Tools Under Their Control

All hand tools, power tools and other similar equipment, whether furnished by the company or the employee, shall be maintained in a safe condition. Personnel assigned to toot rooms should be responsible for the inspection and repair of tools under their control.

Hand Tools

a. Insulated or non-conducting tools should be used when working near energized electrical circuits,

b. Tool handles shall be tightly fitted. Wooden handles should be carefully checked, tightened with wedges, if necessary, and split or splintered handles shall be replaced.

c. All impact tools, such as chisels, punches and wedges, shall be regularly dressed to eliminate " mushrooming ".

Power Tools

The majority of power tool accidents are caused by improper handling or poor maintenance. The following applies to all types of power tools:

a. Only authorized personnel shall be permitted to operate or repair power tools

b. Maintenance of power tools should be systematic. All worn or damaged tools should be promptly repaired or replaced. All tools should be cleaned, tested and inspected regularly.

c. Power tools shall not be used if safety devices, such as shields, tool rests, hoods and guards have been removed or otherwise rendered inoperative.

d. Employees using tools under conditions that expose them to the hazards of flying objects or harmful dusts shall be provided with the required personal protective equipment.

e. All electrically powered tools shall be properly grounded, or of double insulated construction. Outlets used for 110 volt tools shall be protected by ground fault circuit interruption devices, or as per the Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program.

f. Gasoline powered tools shall not be used in unventilated areas. Gasoline shall be dispensed only in UL approved safety cans.

g. Portable grinders should be provided with hood type guards with side enclosures that cover the spindle and at least 50% of the wheel. All wheels should be inspected regularly for signs of fracture.

h. Bench grinders shall be equipped with deflector shields and side cover guards. Tool rests shall have a maximum clearance of 1/8-inch from the wheel and tongue guards adjusted to a maximum clearance of 1/4-inch.

i. Hoses supplying pneumatic tools shall have couplings secured to prevent accidental disconnections.

j. Air-supply lines should be protected from damage, inspected regularly and maintained in good condition. Couplings shall be secured by positive means.

k. Air sources supplying hoses exceeding 1/8-inch ID shall be protected by excess flow valves to prevent "whipping" in the event of hose separation or failure.

l. The pressure of compressed air used for cleaning purposes must be reduced to 30 PSI or less

Powder-Actuated Tools

a. Only employees who have furnished evidence of having been trained in its use shall be allowed to operate a powder-actuated tool. Eye protection shall be worn by all personnel exposed to the use of this type tool. Hearing protection shall also be worn if the tool is used for extended periods.

b. Tools shall not be loaded until just prior to use. Loaded tools shall not be left unattended.

c. Tools shall not be used in an explosive or flammable atmosphere. Cartridges (power source) shall be kept separated from all other material.

d. Account for all cased power loads. Police area and remove used cases.

e. Powder-actuated tools shall meet all applicable requirements of ANSI 10.3

f. Fasteners shall not be driven into very hard or brittle materials including, but not limited to cast iron, glazed tile, surface hardened steel, glass block, live rock, face brick or hollow tile.

g. Driving into materials easily penetrated shall be avoided unless such materials are backed by a substance that will prevent the pin or fastener from passing completely through and creating a flying missile hazard on the other side.