3030 - Hand and Power Tool Safety - 13 Lessons

3030 - Hand and Power Tool Safety - 13 Lessons

3030 – 01 – How Important is Hand and Power Tool Safety

3030 – 01 – How Important is Hand and Power Tool Safety

Hand and power tools are widely used in both workplaces and homes. These tools are so ingrained in our society, we can forget what sort of hazards they can be. This means knowing the correct safety measures can make the difference between an accident and proper use. To begin with, it is important to not use power tools when under the influence of drugs, alcohol or strong medications. It is important to always keep your attention to the job at hand and avoid outside distractions. Keep from running, pushing or loud talking in your work area. If you must leave […]

3030 – 02 – Understanding Hand and Power Tool Basics

3030 – 02 – Understanding Hand and Power Tool Basics

All tasks need you to familiarize yourself with the tool and material before you begin. Read the manual and familiarize yourself with the controls and the capacity for the tool. Make sure to utilize the tool only at its applicable speed and capacity. The tool needs to be used on the correct material and correct thickness of the material. There are charts that may offer answers to the appropriate workpiece materials. Make sure the tool is at operational speed before working with it and allow the tool to come to a stop before putting away. Don’t force the tool by […]

3030 – 03 – Utilizing Worksite Organization

3030 – 03 – Utilizing Worksite Organization

How your worksite is organized is one of the major factors for working in an environment that is safe. Always be aware of what is going on around you. Remember the locations of the hand wash stations and eye wash stations before you begin. If you don’t know if something is a safety hazard or not you should notify your supervisor. Keeping an area organized is very important in hand and power tool safety. Keep an illuminated, and clear surroundings around your workstation so employees can walk through the area without obstruction. The floor should be clean and dry to […]

3030 – 04 – Knowing Your Tool Maintenance and Handling

3030 – 04 – Knowing Your Tool Maintenance and Handling

Your employer needs to present you with safe tools. You will play a sizable role in the safety of the tool and its maintenance. Its important to keep tools clean and properly maintained so the tool remains in the best condition. Most workshops will have a tool crib or tool room where personnel repair, lubricate, and clean hand and power tools. Always examine your tools for damage, as it is important not to use damaged tools. If a tool is on lock out or tagout do not try to use it. If you do, you and the repair technician are […]

3030 – 05 – What is Personal Protective Equipment

3030 – 05 – What is Personal Protective Equipment

Its important to always wear personal protective equipment that can prevent accidents. All applications will require you to wear eye protection and appropriate clothing to prevent safety risks for any application. This means staying away from loose, baggy clothing and open-toed shoes. Its best to wear hard-toed shoes that have non-skid soles. A lot of applications require gloves to not be worn because of risks inherent with the point of operation. Long hair needs to be pulled back and secured in a cap. Some applications will have you wear a face shield or a hard hat or if there are […]

3030 – 06 – Point of Operation Safety

3030 – 06 – Point of Operation Safety

The point of operation is where the tool meets the workpiece. A pinch point is any part of the machine where two components meet that can injure you and comes into contact with the area. Its important to not place anything in the way of the tool, and keep your extremities away from the point of operation and pinch points. OSHA states the industry standards for protecting the point of operation on various tools. Power tools that have moving parts that are hazardous need to be safeguarded. These can include belts, gears, shafts, sprockets, drums, fly wheels and many other […]

3030 – 07 – Using Electric Tool Safety

3030 – 07 – Using Electric Tool Safety

Probably the biggest risk when working with electric tools is the potential of electric shock. Not only is it a death hazard, but it can cause serious burns and falls. In order to reduce the risk of electric shock, follow electrical safety guidelines. Its important to make sure that electric cords are damage-free, no wear, frays, flammable materials, or water. You need to keep cords away from sharp edges and high heat to protect its insulation. Never overload circuits by plugging in to many items into the same source. Every electric tools need to be grounded and not used on […]

3030 – 08 – Following Abrasive Wheel Tool Safety

3030 – 08 – Following Abrasive Wheel Tool Safety

An abrasive wheel tool is any tool that grinds, cuts, polishes or wire buffs that can create safety problems since they discharge particles. They may even come apart from the mounting. OSHA General Industry Regulations make all the safety precautions for abrasive wheel tools that have directions for every class of abrasive wheel tool. Before any abrasive wheel is mounted it needs to be inspected and sound-tested or ring-tested to make sure that it has no cracks or defects. A lot of tools with grinding wheels will make a high pitched ringing sound when it is tapped with a non-metallic […]

3030 – 09 – Fuel and Hydraulic Tool Safety

3030 – 09 – Fuel and Hydraulic Tool Safety

Fuel-powered tools are typically used with gasoline. There is always a risk with these types of tools with fuel inhalation and the danger of explosion. Where fuel-powered tools are used, proper ventilation is needed. Do not use these tools close to flames or flammable materials and keep gas stored in approved containers. Always refuel the tool when it is cooled off and not in use. Always keep fire extinguishers close by in case of fire. Hydraulic tools are operated by a fluid. The fluid needs to be fire-resistant and approved. It also needs to maintain its operating characteristics at the […]

3030 – 10 – Defining Ergonomics

3030 – 10 – Defining Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the science of developing materials to emphasis employee amenity, while increasing productivity. Ergonomics can be used to design manufacturing tools, furniture, and other items in the workplace. It also notes what you can do to work comfortably and safely. There are a wide variety or areas of ergonomics. A few of the biggest ones that relate to power tool use includes having good posture, staying safe while repeating a task, and minimizing force and vibration. Following the ergonomic guidelines that your supervisor sets can help avoid injury at home or at work. Ergonomics can be difficult to undertake. […]

3030 – 11 – The Importance of Good Posture

3030 – 11 – The Importance of Good Posture

Good posture is good for both work and life, and can be especially important while using hand and power tools. Standing awkwardly, constantly reaching or twisting, bending, kneeling, or working with an object overhead can cause harm or injury. These muscle groups that are used to work can alter your posture. If you are standing awkwardly, you maybe less energy efficient than with correct posture. Typically, poor posture can occur when employees strain to look at their work or its at a reaching distance. Posture can be an issue when working with small objects or hard to reach places. If […]

3030 – 12 – Enduring Repetition, Force and Vibration

3030 – 12 – Enduring Repetition, Force and Vibration

While performing the same task over and over isn’t dangerous inherently, but if you perform the same task without resting you can become harmed. The muscles can contract and can pull or become sore. It is especially at risk if you have to use too much force or at an awkward position. Some different factors at hand can be the wrong tool for the job, using too large or small a tool or over-gripping the tool. Pick tools that have a comfortable grip and keep the wrist in a neutral position. Notify your supervisor if you need help from keeping […]

3030 – 13 – Summary

3030 – 13 – Summary

Hand and power tools are common enough at work or at home that we can lose focus on the hazards they can be. Always go over the basics by consulting the owner’s manual and familiarize yourself with how the tool works. An organized worksite can be important. All areas should be neat, clean and dry for employees. Tools should remain in solid condition and properly maintained and all blades kept sharp. Wear eye protection and possibly even ear protection, a hard hat, face shield, and special flame-resistant clothing depending on the operation The place where the tool contacts with the […]

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