Chapter 16
Tools-Hand and Power
Instructor:
Course Name:
University:
16.1 General
Hand and power tools are a part of our everyday lives. These tools help us in performing tasks that otherwise
would be difficult or impossible.
Workers using hand and power tools may be exposed to these hazards:
• Falling or flying objects which can be abrasive, or may splash
• Harmful dusts, fumes, mists, vapors, and gases
• Frayed or damaged electrical cords, hazardous connections, and improper grounding
Basic tool safety rules include the following:
• Perform maintenance regularly
• Use the right tool for the job
• Inspect tools before use
• Operate according to manufacturers' instructions
• Use the proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Use required and provided guards
Example 16.1
Workers using hand and power tools may be exposed to:
A.Falling of Flying objects
B.Harmful dusts
C.Damaged electrical cords
D.All of the above
Example 16.1
Workers using hand and power tools may be exposed to:
A.Falling of Flying objects
B.Harmful dusts
C.Damaged electrical cords
D.All of the above
Answer: D
16.2 General Requirements for Tools
The employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees.
• Keep your work area well lit, clean, and dry.
• Stand where you have firm footing and good balance while you use any tools.
• Arrange the work and use portable tools so that the tool will move away from your hands and body if it slips.
• Make sure that the material you are working on is held securely – use clamps or a vise if you need to.
• Use the right tool for the job. Don’t force a small tool to do heavy-duty work.
• Regularly inspect tools, cords, and accessories. Repair or replace problem equipment immediately.
• Never use a dull blade or cutting edge.
• Keep electric cables and cords clean and free from kinks. Never carry a tool by its cords.
16.2 General Requirements for Tools
• Use all guards and safety devices (i.e., three-prong plugs, double-insulated tools, and safety switches) that are
designed to be used with the equipment.
• Dress right. Never wear clothing or jewelry that could become entangled in machinery or power tools.
• Use protective equipment when necessary. This might include safety glasses, hearing protection, and
respiratory protection.
• Make adjustments and accessory changes when machinery is turned off and unplugged.
• Maintain your tools. Keep them sharp, oiled, and stored in a safe, dry place.
• Install or repair equipment only if you’re qualified. A faulty job may cause fires or seriously injure you or
other workers.
• Direct the tool away from other employees working in close proximity.
Example 16.2
While using saw blades, knives or other sharp tools, employees should direct the tool ________
other employees working in close proximity.
A.Towards
B.Diagonal towards
C.Away from
D.Tilted towards
Example 16.2
While using saw blades, knives or other sharp tools, employees should direct the tool ________
other employees working in close proximity.
A.Towards
B.Diagonal towards
C.Away from
D.Tilted towards
Answer: C
Example 16.3
The ______ is responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees.
A.Employer
B.OSHA compliance officer
C.City Manager
D.Construction Case Manager
Example 16.3
The ______ is responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees.
A.Employer
B.OSHA compliance officer
C.City Manager
D.Construction Case Manager
Answer: A
16.2.1 Guarding
The point of operations must be guarded or otherwise protected. The point of operations is where the work is
actually performed on the materials.
• When power operated tools are designed to accommodate guards, they shall be equipped with such guards
when in use.
• Belts, gears, shafts, pulleys, sprockets, spindles, drums, fly wheels, chains, or other reciprocating, rotating or
moving parts of equipment shall be guarded if such parts are exposed to contact by employees or otherwise
create a hazard.
• Types of guarding. One or more methods of machine guarding shall be provided to protect the operator and
other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip
points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks. Examples of guarding methods are - barrier guards, two-hand
tripping devices, electronic safety devices, etc.
16.2.1 Guarding
• For point of operation guarding:
Point of operation is the area on a machine where work is actually performed upon the material being
processed.
The point of operation of machines whose operation exposes an employee to injury, shall be guarded. The
guarding device shall be in conformity with any appropriate standards therefor, or, in the absence of
applicable specific standards, shall be so designed and constructed as to prevent the operator from having any
part of his body in the danger zone during the operating cycle.
Special hand tools for placing and removing material shall be such as to permit easy handling of material
without the operator placing a hand in the danger zone. Such tools shall not be in lieu of other guarding
required by this section, but can only be used to supplement protection provided.
