lOMoARcPSD|57723005

BRIEF INTRODUCTION

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 hazards.

Any person who uses hand and power tools are exposed to the hazards of falling,
flying, abrasive, and splashing objects, or to harmful dusts, fumes, mists, vapors, or
gases must be provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE’s). 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
construction a ground-fault circuit interrupter should be used.

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 the right tool for the job.
• Examine each tool for damage before use and do not use
damaged tools.
• Operate tools according to the manufacturers' instructions.
• Provide and use properly the right personal protective
equipment.

When and how should you inspect power hand

tools?
• Inspect tools for any damage prior to each use.

• Check the handle and body casing of the tool for

cracks or other damage.

• If the tool has auxiliary or double handles, check

to see that they installed securely.
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• Inspect cords for defects: check the power cord for

cracking, fraying, and other signs of wear or faults in
the cord insulation.

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• Check for damaged switches and ones with

faulty trigger locks.

• Inspect the plug for cracks and for missing, loose or faulty
prongs.

What should you do if you find a tool defective?

• If a tool is defective, remove it from service, and tag it clearly "Out of service for
repair".
• Replace damaged equipment immediately – do not use defective tools "temporarily".
• Have tools repaired by a qualified person – do not attempt field repairs.

What should you do before using power hand tools?

• Ensure that you have been properly trained to use the tool safely. Read the
operator's manual before using the tool and operate the tool according to the
manufacturer's instructions. Use only tested and approved tools.

• Ensure that the power tool has the correct guard, shield or other attachment that
the manufacturer recommends.

• Prevent shocks. Ensure that the tools are properly grounded using a three-prong
plug,
are double-insulated (and are labelled as such), or are power by a low-voltage
isolation transformer: this will protect users from an electrical shock.

• Check electric tools to ensure that a tool with a 3-prong plug

has an approved 3-wire cord and is grounded. The three
prong plug should be plugged in a properly grounded 3-pole
outlet. If an adapter must be used to accommodate a two hole
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receptacle, the adapter wire must be attached to a known, functioning ground.

NEVER remove the third, grounding prong from a plug.

• Replace open front plugs with dead

front plugs. Dead front plugs are sealed and
present less danger of shock or short circuit.

• Have a qualified electrician install a polarized outlet if the polarized, two-

prong plug of a double-insulated tool does not fit in a two-hole receptacle.
Double insulated tools use plugs having one prong that is visibly wider
than the other.
• Test all tools for effective grounding with a continuity tester or a ground fault
circuit interrupter (GFCI) before use.
Use only the kind of battery that the tool manufacturer specifies for the batterypower
tool that you are using.
• Recharge a battery-power tool only with a charger that is specifically intended for
the battery in that tool.
• Remove the battery from the tool or ensure that the tool is switched off or locked
off before changing accessories, making adjustments, or storing the tool.
• Store a battery pack safely so that no metal parts, nails, screws, wrenches and so
on can come in contact with the battery terminals; this could result in shorting
the battery and possibly cause sparks, fires or burns.
What should you avoid when using power tools?
• Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry while using revolving power tools. Tie back
longhair or wear appropriate hair protection to prevent hair from getting caught in
moving parts of equipment.
• Do not use a tool unless you have been trained to use it safely and know its
limitations and hazards.
• Avoid accidental starting by ensuring the tool is turned off before you plug it in.
Also do not walk around with a plugged-in tool with your finger touching the
switch.
• Do not bypass the ON/OFF switch and operate the tools by connecting and
disconnecting the power cord.
• Do not disconnect the power supply of the tool by pulling or jerking the cord from
the outlet.
• Do not leave a running tool unattended. Do not leave it until it has been turned
off, has stopped running completely, and has been unplugged.
• Do not use electric tools in wet conditions or damp locations unless tool is
connected to a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
• Do not expose electric power tools to rain or wet conditions; wet tools increase the
likelihood of electric shock.
• Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces like refrigerators, pipes and radiators
when using electric power tools; this will reduce the likelihood of shock if the
operator's body is grounded.
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• Do not plug several power cords into one outlet by

using single-to-multiple outlet adapters or
converters ("cube taps").
• Do not use light duty power cords.
• Stop using an electric power tool if you feel a tingle
in your fingers. This is a warning that the tool is
faulty and needs repair.
• Do not connect or splice extension cords together to
make a longer connection: the resulting extension cord may not be able to provide
sufficient current or power safely.
• Do not carry electrical tools by the power cord.
• Do not tie power cords in knots. Knots can cause short circuits and shocks. Loop
the cords or use a twist lock plug.

Never break off the third prong on a plug: replace broken 3-prong plugs and make
sure the third prong is properly grounded.
• Never use extension cords as permanent wiring: use extension cords only as a
temporary power supply to an area that does not have a power outlet.
• Do not walk on or allow vehicles or other moving equipment to pass over
unprotected power cords. Cords should be put in conduits or protected by placing
planks on each side of them.
• Do not brush away sawdust, shavings or turnings while the tool is running. Never
use compressed air for cleaning surfaces or removing sawdust, metal turnings, etc.
• Do not operate tools in an area containing explosive vapours or gases.
• Do not clean tools with flammable or toxic solvents.
• Do not surprise or touch anyone who is operating a tool. Startling a tool operator
could end up causing an accident or injury.

What Are the Hazards of Hand Tools?

Hand tools are tools that are power manually. Hand tools include anything from axes to
wrenches. The greatest hazards posed by hand tools result from misuse and improper
maintenance. Some examples include the following:
• If a chisel is used as a screwdriver, the tip of the chisel may break and fly off,
hitting the user
• If a wooden handle on a tool, such as a hammer or an axe, is loose, splintered, or
cracked, the head of the tool may fly off and strike the user or other persons.
• If the jaws of a wrench are sprung, the 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.

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
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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 precaution:
• Never carry a tool by the cord or hose.
• Never yank the cord or the hose to disconnect it from the receptacle.
• 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 distance 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."

How to report damaged tools? Below is an example of report damage form that we can
use in reporting initial assessment in the damaged tools. As part of the report, the
following are included. Name of reporter, address, contact number, type of property,
ownership, construction type, damages, source of damages, type of damage, estimate of
damages, person taking report and date of report.
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ACTIVITY : Reporting damaged tools

Directions: Find any electrical tools or hand tools in your household and take a picture
of it. Print it out and paste the picture inside the box below. Answer the data needed in
reporting damage tools.