Hand and Power Tool Safety

1. Hand and Power Tool Safety Evolution Industries, Inc. Updated October 1, 2010

2. OSHA’s* 5 Basic Safety Rules • Keep all tools in good working condition. • Use the right tool for the job. • Inspect all tools prior to use and do not use damaged tools. • Operate tools according to manufacturer’s specifications. • Use the correct personal safety equipment. *OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration under the United States Department of Labor.

3. General Safety • Keep work area clean, organized, and well-lighted • Immediately clean up spills • Always use appropriate safety gear • Dress appropriately for lab work • NEVER use tools when under the influence of drugs/alcohol • Stay alert. Pay close attention when using tools at all times • Keep all guards operational and in place at all times • Ensure that work piece is free from nuts, staples, or other objects that could become projectiles • Follow guidelines for safe use of each individual tool at all times • Do not use tools for jobs for which they were not intended • Avoid overreaching. Maintain stability and balance at all times. • Keep children and pets away from work areas.

4. Hand Tools • Hand tools are tools that are powered manually. (No battery, No power cord) • Examples include chisels, hammers, wrenches, and knives. • The greatest dangers from hand tools result from misuse and improper maintenance.

5. Hand Tools • When using saw blades and knives, direct the tools away from yourself, other employees, and aisles. • Knives and scissors must be sharp. Cracked saw blades should be replaced. • Impact tools such as chisels should be kept free from mushroomed heads. • Wooden handles of tools must be free from splinters and cracks. • The jaws of wrenches must not be sprung to the point where they slip. They should not be used if this occurs.

6. Hand Tools Pliers Wrenches • Do not increase a plier’s handle length to gain more leverage, instead choose larger sized pliers.  • Never subject pliers to temperatures that could decrease tool hardness. Cut hardened wire only with pliers designed for that purpose.  • Do not substitute a pliers for a wrench when turning nuts and bolts. Be sure the plier’s jaws can grasp properly when bending rigid wire.  • Do not hammer with pair of pliers.  • Use non-sparking pliers when in the presence of flammable vapors or dust. • Use metric wrenches for metric bolts and American inch wrenches for inch-sized bolts. By using the correct size, the wrench is less prone to slip or round off the fastener corners.  • Do not expose a wrench to temperatures that could weaken tool hardness • Always try to pull on a wrench (instead of pushing) in case the fastener loosens. • Do not over torque a fastener. Use a torque wrench to tighten the fastener to the exact torque required. • Inspect wrenches periodically for damage, such as cracking, severe wear or distortion.

7. Hand Tools Hammers Screwdrivers • Always use a hammer of the proper weight and size for the task. •  Do not strike the surface at an angle. The hammer face should contact the striking surface squarely, so the two are parallel.  • Do not use a hammer if the handle is damaged or loose. • Use a hammer face that is 3/8" larger in diameter than the striking tool. •  Never weld, heat or regrind a hammer head.  • Remove from service any hammer exhibiting signs of excessive wear, cracks, mushrooming or chips. •  Do not use one hammer to strike another.  • Never use a screwdriver as a pry bar, chisel, punch, stirrer or scraper. •  Always use a screwdriver tip that properly fits the slot of the screw.  • Throw away screwdrivers with broken or worn handles.  • Never expose screwdrivers to temperatures that could reduce tip hardness.  • Turn power off and use electrically insulated screwdrivers when working on or around electrical components. •  Straighten tips or redress rounded edges with file. •  Use both hands when using a screwdriver—one guide the tip and the other to turn the handle.

8. Power Tools • Power tools are determined by their power source: electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, powder-actuated, liquid fuel. • Never carry a tool by the cord or hose. • Never yank the cord or the hose to disconnect it from the receptacle. • Keep cords and hoses away from heat, oil, and sharp edges. • Disconnect tools when not using them, before servicing and cleaning them, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits, and cutters. • Keep all people not involved with the work at a safe distance from the work area. • Secure work with clamps or a vise, freeing both hands to operate the tool. • Avoid accidental starting. Do not hold fingers on the switch button while carrying a plugged-in tool. • Maintain tools with care; keep them sharp and clean for best performance.

9. Power Tools • Electric Tools (powered by electricity) • Do not use electric tools in damp or wet locations unless they are approved for that purpose. • Keep work areas well lighted when operating electric tools. • Ensure that cords from electric tools do not present a tripping hazard. • Ensure that cords are kept away from heat, sharp edges, and oil. • Operate electric tools within their design limitations. • Store electric tools in a dry place when not in use. *Among the most serious hazards from electrical tools are electrical burns and shocks.

10. Power Tools • Pneumatic Tools (powered by compressed air) • Hoses should be protected from heat and sharp edges. • Tools must be fastened securely to the air hose • Compressed air tools should never be pointed towards anyone. • Never “dead end” the tool against yourself or anyone else in order to attach it. • Use of loud pneumatic tools requires hearing protection. *The most common danger associated with pneumatic tools is getting hit with one of the tools attachments or fasteners.

11. Power Tools • Hydraulic Tools (powered by fluid) • Hydraulic jacks should never exceed load limit as stated by manufacturer. • A jack should never be used for support on a lifted load. Once the load is lifted, it must be blocked. • To set up a jack make sure the base of the jack is on a stable surface. Center the jack. Ensure the jack head bears against a level surface.

12. References • Guide to Hand Tools; The Hand Tool Institute, Tarrytown, NY, 1985.  • OSHA's Safety and Health Topics Hand and Power Tools