SECTION 22. HAND AND PORTABLE POWER TOOLS AND OTHER HANDHELD EQUIPMENT

22.1 INTRODUCTION

Many injuries each year result from the improper use or maintenance of tools, especially portable power tools. It is therefore important users of portable power tools be trained in their use and all tools be maintained in a safe condition.

22.2 GENERAL GUIDELINES

The proper tool and/or attachment will be used for the job to be performed.

All portable power tools and their attachments or accessories will be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Prior to each use, they will be examined to insure general serviceability and the presence of all applicable safety devices. Power cords and all hoses will also be examined. Any of these items found to be defective or not up to standard will be appropriately tagged to prevent their use, then removed from service until properly repaired or replaced.

All portable, powered circular saws and grinders with a blade or wheel diameter of two inches or more will be equipped with an upper and lower blade guard and a wheel guard. The lower blade guard will never be tied back when the saw is being operated.

The rated operating speed (rotations per minute-RPM) of abrasive or cutoff wheels, wire wheels or brushes, and backing pads or discs will be greater than the RPM of the power tool spindles they are attached to.

Power tools will be disconnected from their power source whenever they are serviced or the point of operation attachments (blades, wheels, etc.) are adjusted or changed by use of a tool or device.

Power tools will be hoisted or lowered by a hand line or bucket, never by the cord or hose.

Hand tools such as chisels, punches, drift pins, etc., with mushroomed heads or cracks, will not be used until dressed or replaced.

Insulation on hand tools will not be depended upon to protect users from electric shock.

Approved personal protective equipment will be worn to protect from hazards involved with the use of tools. The hazards include but are not limited to flying particles or objects, dusts, noises, and sharp or rough objects.

All handheld power equipment will have a switch that automatically shuts off when pressure is not applied. Lock-on controls are extremely dangerous and should be removed. In addition, the power switch must be located and protected in such a way as to minimize the possibility of accidentally turning it on.

Grounding--all portable, electric power tools must be grounded or be “double insulated,” and UL approved.

22.3 PNEUMATIC POWERED TOOLS

Pneumatic tools will be secured to the hose by some positive means to prevent the tool from becoming accidentally disconnected.

Retainers will be securely installed on impact or rotating tools to prevent attachments from being accidentally expelled from the barrel.

Tool hoses over 3/8 inch inside diameter will have an excess flow check valve at the source of supply or branch line to shut off the air in the event of a hose or connection failure.

22.4 COMPRESSED AIR FOR CLEANING

Compressed air will not be used for cleaning purposes, except under the following conditions:

- air pressure ahead of the air gun is set to less than 30 pounds per square inch (psi);
- by use of an air gun with internal pressure reducers or relief devices that reduce the pressure to less than 30psi at the nozzle in case of obstruction or dead-ending;
- and then only with effective guarding from flying chips or particles into the eyes or exposed skin of the operator or co-worker.

Compressed air will not be used to “blow down” or clean oneself off at any time.

22.5 EXPLOSIVE-ACTUATED FASTENING TOOLS

Explosive-actuated fastening tools will meet ANSI requirements. Operators of these tools will be trained and wear eye, ear and face protection.

Cartridges will be carried and transported in approved containers.

Tools and cartridges will never be left unattended where they would be available to unauthorized persons.

Tools will not be loaded - even with a single load in the magazine or with a clip in place until just prior to starting the work. A cartridge will not be fed into the firing chamber (ram) until just prior to firing.

In the event of a misfire, the tool will be held in the operating position for at least 30 seconds, followed by an attempted re-fire and, if no response, then held for another 30 seconds before removal of the cartridge in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

These tools will not be used in an explosive or flammable atmosphere.

22.6 FUEL POWERED TOOLS

All fuel-powered tools will be shut down (engine stopped) and allowed to cool before being refueled or serviced.

Smoking is prohibited during the use of such tools.

Adequate ventilation will be provided when fuel powered tools are used indoors or in insufficiently ventilated areas.