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PORTABLE POWER TOOLS |
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GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Power Controls All hand-held powered tools must be equipped with a positive on/off control or other controls such as:
The operating control on hand-held power tools must be located as to minimize the possibility of its accidental operation, if such accidental operation would constitute a hazard to employees. Safe Electrical Connections Before using portable power tools, inspect wiring to ensure it is not broken, loose or frayed. If such is found, equipment must be removed from service immediately and repaired.
Only low voltage electrically powered tools are authorized for use in tanks and wet areas.
Only explosion proof electrically powered tools are authorized for use in environments where flammable gases, highly volatile liquids, and other explosive substances are stored or used.
Electrically powered tools must be powered by an electrical source that is continuously grounded. If necessary, three-wire plug extension cords or ground wire fasteners must be used. Extension cords must be properly sized to the wattage of the power tool.
Electrical defects or minor shocks must be reported to the supervisor.
Electric cords should not be placed where individuals may trip on them or cause the power tools they serve to be jerked from the operators, resulting in injury to the operator.
Guarding All portable, power-driven saws with a blade diameter greater than 2 inches must be equipped with guards above and below the base plate or shoe. These guards must cover the saw to the depth of the teeth. When the tool is withdrawn from the work, the lower guard must automatically return to the covering position.
Portable abrasive wheels and portable grinders must be guarded on top, sides and bottom of the wheel. The guards must be secured by a fastening in excess of the strength of the guard and the guard must be properly aligned with the wheel at all times during use.
Scratch brushes used on portable power tools should be permanently guarded in the same manner as grinding wheels.
Fastening tools that are actuated by explosive charges must be guarded at the muzzle end. The guard should be at least 31/2 inches in diameter and completely shield the barrel.
Other appropriate guards must be provided to protect the operator and other employees from hazards such as exposed belts, exposed rotating parts, flying chips and sparks.
No employee shall operate and/or cause to be operated any portable power tool without the prescribed protective devices in place.
Personal Protective Equipment Appropriate eye protection must be worn by all operators and helpers where the operation of the tools may produce flying objects or dust.
Hearing protection must be utilized for jobs that involve the risk of loss of hearing.
Personnel must not wear loose fitting clothing, long hair or jewelry when working with power tools with revolving parts such as drills, saws, and grinders.
Safety shoes are recommended for wear by those who use power tools of significant weight that may injure the operator if the tool should fall or be dropped.
When power tools are used in overhead places, the operator should wear a safety belt or shoulder to minimize the danger of falling should the tool break suddenly or shock the operator.
Approved dust-type respirators should be worn on buffing, grinding, sanding or mixing jobs where harmful dusts are produced.
Housekeeping Metal slivers, sawdust and other debris should be cleaned from the machine using a brush or rag. Never use bare hands for the task. NEVER clean a machine while it is in motion.
Compressed air may be used for cleaning purposes only where reduced to less than 30 PSI. Eye protection must be worn while using compressed air to clean equipment.
Oily rags, waste, and other materials saturated with combustible substances must be disposed of in approved metal containers equipped with self-closing lids. These containers should be clearly marked for disposal of oily waste materials. |
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
Portable power tools are divided into four primary groups according to the power source:
Several types of tools, such as saws, drills and grinders, are common to the first three groups. Hydraulic tools are mainly for compression work. Explosive tools are used exclusively for penetration work, cutting and compression.
Electrically Powered Tools Electric drills cause injuries in several ways. A part of the drill may be pushed into the hand, the leg, or other parts of the body. Although no guards are available for drill bits, some protection is afforded if drill bits are carefully chosen for the work to be done. The operator should select drill bits necessary to do the particular job. Oversized bits must not be ground down to fit a small drill.
Soldering irons should have insulated, noncombustible holders to prevent fire or burns from accidental contact. Ordinary metal covering on wood tables is not sufficient because heat conducted by the metal may ignite the wood. Harmful quantities of fumes from lead soldering must not be allowed to accumulate. Exhaust may be necessary.
Air Powered Tools An air hose presents the same tripping or stumbling hazard as cords on electric tools. Persons or materials accidentally hitting the hose may unbalance the operator or cause the tool to fall from an overhead place. Air hoses should be protected from trucks and pedestrians by runways or planks laid on either side of the hose. Do not disconnect an air hose from the tool being used, and use that air hose for cleaning purposes. Air should be cut off before attempting to disconnect the air hose from the line. Air pressure in the hose should also be cleared before disconnecting.
Most pneumatic impact tools, such as jackhammers, are similar in that the proper tool is fitted into the gun and receives its impact from a rapidly moving reciprocating piston driven by compic closing value actuated by a trigger located inside the handle. A retaining device must hold the tool in place so that it cannot be fired accidentally from the barrel. Jackhammer operators should wear safety shoes and jackhammers should have heavy rubber grips to reduce operator fatigue.
Gasoline-Powered Tools Gasoline-powered tools are widely used. Probably the best known, and most prevalent, is the chain saw. Operators of gasoline-powered tools must be trained in their proper operation according to the manufacturer's instructions. Operators must be familiar with fuel hazards.
Explosive Actuated Tools Supervisors should evaluate materials to be penetrated by explosive actuated tools. They should ensure that correct size and strength of explosive charges and thoroughly train employees using them.
Fasteners should not be driven into masonry closer than 3 inches to a corner or edge unless jigs or special guards are used to stop flying particles. Fasteners should not be fired into steel closer than 1/2 inch to an edge, corner or joint.
Proper eye protection must be worn during these operations. These devices must never be activated in explosive or flammable atmospheres. Tools and explosive charges must be stored in separate containers that are locked or otherwise protected from use by unauthorized individuals. |
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