Portable Power Tools
The following information originiates from a California Training document regarding portable power tools.
Background
Most of us use power tools every day. Generally we don't get hurt. But every year in California, portable power tools injure almost 1,800 construction workers seriously enough to keep them off the job.
Working with power tools, you can get an electric shock, lose a finger, lose an eye, or go deaf. It's especially dangerous to use a tool that's defective, that's been modified, or that's not designed for the job. Of course, you can also get injured if you use any tool carelessly.
Power tools can also contribute to "ergonomic" injuries. These are injuries to the muscles, tendons, joints, and nerves. They include strains and sprains, tendinitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Ergonomic injuries can happen right away or develop over time.
Common Injuries
Many kinds of power tools are utilized in construction. They may be air-powered, gasoline-powered, electric, or hydraulic. Common injuries with these tools include:
- Electric Shock
- Flash Burns
- Falling
- Eye Injuries
- Hearing Loss
- Crushing or loosing body part
- Ergonomic injuries
When using power tools
There are various things to keep in mind while using power tools. Some important factors include:
- Use the right tool for the job. Never use a tool for a job it wasn't designed to do. Make sure you're familiar with your tools and know how to use them properly.
- Select tools that fit the hand comfortably, have soft grips that don't cut into your hand, and are not too heavy.
- Select tools with reduced vibration and noise levels.
- Use tools on a stable work surface. Hold the work with a vise or clamps if necessary.
- Avoid awkward positions when using power tools. Some tools are poorly designed and force you to work with unnecessary strain on your wrist, arm, shoulder, or back. Use tools with a better design.
- Make sure you have enough space to work, and can keep your body at a comfortable angle to the work. Adjust the position of the tool, or the orientation of the work surface, to minimize bending your wrist or body, reaching, or twisting.
- Keep tools where they belong. Never leave them on a ladder, scaffold, or overhead work space. Keep them where they won't fall on someone or trip someone.
- Don't use powder-actuated tools unless you have a valid operator's card for the specific tool involved. You need special training.
Examining power tools before operation
Proper maintainence of power tools in a must to prevent injury. Failing to do so may result in injury or fatal injury. Use these steps as a guideline:
- Keep tools clean. Inspect them every day. Check blades, bits, and other cutting parts prior to each use. Make sure they are sharp, and not worn or cracked. Check chucks, collars, and other tool holding parts to make sure they are in good operating condition. Tag tools and take them out of service if there's a problem.
- Make sure tools have guards on their blades, bits, rollers, chains, gears, sprockets, and other dangerous moving parts.
- Never remove guards. Don't tie them back or modify them either.
Avoiding Electrical Shocks
Electical shocks may cause fatal injuries. Preventing an electical shock is a must. A few steps to follow are:
- Make sure tools have a 3-wire cord and are grounded. (Double-insulated tools don't need a ground.)
- Don't remove the third prong (the ground prong) from a plug. If you use an adapter (3-prong plug to 2-hole outlet), make sure it's grounded.
- If a tool buzzes, report it immediately and have an electrician check it out. Either the wiring or the tool itself may be defective.
- Don't use ordinary household extension cords. Use 3-wire cords intended for heavy duty. Don't run them near water, other liquids, or metal which can carry current.
- Don't touch any electrical equipment when the equipment is wet, you're wet, you're sweating, or you're standing on a wet surface.
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