Power Tools Safety

 

Power Tools

The planning for tomorrow based on the safety today, thousands of injuries happen every year during use of power tools, injuries can be minimized by using different ways and the main responsibility of employer is to provide safe working place, environments, facilities and adequate training of safe use of the equipment's. 

In this short article, we will try to highlight the hazards associated with power tools use, proper personal protective equipment's and the basic power safety tools rules and precautions. 

You can buy the PPT presentation

 

Power Tools Hazards:

Workers using hand and power tools maybe exposed to these hazards:

1- Objects that fall, fly, are abrasive, or splash.
2- Harmful dusts, fumes, mists, vapors, and gases.
3- Frayed or damaged electrical cords, hazardous connections, and improper                    grounding.
4- Vibration and impact.

Hazards examples:

1.      Electric shock.
2.      Flash burns.
3.      Falling.
4.      Hand and Eye injuries.
5.      Hearing loss.
6.      Crushing.
7.      Cuts or losing a body part.
8.      Ergonomic injuries).

Personnel protective equipment's (PPE):

Basic Power Tools Safety Rules:

•     Inspecting the tool before use.
•     Read Tool Owner’s Manual prior to use.
•     Using PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
•     Using guards.
•      Properly storing and maintaining the tool.
•      Keep the workplace neat and free of clutter.
•      Using safe handling techniques.

Power Tools – Precautions:

• Disconnect tools when not in use, before servicing and cleaning, and when changing accessories.
• Keep people not involved with the work away from the work.
• Secure work with clamps or a vise, freeing both hands to operate the tool.
• Don’t hold the switch button while carrying a plugged-in tool.
• Keep tools sharp and clean.
• Remove damaged electric tools & tag them: “Do Not Use”.

Hand Grinders:

• Portable grinding tools must be equipped with safety guards to protect workers not only from the moving wheel surface, but also from flying fragments in case of breakage.
• Always use safety glasses and a face shield.
• Turn off the power when not in use.
• Never clamp a hand-held grinder in a vise. 

Abrasive Wheels and Tools:

May throw off flying fragments Equip with guards that:

• Cover the spindle end, nut, & flange projections.
• Maintain proper alignment with the wheel.
• Don’t exceed the strength of the fastenings Guard so that a minimal amount of the wheel is exposed.

Portable Circular and Table Saw:

• Always wear safety glasses and a full-face shield when needed, Use a respirator in dusty work conditions.
• Wear hearing protection if noise level is 80 decibels or above.
• Be sure the switch actuates properly.
• Use the correct blade for the application.
• Use sharp blades.

Portable Drill:

• Check carefully for loose power cord connections and frays or damage to the cord.  
• Be sure the chuck is tightly secured to the spindle this is especially important on reversible type drills.
• Tighten the bit securely. The chuck key must be removed from the chuck before starting the drill.  
• Check handles, be sure they are securely installed, always use the auxiliary drill handle when provided, It gives you more control of the drill, especially if stalled conditions occur.
• Always hold or brace the tool securely, brace against stationary objects for maximum control.
• Don't force a drill, apply enough pressure to keep the drill bit cutting smoothly, If the drill slows down relieve the pressure. 

Miter Box Saws:

• Stay alert to keeping hands and fingers away from the blade's path.
• Be sure all guards are in place and working. 
• Use only recommended size and rpm rated blades.
• When installing or changing a blade, be sure the blade and related washers and fasteners are correctly positioned and secured on the saw arbor.

      

You can buy the PPT presentation