Toolbox Talk- Portable Power Drill Safety

Portable power drills are very commonly used in industries. Drills can cause serious injuries if not
properly used. The following precautions will help in the safe use of drills.
1. Ensure that personnel operating power drills are competent based on training, experience and skill.
2. Read and understand the manufacturer’s safety instructions before using a portable power drill.
3. Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate to the task. Gloves are for safety but not
near rotating equipment. Eye protection must be worn.
4. Do not wear gloves, loose clothing, long hair, jewelry, etc. which may get entangled with rotating drill or
chuck causing injury to hand or body.
5. Check the drill for defects such as a damaged cable, broken plug and proper operational condition before
use.
6. If the drill has a metal frame, it must be securely connected to ground using 3-prong adaptors. It is
preferable to use non-metallic double insulated tool which does not need grounding.
7. Use ELCB/GFCI controlled power source for portable drill to prevent risk of electric shock.
8. Always secure your work on a stable platform using clamps or vices. The work-piece must be secured so it
does not spin and cause injury.
9. Ensure that drill bit being used is sharp. A blunt bit will become hot and likely to break and cause injury.
10. Unplug the tool before changing the drill bit to prevent accidental operation which may cause serious injury.
11. To prevent slipping of the drill bit, mark drill location with a punch. Always drill pilot hole before drilling
large hole to prevent kickback.
12. Avoid using excessive force which may result in breakage of the drill bit and cause injury.
13. Ensure firm grip on the machine with both hands.
14. Do not handle swarf with bare hands. Use brush or hook. Avoid touching hot part and drill bit with your
bare hands.
15. Be aware of your surroundings and always on the lookout for hazards. Avoid using electric drills in a wet
environment.
16. Unsafe practices and inadequate housekeeping create potentially dangerous work-zones; keep the work
area free of trip hazards such as tangled power cords, cluttered material, scraps, stones, bricks, or other
obstacles and obstructions.

Activity:
• Can you share any incidents or near miss you have come across while using portable power drills?
• Do you have any concerns or suggestions for safety improvement?