1. Hand and Portable Power Tools 29 CFR, Subpart P
I. Speaker’s Notes:
Hand and portable power tools are commonly used, not only in industry but at home as well.
This may cause a sense of complacency, so always keep in mind the importance of proper care for the tools.
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2. Hazard Recognition Tools are common in “day-to-day” life
Difficult to spot hazards due to familiarity
Most tools manufactured with safety devices
Users must inspect the tool daily
Often misused
I. Background for the Trainer:
If tools are available, show them (both good and damaged) to the class.
Ask the class to identify potential hazards with the various tools.
II. Speaker’s Notes:
It is easy to overlook hazards on hand tools, or figure that it is no big deal. You might think, “I’ll just use it this once.”
Most tool manufacturers will build them with adequate safety devices.
As an employee who uses power tools, one of your jobs is to inspect tools before each use to be sure there is no damage.
It’s important to use tools only for the jobs they were intended to do. Otherwise, important safety features may be useless.
It is also a good idea to have a tool checklist attached to the cord, if powered, as a daily reminder to inspect the tool for problems.
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3. Examples of Misuse Using a screwdriver as a chisel
Using tools with loose handles
Wrenches with sprung jaws
I. Background for the Trainer:
If things like mushroom-head chisels are available, display them to the class.
II. Speaker’s Notes:
Using a screwdriver as a chisel could break the screwdriver, resulting in metal fragments striking the user.
If the handle comes off the head of the tool, it could easily become a serious projectile.
Sprung jaws prevent the wrench from adequately clamping on the object, thus resulting in slippage, which could injure the user.
Be sure that employees are trained to not take shortcuts. Most often the reason for improper use of tools is the time it would take to obtain the proper one, especially if maintenance is out in the field.
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4. Other Safety Factors General housekeeping
Use of personal protective equipment
Spark shield and protection around flammables
Don’t use tools near aisleways
I. Speaker’s Notes:
General housekeeping is important for minimizing the potential of slips, trips, and falls while using tools.
When there is a risk of flying particles from tool use, it is imperative to wear safety glasses and/or face shields.
It may be necessary to use fire curtains or blankets to minimize contact with flammable materials.
Tools in use near aisleways can throw debris at passersby, thus creating an additional hazard.
For work being done around flammables, make sure all permits are completed and precautions are taken prior to using tools.
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5. Types of Power Tools Electric Pneumatic (air) Liquid fuel Hydraulic
Powder-actuated
I. Speaker’s Notes:
Regardless of the source of energy, tools offer dangers due to their power, speed, and sharp edges.
Each of these types of power tools has specific hazards.
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6. General Power Tool Precautions
Never carry a tool by the cord or hose
Never yank the cord to unplug it
Keep cords and hoses away from heat, oil, and sharp edges
Disconnect tools when not in use
Make sure observers are at a safe distance
Secure work with a vise or clamp
I. Speaker’s Notes:
Carrying a tool by the cord or yanking the plug can result in loose wires, creating an additional fire hazard.
Foreign materials can degrade hoses and cords, exposing electrical wiring, etc.
Always disconnect tools when not in use to prevent accidental start-up.
Anyone watching the work may be exposed to flying debris.
If materials are not secured, they can “kick back,” injuring the operator.
Always make sure that cords are not strung through water or other liquids.
Although these rules seem obvious or simple, they are often violated, which is why we need to talk about them in this session.
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7. General Precautions (cont.)
Keep tools sharp and lubricated
Do not wear loose clothes, ties, jewelry, etc.
Mark or tag all damaged tools with “Do Not Use”
I. Speaker’s Notes:
Keep tools well lubricated and maintained to be sure they work properly.
Never wear loose clothing or jewelry when you work near moving parts. These things can easily get caught and take a body part with them! Always keep long hair tied back, also.
Mark damaged tools clearly and notify your supervisor.
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8. Guarding Requirements
Belts
Gears
Shafts
Pulleys
Sprockets
Spindles
Drums
Fly wheels
Chains
Other moving parts
I. Speaker’s Notes:
These are all examples of machine parts that must be guarded.
When possible, use a tool manufacturer’s guard. If one is not available, construct one that provides optimum protection.
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9. Guards Protect Against:
Guards will provide protection for operators from the following hazards:
Point of operation
In-running nip points
Rotating parts
Flying chips and sparks
I. Background for the Trainer:
Bring tools that have guards on them, such as a circular saw, into the class and demonstrate how they operate.
II. Speaker’s Notes:
Point of operation is the location where the tool actually performs the work.
In-running nip points are the entry type of pinch points.
With hand tools, rotating parts and flying chips and sparks are a big concern.
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10. Power Tools Requiring Momentary Switches
Drills
Tappers
Fastener drivers
Horizontal, vertical, and angle grinders
Disc and belt sanders
Reciprocating saws
Saber saws
Note: These tools can have a “lock-on” switch that turns off with a single finger motion
I. Speaker’s Notes:
These tools have momentary switches that allow the tool to be turned off when the trigger mechanism is released.
It is acceptable to have a lock-on switch if it can be disengaged with a simple finger movement on the trigger device itself.
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11. Safety With Electric Tools
Operate them within their design limitations
Gloves and footwear are recommended
When they’re not in use, store them in a dry location
Do not use them in wet or damp locations
Work areas should be well lighted
I. Speaker’s Notes:
Misusing an electrical tool can result in serious injury.
Following these rules will ensure the safe operation of the tool.
Insulated gloves and footwear should be worn to prevent electric shock.
Moisture can affect the electrical circuit in the tool, leading to a possible shock hazard and reducing the life of the tool itself.
If the operators cannot clearly see the work they are doing, hazards are increased.
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12. Safety With Power Grinders
Always use eye protection
Turn off power when it’s not in use
Never clamp a hand-held grinder in a vise
I. Speaker’s Notes:
Remember that on some grinding operations, it may be necessary to wear facial protection in the form of a full face shield with safety glasses underneath.
Power should be disconnected to avoid inadvertent start-up.
A hand-held grinder in a vise could shake loose and injure the operator.
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13. Hazards From Pneumatic Tools
Being struck by attachments
Being struck by fasteners, etc.
Noise
I. Speaker’s Notes:
If you are not familiar with pneumatic tools, it is important that you receive additional training to ensure safe tool use.
When using pneumatic tools, the quick bursts of air create forces that can break damaged fasteners, etc.
Air lines create noise when the pressure is released, and therefore, operators may be required to wear hearing protection.
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14. Safety With Powder-Actuated Tools
Do not use in an explosive or flammable atmosphere
Inspect the tool prior to use
Never point the tool at anyone
Load the tool only when it is going to be used
Keep hands clear of the barrel end
I. Speaker’s Notes:
Always read the manufacturer’s operation manual prior to using these tools.
Employees who are not familiar with this type of tool should not use them until those employees have been properly trained.
Remember, although these are not guns, they can cause damage like one!
Copyright ã1999 Business and Legal Reports, Inc.