Example 16.4
The point of _________ is where the work is actually performed on the materials and must be
guarded or otherwise protected.
A.Operations
B.Routine
C.Placement
D.Maintenance
Example 16.4
The point of _________ is where the work is actually performed on the materials and must be
guarded or otherwise protected.
A.Operations
B.Routine
C.Placement
D.Maintenance
Answer: A
16.2.2 Personal Protective Equipment
• Employees using hand and power tools and exposed to the hazard of falling, flying, abrasive, and splashing
objects, or exposed to harmful dusts, fumes, mists, vapors, or gases shall be provided with the particular
personal protective equipment necessary to protect them from the hazard.
16.2.3 Switches
• All hand-held powered platen sanders, grinders with wheels 2-inch diameter or less, routers, planers, laminate
trimmers, nibblers, shears, scroll saws, and jigsaws with blade shanks one-fourth of an inch wide or less may
be equipped with only a positive "on-off" control.
• All hand-held powered drills, tappers, fastener drivers, horizontal, vertical, and angle grinders with wheels
greater than 2 inches in diameter, disc sanders, belt sanders, reciprocating saws, saber saws, and other similar
operating powered tools shall be equipped with a momentary contact "on-off" control and may have a lock-on
control provided that turnoff can be accomplished by a single motion of the same finger or fingers that turn it
on.
• All other hand-held powered tools, such as circular saws, chain saws, and percussion tools without positive
accessory holding means, shall be equipped with a constant pressure switch that will shut off the power when
the pressure is released.
Example 16.5
_______ tools must be fitted with appropriate guards and safety switches. They are extremely
hazardous when used improperly.
A.Hand
B.Foot
C.Power
D.None of the Abode
Example 16.5
_______ tools must be fitted with appropriate guards and safety switches. They are extremely
hazardous when used improperly.
A.Hand
B.Foot
C.Power
D.None of the Abode
Answer: C
16.3 Hand Tools
Some hand tools (Figure 16.1) used in constructions are listed below.
a) Photo courtesy of Rodolfo b) Photo courtesy of
Quirós Skitterphoto
Figure 16.1 Construction workers working with hand tools
16.3 Hand Tools
• Knives. Using knives as pries, screwdrivers, can openers, awls, or punches can easily damage the damage. A
sharp blade needs less pressure to cut and has less of a chance of getting hung up and slipping. Always move
the blade away from you as you cut.
• Screwdrivers. Using screwdrivers as pries, can openers, punches, chisels, wedge, etc. can cause chipped,
rounded bent, dull tips; bent shafts; and split or broken handles.
• Hammers and Mallets. Nail hammers are designed to drive nails. Ball pein hammers are designed for
striking cold chisels and metal punches. Mallets have a striking head of plastic, wood, or rawhide and are
designed for striking wood chisels, punches, or dies. Sledgehammers are for striking concrete or stone.
• Pliers. Don’t substitute a pliers for a wrench. The face of the pliers is not designed to grip a fastener, and the
pliers can easily slip off of the nut or bolt.
• Cutters. Use cutters or snipes to remove banding wire or strapping. Trying to use a pry bar to snap open
banding can cause injuries.
16.3 Hand Tools
• Wrenches. Use adjustable open-ended wrenches for light-duty jobs when the proper sized wrench isn’t
available. Position yourself so you will be pulling the wrench towards you, with the open end facing you –
this lessens the chance of the wrench slipping off of the fastener when you apply force. Select an open-ended
wrench to fit the fastener for medium-duty jobs.
• Wood Saws. For cutting wood, use a cross-cut saw to cut across the grain, and use a ripping saw to cut with
the grain. Select a saw with coarse teeth for sawing green wood, thick lumber, or for making coarse cuts.
• Metalworking Hand Tools. Hack saws should have the blade installed with the teeth facing forward, and
apply pressure on the forward stroke. Use a light pressure to avoid twisting and breaking the blade. Metal
files need to be kept clean and protected from damage. Hitting the file against a hard object to clean it can
damage the file – use a file card for cleaning.
