TOOLS AND

EQUIPMENT

SERENDIPITY MULTI-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE

Objectives
At the end, the participants will be able
to:

• learn the hazards associated with the use

of hand and power tools and what you
can do to help prevent them.
• Know why hand and power tool safety is
important
• Know Required employer responsibilities
•
General Safety
Employees who use hand and
power tools face many hazards.
Most hazards, such as being
struck by flying objects, inhaling
harmful particles, and being
pinched by moving parts can be
avoided through proper work
Why Take Hand and Power
Tool Safety?
Hazards of working with hand and
power tools:
• Sharp or abrasive objects
• Falling, flying, or splashing debris
• Hazardous dusts, fumes, gases, mists, or
vapors
• Hazardous electrical connections, such
as damaged or frayed cords or improper
grounding
Responsibilities
Employer responsibilities:
 Assuring the safe condition of tools and
equipment within the workplace
 Training employees in the proper use and
handling of tools and equipment
Employee responsibilities:
 Following established safe practices and
procedures
 Immediately communicating any identified
hazards
Housekeeping
Keep work and walking areas free of clutter to eliminate
tripping hazards before accidents occur.

• Store tools away from walkways, where

they will not obstruct or trip employees.
• Put away tools and equipment when
not in use.
• Dispose of construction debris in a
timely manner.
• Keep aisles, stairways, and doorways
unobstructed.
Basic Tool Safety Rules
• Only operate a tool if you
are trained to do so.
• Use the right tool for the job.
• Operate according to the
manufacturer’s
specifications.
• Wear the proper personal
protective equipment (PPE).
• Keep people that are not
involved with the work away
 Inspection and
•Maintenance
Perform regular maintenance.
‒ Keep all tools clean.
‒ Keep sharp tools sharp.
• Inspect the tool and perform tests daily and
prior to use to verify that all safety measures
are working properly.
• Remove damaged tools from service and tag
them, “Do Not Use.”
Points of
Operation
The point of operation is the place
where the work is actually performed
on the materials.
In the example to the right, the point
of operation is where the saw cuts into
the wood. This area presents a hazard
for the employee using the saw.
Points of operation need to be The guard on this power saw

guarded. prevents the employee’s hand

from reaching the point of
operation.
Power Transmission Devices
In addition to the point of operation, another hazard is
the power transmission device.
Power transmission devices, such as gears or belts,
provide power. If these moving parts are exposed,
machine guarding is necessary.
Motion Hazards
Power tools present
various motion Nip point
In addition to
hazards.
Examples: guarding hazards,
• A rotating drill can grab loose material and avoid loose
pull it into the operating mechanism. This clothing, jewelry,
is known as a caught-in hazard and a or hair when
rotation hazard. working around
• Tools with two points rotating towards each moving parts.
other or tools with a rotating part
converging with a stationary part create
nip points. A nip point is another type of
caught-in hazard, as it can trap body parts
Machine
Guards are now standard on most power
Guarding
tools.
• Never remove a guard.
• Never reach into an operating or
guarded area of a tool when it is in
use.
• Routinely inspect installed guards
for defects and check for proper
function.
Circular saw guard
• Guards must be designed by the
manufacturer and installed by a
qualified person.
Machine Guard Examples
Chop saws: Portable circular saws:
Upper and lower guards When using portable
must be installed on chop circular saws, the guard
must cover the full depth
saws to prevent the of the blade’s teeth. Do
operator from coming in not tamper with these
contact with the rotating guards by pinning them
blade. open.
Upper blade
guard

Lower blade
guard
Machine Guard Examples
Table saws must have
the following guards:
• A hood guard Hood guard

• A separator
• An anti-kick-back
device
Required
PPE
Using PPE also reduces injuries in the workplace. PPE
includes eye, face, and other body protection.

 Use appropriate PPE for the tool and task.

 Appropriate PPE may include gloves,
safety goggles, ear protection, or a
respirator.
 Stayalert for nip point hazards when
wearing gloves or PPE with loose or
hanging straps or strings.
Hand Tools
Hand tools are powered manually.
They include a wide variety, from
screwdrivers to pliers. Mindful
operation, inspection, and
maintenance of your hand tools will
prevent common injuries, including
cuts, bruises, and lacerations.
Hand Tool Hazards
Most hand tool hazards result from improper maintenance
or use.
• Never use hand tools for any purpose other
than what they were designed for, e.g., using
a chisel as a screwdriver.
• Never use tools that show signs of excessive
wear. For example:
‒ Wrenches with sprung jaws
‒ Impact tools with mushroomed heads
‒ Tools with loose, cracked, or splintered
handles
‒ Tools with taped handles, as the tape may
conceal cracks
Hand Tool
Hazards
Sparks:
Metal hand tools may produce sparks that can
ignite flammable substances.
When working around flammable hazards, use
spark-resistant tools made of non-ferrous materials.

