Hand and Power Tools Safety
Contents
1. 502 564 6895 100151 ie 504 342 9601 207 624 6460 410 333 4210 Massachusetts 617 727 3982 517 332 8250 517 322 1809 S 612 297 2393 601 987 3981 573 751 3403 406 444 6418 402 471 4717 ESET epee 702 486 5016 New 603 271 2024 SY 609 292 2424 Hand and Power Tools OSHA Consultation Project Directory New 505 827 4230 Smee teat ae aoe me narnia er 518 457 2481 North Carolina ae ccseietcthieccesesvcievcdtcraicarvedyduasnetercensniteannens 919 662 4644 North Dakota 701 221 5188 et enti ee 614 644 2246 405 528 1500 503 378 3272 Pennsylvania 412 357 2561 787 754 2188 Rhode Isl2. 701 250 4521 Boise 208 321 2960 716 684 3891 Braintree 617 565 6924 Bridgeport CT 203 579 5581 Calumet City 708 891 3800 Carson City 702 885 6963 Charleston 304 347 5937 Cincinnati OH 513 841 4132 Cleveland 216 522 3818 Columbian 803 765 5904 Columbus 614 469 5582 Concord 603 225 1629 Corpus Christi 512 888 3420 214 320 2400 Denver 303 844 5285 Des Plaines 708 803 4800 AESA 515 284 4794 Englewood G ene tester 303 843 4500 Erien 814 833 5758 Hand and Power Tools OSHA Area Offices Fort Lauderdale 305 424 0242 Fort Worth 817 428 2470 Frankfort KY 502 227 7024 Harrisburg PA eee eee ee eee eee ae 717 782 3902
3. 302 573 6115 Hand and Power Tools OSHA Area Offices U S Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA Regional Offices Region I CT MA ME NH RI VT JFK Federal Building Room E 340 Boston 02203 Telephone 617 565 9860 Region NJ PR 201 Varick Street Room 670 New York NY 10014 Telephone 212 337 2378 Region III 09 DE VA Gateway Building Suite 2100 3535 Market Street Philadelphia PA 19104 Telephone 215 596 1201 Region IV AL FL GA KY MS NC C TN Atlanta Federal Center 61 Forsyth Street S W Room 6150 Atlanta GA 30303 Telephone 404 562 2300 Region V Wy IN MI MN OH 230 South Dearborn Street Room 3244 Chicago IL 60604 Telephone 312 353 2220 Region VI AR LA NM OK TX 525 Griffin Street Room 602 Dallas TX 75202 Telephone 214 767 4731 Region VII IA KS MO NE City Center Square 1100 Main Street Suite 800 Kansas City MO 64105 Telephone 816 426 5861 Region VIII CO MT ND SD UT Suite 1690 1999 Broadway Denver CO 80202 5716 Telephone 303 391 5858 American Pama AZ CA uam H Trust Taam HL E Paco 71 Stevenson Street Room 420 San Francisco CA 94105 Telephone 415 744 6670 Region X AK ID OR WA 1111 Third Avenue Suite 715 Seattle WA 98101 3212 Telephone 206 553 5930 T
4. 17 States with Approved Plans 18 OSHA Consultation Project Directory 21 OSHA Area 23 Contents What Is the Purpose of This Booklet This booklet is designed to present to employees and employ ers a summary of the basic safety procedures and safeguards associated with hand and portable power tools Material in this booklet is based on the standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration this booklet however should not be considered as a substitute for the full safety and health standards for general industry published in the Code of Federal Regulations Title 29 Part 1910 Subpart P or for the construction industry published in the Code of Federal Regulations Title 29 Part 1926 Subpart I These are also available on the World Wide Web at http www osha gov Employers and employees in the 25 states and or territories with OSHA approved state safety and health plans should check with their state agency Their state may be enforcing standards and other procedures that while at least as effective as federal standards are not always identical to the federal requirements See page 13 for more information on state plans Tools are such a common part of our lives that it is difficult to remember that they may pose hazards Tragically a serious incident can occur before steps are taken to identify and avoid or eliminate tool related ha
5. hammers and sanders There are several dangers associated with the use of pneu matic tools First and foremost is the danger of getting hit by one of the tool s attachments or by some kind of fastener the worker is using with the tool Pneumatic tools must be checked to see that the tools are fastened securely to the air hose to prevent them from becoming disconnected A short wire or positive locking device attaching the air hose to the tool must also be used and will serve as an added safeguard If an air hose is more than 1 2 inch 12 7 millimeters in diameter a safety excess flow valve must be installed at the source of the air supply to reduce pressure in case of hose failure In general the same precautions should be taken with an air hose that are recommended for electric cords because the hose is subject to the same kind of damage or accidental striking and because it also presents tripping hazards When using pneumatic tools a safety clip or retainer must be installed to prevent attachments such as chisels on a chipping hammer from being ejected during tool operation Pneumatic tools that shoot nails rivets staples or similar fasteners and operate at pressures more than 100 pounds per square inch 6 890 kPa must be equipped with a special device to keep fasteners from being ejected unless the muzzle is pressed against the work surface Airless spray guns that atomize paints and fluids at pressures of 1 000
