Use Hand and Power Tools Safely! Alberta Oil Tool's #Safety Moment of the Week

1. Use Hand and Power Tools Safety!
Safety Moment of the Week
May 22nd -28th, 2016
Power tools are useful but potentially dangerous pieces of equipment that can cause sever injuries
including disabling amputations. Since power tools are so commonly used both on and off the job we
may not take the hazards serous enough. The following is a list of way power tools can be dangerous.
• Contact with point of operation, blades can cause serious lacerations or amputations
• Electrical malfunctions
• Flying chips, dust, or shavings can cause eye and face injuries
• Noise can cause hearing damage
• A dropped power tool can cause bruises or broken bones
• Strains from lifting heavy power tools
• Awkward positions while using tools can lead to musculoskeletal disorders
According to the Power Tool Institute, there are three main reasons for power tool injuries.
• Loss of concentration. Operators stop paying attention to their work if they repeat the same actions
over and over again.
• Unexpected events. Kickback of material or sudden problem with fast-moving power tool.
• Inexperience and overconfidence. There's a dangerous combination when we do not know
understand or appreciate the hazards of power tools.
Precautions to take when using hand and power tools.
 Don't turn on a power tool until guards are in place.
 Never remove or bypass a tool guard.
 Don't use a malfunctioning power tool-turn it in for repair and get
a replacement.
 Don't handle electrical power tools with wet or sweaty hands -dry them first or you could get a shock.
 Stand on a rubber mat when using electrical power tools in damp areas.
 Unplug power tools before adjusting them.
 Keep moving parts and sharp edges away from your body.
 Use a vise or clamps to secure materials so that you can use both hands to operate the tool.
 Turn off a power tool before you put it down.
 Lift and carry power tools by the handle, not by the cord, and don't yank cords.
 Keep your finger off the switch when you carry a plugged-in power tool.
 Keep cords off the floor so that they don't become tripping hazards.
 Use only non-sparking tools when working in areas with flammable or explosive materials.
The wide variety of hand and portable power tools available on the market today allow us to
perform more tasks more efficiently. However, if used improperly, hand and power tools can
cause injury.

2. Safety Moment of the Week
May 22nd
– 28th
, 2016
Use Hand and Power Tools Safely
When using hand and power tools it is important to use them properly and wear appropriate PPE for
the tool being used.
Hand Tools
The type of personal protective equipment (PPE) you need when using hand tools depends on the
tool being used.
 Eye protection must be worn at all times. The simple act of snipping copper wire with side
cutting pliers, striking a nail with a hammer or sawing wood can propel small pieces of debris
into the air.
 It is important to protect your hands from cuts, abrasion and repeated impact. Cut-resistant
gloves can help protect against the effects of a misplaced blades or slipping tools. Wearing
standard cotton leather gloves can help prevent wood splinters or skin abrasions from handling
lumber. On jobs that require long periods of hammering, impact resistant glove with gel or
rubber palms can reduce vibration.
 Safety shoes with a reinforced toe can help protect your feet from injury caused by a dropped
tool. Choose footwear that offers adequate traction for your work site.

Portable Power Tools
Power tools present more hazards than hand tools due to the speed at which they operate. The type
of PPE you need when using power tools also depends on the tool being used.
 Eye Protection, such as safety glasses or goggles, is especially important when using power
tools. The speed in which drills, saws, grinders, sanders and routers operate can propel small
particles much faster and farther than do hand tools. Others working around the area where
power tools are used should also wear protective eyewear.
 Certain power tools may require using a face shield, in addition to safety glasses or goggles.
For example, a face shield is mandatory while using a grinder, due to the amount of hot metal
particles generated.
 Standard cotton or leather work gloves can protect your hands from minor scrapes and cuts
while working with various materials. Cut-resistant gloves are not designed for, or capable of
providing protection against a moving blade or bit. The best way to prevent injury from moving
parts is to keep your hands on the tools' handles and keep all guards in place. Anti-vibration
gloves minimize the vibration created by power tools.
 Safety shoes with a nonslip, insulated sole and a steel toe protect against dropped objects and
misdirected electricity.
 The higher sound levels generated by some power tools, especially if used over extended
periods of time, may require the use earplugs.
 The use of a dust respirator may be necessary in sanding and cutting operations. Each
situation must be analyzed to determine the type of PPE that is required for the safe use of
each type of power tool.
Proper attire is also important while using power tools. Tie back or cover long hair, wear loose
fitting clothes and remove all jewelry to avoid being caught in moving blades.