Sharp edges:
When using sharp tools, such as saw blades or
knives:
 Direct movement away from people and
walkways.
 Never use dull tools. They are more difficult to
control and require more force, so they cause
more injuries than sharp ones.
Power Tools: General
Precautions
 Disconnect tools when not in use,
before servicing and cleaning, and
when changing accessories.
 Follow your lockout/tagout
program.
 When possible, secure work with
clamps or a vise, freeing both
hands to operate the tool.
 Do not hold the switch button while
carrying a plugged-in tool.
Electrical Tools
Electrical hazards:
Power tools can present serious
electrical hazards, including
shocks, burns, and heart failure.

It only takes a small amount of

electric current to cause heart
fibrillation or even death.
Electrical Tools
Electrical cord precautions:
• Assure that power cords are properly
laid out or secured to prevent tripping
hazards.
• Do not use power cords to carry tools
or to hoist or lower tools.
• Do not disconnect tools by pulling on
the cords or hoses.
• Keep cords and hoses clear from
hazards such as heat, oil, and sharp
edges.
Electrical
Tools
Grounding best practices:
 Use double-insulated, three- Double
insulated
markings

wire cords that have a

grounding pin.
 Use tools with low-voltage
Plug with a
grounding pin

isolation transformers.
 An Assured Grounding
Electrical
Tools
Other guidelines:
• Only use electric tools within their manufacturer-
specified design limits.
• Keep work areas well lit and dry, unless the tool is
approved for working in wet conditions.
• When not in use, make sure that tools are stored in a
dry place.
• Use appropriate PPE to protect from flying or falling
debris. This includes:
‒ Gloves, except where they would present a pull-in
hazard
‒
Electrical
Tools
Hand grinders and other
portable grinding tools:
• Install safety guards: Prevent
the operator from coming in
contact with the wheel surface
and from flying debris if the
wheel breaks.
• Hold hand grinders during
operation: Never place a hand
grinder in a vise for operation.
Electrical
Tools
Abrasive wheel guards:
Abrasive wheels are hazardous because
they can create flying debris while
grinding, cutting, and polishing
materials.
Guards must:
 Protect the user from foreign objects.
 Maintain proper alignment with the
wheel.
 Only expose a minimal amount of the
wheel.
Electrical
Tools
Abrasive wheel
measurements:
¼”

• There should be ¼” of space ⅛”

between the top guard and

the grinding wheel.
• Work rests should be ⅛” or
less from the wheel’s surface.
This prevents work from
getting jammed between the
wheel and the rest.
Electrical
Tools
Abrasive
•
wheel inspection:
Closely inspect abrasive wheels for
damage prior to use.
• Use the ring test to assure that
the wheel is free from cracks or
other defects:
‒ Gently tap the wheel with a
light, non-metallic instrument.
‒ If the wheel sounds dead or
cracked, do not use it, as it may
not be structurally sound.
Electrical
Toolswheel operation:
Abrasive
• Stand to the side of the wheel as it
reaches the proper speed.
• Allow the wheel to reach the proper
speed before starting on your grind
or cut.
• Do not grind with the side of the
wheel.
• Do not adjust the wheel or the rest
while the wheel is rotating. Do not exceed
the maximum
• Install the wheel properly, not spindle speed
indicated on the
wheel.
Electrical
Tools
Hand drills:
• Be aware of the drill’s
voltage. If the torque is
high, such as 24-volt, you
must hold the drill securely
with both hands.
• Hold the drill in a
comfortable position.
• For awkward positions, use
a lower voltage drill, such
Electrical
Tools
Drill presses:
• Use appropriate PPE,
including safety glasses or
goggles and hearing
protection.
• Do not wear loose clothing or
jewelry.
• Secure work with a clamp or
drill vise to keep it from being
Electrical
Toolspower tools must include at least
Hand-held
one of the following components.

1. Constant pressure switch:

Constant
• Power is shut off when it is released. pressure
switch

• Tools with this switch typically include

chainsaws, circular saws, and hand-held drills.

2. On/off switch:
• The tool will not start until the activation of
the on/off switch.
• It must be magnetic.
• Tools with this switch typically include
jigsaws, planers, and routers.
Pneumatic
Tools
Pneumatic tools are powered by
compressed air. Examples
include nail guns, jack hammers,
and sanders.
Dangers associated with
pneumatic tools include being
struck by moving parts and
puncture wounds from flying
nails and fasteners.
Pneumatic
Tools
Pneumatic tool safety:
 Assure that proper safety devices are in
place to prevent fasteners or
attachments from ejecting when the
muzzle is not in contact with your work
surface.
 Wear the proper PPE.
• Keep hands well outside of operating
areas.
• Apply the same safety measures to air
hoses that you would for electrical
Pneumatic
Tools
Fasteners for
pneumatic tools:
• Make sure that the
tool is securely
fastened to the air
hose.
• Use a positive locking
device or short wire to
keep the hose and The hose and tool are
tool attached. secured by a wire.
Pneumatic
Tools
Connections for pneumatic tools:
Hose fittings are acceptable
pneumatic tool connections, but hose
clamps are not.