6. Hartford CT i 860 240 3152 Hasbrouck Heights 201 288 1700 Guaynabo PR 787 277 1560 Honolulu Hl 808 541 2685 et oot SOE 281 286 0583 Houston 281 591 2438 Indianapolis IN scsicsascsnssasaiasussncdarsteesnncdananatessneuastahnassavan 317 226 7290 Jackson 9 601 965 4606 Jacksonville FL 904 232 2895 Kansas City 816 483 9531 Lansing MI 517 377 1892 Little Rock 501 324 6291 Lubbock TX 806 472 7681 Madison 608 264 5388 Marlton NJ 609 757 5181 Methuen 617 565 8110 Milwaukee 1 414 297 3315 Minneapolis 612 664 5460 Mobile 334 441 6131 Nashville 615 781 5423 New York NY 212 466 2482 No
7. mable liquid containers according to proper procedures for flammable liquids Before refilling a fuel powered tool tank the user must shut down the engine and allow it to cool to prevent accidental ignition of hazardous vapors When a fuel powered tool is used Hand and Power Tools What Are the Dangers of Power Tools inside a closed area effective ventilation and or proper respira tors i e atmosphere supplying respirators must be utilized to avoid breathing carbon monoxide Fire extinguishers must also be available in the area Powder Actuated Tools Powder actuated tools operate like a loaded gun and must be treated with extreme caution In fact they are so dangerous that they must be operated only by specially trained employees When using powder actuated tools an employee must wear suitable ear eye and face protection The user must select a powder level high or low velocity that is appropriate for the powder actuated tool and necessary to do the work without excessive force The muzzle end of the tool must have a protective shield or guard centered perpendicular to and concentric with the barrel to confine any fragments or particles that are projected when the tool is fired A tool containing a high velocity load must be designed not to fire unless it has this kind of safety device To prevent the tool from firing accidentally two separate motions are required for firing The first motion is to bring the tool into t
8. pounds or more per square inch 6 890 kPa must be equipped with automatic or visible manual safety devices that will prevent pulling the trigger until the safety device is manually released Eye protection is required and head and face protection is recommended for employees working with pneumatic tools Screens must also be set up to protect nearby workers from being struck by flying fragments around chippers riveting guns staplers or air drills Compressed air guns should never be pointed toward anyone Workers should never dead end them against themselves or anyone else A chip guard must be used when compressed air is used for cleaning Use of heavy jackhammers can cause fatigue and strains Heavy rubber grips reduce these effects by providing a secure handhold Workers operating a jackhammer must wear safety glasses and safety shoes that protect them against injury if the jackhammer slips or falls A face shield also should be used Noise is another hazard associated with pneumatic tools Working with noisy tools such as jackhammers requires proper effective use of appropriate hearing protection Liquid Fuel Tools Fuel powered tools are usually operated on gasoline The most serious hazard associated with the use of fuel powered tools comes from fuel vapors that can burn or explode and also give off dangerous exhaust fumes The worker must be careful to handle transport and store gas or fuel only in approved flam
9. 73 1994 Commissioner Virginia Department of Labor and Industry Powers Taylor Building 13 South 13th Street Richmond VA 23219 804 786 2377 Director Washington Department of Labor and Industries General Administration Building P O Box 44001 Olympia WA 98504 4001 360 902 4200 Administrator Workers Safety and Compen sation Division WSC Herschler Building 2nd Floor East 122 West 25th Street Cheyenne WY 82002 307 777 7786 Consultation Project Directory 21 Telephone ADAM A 205 348 7136 907 264 4957 602 542 5795 501 682 4522 415 972 8515 970 491 6151 860 566 4550 302 761 8219 District of Columbia 202 576 6339 904 488 3044 404 894 2643 eee en ee 011 671 475 0136 808 586 9100 208 385 3283 312 814 2337 VGA sees 317 232 2688 515 281 5352 913 296 7476
