Power Tools Part 2

 

There's no doubt, power tools enable us to be more efficient and productive. Unfortunately, the power and efficiency also can pose serious risk of injury or death. Too often, tragedy occurs before steps are taken to search out and avoid or eliminate tool-related hazards. OSHA regulates power tools and their safe usage.

 

The following general precautions should be observed by users of all power tools:

·                  Never carry a tool by the cord or hose.

·                  Never yank the cord or the hose to disconnect from the receptacle.

·                  Keep cords and hoses away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.

·                  Disconnect tools when not in use, before servicing, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits, and cutters.

·                  Keep all observers 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. Don't put your finger on the switch while carrying a plugged-in tool.

·                  Follow instructions in the user's manual for lubricating and changing accessories.

·                  Keep good footing and maintain good balance. This is another reason to keep your work area free from excess debris.

·                  Wear appropriate clothes. Loose clothing or jewelry can get caught in moving parts.

·                  Damaged portable electric tools shall be removed and tagged "Do Not Use." Ask your supervisor for approved company procedures for tagging broken equipment.

·                  Use proper machine guards where required to protect from hazardous moving parts. Never remove a guard from a power tool.

·                  Make sure safety switches requiring momentary contact for "on-off" control are in working order and not over-ridden on the tools they should be on (such as drills, tappers, fastener drivers, horizontal, vertical and angle grinders with wheels larger than two inches in diameter, disc sanders, belt sanders, reciprocating saws, saber saws, and other similar equipment).

·                  Make sure other hand-held powered tools such as circular saws, chain saws, and percussion tools without positive accessory holding means, are equipped with a constant pressure switch that will shut off the power when the pressure is released.

·                  Be aware of the shock and burn hazards of electric tools, and protect yourself against them.

·                  Always wear the proper personal protective equipment for the work being performed. 

 

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

 

Power Tools Part 1

 

Overview

Tools are such a common part of our everyday lives that it is difficult to remember that they may pose hazards. All tools are manufactured with safety in mind, but sometimes a serious accident often occurs before steps can be taken to avoid or eliminate tool-related hazards.

How can I protect myself?

Choose tools made from good quality, durable materials. Metal tools must be able to resist bending, cracking, chipping or excessive wear.

Wear the appropriate PPE. Wear eye protection if there is a chance that chips, sparks, or debris could get into your eyes.

Wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts from sharp tools or material edges.

Wear proper foot protection when using heavy tools.

Tool inspection

Inspect tools before and after each use. Damage or wear to look for includes:

•        Cracked or loose handles.

•        Dull, rounded, or chipped cutting surfaces.

•        Damage to gripping surfaces.

What safety rules should I follow?

•        Prevent hazards from tools by following these rules.

•        Keep tools in good condition with regular maintenance.

•        Use the right tool for the job.

•        Examine each tool for damage before and after using.

•        Use the tool the way it is designed to be used.

•        Use the correct PPE as provided.   

 This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

 

Machine Guarding

 

Many machines and power tools commonly used on construction sites have guards on them to protect you from the danger of hazardous moving parts such as belts; gears; shafts; pulleys; sprockets; spindles; drums; fly wheels; chains; or other reciprocating, rotating, or moving parts of equipment. These moving parts must be guarded, as required by OSHA regulations, if they are exposed.

Common types of equipment on which you might find machine guards include:

·               Circular saws and other power saws.

·               Jointers.

·               Grinders.

·               Routers.

Guards, as necessary, are provided to protect the operator and others from:

·               Point of operation hazards.

·               In-running nip point hazards.

·               Rotating parts.

·               Flying chips and sparks.

Never remove safety guards when the tool is being used or in operation. If the guard is not on, you are exposed to hazards from the moving parts of the machine or tool.

For example, portable circular saws must be equipped with guards. An upper guard must cover the entire blade. A retractable lower guard must cover the teeth except when it makes contact with the work material. The lower guard must automatically return to the closed position when you're done making the cut. Otherwise, you may be exposed to the cutting action of the blade.

Such a guard is often defeated or purposely by-passed because a worker thinks he can get more done without it on. However, the worker exposes himself to unnecessary risks of cuts, being hit by flying objects, and other hazards. And it is against OSHA regulations to defeat the guard, too. So just don't do it.

Don't take a chance with machine guards. Make sure guards are in place on the tools, equipment, and machines that require them. Take any machines, tools, or equipment on which you notice a defective or missing guard out of service. You'll protect yourself and others.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com