Power Tools Safety Dos and Don’ts - EHS

Use of Portable Power Tools Safety Dos and Don’ts

Power Tools Safety Dos and Don’ts

Portable Power Tools Safety: If you want work efficiency and precise work, power tools are the best option. They are very easy to handle, make the worker comfortable but just as dangerous if not used with care. Neglect and misuse of power tools can result in serious injury.

In the workplace, the number of power tools is used to perform the daily task, and their types are determined by their power source. Most portable power tools are powered by electricity, but other types such as pneumatic, liquid fuel, hydraulic and powder tools are also used in various working environments.

In oil and gas installations, pneumatic power tools are widely used to avoid an ignition source in a flammable atmosphere. Even for rescue purposes, pneumatic, hydraulic, and liquid fuel tools are used due to their portability and the unavailability of electric power.

Basic operational education and training is required to use all of these power tools safely. A single malfunction can result in serious injury so every morning a Toolbox talk meeting should be held to educate workers.

These safety dos and don'ts of using power tools will help communicate basic safety precautions to workers and help you prevent injury.

Portable Power Tools Safety Do’s and Don’ts

Here are the basic safety precautions when using portable power tools in the form of Dos and Don'ts so that the worker can easily understand. It can also be displayed in the workplace to remind workers at all time.

Dos

1. Use only inspected and approved power tools.
2. Visually inspect tools before each use.
3. Select the appropriate tool for each job.
4. When not in use, turn off the energy/ power supply.
5. Store tools in designated location.
6. Perform periodic preventive maintenance.
7. Use appropriate PPE such as leather gloves, hard hat, safety shoes, face shield, safety Google, apron, etc. depending on the nature of the work.
8. While working at height, secure tools with rope or cord.
9. Make sure all electric power tools are properly grounded.
10. Ensure air hose connected to pneumatic tools is secured.
11. Make sure power supply switch board with ELCB or GFCI.
12. Do not hold your fingers on the ON switch when plugged in or unplugged to avoid accidental starting.
13. Make sure the electrical connections are correct at both ends.
14. Provide adequate protection at the point of operation.
15. The workpiece can be secured to free both hands to operate tool efficiently.
16. Hold the angular grinder with the open-end of the guard away from the body.
17. For grounded tools, 3-prong plug, use ground outlets.
18. Disconnect power tools from power source before performing maintenance or cleaning.
19. Make sure you have a good footing to maintain your body balance when using power tools.
20. Power tools should be disconnected when not in use.
21. Use a tool bag or bucket with rope or other suitable carrier to carry power tools while climbing the ladder.
22. Unplug power tools when changing accessories such as cutting wheel or grinding wheel, blades, chain, and bits.
23. Release the air before disconnecting the hoses from the pneumatic power tool.
24. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions (user manual) for maintenance, lubrication and replacement of accessories.
25. Provide a “Do Not Use” tag on all damaged portable power tools and remove from the job site.

Don’ts

1. Don't compromise on quality when buying power tools.
2. Don’t overload or force tools.
3. Don’t leave unsecured tools at height or in dangerous places.
4. Don’t wear loose clothing, ties, or jewellery/ articles when using power tools, as they may get caught in moving parts.
5. Don’t extend the length of the power tool cable.
6. Don’t use faulty or damaged power tools.
7. Don’t leave cords on the walkway to avoid tripping and falling.
8. Don’t use angular grinder without guard.
9. Don’t insert bare wires to supply power.
10. Don’t modify the connectors / plug connections in any way.
11. Don’t allow an unqualified or untrained person to operate power tools.
12. Don’t use damaged plugs or exposed terminals.
13. Don’t use power tools in an area where the LEL is greater than zero
14. Don’t use or leave power tools in the rain or in wet conditions.
15. Don’t keep the cord or hose near sharp objects, oil or heat.
16. Don’t point a compressed gun at a person or use it to clean your cloths.
17. Don’t attempt to clean tools without disconnecting the power supply.
18. Don’t abuse the cord by pulling it or lift tools by its cord.
19. Don’t store a loaded air gun after work is completed.
20. Don’t carry tools by their cord or hose.
21. Don’t leave power tools unattended.
22. Don’t touch the grounded surface when using power tools, there is a high risk of electric shock.
23. Don’t keep unwanted people who are not involved in the work.
24. Don’t modify the tools from the design or with non-standard parts. Use properly rated accessories mainly as cutting or grinding wheels.

Summary

The Dos and Don'ts of power tool safety can be shared with operators and workers in the workplace to educate them on best practices and the correct use of portable power tools. These Dos and Don'ts can always be posted in the workplace to increase worker awareness level and alert them.

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