15. Safety With Jacks
Set up a jack so that the base rests on a firm level surface
Make sure the jack is centered
Ensure that the jack head is against a level surface
Be certain the lift force is applied evenly
I. Speaker’s Notes:
If a jack cannot be used on a level surface, tow the vehicle or move the object in question prior to using the jack.
Keep the jack centered to prevent tipping.
If the jack head slips, the object that is being jacked can fall.
During the actual “jacking” of the object, keep your body out from behind the jacking mechanism.
Copyright ã1999 Business and Legal Reports, Inc.

16. The Five Basic Rules for Power Tools
Keep all tools regularly maintained
Use the right tool for the job
Examine each tool for damage before use
Operate tools in accordance with the manufacturer
Provide and use the proper personal protective equipment
I. Background for the Trainer:
Display or pass around some examples of operation manuals for various tools used at your facility.
If inspection sheets are available, pass around samples to the audience.
II. Speaker’s Notes:
Remember these five keys to power tool safety. In doing so, you’re helping to protect yourself, as well as your co-workers, from injury.
Copyright ã1999 Business and Legal Reports, Inc.

17. Quiz
1. There are several types of power tools, including _____________________ and ____________________.
2. It is okay to put a portable grinder in a vise as long as it is tightened securely. True or False
3. Most hazards associated with hand tools are easy to spot because we very seldom would use a tool in “day-to-day” life. True or False
4. Guards should offer protection from _______________, _____________, rotating parts, and flying chips or sparks.
5. Tools requiring momentary on/off switches can never have a lock-on switch. True or False
I. Background for the Trainer:
Hand out the quiz copies. Go over the questions verbally and have employees write their answers on their quiz sheets.
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18. Quiz (cont.) 6. Never use electric tools in ___________ conditions.
7. When using grinders you should always wear eye protection. True or False
8. Parts on tools that should be guarded include ____________, ____________, and ____________.
9. Because powder-actuated tools use small explosive charges, it is okay to use them in explosive atmospheres. True or False
10. When not in use, power tools should be __________________________________________.
Copyright ã1999 Business and Legal Reports, Inc.

19. Quiz Answers
1. There are several types of power tools, including electric, pneumatic, liquid fuel, hydraulic, and powder-actuated.
2. False. You should never place a portable grinder in a vice.
3. False. The hazards are difficult to spot because they become so routine.
4. Guards should offer protection from point of operation, in-running nip points, rotating parts, and flying chips or sparks.
5. False. Tools requiring momentary on/off switches can have a lock-on switch if they can be activated with one finger.
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20. Quiz Answers (cont.) 6. Never use electric tools in wet conditions.
7. True. You must always wear eye protection when using a grinder.
8. Parts on tools that should be guarded include belts, gears, shafts, pulleys, sprockets, spindles, and drums.
9. False. Powder-actuated tools should never be used in flammable or explosive atmospheres.
10. When not in use, power tools should be disconnected.
Copyright ã1999 Business and Legal Reports, Inc.