10. Box 26110 Santa Fe NM 87502 505 827 2850 Commissioner New York Department of Labor W Averell Harriman State Office Building 12 Room 500 Albany NY 12240 518 457 2741 Hand and Power Tools Commissioner North Carolina Department of Labor 319 Chapanoke Road Raleigh NC 27603 919 662 4585 Administrator Department of Consumer and Business Services Occupational Safety and Health Division OR OSHA 350 Winter Street NE Room 430 Salem OR 97310 0220 503 378 3272 Secretary Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Re sources Prudencio Rivera Martinez Building 505 Munoz Rivera Avenue Hato Rey PR 00918 809 754 2119 States with Approved Plans LL Director South Carolina Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation Koger Office Park Kingstree Building 110 Centerview Drive P O Box 11329 Columbia SC 29210 803 896 4300 Commissioner Tennessee Department of Labor 710 James Robertson Parkway Nashville TN 37243 0659 615 741 2582 Commissioner Industrial Commission of Utah 160 East 300 South 3rd Floor P O Box 146650 Salt Lake City UT 84114 6650 801 530 6898 Commissioner Vermont Department of Labor and Industry National Life Building Drawer 20 120 State Street Montpelier VT 05260 3401 802 828 2288 Commissioner Virgin Islands Department of Labor 2131 Hospital Street Box 890 Christiansted St Croix VI 00840 4666 809 7
11. Hand and Power Tools U S Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA 3080 1998 Revised Hand and Power Tools U S Department of Labor Alexis M Herman Secretary Occupational Safety and Health Administration Charles N Jeffress Assistant Secretary OSHA 3080 1998 Revised What Is the Purpose of This Booklet 1 What the Hazards of Hand Tools 3 What the Dangers of Power 0157 4 UN cae eect E ncaa scene 5 Operating Controls and Switches cscscscsssscssssssesssessseesseseseeees 5 008 6 Portable Abrasive Wheel Tools 7 Pneumatic Tools 8 Fuel 9 Powder Actuated Tools 10 Hydraulic Power 12 What Help Can OSHA Provide 13 Safety and Health Program Management 13 State a eee eS ee ee oe 13 14 Voluntary Protection Programs 15 Training and Education 15 Electronic 16 PEFR ING 16 OSHA Related Publications
12. OSH Act must adopt standards and enforce requirements that are at least as effective in protecting employees as federal requirements There are currently 25 state plan and territories Hand and Power Tools What Help Can OSHA Provide 14 What help can OSHA Provide 23 covering both private and public state and local government employees and two covering public sector employees only Plan states must adopt standards comparable but not necessarily identical to the federal standard within 6 months of a federal standard s promulgation Until a state standard is promulgated OSHA will provide interim enforcement assistance as appropri ate in these states A listing of states with approved plans ap pears at the end of this publication Free Onsite Consultation Free onsite safety and health consultation services are avail able in all states to employers who want help in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthful workplace Primarily developed for small businesses with more hazardous operations the OSHA Consultation Service is largely funded by OSHA and is delivered by state governments employing professional safety consultants and health consultants The comprehensive assistance that is offered includes an appraisal of all mechanical systems physical work practices and environmental hazards of the workplace and all aspects of the employer s present job safety and health program In addition the service offers assistance t
13. and 401 277 2438 South Carolina 803 896 4300 605 688 4101 615 741 7036 512 440 3809 e a 801 530 7606 802 828 2765 804 786 6359 Virgin 809 772 1315 360 902 5638 304 558 7890 608 266 8579 H ee E SE A A ren ee er een eee 414 521 5063 S 307 777 7786 H Health S Safety Area Offices 23 a Telephone Albany 518 464 4338 Albuquerque 505 248 5302 Allentown 610 776 0592 Anchorage 907 271 5152 Appleton 414 734 4521 Austin ee eee ee aC ee TS 512 916 5783 Avenel 908 750 3270 Baltimore MD 410 962 2840 Bangor ME tented 207 941 8177 Baton Rouge LA 504 389 0474 Bayside 718 279 9060 Bellevue WA cecncnsasecancssncicecsenecacesevecacesenenencerarssnesenevanenee 206 553 7520 Billings MT 406 247 7494 Birmingham AL 205 731 1534 Bismarck ND
