Tools
Portable Electrically Operated Tools
Portable Electric Motor-operated Tool: An electric motor operated machine so designed that the motor and the machine form an assembly which can be carried by hand to its place of operation.
Good practices of Electric Tools
- Operate within design limits.
- Use gloves and safety shoes.
- Store in a dry place.
- Don’t use in wet locations unless approved for that (use GFCI).
- Keep work areas well lit.
- Ensure cords don’t present a tripping hazard.
Portable Powered and Hand Tools
Portable power tools are normally grouped according to their power source, for example:
- Electric (such as saws, drills and grinders).
- Gasoline (such as mowers, trimmers and edger’s).
- Hydraulic (such as Jacks).
- Pneumatic (such as chipping tools, impact wrenches, spray painting units and roto-hammers).
- Powder-actuated (such as nail and/or fastener drivers).
Pneumatic Tools
- Powered by compressed air.
- Includes nailers, staplers, chippers, drills and sanders.
- Main hazard – getting hit by a tool attachment or by a fastener the worker is using with the tool.
- Take the same precautions with an air hose that you take with electric cords.
Safety Precautions
- Eye protection is required, and face protection is recommended for employees working with pneumatic tools.
- Noise is another hazard. Working with noisy tools such as jackhammers requires proper and effective use of hearing protection.
- Pneumatic tools shall never be appointed at another person.
- Pneumatic power tools shall be secured to the hose by an approved clamp to prevent the tool from becoming accidentally disconnected.
- Safety clips or retainers shall be securely installed and fittings to prevent attachments from being accidentally expelled.
- Compressed air tools, while under pressure, shall not be left unattended.
- All connections to air tools shall be made secure before turning on air pressure.