Fact Sheet
Hand and Power Tools
Tools are manufactured with safety for the user in mind but they may pose hazards. Hand tools are categorized as
- Non-powered and include adzes, axes, crow bars, pry bars, screw drivers, wrenches.
- Power tools are classified by power source: electric, pneumatic, liquid fuel, hydraulic and powder-actuated.
Hand Tools
Hazards
Hazards result from misuse and improper maintenance.
Recommendations
The employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees.
The employee is responsible for proper use and maintenance of the equipment.
Employers should teach employees that sharps (saw blades, knives) and other tools be directed away from aisles and other employees working nearby.
Knives and scissors must be sharp; dull tools can be more hazardous that sharp ones.
Floors should be kept as clean and dry as possible to prevent accidental slips with or around dangerous hand tools.
Only spark-resistant tools made from brass, plastic, aluminum, or wood to should be used around flammable substances.
Power Tools
Hazards
Power tools can be hazardous when not used properly.
Recommendations
- Never carry a tool by the cord or hose.
- Never yank the cord or hose to disconnect it from the receptacle.
- Keep cords and hoses away from heat, oil and sharp edges.
- Disconnect tools from the power source before servicing or changing accessories.
- Keep all observers at a safe distance away form the work site.
- Use both hands to operate the tool; secure work with clamps or a vise.
- Keep finger off the on switch button unless operating the tool.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions for lubrication and changing accessories.
- Keep good footing and maintain good balance when using a power tool.
- Wear proper clothing; avoid any clothing or accessory that could become caught in moving parts.
- Remove all damaged portable electric tools from use and tag “Do Not Use.”
Guards
Safety guards must never be removed when a power tool is in use.
Safety Switches
Certain hand-held power tools require either a momentary contact “on-off” control switch, a positive “on-off” control switch, or a constant pressure switch.
Electric Tools
- Tools must either have a 3-wire cord with ground and be grounded, or be double insulated, or be powered by a low-voltage isolations transformer.
- Only operate electric tools within their design limitations.
- Wear gloves and safety shoes or boots.
- Store tools in dry place.
- Do not use power tools in damp or wet sites.
- Light work areas well.
Powered Abrasive Wheel Tools
Grinding, cutting, polishing and wire buffing wheels may throw off fragments.
- Always use eye protection.
- Never stand directly in front of the wheel until it reaches full operating speed.
- Before mounting the wheel, inspect it closely and sound- or ring-test to be sure free from cracks and defects.
- Be sure safety guards is in place.
- Maker certain wheel fits freely on the spindle.
- When not using the tool, turn off the power.
- Never clamp a hand-held grinder in a vise.
Pneumatic Tools
Such tools as chippers, drills, hammers and sanders are power by compressed air. Users may get hit by one of the tool’s attachments or a fastener.
- Wear eye protection, a face guard and ear protection.
- Check that hose is fastened securely; a short-wire or positive locking device is an added safeguard.
- Install a safety clip or retainer to prevent attachments from being shot from the barrel.
- Set up screens to protect nearby workers from being struck by fragments or fasteners.
- Never point compressed air guns against the user or anyone else.
Powder-Actuated Tools
Treat powder-actuated tools as loaded guns: extremely dangerous. They must only be operated by specially trained employees.
Hydraulic Tools
- Use only approved fire-resistant fluid that will retain its characteristics at the highest temperatures to which it will be exposed.
- Do not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended operating pressure for any part.
Jacks
- All jacks must have a safety device that stops them from going up too high.
- Manufacturer’s load limit must be permanently marked in a prominent place and not be exceeded.
- Immediately block a lifted load once it reaches the proper height.
- Make sure the base rests on a firm, level surface, the jack is correctly center, the jack heads bears against a level surface, and the lift force is applied evenly.
- Lubricate regularly (with adequate antifreeze liquid if exposed to freezing temperatures).
- Inspect before each use.
Recommendations
To avoid the hazards associated with using power tools, workers must learn to recognize the hazards associated with each type of tool used and the safety precautions necessary to prevent those hazards.
Instruct employees in the proper use of all tools. Employees should understand the risks and the safety precautions.
The trainee should use the power tool in the presence of the qualified instructor, until the instructor is satisfied that the trainee knows how to use the power tool properly.
Employees should use only tools provided by the employer; the public entity cannot ensure the safety of using tools that it does not maintain.
Employees who are exposed to falling, flying, abrasive and splashing objects; or to harmful dusts, fumes, mists, vapors or gases must be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment when using hand and power tools.
Employees and employers are responsible for working together to establish safe working procedures. Hazardous situations should be immediately brought to the attention of the appropriate person.
Resources
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, OSH Answers, Powered Hand Tools, Drills
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, OSH Answers, Powered Hand Tools, Planers
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, OSH Answers, Powered Hand Tools, Pneumatic Nailing and Stapling Tools
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, OSH Answers, Powered Hand Tools, Powder-Actuated Tools
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, OSH Answers, Powered Hand Tools, Routers
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, OSH Answers, Powered Hand Tools, Saws–Circular
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, OSH Answers, Powered Hand Tools, Saws–Sabre, Jig and Reciprocating
Chainsaw Safety, Workers’ Compensation Board of British Columbia
Hand and Power Tool Safety, University of Denver, Risk Management
Hand and Power Tool Safety, Vermont SIRI Safety Library Page
Hand and Power Tools Fact Sheet, OSHA
Hand and Power Tools, OSHA No. 3080, booklet pdf
Machine Safety: Hand/Power Tools, National Ag Safety Database
OSHA eTool—Machine Guarding
OSHA Safety and Health Topics: Hand and Power Tools
OSHA Safety and Health Topics: Machine Guarding
Portable Hand and Power Tools Self Inspection Checklist, NIOSH Safety Checklist Program for Schools
Safe Use of Hand Tools Fact Sheet, National Safety Council
Washington State Ergonomics Idea Bank
