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SAFETY TOPICS

Hand and Power Tool Safety

Tools are such a common and integral part of so many jobs that it’s easy to forget the hazards that are associated with their use. Tragically, a serious incident often occurs if there are no steps taken to be aware of tool-related workplace hazards. Employees should be trained on how to use all hand and power tools before they begin using them. They also must understand the potential hazards and safety precautions that can be taken to prevent injuries.1

Potential hazards

Employers should routinely monitor the condition of all equipment and never provide, or allow employees to use, unsafe tools. Misuse and improper maintenance are the most common hazards of manual hand tool use.2 The floors in a workspace should be kept as clean and dry as possible to prevent falling with or around a hand tool. Employees and employers have a responsibility to work together to establish safe working procedures. If a hazardous situation is identified, it should be brought to the attention of a supervisor or manager immediately.1

Five basic safety rules

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), these basic safety rules can help prevent hazards associated with using hand and power tools: 1

  • Keep all tools in good condition with regular maintenance.
  • Use the right tool for the job.
  • Examine each tool for damage before use.
  • Operate according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Provide and use the proper protective equipment.

Hand tool precautions

Hand tools are manually powered and include anything from hammers to axes. Misuse and improper maintenance of hand tools pose the largest hazards. Making sure these tools are well taken care of and carefully handled when being used can also help keep workers safe.  Here are a few more safety tips from OSHA on using hand tools: 1

  • Saw blades, knives, or other tools should be directed away from aisle areas and other employees working in close proximity. 
  • Knives and scissors must be sharp. Dull tools can require more force, increasing the chance of injury.
  • Iron or steel hand tools may produce sparks that can ignite around flammable substances. Spark-resistant tools made of nonferrous materials should be used where flammable gases, highly volatile liquids and other explosive substances are stored or used.

Power tool precautions

Power tools are run by an additional power source as well as manual power and can include a power drill or buzzsaws. Here are some more helpful precautions from OSHA on using power tools: 1

  • Never carry a tool by the cord or hose.
  • Never pull a cord or hose to disconnect it.
  • 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, or cutters.
  • When an employee is using a tool, everyone else should be kept at a safe distance away from the work area.
  • Secure work with clamps or a vise, freeing both hands to operate the tool.
  • Avoid accidental starting. Do not hold a finger on the power switch button while carrying a plugged-in tool.
  • Tools should be maintained and kept sharp and clean for the best performance.  Follow instructions in the user’s manual for lubricating and changing accessories.
  • Be sure to keep a solid footing and maintain good balance.
  • Proper apparel should be worn. Loose clothing, ties or jewelry can become caught in moving parts.
  • All portable electric tools that are damaged should be removed from use and tagged “Do Not Use.”
  • Exposed moving parts of power tools need to be safeguarded and guards must never be removed when a tool is being used.

More resources

Summit also has helpful resources available!  Some resources include safety videos and safety posters. (Videos provided through JER HR Group LLC, dba Training Network, a Summit vendor). If you would like additional resources, please contact your Summit loss prevention consultant.

Footnotes

  1. Occupational Safety and Health Admin. Hand and Power Tools. U.S. Dept. of Labor, OSHA 3080 2002 (Revised),www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/osha3080.pdf(Accessed ­­­July 20, 2023)
  2. Safety @ Work. Hand and Portable Power Tools. Texas Dept. of Ins., Div. of Workers’ Comp., HS99-141F (01-17),www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/videoresource/t5handpowertools.pdf(Accessed July 20, 2023)

Disclaimer

The information presented in this publication is intended to provide guidance and is not intended as a legal interpretation of any federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations applicable to your business. The loss prevention information provided is intended only to assist policyholders of Summit managed insurers in the management of potential loss producing conditions involving their premises and/or operations based on generally accepted safe practices. In providing such information, Summit Consulting LLC does not warrant that all potential hazards or conditions have been evaluated or can be controlled. It is not intended as an offer to write insurance for such conditions or exposures. The liability of Summit Consulting LLC and its managed insurers is limited to the terms, limits and conditions of the insurance policies underwritten by any of them.