16.4 Power-Operated Hand Tools
Power tools must be fitted with appropriate guards and safety switches. They are extremely hazardous when
used improperly. Different types of power tools are determined by their power source:
• Electric
• Pneumatic
• Liquid fuel
• Hydraulic
• Powder-actuated
16.4 Power-Operated Hand Tools
Some commonly used power-operated tools are listed below.
• Saws. The circular saw is a heavy-duty tool with interchangeable blades for all types of woodcutting. The
saber saw is somewhat smaller and used for smaller woodcutting jobs and curved cuts.
• Drills. Variable speed drills are versatile tools used for boring holes, turning screws, buffing, and grinding.
Select the correct drill bit for the job to be done.
• Grinding Wheels. Bench grinders are useful for sharpening, shaping and smoothing metal, wood, plastic, or
stone. Keep machine guards in place and wear hearing and eye protection.
• Sanders. Two types of sanders are orbital and belt. Arrange the cord so that it won’t be damaged by the
abrasive belt. Keep both hands on the tool for good control.
• Impact Wrenches. They operate on electricity or compressed air and deliver extra power and torque for
fastening and loosening bolts and drilling. Don’t force a wrench to take on a job bigger than it’s designed to
handle.
16.4 Power-Operated Hand Tools
• Soldering Irons or “Guns.” They can be dangerous because of the heat they generate. Handle with care –
they can easily cause serious burns. Always assume that a soldering iron in hot.
• Propane and Gas Torches. These commonly used tools pose fire and heat hazards. Never use a flame to test
for propane or gas leaks. Never store the fuel tanks in an unventilated area, and never use a tank with a
leaking valve. Use torches in well-ventilated areas. Avoid breathing the vapor and fumes they generate.
• Glue Guns. A glue gun can be a real time saver. However, because it generates temperatures as high as
450℉, avoid contact with the hot nozzle and glue.
• Shop Vacuums. Clean filters regularly and never use your vacuum to pick up flammable liquids or
smoldering materials.
• Radial-Arm Saw. Often called the number one multipurpose saw in the shop, this saw blade is mounted on a
moveable head, and slides in tracks or along a shaft. Most have built-in safety devices such as key switches to
start them, blade guards, anti-kickback pawls, and blade brakes. The saw and motor should always be
returned to the rear of the table against the column after a cut is made.
16.4 Power-Operated Hand Tools
• Table Saw. This saw has a large circular blade used to make a variety of cuts in wood or other material.
Never reach over the saw to push stock. Stand slightly to one side, never in line with the saw. A “kickback”
occurs when material being cut is thrown back toward the operator. This is one of the greatest hazards in
running a table saw. To avoid it:
Never use a dull blade.
Don’t cut “freehand” or attempt to rip badly warped wood.
Use the splitter guard.
Don’t drop wood on an unguarded saw.
• Drill Press. The stationary drill press id a larger, more powerful version of a portable drill. Clamp or securely
fasten the material being drilled whenever possible. Make sure any attachments are fastened tightly.
16.4 Power-Operated Hand Tools
• Power Sanders. Always select the correct grade of abrasive for the job. Move the work around to avoid
heating and burning a portion of the disk, belt, or wood. Remember to use the dust collector if the sander has
one.
• Shapers. A shaper is used mainly for grooving and fluting woods. It can be dangerous because of its high
speed and because the cutters are difficult to guard completely. When using a shaper, avoid loose clothing,
wear eye protection, and make sure that cutters are sharp and securely fastened.
• Welding Machines. The high-intensity arc of even a small welding machine can cause severe burns. Flame-
resistant clothing and hand and eye protection are needed to protect against hot sparks and molten metal.
Keep the area around the welding operation clean – hot sparks can start fires.
Example 16.6
The lower blade guard on a radial arm saw is NOT designed to prevent the operator from coming
into contract with the rotating blade.
oTrue
oFalse
Example 16.6
The lower blade guard on a radial arm saw is NOT designed to prevent the operator from coming
into contract with the rotating blade.
oTrue
oFalse
Answer: False
16.3.1 Electric Power-Operated Tools
• Electric power operated tools shall either be of the approved double-insulated type or grounded.
