Portable Power Tools Checklist
(Taken from the "Tailgate Meetings that Work : A Guide
to Effective Construction Safety Training" series) |
|
Robin Baker, Robert
Downey, Mary Ruth Gross, Charles Reiter
Labor Occupational Health Program
(LOHP) School of Public Health,
University of California, Berkeley Ca.
These tailgate/toolbox
talks were developed for use under California OSHA regulations. The
complete set is available from the Labor Occupational Health Program
at UC Berkeley. For ordering information, visit the website (www.lohp.org)
The American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
has adapted these talks to apply to federal OSHA regulations. To contact
ACGIH, visit its web site (www.acgih.org). |
Date Prepared:_________________________ |
By:_______________________ |
Project
Name/No.______________________ |
Location:__________________ |
- Check the
box if the statement is true.
- Citations
in brackets are from Title 8 of the California Administrative Code.
HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
- The company has
a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) that meets all
Cal/OSHA requirements. It includes identification of hazards on the
site involving portable power tools, as well as regular inspections,
accident investigation, and correction of hazardous conditions. [1509]
- All hazards from
portable power tools have been identified.
- Types of portable
power tools used on site:
- electrical
- pneumatic
(air)
- gasoline-powered
- power-actuated
- hydraulic
SELECTION
- The right tool
is used for the job; tools are used within their design limitations.
[3556(b)]
- Tools are used
only for their intended purpose. [3556(b)]
- Tools can be used
without the hand or wrist in an awkward position.
- Tools are well-balanced
- Tools fit the
hand comfortably
- Tools are not
so heavy that they strain the arm and shoulder.
- Tool handles are
designed to minimize the grip force needed. (For example, they are not
slippery.)
- Handles have soft
grips that don't cut into your hand.
INSPECTION
- Tools are inspected
daily before use and are kept clean and in good repair. [1699(a)]
- Blades, bits,
and other cutting parts are inspected prior to each use, are kept sharp,
and are replaced if worn or cracked. [1699(a)]
- Chucks, collars,
and other tool holding parts are in good operating condition. [1699(a)]
- Damaged, defective,
or worn tools are tagged and removed from service until repaired. [1699(a),
3556(a), and 3556(c)]
WORK PRACTICES
- Workers use only
tools with which they have experience, or on which they have been trained.
[1510(b)]
- Tools are used
only on secure and stable work surfaces. Work is secured with a vise
or clamps if necessary.
- Workers using
tools stand on a clean, dry surface to prevent slipping. [1513 and 3273(a)]
- Work areas are
well-lighted. [1523]
- Workers
bodies are not forced into awkward positions when using tools.
- Air hoses and
electric cables used in elevated locations are securely fastened to
a substantial anchorage at or near the working level. They are fastened
no more than 15 feet from the working end. [1700]
GUARDING
- Proper guards
are in place and not altered.
- All of the following
parts are guarded:
- gears, sprockets,
and sprocket chain drives [4075(a)]
- belt and pulley
drives [4070(a)]
- hazardous
revolving or reciprocating parts [4002(a)]
- pulleys and
drums [3999(b)]
- exposed shafts
[4050(a)]
- projecting
shaft ends [4051(a)]
- collars, clutches,
and couplings [4050(a)]
SWITCHES AND CONTROLS
- Operating controls
on all handheld power tools are located to minimize the possibility
of accidental operation. [3557(d)]
- The following
hand-held power tools are equipped with a constant pressure switch or
control that will shut off the power when the pressure is released:
- circular saws
with blade diameters over 2 inches
- chain saws
(electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, or gasoline)
-
percussion
tools
[3557(a)]
- The following
handheld power tools are equipped with a constant pressure switch or
control that will shut off the power when the pressure is released,
but they may have a lock-on control provided it can be turned
off by a single motion:
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
- If necessary,
personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided by the company and worn
by workers. The types used are appropriate for the work and give adequate
protection. [1514]
- Workers using
tools always wear safety glasses with side shields or other eye/face
protection. Eye and face protection meets the requirements of American
National Standards Institute (ANSI)
Z 87.1 1989, American National Standard Practice for Occupational
and Educational Eye and Face Protection. [3382(d)(1)]
- When work involves
potential risk of cuts, burns, harmful physical or chemical agents,
or radioactive material, workers use appropriate hand protection, including
vibration-damping gloves when they use vibrating tools. (Exception:
Not required if gloves might become caught in moving parts or machinery).
