TRADE ENTREPRENEUR ENGINEERING DOC NO.

: SWP-04
PTE LTD REV. : 0

SHEET : 1 OF 6
SAFE WORK PROCEDURE EFF DATE : 2nd May 2011

TITLE: USE OF POWERED TOOLS

Rev. Description of Change Clause

A Initial Release N.A.

Prepared/Reviewed By

Choo Min Meng 2nd May 2011

________________________ __________________________ ____________________
(Signature) (Project Co-ordinator) (Date)

Approved By

________________________ __________________________ ____________________

(Signature) (Director) (Date)
 TRADE ENTREPRENEUR ENGINEERING DOC NO. : SWP-04
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SAFE WORK PROCEDURE EFF DATE : 2nd May 2011

TITLE: USE OF POWERED TOOLS

1. Purpose : To identify the hazard associated with electrical equipment i.e. powered tools and
their safe use so as to protect personnel from incident.

2. Scope : This procedure is applicable to all workplace. Where work is carried out at the
client’s premises and the client has a SWP, the client’s SWP shall be followed.

3. Reference : SWP-03 Control of Electrical Hazard

SWP-07 Personal Protective Equipment

4. Definition : Nil

5. Responsibility :

5.1 The Department Manager/ designated Person-in-charge (PIC) and Supervisor shall be responsible
for ensuring the correct issuance of tools to the workers.

5.2 The WSH personnel and Supervisor shall ensure that proper precaution has been taken before using
the power tools and shall ensure full compliance with WSH Act and its subsidiary legislations and
other legal requirements.

5.3 The Storekeeper / designated person-in-charge shall be responsible for maintaining the tools.

6. Procedure :

6.1 Selection of Tools

6.1.1 The Department Manager/ PIC shall select the tools to be used based on the type and
nature of task to be carried out as well as the potential hazards and risks the tools will
cause.

6.1.2 The Department Manager/ PIC/ Supervisor shall highlight to the workers, the typical injuries
identified through the hazards/risks analysis from the use of portable power tools such as
burns, cuts, strains and injuries resulting electric shock, particles flying into the eyes, fire,
falls, explosion and falling tools.

6.1.3 The Supervisor/ storekeeper/ PIC shall establish an inventory of the tools used at the
workplace. He/she shall maintain the inventory at least once a month. (See Attachment 7.2:
Tool Inventory)

6.2 Care and Use of Powered Tools

6.2.1 The WSH personnel/ Supervisor and Storekeeper shall check that:
 the tools are in working condition
 the right tools have been issued to workers to carry out the task
 the workers are competent in using the tools issued to them
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TITLE: USE OF POWERED TOOLS

6.2.2 The workers and sub-contractors shall be trained by the Supervisor on the correct and safe
use of tools through tool-box meeting, safety talks, etc.

6.2.3 The Supervisor, Storekeeper and the user shall conduct visual inspection of the power
tools once weekly.

6.2.4 Tools that are damaged or malfunctioned shall be properly indicated to prevent accidental
usage.

6.2.5 The Department Manager/ PIC shall ensure proper storage and repair facilities for the tools
are provided at the workplace.

6.3 Safety precaution

6.3.1 Based on different power sources of the tools, the Supervisor and users shall take the
following safety precautions:

A) Electric Tools B) Air Powered Tools

1. Use low-voltage equipment to 1. Cut off air before attempting to
reduce the shock hazard. disconnect the air hose from the
2. Use double insulated tools airline.
3. All electric power tools should be 2. Release air pressure inside the
effectively grounded except line before disconnecting.
double-insulated and cordless 3. Install safety check valve in the
type. air line at the manifold which will
4. Inspect electric cords periodically shut off the air supply
and keep in good condition. automatically if a fracture occurs
5. Use proper PPE (safety glasses/ any where in the line.
goggles/ face shield, mask, ear 4. Install whip check/ arrestor to
plugs, gloves, safety shoes) while prevent injury if a hose
using electric equipment. connection separates.
6. Proper guarding for electric saws, 5. Warn workmen against
grinding wheels etc. are in place disconnecting the air hose from
7. Use non-flammable and non-toxic the tools.
solvent to clean power tools. 6. Use the same type of guarding as
electric grinders for air power
grinder
7. Use proper PPE (safety glasses/
goggles/ face shield, mask, ear
plugs, gloves, safety shoes)

6.3.2 The WSH personnel/ Supervisor shall ensure that the employees follow the company safety
rules and regulations and also safety precautions. The WSH personnel/ Supervisor shall
monitor the situation through daily inspection.
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TITLE: USE OF POWERED TOOLS

6.3.3 During routine inspection, the WSH personnel/ Supervisor shall take action to rectify or
advise the employees to rectify all the unsafe acts and conditions. In the case of non-
conformance, the Department Manager/ PIC shall take necessary action against the
employee.

7. Attachment :

7.1 Dos and Don’ts of Power Tools

7.2 Tool Inventory

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TITLE: USE OF POWERED TOOLS

Attachment 7.1:

DOS AND DON’TS OF POWERED TOOLS

S/N DOS DON’TS

Use correct tools and equipment as Don’t use tools or equipment unless you
indicated by your supervisor, in a safe have training on it.
1
manner.

Always disconnect the sources of power Don’t leave the tools in an overhead place
before accessories on a portable tool are where there is a chance that the cord or
charged, and guard shall be replaced or put hose, if pulled, will cause the tool to fall.
2
in correct adjustment before the tool is used
again

Always switch off the power supply after Don’t use tools in the presence of any
using electrical equipment. explosive or flammable gas, dust, vapour or
3 in compressed, hot environment, or where
charge is likely to explode.

Wear goggles, safety shoes, face shield etc Don’t temper with electrical wiring. Never
4 during welding, cutting or grinding throw tools to one another.

Check that hand tools are in good condition Never place your hand near a machine with
5 before use. rotating parts.

Report all defective tools to your supervisor. Don’t take any risk.
6
Keep all tools in their respective boxes or Don’t work with poor lighting conditions.
7 locations when all work is finished.
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TITLE: USE OF POWERED TOOLS

Attachment 7.2
TOOL INVENTORY
Site/Location : Inspection Date :  
Inspected
By :
     
Proper plug used*

No broken parts*

Cord Condition*

ISSUED TO
Proper guards*
SERIAL NO.
MODEL NO.

Out of Use*
Condition*

In Repair*
S/N TYPE OF POWER TOOL

                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
  *  = Satisfactory / Yes                    
   = Not provided / Not Satisfactory / No  
  NA = Not Applicable