• The use of electric cords for hoisting or lowering tools shall not be permitted.
16.3.2 Pneumatic Power Tools
• Pneumatic power tools shall be secured to the hose or whip by some positive means to prevent the tool from
becoming accidentally disconnected.
• Safety clips or retainers shall be securely installed and maintained on pneumatic impact (percussion) tools to
prevent attachments from being accidentally expelled.
• All pneumatically driven nailers, staplers, and other similar equipment provided with automatic fastener feed,
which operate at more than 100 p.s.i. pressure at the tool shall have a safety device on the muzzle to prevent
the tool from ejecting fasteners, unless the muzzle is in contact with the work surface.
• Compressed air shall not be used for cleaning purposes except where reduced to less than 30 p.s.i. and then
only with effective chip guarding and personal protective equipment which meets the requirements of Subpart
E of this part. The 30 p.s.i. requirement does not apply for concrete form, mill scale and similar cleaning
purposes.
• The manufacturer's safe operating pressure for hoses, pipes, valves, filters, and other fittings shall not be
exceeded,
16.3.2 Pneumatic Power Tools
• The use of hoses for hoisting or lowering tools shall not be permitted.
• All hoses exceeding 1/2-inch inside diameter shall have a safety device at the source of supply or branch line
to reduce pressure in case of hose failure.
• Airless spray guns of the type which atomize paints and fluids at high pressures (1,000 pounds or more per
square inch) shall be equipped with automatic or visible manual safety devices which will prevent pulling of
the trigger to prevent release of the paint or fluid until the safety device is manually released.
• In lieu of the above, a diffuser nut which will prevent high pressure, high velocity release, while the nozzle
tip is removed, plus a nozzle tip guard which will prevent the tip from coming into contact with the operator,
or other equivalent protection, shall be provided.
• "Abrasive blast cleaning nozzles." The blast cleaning nozzles shall be equipped with an operating valve
which must be held open manually. A support shall be provided on which the nozzle may be mounted when it
is not in use.
Example 16.7
It is important to drive fasteners into very hard or brittle material that might chip or splatter, or make
the fasteners ricochet.
oTrue
oFalse
Example 16.7
It is important to drive fasteners into very hard or brittle material that might chip or splatter, or make
the fasteners ricochet.
oTrue
oFalse
False – Avoid driving into materials easily penetrated unless materials are backed by substance that
will prevent the pin of fastener from passing through. Also don’t drive fasteners into very hard or
brittle material that might chip or splatter, or make the fasteners ricochet.
Example 16.8
Ensure that a _______ tool is fastened securely to the air hose to prevent a disconnection.
A.Hand
B.Electric
C.Running
D.Pneumatic
Example 16.8
Ensure that a _______ tool is fastened securely to the air hose to prevent a disconnection.
A.Hand
B.Electric
C.Running
D.Pneumatic
Answer: D
16.3.3 Fuel Powered Tools
• All fuel powered tools shall be stopped while being refueled, serviced, or maintained, and fuel shall be
transported, handled, and stored in accordance with Subpart F of the part.
• When fuel powered tools are used in enclosed spaces, the applicable requirements for concentrations of toxic
gases and use of personal protective equipment.
16.3.4 Hydraulic Power Tools
• The fluid used in hydraulic powered tools shall be fire-resistant fluids approved under Schedule 30 of the
U.S. Bureau of Mines and shall retain its operating characteristics at the most extreme temperatures to which
it will be exposed.
• The manufacturer's safe operating pressures for hoses, valves, pipes, filters, and other fittings shall not be
exceeded.
16.3.5 Powder-Actuated Tools
• Only employees who have been trained in the operation of the particular tool in use shall be allowed to
operate a powder-actuated tool.
• The tool shall be tested each day before loading to see that safety devices are in proper working condition.
The method of testing shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended procedure.
• Any tool found not in proper working order, or that develops a defect during use, shall be immediately
removed from service and not used until properly repaired.
• Personal protective equipment shall be in accordance with Subpart E of this part.
• Tools shall not be loaded until just prior to the intended firing time. Neither loaded nor empty tools are to be
pointed at any employees. Hands shall be kept clear of the open barrel end.
