tool safety || electrical tools · 2019-09-20 · frayed cords, cracks, or signs of electrical...

© Weeklysafety.com, LLC 1

Tools are vital to any construction trade andpower tools are especially important.Unfortunately, electrical tools can posesignificant hazards.

Workers should be sure that they arefamiliar with the specific hazards of thetools they use including hazards such as:• Electrical shock• Cuts and amputations• Eye injuries

Injuries with tools often take place whenworkers fail to use them as intended,remove guards designed for their ownsafety, or forget to inspect them beforeusing. Workers should be trained andreminded to follow safe work practicesevery time they use their tools.

TOOL SAFETY || Electrical ToolsVolume 1 Issue 25

Worker using tool with proper hand grip and personal protective equipment worn. (*1)


➢ Always inspect your electrical tools andextension cords before use.

➢ Inspect tools for any damage such as cut orfrayed cords, cracks, or signs of electricaldamage.

➢ Ensure that tools are not covered in paint,grease, or dirt that can create a hazard orhide a serious defect.


OSHA Standard 1926.300(a) says that all hand andpower tools and similar equipment, whether furnishedby the employer or the employee, shall be maintainedin a safe condition.

These drills are covered in paint and grime which could hidedangerous cracks or defects. (*2)

These extension cords with missing ground pins were found on aconstruction site. Never use extension cords that have broken ormissing ground pins!


➢ Only use electrical tools that have a propergrounding pin or are designed with doubleinsulated protection.


OSHA Standard 1926.302(a)(1) Electric poweroperated tools shall either be of the approveddouble-insulated type or grounded in accordancewith Subpart K of this part.

Look for the words indicating a tool is “Double Insulated” orthe square symbols shown above to confirm the tool has adouble insulated safety design.

(*3)


➢ Inspect guards and safety devices beforeusing the tool.

➢ Never remove or pin back guards on circularsaws or other tools.

➢ Always use the proper attachments, handles,and grips provided by the manufacturer!


Circular saw with guard in use. (*4)

OSHA Standard 1926.300(b)(1) When power operated toolsare designed to accommodate guards, they shall beequipped with such guards when in use.


Remember the following tips to avoid potentiallyserious injuries when working with electrical tools:

➢ Always inspect your electrical tools andextension cords before use.

➢ Inspect tools for any damage such as cut orfrayed cords, cracks, or signs of electricaldamage.

➢ Ensure that tools are not covered in paint,grease, or dirt that can create a hazard or hide aserious defect.

➢ Only use electrical tools that have a propergrounding pin or are designed with doubleinsulated protection.

➢ Inspect guards and safety devices before usingthe tool.

➢ Never remove or pin back guards on circularsaws or other tools.

➢ Always use the proper attachments, handles,and grips provided by the manufacturer!


(*5)

© Weeklysafety.com, LLC

COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMERThis material is the copyrighted property of Weeklysafety.com, LLC. Purchase of this material from Weeklysafety.com, LLC grants the owner the right to use this material for workplace safetyand education purposes only. Use of this material for any other purpose, particularly commercial use, is prohibited. This material, including the photos, may not be resold.Weeklysafety.com, LLC does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or processdisclosed in these materials. Photos shown in this presentation may depict situations that are not in compliance with applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safetyrequirements. These materials are meant for informational purposes only and it is not the intent of Weeklysafety.com, LLC to provide compliance-based training. The intent is more toaddress hazard awareness in the construction and related industries, and to recognize the potential hazards present in many workplaces. These materials are intended to discuss FederalRegulations only, as individual State requirements may be more stringent. Many states operate their own state OSHA and may have standards that are different from information presentedin this training. It is the responsibility of the employer and its employees to comply with all pertinent OSHA safety rules and regulations in the jurisdiction in which they work.

PHOTO ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Unless specified below, all photos are the copyrighted property of Weeklysafety.com, LLC and may not be used in any other training materials or resold for any purpose.

For more information on this weekly safety topic, other topics that are available and the full list of FAQs please visitwww.weeklysafety.com or email [email protected].

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• (*1) Photo Credit – Peo ACWA. Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant Medical Facility. https://www.flickr.com/photos/acwa/16663051655/

• (*2) Photo Credit – danisabella. Love. https://www.flickr.com/photos/danisabella/4679454592/

• (*3) Photo Credit – Jon Fife. End of the cord (#81). https://www.flickr.com/photos/good-karma/652486713/

• (*4) Photo Credit – Dana. IMG_4029.sm. https://www.flickr.com/photos/roseannadana/8175862948/

• (*5) Photo Credit – Mark Hunter. Bosch GSB16RE Impact Drill. https://www.flickr.com/photos/toolstop/3926216502/

Creative Commons License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/


tool safety || electrical tools · 2019-09-20 · frayed cords, cracks, or signs of electrical...

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