SAFETY POLICY

Hand and Portable Power Tools SP # 1910.241

Quick Reference

1.0 Purpose
2.0 Scope and Applicability
3.0 References
4.0 Policy
5.0 General Responsibilities
6.0 Procedure
6.1 Definitions
6.2 General Provisions
6.2.1 Training
6.2.2 General Requirements for All Tools
6.2.3 Use of Hand Tools
6.2.4 Types of Portable Power Tools
6.2.5 Hazard Controls for Portable Power Tools
6.2.6 Personal Protective Equipment
6.2.7 Storage
6.3 Specific Responsibilities
6.3.1 Managers
6.3.2 Supervisors
6.3.3 Employees
6.3.4 Safety Risk Management
6.3.5 Division of Purchase and Services
APPENDIX A: Selected Hand Tools Best Work Practices
APPENDIX B: Portable Power Tools Best Work Practices

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this safety policy is to establish guidelines and accountability for hand and portable power tools used by North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) employees. 

2.0 Scope and Applicability

Hand and power tools improve employee efficiency in job performance. The safety objective in using these type tools is to protect users from inflicting harm to themselves and others. Although it is generally assumed that most everyone knows how to use common hand tools, hand tool accidents contribute to disabling injuries.
Proper selection, use, care, and supervision of hand and portable power tools can prevent abuse of these tools and eliminate or reduce employee injuries. This safety policy provides guidelines for the use of hand and portable power tools. It includes information on training and lists the general requirements for all tools. Additionally, it presents specifics on hand tool use, types of portable power tools, and the hazard controls for portable power tools. This document also provides the general requirements for Personal Protective Equipment and tools storage. This safety policy also details the areas of responsibility for managers, supervisors, employees, Safety Risk Management, and Division of Purchase and Services within NCDENR and applies to all NCDENR employees who work with hand and portable power tools. 

3.0 Reference

This safety policy is established in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry (29 CFR 1910.241-244) and Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Construction Industry (29 CFR 1926.300-305). 

4.0 Policy

It is the policy of NCDENR to provide a place of employment that is free from recognized hazards that cause or are likely to cause death or physical harm to employees or the public. Therefore, hand and portable power tools will not be used until employees receive instruction and training in the proper use of these tools.
When hazards exist that cannot be eliminated, then engineering practices, administrative practices, safe work practices, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and proper training regarding Hand and Portable Power Tools will be implemented. These measures will be implemented to minimize those hazards to ensure the safety of employees and the public. 

5.0 General Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of each manager/unit head, supervisor, and employee to ensure implementation of NCDENR's safety policy on Hand and Portable Power Tools. It is also the responsibility of each NCDENR employee to report immediately any unsafe act or condition to his or her supervisor. Specific responsibilities are found in Section 6.3. 

6.0 Procedure

This section provides applicable definitions, establishes general provisions, and identifies specific responsibilities. 

6.1 Definitions

Hand Tools
Tools that are manually operated and powered by human force such as screw drivers, pliers, wrenches, and cutting shears, etc.
Pneumatic Tools
Tools that are powered by air, such as air wrenches, air grinders, spray guns, and air fasteners.
Power Tools Tools that are manually operated and powered by electricity, air, gasoline, diesel, or explosives.
UL Approved
Tools approved by Underwriters' Laboratory. 

6.2 General Provisions

This section details the provisions of this safety policy with each provision discussed in a separate subsection. These provisions are:

6.2.1

An effective tool use program should include training in safe work practices to reduce tool injuries and control accidents. For hand tools, employees shall be trained in:

Employees who use portable power tools shall be trained in: This training shall be performed upon initial employment and/or job reassignment. Periodic refresher training shall also be conducted at the discretion of the supervisor. 
6.2.2 General Requirements for All Tools

All hand and portable power tools supplied by NCDENR or employees of NCDENR will be maintained in safe working order. Hand tools shall be inspected regularly and before using. Tools or handles that are cracked, broken, or deformed shall be removed from service. Impact tools such as wedges, pins, and chisels shall be kept free of mushroomed heads. Portable power tools shall be inspected regularly and before using. Tools with missing or broken guards, nicked or frayed electrical cords, broken plugs, broken switches, damaged equipment housing, or missing or broken tool retainer shall not be used and shall be tagged and removed from service.  Power tools shall be deenergized prior to servicing and maintenance. (Servicing/maintenance includes removing lodged items from the power tool.) The simplest way to deenergize electric power tools is to unplug them.