• Loaded tools shall not be left unattended.
16.3.5 Powder-Actuated Tools
• 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.
• 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.
• No fastener shall be driven into a spalled area caused by an unsatisfactory fastening.
• Tools shall not be used in an explosive or flammable atmosphere.
• All tools shall be used with the correct shield, guard, or attachment recommended by the manufacturer.
• Powder-actuated tools used by employees shall meet all other applicable requirements of American National
Standards Institute, A10.3-1970, Safety Requirements for Explosive-Actuated Fastening Tools.
16.4 Abrasive Wheels and Tools
Abrasive wheels (Figure 16.2) are powered wheels used in workshop grinder machines (fixed or portable), and
are made up of small abrasive particles (grit) that have been stuck together by a bonding material to form wheel
structures of different thickness.
Figure 16.2 Abrasive wheel
16.5 Abrasive Wheels and Tools
Some are used for polishing, deburring, sanding and finishing. Part 1926, Subpart I, Standard Number 1926.303
states that:
• Power. All grinding machines shall be supplied with sufficient power to maintain the spindle speed at safe
levels under all conditions of normal operation.
• Guarding. Grinding machines shall be equipped with safety guards in conformance with the requirements of
American National Standards Institute. The safety guard shall cover the spindle end, nut, and flange
projections.
• Use of abrasive wheels.
• Other requirements. All abrasive wheels and tools used by employees shall meet other applicable
requirements of American National Standards Institute.
• Work rests. On offhand grinding machines, work rests shall be used to support the work. They shall be of
rigid construction and designed to be adjustable to compensate for wheel wear.
16.6 Woodworking Tools
Part 1926, Subpart I, Standard Number 1926.304 states that:
• Disconnect switches. All fixed power driven woodworking tools shall be provided with a disconnect switch
that can either be locked or tagged in the off position.
• Speeds. The operating speed shall be etched or otherwise permanently marked on all circular saws over 20
inches in diameter or operating at over 10,000 peripheral feet per minute.
• Self-feed. Automatic feeding devices shall be installed on machines whenever the nature of the work will
permit. Feeder attachments shall have the feed rolls or other moving parts covered or guarded so as to protect
the operator from hazardous points.
• Guarding. All portable, power-driven circular saws shall be equipped with guards above and below the base
plate or shoe. The upper guard shall cover the saw to the depth of the teeth, except for the minimum arc
required to permit the base to be tilted for bevel cuts.
16.6 Woodworking Tools
Radial saws. In radial saw (Figure 16.3a), the upper hood shall completely enclose the upper portion of the
blade down to a point that will include the end of the saw arbor.
a) Radial sawPhoto b) TablesawPhoto c) RipsweawPhoto
courtesy of Elite Metal courtesy of Powermatic courtesy of Cleyder
Duque from pexels
Figure 16.3 Different types of saws
16.7 Jacks-Lever and Ratchet, Screw, And Hydraulic
Part 1926, Subpart I, Standard Number 1926.305 states that:
• General requirements. The manufacturer's rated capacity shall be legibly marked on all jacks and shall not
be exceeded. All jacks shall have a positive stop to prevent over travel.
• Blocking. When it is necessary to provide a firm foundation, the base of the jack shall be blocked or cribbed.
Where there is a possibility of slippage of the metal cap of the jack, a wood block shall be placed between the
cap and the load.
16.7 Jacks-Lever and Ratchet, Screw, And Hydraulic
• Operation and maintenance. After the load has been raised, it shall be cribbed, blocked, or otherwise
secured at once. Hydraulic jacks exposed to freezing temperatures shall be supplied with an adequate
antifreeze liquid. All jacks shall be properly lubricated at regular intervals. Each jack shall be thoroughly
inspected at times which depend upon the service conditions. Inspections shall be not less frequent than the
following:
For constant or intermittent use at one locality, once every 6 months,
For jacks sent out of shop for special work, when sent out and when returned,
For a jack subjected to abnormal load or shock, immediately before and immediately thereafter.