[1520]
- If gloves are
used, tools can still be gripped easily.
- Workers exposed
to foot injuries from crushing or penetrating actions, hot surfaces,
falling objects, falling objects, or hazardous substances, or who are
required to work in abnormally wet locations, use appropriate foot protection
such as steel-toed safety shoes and/or boots. (For jackhammers, workers
wear a steel covering over the whole foot, not just the toes.) [3385]
- Workers exposed
to noise in excess of 90 dB use hearing protection. [1521(g) and 5096(b)]
POWER TOOLS BY CATEGORY
ELECTRICAL TOOLS
- Grounding is assured
through either a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFI) system or an
assured equipment grounding conductor program. [2405.4(b)
This site uses:
- GFIs
- Grounding conductor
program
- Both
- (If GFI:)
Approved GFI devices are present on all 120-volt, AC, single-phase,
15- and 20-ampere outlets which are not part of permanent building
wiring. [2405.4(c)]
- (If grounding
conductor program:) The program is in writing and covers all
120-volt, AC, single-phase cord sets, plugs, and receptacles which
are not part of permanent building wiring. The program includes
daily visual inspection, regular testing, ID markings placed on
the equipment, and record keeping [2405.4(d)]
- All electrical
tools are grounded or double insulated. [2395.45]
- Earth returns
are not used for grounding. [2405.2(c)]
- Every receptacle
is grounded. [2510.7(a)]
- Electrical cords
are protected from damage by vehicles, etc. [2340.1]
- Electrical cords
are regularly checked for fraying. [2340.1]
- Electrical tools
are not used in wet areas, or in areas where flammable vapors may be
present, unless specifically designed for that purpose. [2540.2(b) and
2940.5]
- Electrical tools
are not hoisted or lowered by their cords. [1707(a)]
PNEUMATIC TOOLS
- Air hose connections
are checked to make sure they are secured properly. [1699(a) and 3301(c)]
- Compressed air
over 10 psi is never used to blow dirt, chips, or dust from clothing
while it is being worn. [3301(a)]
- All pneumatic
impact tools have safety clips or retainers so dies and tools wont
be accidentally expelled from the barrel. [3559(a)]
- Pneumatic nailers
and staplers operating at more than 100 pounds per square inch (psi)
have a safety device to prevent operation when the muzzle is not in
contact with the surface. [3559(c) and 1704(a)]
- Pneumatic nailers
and staplers are disconnected at the tool from the air supply
when not in use. [1704(b)]
- Hoses over ½"
inside diameter have safety devices at the supply source, or branch
lines to reduce pressure in case of hose failure. [1704(c)]
- Operators using
pneumatically driven nailers and staplers on steep roofs (1/3 pitch
or greater) always wear a securely fastened safety belt and lanyard.
[1704(d)]
- On roofs of 1/4
pitch or greater, the air hose for a pneumatic nailer or stapler is
secured at roof level to provide ample, but not excessive, amounts of
hose. [1704(d)]
- Pneumatic tools
are not hoisted or lowered by their hoses. [1707(b)(3)]
- On portable compressors:
- Wheels are
fixed, locked, or blocked to prevent rolling. [1696(a)]
- Fans are guarded
with a shroud or side screens. [1696(b)]
- Air tanks
are drained of liquid according to the manufacturers specifications.
[1696(c)]
- Air tanks
comply with Article 3 of the Unfired Pressure Vessel Safety Orders.
[1696(d)]
GASOLINE-POWERED TOOLS
- Gasoline is stored
in approved containers or portable tanks per Department of Transportation
(DOT) regulations. [1930(a)]
- Fire extinguishers
of the correct type are available where gasoline is stored. [1933(a)]
An additional extinguisher is located outside of the room or immediate
area where the gasoline is stored. [1933(b) and (c)]
- When tools are
filled, or when gasoline is transferred between containers, proper grounding
and bonding procedures are used. [1934]
POWDER-ACTUATED TOOLS
Since powder-actuated
tools may be used only by trained workers with certification, the following
is only a summary of a few requirements designed to protect other workers
nearby. Many other requirements apply to tool operators.