6.2.3 Use of Hand Tools

Hand Tools
Figure 1

Figure 1 illustrates some of the many hand tools that are used in NCDENR. Misuse of common hand tools such as screwdrivers, hammers, punches, cutting tools, tap and die tools, saws, files, hand snips and cutters, wood chisels, axes, hatches, knives, shovels, and rakes is a source of injuries. Supervisors may mistakenly assume that everyone knows the proper use of common hand tools. Appendix A lists specific best work practices for hand tools in the following major hand tool categories:

Tool safeguards are generally accomplished through a number of safety features found on tools. Safety features such as toolguards and handle design can help prevent injuries.

Figure 2 shows a safeguard feature on a knife handle
. 
Tool Guards
Figure 2

6.2.4 Types of Portable Power Tools

Portable power tools are divided into 3 primary groups according to the power source:


Electrical tools in NCDENR include drills, circular saws, reciprocating saws, miter-box and shop saws, stationary band saws, jig/saber saws, rotary die grinders, soldering irons, percussion tools, grinding wheels, buffers, wire brushes, sanders, and routers. Employees must recognize and protect themselves from shock, noise, cuts, burns, and other potential hazards by using proper guards and safety equipment and devices.

Air-powered tools include air hoses, grinders, and pneumatic-impact tools. Workers should ensure hoses do not present tripping hazards, avoid using hoses as cleaners, and prevent accidental disconnection of hoses from the tools. Air-powered grinders require the same type of guarding as electrical grinders. Pneumatic-impact tools (nailers, drills, impact wrenches, staplers, jackhammers, etc.) require two safety devices: an automatically closing valve and a retaining device to hold the tool in place to prevent it from being fired accidentally. Additionally, employees must check noise levels to determine if hearing protection is needed and guard their eyes against flying debris.

Special powered tools include hydraulic, gasoline-powered, and powder-actuated equipment. Hydraulic tools cause injuries because high pressure leaks or ruptures in hoses may force oil under the skin of employees' hands or arms. Gasoline-powered tools are commonly used in logging and construction activities. The chain saw is a common gasoline-powered tool in NCDENR. Mowers, trimmers, and other various gasoline-powered tools are also used in NCDENR.

Powder-actuated tools are commonly used for fastening fixtures and materials to metal, precast or prestressed concrete, masonry block, brick, stone, and wood surfaces. Blank cartridges provide the energy and are ignited by a percussion primer.

Gasoline-powered and powder-actuated tools present serious hazards and must be operated only by trained personnel and adequately guarded to prevent fires and injuries. Similar precautions are used for impact wrenches as for any electrical or hydraulic equipment. 

6.2.5 Hazard Controls for Portable Power Tools

Portable power tools are designed for particular tasks and if used for other purposes other hazards may be created. Additionally, the extreme mobility of these tools and their power sources creates significant hazards. Therefore, controls should be in place to minimize or eliminate the hazards associated with portable power tools. The commonly used controls on portable power tools include:


Start switch lockouts prevent inadvertent operation. A tool cannot operate until a keyed switch selects the operating mode.

Interlocks on tools protect operators and others. For example, a riding mower has a switch under the operator's seat that shuts off the blades or engine when the operator stands up.

Dead man switches shut off power to the tool when the switch is released. Drills, saws, mowers, hedge trimmers, and other portable power tools have these controls.

Vibration minimization is usually a tool design function. If extreme vibration of the tool is a problem to the employee, using isolation pads within the machine or between the handles and operator may be an option.

Tool guards should be provided where possible. Tools such as circular saws, belt sanders, and abrasive wheel grinders should be equipped with guards that effectively prevent the hands and fingers of the operator from coming into contact with blades and nip points. Guarding may not be possible on some equipment such as chain saws. In those cases, other safety features should be in place (e.g., blade brake, anti-kickback design, etc.).

Safeguarding energy sources must be practiced with all the power tools. Electrical safeguards (e.g., unplugging power tools, disconnecting/turning off equipment power supplys), controls for handling gasoline and other flammable liquids, and controls for air and fluids under pressure must all be in place.
Appendix B details selected portable power tools safe practices. These practices include hazard control techniques and should be followed by employees who use these types of tools. 