14. ates with Approved Plans Commissioner Alaska Department of Labor 1111 West 8th Street Room 306 Juneau AK 99801 907 465 2700 Director Industrial Commission of Arizona 800 W Washington Phoenix AZ 85007 602 542 5795 Director California Department of Industrial Relations 45 Golden Gate Avenue San Francisco CA 94102 415 972 8835 Commissioner Connecticut Department of Labor 200 Folly Brook Boulevard Wethersfield CT 06109 203 566 5123 Director Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations 830 Punchbowl Street Honolulu HI 96813 808 586 8844 Commissioner Indiana Department of Labor State Office Building 402 West Washington Street Room W195 Indianapolis IN 46204 317 232 2378 Commissioner Iowa Division of Labor Services 1000 E Grand Avenue Des Moines IA 50319 515 281 3447 Secretary Kentucky Labor Cabinet 1049 U S Highway 127 South Suite 2 Frankfort KY 40601 502 564 3070 Commissioner Maryland Division of Labor and Industry Department of Licensing and Regulation 1100 N Eutaw Street Room 613 Baltimore MD 21201 2206 410 767 2215 Commissioner Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry 443 Lafayette Road St Paul MN 55155 612 296 2342 Administrator Nevada Division of Industrial Relations 400 West King Street Carson City NV 89710 702 687 3032 Secretary New Mexico Environment Department 1190 St Francis Drive P O
15. ause more hazards than sharp ones Cracked saw blades must be removed from service Wrenches must not be used when jaws are sprung to the point that slippage occurs Impact tools such as drift pins wedges and chisels must be kept free of mushroomed heads The wooden handles of tools must not be splintered Iron or steel hand tools may produce sparks that can be an ignition source around flammable substances Where this hazard exists spark resistant tools made of non ferrous materials should be used where flammable gases highly volatile liquids and other explosive substances are stored or used Hand and Power Tools What Are the Hazards of Hand Tools 4 What Are the Dangers of Power Tools Appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety goggles and gloves must be worn to protect against hazards that may be encountered while using hand tools Workplace floors shall be kept as clean and dry as possible to prevent accidental slips with or around dangerous hand tools Power tools must be fitted with guards and safety switches they are extremely hazardous when used improperly The types of power tools are determined by their power source electric pneumatic liquid fuel hydraulic and powder actuated To prevent hazards associated with the use of power tools workers should observe the following general precautions Never carry a tool by the cord or hose Never yank the cord or the hose to disconnect it from the rec
16. ct your nearest OSHA area or regional office listed at the end of this publication Related Publications A single free copy of the following publications obtained from the U S Department of Labor OSHA OICA Publications P O Box 37535 Washington DC 20013 7535 202 693 1888 Fax 202 693 2498 Enclose a self addressed mailing label with your request All About OSHA OSHA 2056 Chemical Hazard Communication OSHA 3084 Controlling Electrical Hazards OSHA 3075 Ground Fault Protection on Construction Sites OSHA 3007 Hearing Conservation OSHA 3074 The following publications are available from the Superinten dent of Documents U S Government Printing Office Washing ton DC 20402 telephone 202 512 1800 fax 202 512 2250 Include GPO Order No and make checks payable to the Super intendent of Documents Visa or MasterCard are accepted Hazard Communication A complaince Kit OSHA 3104 GPO Order no 929 016 0014706 18 00 22 00 foreign Hazard Communication Guidelines for Compliance OSHA 3111 Order No 029 016 00127 1 1 50 Job Safety and Health Quarterly magazine GPO Order Pro cessing Code 5507 annual subscription 10 00 12 50 foreign single copies 3 50 4 38 foreign Order from the U S Government Printing Office Superintendent of Docu ments P O Box 3710954 Pittsburg PA 15240 7954 Fax 202 512 2233 Hand and Power Tools OSHA Related Publications 18 St
17. cted closely for damage and should be sound or ring tested to ensure that it is free from cracks or defects To test wheels should be tapped gently with a light non metallic instrument If the wheels sound cracked or dead they must not be used because they could fly apart in operation A stable and undamaged wheel when tapped will give a clear metallic tone or ring To prevent an abrasive wheel from cracking it must fit freely on the spindle The spindle nut must be tightened enough to hold the wheel in place without distorting the flange Always follow the manufacturer s recommendations Take care to ensure that the spindle speed of the machine will not exceed the maximum operating speed marked on the wheel Hand and Power Tools What Are the Dangers of Power Tools An abrasive wheel may disintegrate explode during start up Allow the tool to come up to operating speed prior to grind ing or cutting The employee should never stand directly in front of the wheel as it accelerates to full operating speed Portable grinding tools need to be equipped with safety guards to protect workers not only from the moving wheel surface but also from flying fragments in case of wheel breakage When using a powered grinder e Always use eye or face protection e Turn off the power when not in use Never clamp a hand held grinder in a vise Pneumatic Tools Pneumatic tools are powered by compressed air and include chippers drills