- Powder-actuated
tools are used only by trained workers holding a valid operators
card for the specific tool involved. [1685(a)(1)]
- All powder-actuated
tools comply with American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
A 10.3 1977, Safety Requirements for Powder-Actuated Fastening Systems,
or have a California approval number. [1684(a)(1) and (2)]
- Tool containers
are lockable, and have the required warning labels on the inside and
outside of the container. [1687(a)]
- Loaded powder-actuated
tools are not left unattended. [1690(b)]
- Powder-actuated
tools are operated in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
[1691(a)].
- Powder-actuated
tools are not loaded until ready for use. [1691(g)] They are unloaded
immediately if work is interrupted. [1691(h)]
- Powder-actuated
tools are never pointed at any person, whether the tool is loaded or
unloaded. [1691(i)] Hands and feet are kept clear of the open barrel
end. [1691(j)]
- On misfire, the
tool is held in place for 30 seconds. [1691(l)]
- Warning signs
are conspicuously posted within 50 feet of the area where powder-actuated
tools are being used, and are removed promptly when no longer applicable.
[1691(n)]
SPECIFIC POWER TOOLS
JACKHAMMERS
- All bolts are
checked regularly to be sure they havent loosened. [1699(a)]
- Drills are kept
sharp. [1699(a)]
- Chuck bushings
and hammers are in good condition. [1699(a)]
- Jackhammers have
recommended safety equipment including:
- A locking
mechanism on the drill bit.
- An instant
trigger control and automatic release.
- A hand guard
extending from the handle to the body of the tool.
CIRCULAR SAWS
- The upper half
of the saw blade is permanently guarded. [4307(a)]
- The lower half
of the saw blade is guarded with a telescope or hinged guard. [4307(b)]
- Guards are not
blocked open to prevent functioning. [4307(c)]
GASOLINE POWER SAWS
- There is a control
that returns to idle when released. [3425(a)(2)]
- The clutch is
adjusted to prevent the chain drive from engaging at idle speed. [3425(a)(3)]
- The operator is
positioned properly to avoid injury in case of kick back.
- The engine is
stopped when the saw is carried over 100 feet, or when it is being cleaned,
refueled, adjusted, or repaired. [3428(a)(8 and 9]
GRINDERS AND ABRASIVE
WHEELS
- Excessively worn
grinding disks are discarded and replaced. [1699(a)]
- Abrasive wheels
have hoods or guards to protect workers from flying fragments of a bursting
wheel. [3577(b)] [See 3583(b) for exceptions.]
- There are guards
on the spindle end and on nut and flange projections. They are mounted
to maintain proper alignment with the wheel. The strength of the fastenings
exceeds the strength of the guard. [3583(b)] [See 3583(b-d) for exceptions.]
- Wheels are inspected
before mounting, and the spindle speed is checked to make sure that
it doesnt exceed the rating marked on the wheel. [3583(f)(1)]
- Wheels fit freely
on the spindles and remain free under all grinding conditions. [3583(f)(2)]
- All contact surfaces
of wheels, blotters, and flanges are flat and free of foreign matter.
[3583(f)(3)]
- If there is a
bushing in the wheel hole, it doesnt exceed the width of the wheel,
and it doesnt contact the flanges. [3583(f)(4)]
CAL/OSHA ERGONOMICS
REGULATION
If there has been
more than one ergonomic injury within a year to workers doing the same
task, the company has set up a program to identify and correct these hazards
and provide relevant training. [5110]
Tailgate
Meetings That Work : Collection
Published in June, 1994 by: Labor Occupational Health Program, School
of Public Health, 2515 Channing Way, University of California, Berkeley,
CA 94720. Phone: (510) 642-5507.
Permission is granted to duplicate these materials for non-profit educational
purposes, provided that copies are not offered for sale.
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