Information on this page is drawn from "Installation and Repair: Using Tools" published by OSHA

NOTE: Request for permission pending.

Potential Hazards

• Hole saws and drill bits may get stuck while spinning resulting in strong kickback and increasing the potential of severe injuries to the wrists, elbows and shoulders.

• Drills must be used frequently on floors, floor joists or rafters forcing employees to bend or reach for a work piece.

• Supporting heavy drills for extended periods of time may cause fatigue, discomfort and pain.

• Regular exposure to vibration when using hand-held power tools may cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).

Possible Solutions

• Use an angle drill for large holes. This provides a longer lever arm to control torque forces (Figure 13).

Figure 13
Drilling a hole.

• Use a torque bar to help absorb the shock of a stuck bit.

• Use drilling tools with a built-in kickback clutch.

• Do not force the bit. Apply even pressure and let the drill do the work.

• Use bit extensions to help minimize reaching.

• Use platform ladders, regular ladders (Figure 14) or lifts to reach higher work areas so that arms may be kept closer to the body. The arms may then safely support tools when in the power zone.

Figure 14
Fiberglass ladder.

• Ask builders to use materials that do not require drilling, such as engineered wood products with knockouts.

• Ask builders to use spacers while laying fresh concrete to minimize drilling after concrete has cured.

• Ensure that tool bits are sharp before using. Replace or sharpen bits frequently.

• Use a stool to improve access and minimize reaching.

• Wear kneepads when frequent or prolonged kneeling is required.

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Installation and Repair: Using Tools