18. dards Benefits of VPP participation include improved employee motivation to work safely leading to better quality work and productivity lost workday case rates that generally are 60 percent to 80 percent below industry averages reduced workers compensation and other injury and illness related costs positive community recognition and interaction further improvement and revitalization of already good safety and health programs and partnership with OSHA VPP and onsite consultation services when coupled with an effective enforcement program expand worker protection to help meet the goals of the OSH Act For additional information about the VPP contact the VPP Manager in your OSHA Regional Office listed at the end of this publication Training and Education OSHA s area offices offer a variety of informational services such as publications audiovisual aids technical advice and speakers for special engagements OSHA s Training Institute in Des Plaines IL provides basic and advanced courses in safety and health for federal and state compliance officers state con sultants federal agency personnel and private sector employers employees and their representatives The OSHA Training Institute also has established OSHA Training Institute Education Centers to address the increased demand from the private sector and various federal agencies for Hand and Power Tools What Help Can OSHA Provide its courses These centers ar
19. e nonprofit colleges universities and other organizations that have been selected after a competition for participation in the program OSHA also provides funds to nonprofit organizations through grants to conduct workplace training and education in subjects where OSHA believes there is a lack of workplace training Grants are awarded annually Grant recipients are expected to contribute 20 percent of the total grant cost For more information on grants training and education contact the OSHA Training Institute Office of Training and Education 1555 Times Drive Des Plaines IL 60018 847 297 4810 Fax 847 297 4874 Electronic Information Internet OSHA standards interpretations directives and additional information are now on the World Wide Web at http www osha gov CD ROM A wide variety of OSHA materials including standards interpretations directives and more can be purchased on CD ROM from the Government Printing Office To order write to the Superintendent of Documents P O Box 371954 Pittsburgh PA 15250 7954 Specify OSHA regulations Docu ments amp Technical Information on CD ROM ORDT S N 729 013000000 5 The price is 43 00 per year 53 75 for eign a single copy is 17 00 21 25 foreign Emergencies For life threatening situations only call 800 321 OSHA Complaints will go immediately to the nearest OSHA area or state office for help For further information on any OSHA program conta
20. eater than 2 inches 5 08 centimeters in diameter must be equipped at all times with guards An upper guard must cover the entire blade of the saw A retractable lower guard must cover the teeth of the saw except where it makes contact with the work material The lower guard must automatically return to the covering position when the tool is withdrawn from the work material Operating Controls and Switches The following hand held power tools must be equipped with a constant pressure switch or control drills tappers fastener drivers horizontal vertical and angle grinders with wheels more than 2 inches 5 08 centimeters in diameter disc sanders with discs greater than 2 inches 5 08 centimeters belt sanders reciprocating saws saber saws scroll saws and jigsaws with blade shanks greater than 1 4 inch 0 63 centimeters wide and other similar tools These tools also may be equipped with a lock on control if it allows the worker to also shut off the control in a single motion using the same finger or fingers The following hand held power tools must be equipped with either a positive on off control switch a constant pressure switch or a control disc sanders with discs 2 inches 5 08 centimeters or less in diameter grinders with wheels 2 inches 5 08 centimeters or less in diameter platen sanders Hand and Power Tools What are the Dangers of Power Tools routers planers laminate trimmers nibbl