Hose fittings Hose clamps

Pneumatic
Tools
Air nozzles:
If attaching a nozzle to a
compressed air line, the air must be
reduced to less than 30 p.s.i.
The use of nozzles requires proper
PPE (e.g., eye protection).

Do not use compressed air

for cleaning. Clean your
tools, work areas, or surfaces
with a brush or vacuum
instead.
Powder-Actuated Tools
Powder-actuated tools are powered by an explosive
charge that drives a fastener into an object.
If used without proper training, In one case, an employee was
powder-actuated tools can be using a nail gun to anchor a
deadly. Many people die of plywood formwork. The nail
injuries from projectile nails. killed an employee 20 feet away.
Powder-Actuated Tools
Operating guidelines:
• Treat a powder-actuated tool like a
loaded gun.
• Only operate the tool if specially trained.
• Only load the tool immediately before use.
• Never point the tool at anyone.
• Never leave a loaded tool unattended.
• Never use in proximity to flammable or
explosive materials or atmosphere.
• Always survey and secure the surrounding
areas.
• Keep your hands clear from the barrel’s end at
all times.
Powder-Actuated Tools
Safe use: In the event of a misfire:
• Hold the tool in its operating
Before firing, release the position for at least 30 seconds
safety mechanism by before attempting to fire it
again.
placing the tool against
• If the tool misfires again, hold it
the work surface and in position for another 30
applying pressure of at seconds, then carefully remove
least 5 pounds greater the charge per the
manufacturer’s instructions.
than the tool’s total
• The faulty charge must be
weight. placed in water immediately
after removal.
• If the tool is determined to be
defective, it must be
immediately tagged and
Powder-Actuated Tools
Inspect tools daily and Other guidelines:
before each use to assure
• Store the tool unloaded
that:
and in a locked box.
• The tool has the proper
safety measures and • Everyone working in the
attachments. area must wear the
appropriate PPE,
• The safety measures are including ear protection.
working.
• Choose a powder level
• The tool is clean. that performs the job
• Moving parts are operating without excessive force.
freely.
•
Powder-Actuated Tools
Know the characteristics of your work
surface.
• If a material is hollow or
too easily penetrated,
your pin or fastener may
fire straight through.

• If a material is too hard or

brittle, it may chip or
shatter upon impact or the
fastener could ricochet.
Liquid fuel Tools
Fuel-powered tools include concrete cutters and are
typically gasoline-powered. They can emit fuel
vapors and exhaust fumes that can ignite, explode,
or pose threats to your health or the environment.
Guidelines:
• Prior to refueling, power down the engine and
allow it to cool.
• If using a fuel-powered tool in an enclosed area,
assure that the area is properly ventilated or
employees are provided with proper respirator
devices and hearing protection.
• Make sure fire extinguishers are readily available
in the work area.
Hydraulic Tools
Hydraulic tools use pressurized fluid to
transmit force. These tools are often
used to lift, separate, or sever heavy
materials.
JACKS
A jack is a common type of hydraulic tool.
Capacity:
• All jacks must be marked with the
manufacturer’s rated capacity and
stopping point.
• Never exceed the capacity or stopping
point.
Inspection and maintenance:
Jacks should be lubricated and inspected on a
regular basis.
JACKS
When installing a jack:
• Assure that the jack’s base is on a firm, level surface.
‒ If the jack’s foundation is not firm, place a block
under the jack base.
• Center the jack under the load.
• Place the jack’s head against a level surface.
• To prevent the head from slipping, place a block
between it and the load.
• Make sure that lift force is applied evenly.
• Stay out from under suspended loads.
JACKS
Cribbing:
To support the load
and provide a failsafe
if the jack fails, loads
must be cribbed
incrementally during
lifting.
The railroad tie
provides a firm base
for the jack.

The load is cribbed to

prevent it from
falling.
SUMMARY
Most hazards are caused by improper use or
maintenance.
• Only use tools after proper training.
• Wear appropriate PPE.
• Perform an inspection of the tool prior to use.
• Verify that points of operation and motion hazards
are guarded.
• Always use safe handling and operating practices.
• Keep body parts away from hazardous areas.
SUMMARY
All hazards involved in the use of hand and power
tools can be prevented by following five basic
safety rules:
• Keep all tools in good condition with regular
maintenance.
• Use the right tool for the job.
• Examine each tool for damage before use.
• Operate according to the manufacturer's
instructions.
• Provide and use the proper protective
equipment.