tools are the first steps to keeping safe. Using the Right Tool Using the wrong tool for the job can create a dangerous situation.
One example of this is utilizing a flat headed screwdriver for a chisel. Its end may come apart and become airborne, possibly injuring someone. The user needs to have adequate knowledge of how and for which jobs tools should be used. Hand Tool Handles Tools such as hammers and axes have handles that need to be examined before use.
If the handle has cracks or is loose, it should not be used. A tool with a loose handle can separate from the top end, which can become airborne and hit someone. Wearing Eye Protection When using a chisel, flying debris can cause injury to your eyes. When hammering, chiseling or doing similar work, debris flies through the air and can come into contact with the eyes.
Tool Condition Proper maintenance of hand tools helps to keep them in top working condition. Knives that are kept sharp are less likely to catch during use and cut the individual. Tools that take hard use and are not maintained are more likely to break during work.
This can lead to a serious injury. Using a Vice Keeping work in a vice makes it secure and unlikely to slip. It is dangerous to hold an object you are using a hand tool on in your hand. If the tool moves suddenly, it can cut or injure you. Wrenches and Pliers The gripping edge on a pair of pliers or a wrench should be in good working condition. If the gripping is worn down, the tool can slip while it is being used.
Before you begin work, check its ability to be adjusted. Storage A toolbox is useful for keeping hand tools organized. When tools are not in use, they should be stored in a toolbox or other storage space. Keeping them organized and clean makes them easier to find. It also prevents unnecessary wear and damage that can cause injury during later use.
This article has been read times. A Twitter List by SafetyHow. SafetyHow user account If you register as a member of SafetyHow, you are required to create a user account. Content of Postings When using the Site you must not post content for any purpose that is unlawful or prohibited by these Terms and Conditions. We reserve the right to terminate, without prior notice, your access to your account. Reduce the chance of an accident by following the below safety measures.
Inspect regularly Regularly inspect your tools to make sure that they are in good condition. Wear gloves Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Carry with care Never carry tools up a ladder. If you need to take tools up to a height use a bag or hoist them up in a bucket. Don't pocket sharp objects Never carry sharp or pointed tools in your pocket. Instead, carry them in a toolbox. Be aware of your surroundings Always be aware of the people around you when using tools.
Use the right tools Always use the right tools for the job.
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