21. eptacle 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 dis tance 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 Follow instructions in the user s manual for lubricating and changing accessories Be sure to keep good footing and maintain good balance when operating power tools Wear proper apparel for the task Loose clothing ties or jewelry can become caught in moving parts Remove all damaged portable electric tools from use and tag them Do Not Use Guards The exposed moving parts of power tools need to be safe guarded Belts gears shafts pulleys sprockets spindles drums flywheels chains or other reciprocating rotating or moving parts of equipment must be guarded Machine guards as appropriate must be provided to protect the operator and others from the following e Point of operation In running nip points e Rotating parts e Flying chips and sparks Safety guards must never be removed when a tool is being used Portable circular saws having a blade gr
22. ers shears and scroll saws and jigsaws saber and scroll saws with blade shanks a nominal 1 4 inch 6 35 millimeters or less in diameter It is recommended that the constant pressure control switch be regarded as the preferred device Other hand held power tools such as circular saws having a blade diameter greater than 2 inches 5 08 centimeters chain saws and percussion tools with no means of holding accessories securely must be equipped with a constant pressure switch that will shut off the power when the pressure is released Electric Tools Employees using electric tools must be aware of several dangers Among the most serious hazards are electrical burns and shocks Shocks which can lead to injuries or even heart failure and burns are among the major hazards associated with electric powered tools Under certain conditions even a small amount of electric current can result in fibrillation of the heart and death An electric shock also can cause the user to fall off of a ladder or other elevated work surface and be injured due to the fall To protect the user from shock and burns electric tools must have a three wire cord with ground and be plugged into a grounded receptacle be double insulated or be powered by a low voltage isolation transformer Three wire cords contain two current carrying conductors and a grounding conductor Any time an adapter is used to accommodate a two hole receptacle the adapter wire must be at
23. he firing position and the second motion is to pull the trigger The tool must not be able to operate until it is pressed against the work surface with a force of at least 5 pounds 2 2 kg greater than the total weight of the tool If a powder actuated tool misfires the user must hold the tool in the operating position for at least 30 seconds before trying to fire it again If it still will not fire the user must hold the tool in the operating position for another 30 seconds and then carefully remove the load in accordance with the manufacturer s instruc tions This procedure will make the faulty cartridge less likely to explode The bad cartridge should then be put in water immedi ately after removal If the tool develops a defect during use it should be tagged and must be taken out of service immediately until it is properly repaired Safety precautions that must be followed when using powder actuated tools include the following Do not use a tool in an explosive or flammable atmosphere Inspect the tool before using it to determine that it is clean that all moving parts operate freely and that the barrel is free from obstructions and has the proper shield guard and attachments recommended by the manufacturer Do not load the tool unless it is to be used immediately Do not leave a loaded tool unattended especially where it would be available to unauthorized persons Keep hands clear of the barrel end Never point the t
24. hese states and territories operate their own OSHA approved job safety and health programs Connecticut and New York plans cover public employees only States with approved programs must have a standard that is identical to or at least as effective in protecting employees as the federal standard
25. lated injuries and illnesses and their related costs To assist employers and employees in developing effective safety and health programs OSHA published recommended Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines Federal Register 54 18 3908 3916 January 26 1989 These voluntary guide lines apply to all places of employment covered by OSHA The guidelines identify four general elements that are critical to the development of a successful safety and health manage ment program e Management commitment and employee involvement Worksite analysis e Hazard prevention and control and e Safety and health training The guidelines recommend specific actions under each of these general elements to achieve an effective safety and health program For the construction industry the applicable standards for programs and training are shown in Title 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 1926 Subpart C and other specific sections of 29 CFR 1926 A single free copy of the guidelines can be obtained from the U S Department of Labor OSHA OICA Publications Box 37535 Washington DC 20210 by sending a self addressed mail label with your request This information is also available on the Internet at http www osha gov State Programs The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 OSH Act encourages states to develop and operate their own job safety and health plans States with plans approved under section 18 b of the