6.2.6 Personal Protective Equipment

Employees using hand and power tools are to be provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when exposed to falling, flying, abrasive and splashing objects, or harmful dusts, fumes, vapors, or gases.
The PPE should be matched against the particular hazard to provide the required level of protection. See SP # 1910.132, Personal Protective Equipment, for details on matching PPE against the particular hazard. 

6.2.7 Storage
 

Hand and portable power tools shall be stored on racks, tool cribs, or bins. Tools shall be stored in such a manner that sharp edges do not protrude out of tool cribs or bins or damage other tools. Each day, tool storage areas should be locked with a complete audit of all tools.
Special tools may require unusual storage. See manufacturer's instructions for those requirements. For example, powder-actuated hand tools should be stored under lock and key. 

6.3 Specific Responsibilities
6.3.1 Managers  

Managers will identify the employees affected by this safety policy.
Managers will obtain and coordinate the required training for the affected employees.
Managers will also ensure compliance with this safety policy and procedure through their auditing process.
Managers will ensure that hand and portable power tools are being inspected by supervisors. 
6.3.2 Supervisors  

Supervisors will ensure that only trained employees operate and use hand and portable power tools.
Supervisors will inspect hand and portable power tools during Facility and Jobsite Audits, as well as observe the storage and use of such tools by employees.
Supervisors will enforce the use of PPE while employees operate hand and portable power tools.
Supervisors will ensure that guards and switches on portable power tools are in place and functioning.
Supervisors will ensure that portable power tools are used and maintained in accordance with this safety policy. They will also ensure that employees tag out damaged tools and that employees are advised to report on and not use damaged tools.
Supervisors will communicate to managers about hand and portable power tool needs such as storage facilities and bins, upgrading, replacement parts, and new tools. 
6.3.3 Employees  

Employees shall inspect all tools prior to their use and shall tagout and report any broken or damaged tools to their supervisor.
Employees shall not operate any hand and portable power tool unless they have been trained on that specific tool.
Employees shall wear all required PPE when using tools. 
6.3.4 Safety Risk Management

Safety Risk Management will provide assistance to managers, supervisors, or others as necessary on any matter concerning this safety policy. Safety Risk Management will assist in locating the required training.
To ensure effective implementation of this safety policy, Division/Office/Program Safety Consultants and Safety Officers shall be responsible to provide consultative, training and audit assistance on Hand and Portable Power Tool issues for their Division/Office/Program.
 

6.3.5 Division of Purchase and Services

Division of Purchase and Services shall ensure that all newly purchased hand and portable power tools purchased through their oversight have been reviewed for safety issues by the requesting Division/Office/Program's New Equipment Safety Review Subcommittee or the staff Safety Consultant, or Safety Officer prior to any new purchase. Items to consider include required guards, switches, and warning labels being specified during equipment purchases.

APPENDIX A: Selected Hand Tools Best Work Practices

Metal-Cutting Hand Tools:

Chisels
Factors determining the selection of a cold chisel are the materials to be cut, the size and shape of the tool, and the depth of the cut to be made.
The chisel should be heavy enough so that it will not buckle or spring when struck. A chisel large enough for the job should be selected so that the blade is used rather than the point or a corner. Also, a hammer heavy enough to do the job should be used.
Employees shall wear safety goggles when using a chisel and should set up a shield or screen to prevent injury to other workers from flying chips. If a shield does not afford positive protection to all exposed employees, then glasses with side protection shall be worn.
Tap and Die Work
Tap and die work requires certain precautions. The work should be firmly mounted in the vise. Only a T-handle wrench or adjustable tap wrench should be used. When threads are being cut with a hand die, hands and arms shall be kept clear of the sharp threads coming through the die, and metal cuttings should be cleared away with a brush.
Hack Saws
Hack saws shall be adjusted in the frame to prevent buckling and breaking, but should not be so tight that breakage of the pins that support the blade can occur. Install blade with teeth pointing forward.
Pressure should be applied on the forward stroke not on the back stroke. If the blade is twisted or too much pressure is applied, the blade may break and cause injury to the hands or arms of the user.
Files
Selection of the right kind of file for the job will prevent injuries and lengthen the life of the file. Inasmuch as the extremely hard and brittle steel of the file chips easily, the file should never be cleaned by being struck against a vise or other metal object. A file-cleaning card or brush should be used.
For the same reason, a file is not to be hammered or used as a pry. Such abuse frequently results in the file's chipping or breaking causing injury to the user. A file should not be made into a center punch, chisel, or any other type of tool because the hardened steel may fracture in use.
A file is never to be used without a smooth, crack-free handle; if the file should bind, the tang may puncture the palm of the hand, the wrist, or other part of the body. Under some conditions, a clamp-on raised offset handle may be useful to give extra clearance for the hands. Files are not to be used on lathe stock turning at high speed (faster than 3 turns per file stroke) because the end of the file may strike the chuck, dog, or face plate and throw the file (or metal chip) back at the operator hard enough to inflict serious injury.
Tin Snips
Tin snips should be heavy enough to easily cut the material so that the worker needs only one hand on the snips and can use the other to hold the material. The material is to be well supported before the last cut is made so that cut edges do not press against the hands.
Jaws of snips are to be kept tight and well lubricated.
Employees shall wear safety goggles when trimming corners or slivers of metal because small particles often fly with considerable force.
They shall always wear gloves.
Cutters
Cutters used on wire, reinforcing rods, or bolts should have ample capacity for the stock; otherwise, the jaws may be sprung or spread. Also, a chip may fly from the cutting edge and injure the user.
Cutters require frequent lubrication. To keep cutting edges from becoming nicked or chipped, cutters are not to be used as nail pullers or pry bars.
Cutter jaws should have the hardness specified by the manufacturer for the particular kind of material to be cut. By adjustment of the bumper stop behind the jaws, cutting edges are to be set to have a clearance of 0.003 inch when closed.
Wood-Cutting Tools:Edge tools are to be used in such a manner that if a slip should occur the direction of force will be away from the body. For efficient and safe work, edge tools are to be kept sharp and ground to the proper angle. A dull tool does a poor job and may stick or bind. Wood Chisels
Inexperienced employees shall be instructed in the proper method of holding and using chisels. Handles are to be free of splinters. The wood handle of a chisel struck by a mallet is to be protected by a metal or leather cap to prevent it from splitting. The work to be cut must be free of nails to avoid damage to the blade or cause a chip to fly into the user's face or eye.
Saws
Saws should be carefully selected for the work they are to do. For crosscut work on green wood, a coarse saw (4 to 5 points per inch) is to be used. A fine saw is better for smooth, accurate cutting in dry wood. Saws are to be kept sharp and well set to prevent binding.
Axes
An ax person is to make sure that there is a clear circle in which to swing the ax before starting to chop. Also, all vines, brush, and shrubbery within the range should be removed, especially overhead vines that may catch or deflect the ax.
Ax blades shall be protected with a sheath or metal guard when not in use. When the blade cannot be guarded, it is safer to carry the ax at one's side. The blade on a single-edged ax shall be pointed down.
Hatchets
Since the tempered head may injure the user or others by flying chips, hatchets shall not be used for striking hard metal surfaces. When using a hatchet in a crowded area, employees shall take special care to prevent injury to themselves and other workers. Using a hatchet to drive nails is prohibited.

Miscellaneous Cutting Tools:

Planes, Scrapers, Bits, and Drawknives
Planes, scrapers, bits, and drawknives are to be used only by experienced employees. These tools are to be kept sharp and in good condition.
The principal hazard in the use of knives is that the hands may slip from the handle onto the blade or that the knife may strike the body or the free hand. A handle guard or a finger ring (and swivel) on the handle eliminates these hazards. Adequate guarding is important.
Employees who must carry knives with them on the job shall keep them in sheaths or holders. Never carry a sheath knife on the front part of a belt - always carry it over the right or left hip, toward the back. This will prevent severing a leg artery or vein in case of a fall.
Knives must never be left lying on benches or in other places where they may cause hand injuries. Safe placement and storage of knives is important to knife safety.
Supervisors must ensure that employees who handle knives have ample room in which to work so they are not in danger of being bumped by other workers.
Supervisors should be particularly careful about the hazard of employees leaving knives hidden under a product, under scrap paper or wiping rags, or among other tools in work boxes or drawers. Knives are to be kept separate from other tools to protect the cutting edge of the knife as well as to protect the employee.
Horseplay shall be prohibited around knife operations. Throwing, "fencing," trying to cut objects into smaller and smaller pieces, and similar practices are not only dangerous but reflect inadequate supervision.
Supervisors shall ensure that nothing is cut that requires excessive pressure on the knife. Knives shall not be used as a substitute for can openers, screwdrivers, or ice picks.

