Hand & Power Tools

The proper use of tools makes tasks easier. However, the same tools that assist us can, if improperly used or maintained, create significant hazards in our work areas.

Powered Abrasive Wheel Tools:

• Powered abrasive grinding, cutting, polishing, and wire buffing wheels create special safety problems because they may throw off flying fragments.
• Before an abrasive wheel is mounted, it should be inspected closely to determine if it is free from cracks or other defects. To test, wheels should be tapped gently with a light non-metallic instrument. If they sound cracked or dead, they could fly apart in operation and must not be used. A sound and undamaged wheel will give a clear metallic tone or “ring.”
• To prevent from cracking the user should be sure it fits freely on the spindle. The spindle nut must be tightened enough to hold the wheel in place, without distorting the flange. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Due to the possibility of a wheel exploding, during start up, the employee should never stand directly in front of bench grinders until the wheel accelerates to full operating speed.
• Portable grinding tools need to be equipped with safety guards to protect workers from the rotating wheel and flying fragments.

Powered Grinder Safety Precautions:

• Always use eye protection (safety glasses and a face shield.)
• Turn off the power when not in use.
• Never clamp a hand held grinder in a vise.

Pneumatic Tools are powered by compressed air. Examples are chippers, drills, grinders, hammers, and sanders. There are several dangers encountered in the use of pneumatic tools.

Pneumatic Tools Safety Precautions:

• Always be sure the air pressure in the lines being used is compatible with the type of tool being used. Most tools have a recommended operating level. If you have any concerns, contact maintenance or your supervisor.
• When using pneumatic tools, employees are to check to see that they are fastened securely to the hose to prevent them from becoming disconnected.
• Compressed air tools of any type should never be pointed towards anyone.
• If compressed air is used for cleaning purposes, the nozzle must be regulated to a pressure below 30 psi.
• Always use safety glasses and face protection when operating pneumatic tools.

Guarding - Hazardous moving parts of a power tool need to be safeguarded. Guards protect the operator and others from the following:

• Point of operation
• In-running nip points
• Rotating parts
• Flying chips and sparks

Safety guards must never be removed when the tool is being used.