26. o employers in developing and implementing an effective workplace safety and health program that corrects and continuously addresses safety and health concerns This program is completely separate from OSHA s inspection efforts No penalties are proposed or citations issued for any safety or health problems identified by the consultant The service is confidential The employer s name the firm s name and any information about the workplace plus any unsafe or unhealthful working conditions that the consultant uncovers will not be reported routinely to the OSHA inspection staff unless the hazard is an imminent danger to employees and the employer refuses to abate the hazard immediately The only obligation is the employer s commitment to correct serious job safety and health hazards in a timely manner The employer is asked to make this commitment prior to the actual visit For more information on consultation services see list of state consultation projects at the end of this publication Voluntary Protection Programs The Voluntary Protection Programs VPP are designed to recognize and promote effective safety and health program management In the VPP management labor and OSHA estab lish cooperative relationships at workplaces that have imple mented strong programs Sites approved for VPP s Star Merit and Demonstration programs have met and must continue to meet rigorous partici pation stan
27. ool at anyone When using powder actuated tools to apply fasteners several additional procedures must be followed Do not fire fasteners into material that would allow the fasteners to pass through to the other side Do not drive fasteners into very hard or brittle material that might chip or splatter or make the fasteners ricochet Always use an alignment guide when shooting fasteners into existing holes When using a high velocity tool do not drive fasteners more than 3 inches 7 62 centimeters from an unsupported edge or corner of material such as brick or concrete When using a high velocity tool do not place fasteners in steel any closer than 1 2 inch 1 27 centimeters from an unsupported corner edge unless a special guard fixture or jig is used Hand and Power Tools What Are the Dangers of Power Tools Hydraulic Power Tools The fluid used in hydraulic power tools must be an approved fire resistant fluid and must retain its operating characteristics at the most extreme temperatures to which it will be exposed The exception to fire resistant fluid involves all hydraulic fluids used for the insulated sections of derrick trucks aerial lifts and hydraulic tools that are used on or around energized lines This hydraulic fluid shall be of the insulating type The manufacturer s recommended safe operating pressure for hoses valves pipes filters and other fittings must not be ex ceeded All jacks incl
28. r tools and their potential hazards They also identify ways to prevent worker injury through proper use of the tools and through the use of appropriate personal protective equipment at Are Hazards of Hand Tools 3 Hand tools are tools that are powered manually Hand tools include anything from axes to wrenches The greatest hazards posed by hand tools result from misuse and improper mainte nance Some examples include the following If a chisel is used as a screwdriver tip of chisel may break and fly off hitting the user or other employ ees If a wooden handle tool such as a hammer axe is loose splintered or cracked the head of the tool may fly off and strike the user or other employees If the jaws of a wrench sprung wrench might slip If impact tools such as chisels wedges or drift pins have mushroomed heads the heads might shatter on impact sending sharp fragments flying toward the user or other employees The employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees Employers shall not issue or permit the use of unsafe hand tools Employees should be trained in the proper use and handling of tools and equipment Employees when using saw blades knives or other tools should direct the tools away from aisle areas and away from other employees working in close proximity Knives and scissors must be sharp dull tools can c
