Hand and Portable Powered Tools

Hand and Portable Powered Tools

Hand Tools

[Name], [Title]

[Company] [Address]

T:[Main Telephone]DD:[Direct Phone]E:[Email]

Hand and Portable Powered ToolsHand Tools

The use of hand and portable tools in general industry are covered in Subpart P of 29 CFR Part 1910. The regulation covers general requirements and specific guarding requirements for portable and powered tools. Safe use and the requirements for inspecting tools are also covered in this part of the regulation.

All tools, powered or not, may have hazards associated with their use. Employees should be properly trained in the correct use of the tools that they use. Employees should also be trained how to protect themselves from hazards associated with the tools.

Tool Hazards

Tools are a common part of our lives. Do not forget that tools can pose hazards. Employees may be exposed to hazards from dropped tools, from parts or chips flying off or from flying grit from abrasive tools.

Tools made from good quality, durable materials will help your employees avoid injuries on the job caused by tools breaking or slipping. Metal tool parts should be strong enough to resist bending, cracking, chipping or excessive wear.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Using PPE should become a habit when using tools of any kind. Wear eye protection if there is any chance of flying debris, chips or sparks that could get in the eyes. Eye protection should be worn when using hammers, mallets, chisels, punches, bolt cutters, etc.

Employees can protect themselves from cuts while handling knives or materials with sharp edges by wearing cut-resistant gloves.

When using heavy tools like mauls or sledge hammers, wear appropriate foot protection.

Inspect tools before and after each use. Look for tool damage or wear, such as:

• Cracked or loose handles
• Dull, rounded or chipped cutting surfaces
• Mushroomed striking surfaces
• Damaged gripping surfaces

Hand tool hazards can be reduced or prevented by following these rules:

• Keep tools in good condition with regular maintenance
• Use the right tools for the job
• Examine each tool for damage before and after use
• Use the tool the way it is designed to be used
• Use the correct PPE as provided

Employee Training

OSHA’s regulations do not have specific employee training requirements in regards to hand tools, however, employees who understand the hazards and know how to properly inspect and use the tools will have less risk of injury.

Training Tips

• Review 20 CFR 1910 Subpart P.
• Using the employee handout, review proper hand tool use.
• Review inspection steps and have examples of damaged tools for the employees to see. Explain how to take tools out of service if they are damaged.
• Ask employees for any experiences they may have had with tool related injuries.

For more information see 29 CFR 1910 Subpart P-Hand and Portable powered tools and other hand equipment.

Hand and Portable Powered ToolsHand Tools Handout

Tools are a common part of our everyday lives. Because of the commonplace, it may be difficult to remember that these “common tools” may pose hazards. All tools are manufactured with safety in mind, but sometimes a serious accident occurs before steps can be taken to avoid or eliminate tool-related hazards.

Protect Yourself

Choose tools made from good quality, durable materials. Metal tools must be able to resist bending, cracking, chipping or excessive wear.

Wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Wear eye protection if there is a chance that chips, sparks or debris could get into your eyes.

Wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts from sharp tools or material edges.

Wear proper foot protection when using tools like mauls or sledge hammers.

Inspect tools before and after each use. Check for damage or wear such as:

• Cracked or loose handles
• Dull, rounded or chipped cutting surfaces
• Mushroomed striking surfaces
• Damage to gripping surfaces

Rules to Follow

Prevent hazards from hand tools by following these rules:

• Keep tools in good condition with regular maintenance.
• Use the right hand tools for the job.
• Examine each tool for damage before and after use.
• Use the tool the way it is designed to be used.
• Use the correct PPE as provided.

Hand and Portable Powered Tools – Hand Tools – Sign Off Sheet

The employees of ______Company Name______, have taken part in a training session on Hand and Portable Powered Tools – Hand Tools. The session covered:

• Hand tools safety
• How to inspect a hand tool before and after use
• Tool maintenance and repair

______

Supervisor’s Signature