Tools & Equipment Safety

Module Objectives
- Identify potential hazards in using hand and
power tools
- Gain insights on some important safety
measure in the use of hand and power tools
- Develop standard procedures in hand and
power tools operations
 Common Hazards
 Compression or crushing of body parts
 Flying objects or particles
 Cuts, lacerations
 Abrasions
 Piercing
HAND TOOLS
 Hand Tools
 Hand tools are non-powered, may include
anything from axes to wrenches.
 The greatest hazards posed by hand tools result
from misuse and improper maintenance.
 Regulations Covering
Hand Tools
Rule 1422 (OSH Standards)

(1) Must be well maintained

(2) Use only on intended purpose
(3) Issued to and used only by trained
workers
 Hazards in the use of
Manual Tools
1. Inappropriate for the job - using a
screwdriver as a chisel may cause the
tip of the screwdriver to break and fly,
hitting the user or other individual.
 Hazards in the use of
Manual Tools
2. Unfit for the job - if a
wooden handle on a
tool such as a hammer
or an axe is loose,
splintered, or cracked,
the head of the tool
may fly off and strike the
user or another worker.
 Hazards in the use of
Manual Tools
3. Untrained user - preceding
hazards may exists, does
an untrained worker know
that impact tools such as
chisels, wedges, or drift
pins are unsafe if they
have mushroomed
heads?--the heads might
shatter on impact, sending
sharp fragments flying.
 Specific Hazard in the use
Manual Tools
 Sparks around flammable substances
 What Are Spark Resistant
Tools
 "Non-sparking", "spark-resistant" or "spark-
proof“ tools made of metals such as
brass, bronze, Monel metal (copper-
nickel alloy), copper-aluminum alloys
(aluminum bronze), copper-beryllium
alloys (beryllium bronze), and titanium.
 Have less tensile strength than steels.
 Are softer, wear down more quickly than
ordinary steel.
Some Non-Sparking Tools
 General Safety Precautions
 Proper selection of tools
 Inspection prior to use
 Provision of protective devices
 Training for proper use
 Proper maintenance
 Reporting of hazardous conditions
POWER TOOLS
 Power Tools
 power tools are powered by electricity,
batteries, pneumatic, liquid fuel, hydraulic, and
powder-actuated (cartridge).
 Same as manual tools, the greatest hazards
posed by powered tools result from misuse and
improper maintenance.
 5 Basic Rules in the use of
Power Tools
 Keep it 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.
 General Safety Guidelines
for Power Tools
 Be aware of all power
lines and electrical circuits
 Do not wear loose
clothing, dangling objects
or jewelries
 Long hair must be
restrained
 General Safety Guidelines
for Power Tools
 Ground all tools unless
double insulated
 Avoid dangerous
environments--do not
use power tools in a
damp, wet and/or
explosive atmosphere --
fumes, dust or
flammable materials.
SOME SPECIFIC
POWER TOOLS
SAFETY TIPS
Portable Grinder
 Portable Grinding or Cutting
Machine Safety Measure
 Must be equipped with safety guards
 Always use eye protection
 Turn off the power when not in use
 Never clamp to a vise
 Failure to Ring Test
 Failure to ring test
could result in a
disintegrating wheel.
 This could lead to
serious injury or death.

