Hand and power tool safety is often overlooked. These common construction tools are used on a daily basis and can pose a serious threat when used improperly. At Frontier Industrial Corp., safety is the number one tool on the job. Special attention toward hand and power tool safety is necessary in order to reduce or eliminate these hazards. Follow these tips and suggestions when operating with hand and power tools to ensure workers are protected.
1. Proper Training
First and foremost, make sure that employees are trained on the proper use of hand and power tools. Employees should know how to safely operate the tools they are required to use on the job. In addition, Personal Protective Equipment should be worn when working with hazardous tools.
2. Personal Protective Equipment
Employees using hand and power tools and exposed to the hazard of falling, flying, abrasive, and splashing objects, or exposed to harmful dusts, fumes, mists, vapors, or gases shall be provided with the particular personal protective equipment necessary to protect them from the hazard.
At Frontier Industrial Corp., we provide our employees with personal protective gear dependent on the task at hand. We ensure that workers are equipped with the safest and most protective gear while working with hazards.
3. Don’t Leave Tools Laying Around
Keep a neat and tidy workspace. Do not leave tools laying around on the floor where someone could trip and fall over them. It’s important to have a designated spot for the tools while you’re working where they are out of the way from others. Also, keep all cords out of the way to avoid tripping up yourself or your coworkers.
4. Unplug and Disconnect
Never leave electric power tools plugged in when not in use. Also, when moving to a new location always unplug and disconnect the tool you were working with.
5. Keep a Safe Distance
When working with hand and power tools, make sure you have enough room to safely operate. You should never be at a close enough distance where you could make contact with another object, or worse, another co-worker. If you are working at a height, be sure to check that no one is beneath you. Dropping a tool with someone below could result in a very serious injury.
These are some of the many general guidelines that workers should keep in mind while working with hand and power tools. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, otherwise known as OSHA, provides more insight on what rules construction workers should be following to stay protected.
Rules According to OSHA:
- Employers shall not issue or permit the use of unsafe hand tools.
- The wooden handles of tools shall be kept free of splinters or cracks and shall be kept tight in the tool.
- Tool shall be tested each day before loading to see that safety devices are in proper working condition. The method of testing shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended procedure.
- The use of electric cords for hoisting or lowering tools shall not be permitted.
- Any tool found not in proper working order, or that develops a defect during use, shall be immediately removed from service and not used until properly repaired.
- Loaded tools shall not be left unattended.
- Tools shall not be used in an explosive or flammable atmosphere.
- The manufacturer’s safe operating pressure for hoses, pipes, valves, filters, and other fittings shall not be exceeded.
- All fuel powered tools shall be stopped while being refueled, serviced, or maintained, and fuel shall be transported, handled, and stored in accordance with Subpart F of this part.
- All hand and power tools and similar equipment, whether furnished by the employer or the employee, shall be maintained in a safe condition.
- All other hand-held powered tools, such as circular saws, chain saws, and percussion tools without positive accessory holding means, shall be equipped with a constant pressure switch that will shut off the power when the pressure is released.
At Frontier Industrial Corp., workers safety is always the number one priority. Educating and training workers on how to properly operate with hand and power tools will help avoid hazards and danger from occurring.
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