SECTION V: SAFE
WORK PRACTICES
(Understand the Hazards of Your Work
Environment)
Information presented is not intended to be
comprehensive or all inclusive; contact your supervisor, safety officer, or the
Environmental Health and Safety Office, 475-7041, for assistance or further
information
TOOL SAFETY (HAND AND PORTABLE ELECTRICAL)
An estimated 8 per cent of industrial accidents involve
the unsafe use of hand tools (both manual and power). Tools are a common cause
of injuries to the eye.
HAND TOOL SAFETY
1.
Use the right
tool for the job and make sure it is the right size for the job.
2.
Keep tools in
good condition. A clean, sharp tool is a
safe tool, when properly used.
3.
Learn the correct
way to use a tool. Use tools only as
they are designed to be used. While
there are many wrong ways to use a tool, there is typically only one right (and
safe) way to use the tool.
4.
Follow common
sense rules, e.g.:
·
always cut away
from yourself
·
never modify a
tool to increase its leverage or force
5.
Use all tools
carefully, with awareness and patience.
Concentrate on the task at hand; avoid rushing or daydreaming.
6.
Carry tools
safely, with the sharp parts pointed down and away from you.
7.
Store tools
safely, in a clean, dry place to keep them free of grease, dust and rust.
8.
Wear eye
protection (safety glasses with side shields) if particles can come from any
direction. People have lost an eye when
simply using a screwdriver or other pointed hand tool.
9.
Properly support
your work (e.g., vise, clamps, sawhorse, etc.) .
10.
Protect your free
hand by keeping it clear of the tool.
11.
Keep the work
within easy reach, whether standing on the ground or a ladder.
12.
Beware of
electrical hazards; a tool handle is not insulated unless it is clearly labeled
as such.
13.
Don’t use any
tool unless you have been properly trained to do so.
14.
Develop your
hazard awareness. Just because hand
tools are a common part of our lives does not mean that their use is without
hazards.
PORTABLE POWER TOOLS
1.
Pre-plan a power
tool project, including the moves your hands will make and any special
precautions which should be taken.
2.
Know the tool you
are using, including its application, limitations and potential hazards. Operate only according to the manufacturer’s
instructions; read the manual prior to operation.
3.
Do not use a tool
until you have been properly trained to do so.
4.
Select the proper
tool for the job. Avoid tackling a big
job with an undersized tool; makeshift tools often cause accidents.
5.
Prevent
shock. Ground all tools, unless they are
double-insulated (never assume a tool is double-insulated unless it is clearly
labeled as such). If the tool is
equipped with a three-prong plug, it should be plugged into a three-hole
electrical receptacle. If an adapter is
used to accommodate a two-prong receptacle, the adapter wire must be attached
to a known ground.
6.
Remove adjusting
keys and wrenches before turning on the tool.
7.
Keep work area
free of clutter that can be a tripping hazard (e.g., boards, boxes, debris,
other tools, etc.)
8.
Keep both your
hands away from the operating point of the tool and out of the working path or
direction of blades and bits at all times.
9.
Keep guards in
place and in working order. Do not
remove or wedge a guard out of the way.
10.
Always be alert
to potential hazards in your working environment such as damp locations or the
presence of highly combustible materials.
11.
Avoid accidental
start-up. Always start from “OFF”--make
sure the switch is off before plugging in the cord, or whenever power is
interrupted. Never carry a plugged in
tool with your finger on the switch.
12.
Make sure saw
blades, drill bits, router cutters, etc. are sharp, clean and regularly
maintained.
13.
Use only
recommended accessories, per manufacturer instructions.
14.
Never force a
tool. It will do a better and safer job at its designed speed.
15.
Use safety
glasses. Your eyes and hands are your
most important tools. If operation requires it, use a face or dust mask as
well.
13. Do not overreach.
Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
14. Never leave a tool running unattended. Don’t leave until it comes to a complete stop
and is disconnected from the power source.
15. Don’t surprise or touch anyone operating a power
tool. This type of distraction could
cause a serious accident.
16. Never adjust, change bits, blades or cutters with tool
connected.
17. Dress properly.
Avoid loose clothing or jewelry that could catch in moving parts. Wear rubber boots in damp locations.
18. Secure your work.
Use clamps or a vise to hold work when practical, thus freeing both
hands to operate the tool.
19. Do not use a tool with a frayed cord. Use only heavy duty U.L. listed extension
cords of proper wire size and length.
20. Never brush away chips or sawdust while the tool is
operating.
21. Inspect and test tools prior to use. Do not attempt field repairs. If a tool is
defective or not operating properly, clearly tag the tool as “Out of Service”
and return for servicing.
22. Never carry a tool by the cord or hose. Never yank the cord or the hose to disconnect
it from the receptacle.
23. Work in a well-lighted area.
24. Keep observers a safe distance away from the work area.
25. Keep your equipment in good operating condition: clean, bolts and screws properly tight, moving parts lubricated, etc.
26. Store tools in a dry, secure location.