If you stick with power tools safety rules, you will be able to keep your safety while using them.
The rules do not create any hindrance nor slow down your jobs while you are using power tools.
Instead, it will help you ensure your job is completed on time and safety.
Before you learn the power tools safety rules, you need to have the same perception about power tools.
According to wikipedia.org, a power tool is a tool that is actuated by an additional power source and mechanism other than the solely manual labor used with hand tools.
The keyword is using electric power to actuate the tool. And as you already know electric power is a common deadliest hazard source.
Work Accident Caused by Power Tools
In the United States, there are approximately 400,000 injuries per year caused by power tools both work and non-work-related cases.
That huge number strongly warns you about the potential hazards behind the usage of power tools.
If you do not follow the safety rules, you may put yourself in danger.
So, always stick with the rules.
What are Included as Power Tools?
As specified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are many kinds of power tools that are commonly used in the industry. It will depend on the type of power it is using:
- electric tools
- hydraulic tools
- portable tools for cutting, grinding, buffing, and polishing
- powder activated tools
- compressed air power tools
- wind and moving water
- internal combustion engine power tools
Be aware of the above power tools that may exist in your work area.
Power Tools Safety Hazards
Each type of power tool presents different potential safety hazards. So, it is very critical to know for sure about the hazards to take appropriate preventive actions.
- electric tools: electric burn and shock, fire, explosion
- hydraulic tools: bruises, cuts, abrasions
- portable tools for cutting, grinding, buffing, polishing, and bending: cut, flying objects, fire, explosion
- powder activated tools: flying particles, slippery surfaces, fire, explosion
- compressed air power tools: flying fragment, air hose tripping, hearing loses, dislodged eyeballs, ruptured eardrums
- internal combustion engine power tools: fire, explosion, CO poisoning
Power Tools Safety Rules
Follow the following power tools safety rules to stay safe while you are using them in the workplace.
- Only use high-quality power tools with the appropriate specification
- Keep the tools in their high performance by doing effective maintenance programs
- Use the tools as recommended by the manual
- Never pull or bring the tool by the hose or cord
- Never disconnect the cable from a receptacle by pulling
- Disconnect the power to the tools when you need to repair or clean up the tools.
- Keep the hose and cable away from sharp edges, heat, and oil to avoid damaging them.
- Inspect the hose and cable as well as the cable grounding before using the tools
- Keep your work area secure from unauthorized people
- Wear appropriate PPE when using the power tools
- Never force to use power tools when you have not got training on how to use it correctly.
- Never work alone whenever you are using a power tool.
- Never use damaged power tools even it is instructed by your boss.
- Always stand on a stable surface while using a power tool
- Never bring the tool from the ground to a higher place by hand. Instead, use a bucket or special bag to bring it.
- Always attach the power tools you are using at height to avoid falling down onto workers right below you.
- Prepare extra tools in case where the tools you will use are damaged.
- Report immediately any damaged tools to get it repaired.
- Always place the power tools in a safe area.
- Keep the floor dry and free from slippery and flammable materials before you work
- Never use an electric power tool in a wet condition
- Inspect all compressed air piping is in good condition, no leakage before start working.
- Make sure that a pressure relief device is installed to prevent overpressure.
- Use an only calibrated pressure gauge to indicate the compressed air pressure
- Release remaining air pressure after you finish using the power tools
- Never leave an active power tool unintended.
- Cut off the power when you will take a break