Torsion Tools:
Socket wrenches are safer to use than adjustable or open-end wrenches.
Open-End or Box Wrenches
Open-end or box wrenches shall be inspected to make sure that they fit properly and are never to be used if jaws are sprung or cracked.
When defective they shall be taken out of service until repaired.
Socket Wrenches Socket wrenches give great flexibility in hard-to-reach places. The use of special types shall be encouraged where there is danger of injury.
Adjustable Wrenches
Adjustable wrenches are used for many purposes. They are not intended, however, to take the place of standard open-end, box or socket wrenches. They are used mainly for nuts and bolts that do not fit a standard wrench. Pressure is always applied to the fixed jaw.
Pipe Wrenches
Pipe wrenches, both straight and chain tong, shall have sharp jaws and be kept clean to prevent slipping.The adjusting nut of the wrench is to be inspected frequently. If it is cracked, the wrench shall be taken out of service. A cracked nut may break under strain, causing complete failure of the wrench and possible injury to the user. A piece of pipe "cheater" slipped over the handle shall not be used to give added leverage because this can strain a pipe wrench to the breaking point. The handle of every wrench is designed to be long enough for the maximum allowable safe pressure. A pipe wrench should never be used on nuts or bolts, the corners of which will break the teeth of the wrench, making it unsafe to use on pipe and fittings. Also, a pipe wrench, when used on nuts and bolts, damages their heads. A pipe wrench shall not be used on valves, struck with a hammer, nor used as a hammer.
Pliers
Side-cutting pliers sometimes cause injuries when short ends of wires are cut. A guard over the cutting edge and the use of safety glasses will help prevent eye injuries. The handles of electricians' pliers are to be insulated. In addition, the electricians shall wear the proper electrical rated gloves if they are to work on energized lines. Pliers shall not be used as a substitute for a wrench.

Special Cutters
Special cutters include those for cutting banding wire and strap. Claw hammers and pry bars shall not be used to snap metal banding material.

Pipe Tongs
Employees must neither stand nor jump on the tongs nor place extensions on the handles to obtain more leverage. They should use larger tongs.

Screwdrivers
The practice of using screwdrivers for punches, wedges, pinch bars, or pries shall not be allowed. Cross-slot (Phillips-head) screwdrivers are safer than the square bit type, because they have less tendency to slip. The tip must be kept clean and sharp, however, to permit a good grip on the head of the screw. The part to be worked upon must never be held in the hands; it should be laid on a bench or flat surface or held in a vise. No screwdriver used for electrical work shall have the blade or rivet extending through the handle. Both blade and handle shall be insulated, except at the tip.

Shock Tools:

Hammers
A hammer is to have a securely wedged handle suited to the type of head used. The handle shall be smooth, without cracks or splinters, free of oil, shaped to fit the hand, and of the specified size and length.
Employees shall be warned against using a steel hammer on hardened steel surfaces. Instead, a soft-head hammer or one with a plastic, wood, or rawhide head should be used. Safety goggles or safety glasses shall be worn to protect against flying chips, nails, or scale.
Riveting Hammers
Riveting hammers, often used by sheet metal workers, must have the same kind of use and care as ball pen hammers and should be watched closely for cracked or chipped faces.
Carpenter's or Claw Hammers
The faces shall be kept well dressed at all times to reduce the hazard of flying nails while they are being started into a piece of wood. A checker-faced head is sometimes used to reduce this hazard.
Eye protection is advisable for all nailers and all employees working in the same area.

Spark-Resistant Tools:
Spark-resistant tools of nonferrous materials are sometimes advised for use where flammable gases, highly volatile liquids, and explosive materials are stored or used. The intensified sparks from steel tools are capable of igniting substances such as gunpowder, lint, TNT, carbon disulfide, aviation fuel, and ethyl ether.
In certain circumstances, steel coated with aluminum paint can emit sparks when struck with a metal striker (steel, brass, or spark-resistant alloys) and such sparks may ignite mixtures of flammable gases or vapors in air.
Nonferrous tools reduce the hazard from sparking but do not eliminate it. They must be inspected before each use to be certain that they have not picked up foreign particles which could produce friction sparks.

APPENDIX B: Portable Power Equipment Best Work Practice

Electric Tools

Abrasive Wheels and Tools
Illustration Abrasive Wheel Guard dimension
Pneumatic Power Tools Hand and Portable Power Tools


Gasoline-Powered Tools

Hydraulic-Powered Tools Powdered-Actuated Tools Updated: October 2008