What are hand and power tools?

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Hand and power tools include tools such as hammers, chisels, screwdrivers, wrenches, wedges, electric drills, electric grinders, electric abrasive wheel tools, pneumatic tools, powder actuated tools and hydraulic tools.

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What hazards are associated with hand and power tool use?

1. Flying debris or sparks which can break free from objects or tools and fly into the eye or penetrate exposed body parts
2. Flying debris or sparks which can contact flammable or explosive vapors resulting in a fire or explosion
3. Rotating or other moving parts which can grab hair, jewelry or clothes; pulling extremities into harmful contact points
4. Defective or misused tools which can cause unexpected change in a process, causing several possible injuries
5. Electric shock or burns while operating portable electric tools
6. Harmful dusts, fumes, mists, vapors or gases which are generated by tool use
7. Hydraulic tools which can fail, causing supported objects to fall onto workers
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What controls may be used to protect yourself from hand and power tool injuries?

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1. Always use hand and power tools as recommended by the manufacturer
2. Always use personal protective equipment as recommended by the manufacturer or whenever potential for injury or illness exists
3. Routinely inspect tools for defective parts and mark / report
4. Never use a tool that has been marked or tagged as defective
5. Discard any tool which cannot be repaired
6. Direct abrasive wheel rotation away from yourself and others at all times
7. Avoid standing in water while using electric tools
8. Secure long hair, jewelry and clothing which could get snagged by moving parts
9. Wear respiratory protection whenever tool use produces potentially hazardous dust, fumes, mists, vapors or gases.
10. Never work underneath objects which are supported by hydraulic equipment until hydraulic equipment is checked for serviceability and safety

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