16.8 Air Receivers
Part 1926, Subpart I, Standard Number 1926.306 states that:
16.8.1 General requirements
• Application. This section applies to compressed air receivers, and other equipment used in providing and
utilizing compressed air for performing operations such as cleaning, drilling, hoisting, and chipping.On the
other hand, however, this section does not deal with the special problems created by using compressed air to
convey materials nor the problems created when men work in compressed air as in tunnels and caissons. .
• New and existing equipment. All new air receivers installed after the effective date of these regulations
shall be constructed in accordance with the 1968 edition of the A.S.M.E. Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
Section VIII.All safety valves used shall be constructed, installed and maintained in accordance with the
A.S.M.E. Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII Edition 1968.
16.8.2 Installation and Equipment Requirements
• Installation. Air receivers shall be so installed that all drains, handholes, and manholes therein are easily
accessible. Under no circumstances shall an air receiver be buried underground or located in an inaccessible
place.
• Drains and traps. A drain pipe and valve shall be installed at the lowest point of every air receiver to provide
for the removal of accumulated oil and water. Adequate automatic traps may be installed in addition to drain
valves. The drain valve on the air receiver shall be opened and the receiver completely drained frequently and
at such intervals as to prevent the accumulation of excessive amounts of liquid in the receiver.
• Gages and valves. Every air receiver shall be equipped with an indicating pressure gage (so located as to be
readily visible) and with one or more spring-loaded safety valves. The total relieving capacity of such safety
valves shall be such as to prevent pressure in the receiver from exceeding the maximum allowable working
pressure of the receiver by more than 10 percent.
16.9 Mechanical Power-Transmission Apparatus
• Part 1926, Subpart I, Standard Number 1926.307 specifies the specification used for different power-
transmission apparatus such as flywheels, cranks and connecting rods, tail rods or extension piston rods
shafting, pulleys, belt, rope, and chain drives, cone-pulley belts, keys, setscrews, and other projections, belt
shifters, clutches, shippers, poles, perches, and fasteners, etc.
16.10 Overall Working Safety
Proper care and safety when using tools and machinery is vital. Some overall safety rules are listed below.
1.Respect your equipment, know the dangers it presents, and take safety precautions necessary to work without
injury.
2.Take out only the tools that you will need for the job. Piles of extra tools can get in the way or get lost.
3.Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
4.Maintain tools and equipment with regular servicing and good housekeeping practices. Putting tools away
after use keeps them from getting damaged or disappearing.
5.If you don’t know how to use a particular tool, don’t be afraid to admit it. Find someone who does and learn
from an experienced worker.
6.Carry your tools safely. Use a tool box or a tool chest to move tools around. If you need to carry tools,
especially on a ladder, wear a tool belt.
Example 16.9
Basic Tool Safety includes:
A.Use the wrong tool for any job
B.Maintenance of tools isn’t suggested
C.Inspect tools before use
D.Disregard operating guidance from the manufacturers’ instructions
Example 16.9
Basic Tool Safety includes:
A.Use the wrong tool for any job
B.Maintenance of tools isn’t suggested
C.Inspect tools before use
D.Disregard operating guidance from the manufacturers’ instructions
Answer: C
Example 16.10
_______ should be trained in the proper use and handling of tools and equipment.
A.Trainers
B.Employees
C.OSHA Compliance Officers
D.Manufacturers
Example 16.10
_______ should be trained in the proper use and handling of tools and equipment.
A.Trainers
B.Employees
C.OSHA Compliance Officers
D.Manufacturers
Answer: B
16.11 Summary
• We regularly use hand and power tools as part of our everyday lives. They help us in performing tasks that
otherwise might be difficult or impossible to accomplish.
• This chapter discussed the various types of tools and their general safety precautions. Electric power tools
must be double insulated and have a three-wire cord plugged into a grounded receptacle.
• Abrasive wheels and tools may throw off flying fragments and should have guards and be inspected before
use. Never remove guards or use a power tool without proper guarding in place.
• Pneumatic tools are powered by compressed air and they include nail guns, staplers, chippers, drills, and
sanders. Hazards include getting hit by a tool attachment or by a fastener that worker is using with the tool.
Now work on the:
• Multiple Choice Questions
• Practice Problems
• Critical Thinking and Discussion Topic