Spindle guard removed for better viewing

Ring Testing Abrasive Wheel
Tools
 Objective: to ensure that it
is free from cracks or
defects
 Tap gently with a light
metallic instrument
 A sound and undamaged
wheel will give a clear
metallic tone or "ring."
 Crack Preventive Measures
for Abrasive Wheel
 Must fit freely on the spindle
 Tighten enough to hold the wheel in
place, without distorting the flange.
 Follow the manufacturer's
recommendations
 Do not exceed the abrasive wheel
specifications
 Note: Due to the possibility of a wheel
disintegrating (exploding) during start-
up, never stand directly in front of the
wheel as it accelerates to full
operating speed.
Circular Saw
 Portable Circular Saw
General Safety Precautions
 Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses.
 Use dust mask in dusty work conditions.
 Wear hearing protection during extended
periods of operation.
 Don't wear loose clothing, jewelry or
dangling objects, including long hair, that
may catch in rotating parts or accessories.
 Don't use a circular saw that is too heavy for
you to easily control.
 Safety Checkpoints Before
Operation of Portable Saw
 Be sure the switch actuates properly--it should turn the
tool on and return to the off position after release.
 Check proper operation before each cut.
 Safety Checkpoints Before
Operation of Portable Saw
 Check often to ensure that guards return to their normal
position quickly, if not repair or adjust it immediately.
 Never remove or tie the guard to expose the blade.
 Safety Checkpoints Before
Operation of Portable Saw
 Be sure the power cord are out of the blade path
before starting and are long enough to freely complete
the cut.
 Keep aware of the cord location--a sudden jerk or
pulling on the cord can cause loss of control of the saw
and a serious accident.
 Portable Circular Saw
Safe Operation
 Hold the saw firmly with both hands after securing the
workpiece for full control.
 Clamp workpieces and check frequently to be sure
clamps remain secure.
 Portable Circular Saw
Safe Operation
 Avoid cutting small pieces that can't be properly
secured and material on which the saw shoe can't
properly rest.
 Allow the blade to reach full speed before contacting
the workpiece.
 If power is interrupted, release the trigger immediately
and don’t remove the saw until the blade has come to
a complete stop.
 Circular Saw Blades
Safety Checkpoints
 Use sharp blades, dull blades cause binding, stalling
and possible kickback, it also waste power and
reduce motor and switch life.
 Circular Saw Blades
Safety Checkpoints
 Use the correct blade for
the application by
checking the following
carefully:
- Does it have the proper size
and shape of arbor hole?
- Is the speed marked on the
blade at least as high as the
no-load RPM on the saw's
nameplate?
- Is the blade guard working?
Portable Drill
 Portable Drill Safe Operations
 Check power cord for loose connections or damage.
 Tightly secure the chuck to the spindle, especially on
reversible type drills.
Portable Drill Safe Operations
 Tighten the bit securely.
 Removed the chuck key from the chuck before starting
the drill--a flying key can be an injury-inflicting missile.
Portable Drill Safe Operations
 Secure auxiliary handles properly.
 Don't force a drill, apply just enough pressure.
 Relieve the pressure when the drill slows down--forcing
the drill can cause the motor to overheat, damage the
bit and reduce operator control.
Pneumatic Tools
 Pneumatic Tools
 Pneumatic tools are
powered by compressed air
and include chippers, drills,
hammers, and sanders.
 Hazards: getting hit by one of
the tool's attachments or by
some kind of fastener the
worker is using with the tool.
 Measures: Ear, eye, face
protection is recommended
 Pneumatic Powered Tools
Safe Operations
 Secure the tool retainer to avoid the ejection of
the tool.
 Secure properly to the hose to prevent
accidental disconnection.
 Pneumatic Powered Tools
Safe Operations
 Provide safety device to the muzzle to prevent the tool
from ejecting fasteners, unless the muzzle is in contact
with the work surface for nailers, staplers, and other
similar equipment provided with automatic fastener
feed, operating at more than 100 p.s.i. pressure.
 Pneumatic Powered Tools
Safe Operations
 Do not exceed the manufacturer's safe
operating pressure for hoses, pipes, valves,
filters, and other fittings.
 Do not use of hoses for hoisting or lowering
tools.
 Provide safety device at the source of supply or
branch line device on all hoses exceeding 1/2-
inch inside diameter to reduce pressure in case
of hose failure.
 Caring for the
Compressed Air System
 Using pneumatic tools requires an efficient
compressor system to adequately power the
tools.
 Several basic guidelines should be followed to
insure efficient and continued operation of the
compressor.
 Compressor System
Guidelines
1. Use the valve to turn off the air supply when breaking
any air connections -- never kink the hose as a shortcut!
2. Prevent hose from being run over to avoid damage.
3. Do not drag hoses around sharp corners.
4. Use the proper size air hose and fittings to keep air
pressure at a maximum throughout the entire line.
5. Clear any dirt off the nipple before connecting the air
hose to the tool.
 Compressor System
Guidelines
6. Check the hose and all connections for leaks or
damage before using the tool.

7. Maintain a clean, dry, regulated source of air to

operate air tools at peak performance—use filters,
regulators, and lubricators
 Contaminants in the
Compressor System
 Water is the most common problem
 Air contains a certain amount of moisture and impurities
that can cause problems
 Condensed water vapor and dirt left in the air line may
result in the following problems:
• Sluggish tool operation, and more frequent repair
and replacement of parts
• Poor results in spraying and other types of finishing
work
• Washing away of required lubricants
• Moisture left in lines exposed to cold weather may
freeze and obstruct proper air flow
Powder Actuated
(Cartridge Equip)
 Hazards in the use of
Powder Actuated Tools
 Penetration through work surface
 Ricochet (rebound) after hitting a
hard surface
 Lost of balance by the handler due
to recoil
 Ignition of flammable materials
 Noise
 Powder Actuated Tools Safe
Operation
 User must be trained.
 Before using, be sure it is not loaded.
 During loading, point in safe direction.
 Never point to any person.
 Never put the hand at the end of the barrel.
 Check type & thickness of materials to be fired.
 Allow at least 3 inches from the edge of work surface
such as concrete or brick.
 Never use on hard or brittle material such as glass, cast
iron, marble, etc.
Powder Actuated Tools Safe
Operation
 Always use at right angle to the job.
 Wear protective goggles.
 In a misfire. Wait at least one minute before
unloading.
 Keep it clean and efficient.
 Always unload the spent cartridge after using.
 Never had it loaded during transport.
THE END