29. rfolk 757 441 3820 North Aurora 630 896 8700 Oklahoma City 405 231 5351 Omaha 402 221 3182 Parsippany 201 263 1003 EO E 309 671 7033 Philadelphia 215 597 4955 Phoenix 602 640 2007 412 395 4903 503 326 2251 Providence 401 528 4669 Raleigh 919 856 4770 Salt Lake City 801 487 0073 Sacramento R 916 566 7470 San Diego CA 619 557 2909 Savannah GA 912 652 4393 Smyrna GA 404 984 8700 Springfield MA 413 785 0123 St Louis 314 425 4249 Syracuse 315 451 0808 Tampa 813 626 1177 Tarrytown 914 524 7510 Toledo 419 259 7542 404 493 6644 Westbury 516 334 3344 Wichita KS 316 269 6644 Wilkes Barre PA ss 717 826 6538 Wilmington
30. tached to a known ground The third prong must never be removed from the plug Double insulated tools are available that provide protection against electrical shock without third wire grounding On double insulated tools an internal layer of protective insulation completely isolates the external housing of the tool The following general practices should be followed when using electric tools Operate electric tools within their design limitations e Use gloves and appropriate safety footwear when using electric tools e Store electric tools in a dry place when not in use e 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 e Ensure that cords from electric tools do not present a tripping hazard In the construction industry employees who use electric tools must be protected by ground fault circuit interrupters or an assured equipment grounding conductor program Portable Abrasive Wheel Tools Portable abrasive grinding cutting polishing and wire buff ing wheels create special safety problems because they may throw off flying fragments Abrasive wheel tools must be equipped with guards that 1 cover the spindle end nut and flange projections 2 maintain proper alignment with the wheel and 3 do not exceed the strength of the fastenings Before an abrasive wheel is mounted it must be inspe
31. uding lever and ratchet jacks screw jacks and hydraulic jacks must have a stop indicator and the stop limit must not be exceeded Also the manufacturer s load limit must be permanently marked in a prominent place on the jack and the load limit must not be exceeded A jack should never be used to support a lifted load Once the load has been lifted it must immediately be blocked up Put a block under the base of the jack when the foundation is not firm and place a block between the jack cap and load if the cap might slip To set up a jack make certain of the following e The base of the jack rests on a firm level surface e The jack is correctly centered e The jack head bears against a level surface and e The lift force is applied evenly Proper maintenance of jacks is essential for safety All jacks must be lubricated regularly In addition each jack must be inspected according to the following schedule 1 for jacks used continuously or intermittently at one site inspected at least once every 6 months 2 for jacks sent out of the shop for special work inspected when sent out and inspected when returned and 3 for jacks subjected to abnormal loads or shock in spected before use and immediately thereafter Help Can OSHA Provide Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines Effective management of worker safety and health protection is a decisive factor in reducing the extent and severity of work re
32. zards Employees who use hand and power tools and are exposed to the hazards of falling flying abrasive and splashing objects or to harmful dusts fumes mists vapors or gases must be pro vided with the appropriate personal protective equipment All electrical connections for these tools must be suitable for the type of tool and the working conditions wet dusty flammable vapors When a temporary power source is used for construc tion a ground fault circuit interrupter should be used Employees should be trained in the proper use of all tools Workers should be able to recognize the hazards associated with the different types of tools and the safety precautions necessary Hand and Power Tools What is the Purpose of this Booklet LE Five basic safety rules can help prevent hazards associated with the use of hand and power tools Keep all tools in good condition with regular maintenance Use right tool for job Examine each tool for damage before use and do not use damaged tools Operate tools according to manufacturers instruc tions Provide and use properly the right personal protective equipment Employees and employers should work together to establish safe working procedures If a hazardous situation is encountered it should be brought immediately to the attention of the proper individual for hazard abatement The following sections identify various types of hand and powe
Download Pdf Manuals
Related Search