February 2022
Electrical Power Tools
Electrical Power Tools
Hand power tools are a common part of our everyday lives. However, these simple tools can be hazardous and have the potential for causing severe injuries. The nature of the injuries, include those caused by ground faults and possibility of electrocution. The employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools used by employees, but the employees have the responsibility for properly using and maintaining tools.
Points to Remember:
1. Use the right tool for the job and read the tools instruction manual.
2. Inspect all tools for damage before use for frayed cords and loose or broken switches.
3. Make sure that all safety guards are in place and function properly.
4. All power tools shall have a 3-prong plug or be double insulated.
5. Avoid using power tools in wet or damp locations.
6. Always utilize GFCI protection.
7. Verify that the tool is off before plugging in.
8. Disconnect power tools while servicing or storing.
9. Do not care or lift a tool by its cord.
10. Remove broken tools from the workplace and properly tag the tool “Out of Service” and notify the Field Manager
Housekeeping On The Job Site
Have you thought of ways to make your job easier? There is one way - one that not only makes a job easier, but safer - practicing good housekeeping.
A nail in a scrapped two-by-four goes through a shoe and punctures a foot. A pile of trash catches fire. A cluttered walkway causes an employee to trip and fall. All these accidents are caused by poor housekeeping. Some poor housekeeping accidents don't amount to much: A small cut, a scuffed elbow, or a bruised leg. Others can have disastrous results involving the loss of life and property.
Housekeeping is a continuous process in which everyone must participate throughout the workday. Let's see how we can eliminate some of the most common housekeeping problems that can cause accidents on this job.
Nails
Pull all nails from scrap lumber. Then throw the scrap in trash containers or pile it neatly where it won't be in the way.
Metal Straps
After removing straps or bands, pick them up immediately and put them in a trash container. It is easy to trip on banding if it left lying around on the job.
Extension Cords
If you must run an extension cord across the walkway, hang it from the ceiling where it won't cause anyone to trip. But hang it high enough so you won't hang the person who walks under it.
Food Rubbish
Lunch bags and other food rubbish not only cause trips and falls, but fires also. Put them in trash cans after you have finished eating.
Containers
Some items should be stored in separate trash containers. These include oily or solvent-soaked rags and empty cans that contain flammable liquids, such as paint, thinner, and glue. Remember to keep these trash containers covered. Clean 55-gallon drums make good rubbish containers but don't ever use a torch to cut the tops off. A severe explosion could result if the drum contained flammable or combustible liquids.
Storage Areas
There are numerous storage areas throughout the job. Keep these neat. This not only is safer but enables you to find what you want more quickly and to get it more easily.
Slipping Hazards During the course of a job, it is almost impossible not to have grease or tar on the floors of a new building, or on the jobsite. Clean up slipping hazards immediately. This also goes for ice during cold weather.
Inspection of Ladders
Inspection of Ladders
OSHA says that all ladders must be inspected regularly for visible defects by a competent person and after any incident that could affect its safe use. Check your ladders for damage before each use. If you find a damaged ladder let your supervisor know. Red tag it to take it out of service.
Points to Remember:
1. Inspect wood ladders for cracks or splits in the wood.
2. Check all ladders to make sure that rungs or steps are tight and secure.
3. Be sure that all hardware and fittings are properly and securely attached.
4. Test moveable parts that they move freely without binding or that they are not too loose.
5. Inspect metal or fiberglass ladders for dents, bends, breaks, or other damage.
6. Make sure that ladders are not painted because paint can cover damage or defects.
7. Make sure that stepladders have spreaders that are not bent and will lock when the ladder is fully open.
8. Make sure that extension ladders have both non-skid safety feet on them, and they work.
9. Make sure that the pulley works, and the rope is not frayed.
10. Do not make repairs to damaged ladders.
11. Make sure that oil, grease, or ice is cleaned off ladders as they are slip hazards
Pneumatic Nail Gun Safety
Pneumatic Nail Gun Safety
According to the American National Standards Institute, a manual trigger, and a contact element in the nose of the nail gun are two key components to prevent unintentional firing. The sequential trip-trigger is the safest type of trigger. It requires the nose of the gun be placed firmly on the work before the manual trigger is pulled and the nail discharged.
The word “GUN” is realistic. This tool should be treated as you would any gun. If the safety trigger is malfunctioning, or overridden, the gun will fire a nail across the site and can cause significant damage to bystanders.
Points to Remember:
➢ Review all precautions and warnings before using a nail gun.
➢ Keep co-workers and bystanders away from the work area.
➢ Always wear hard hats and safety glasses, hearing protection as needed.
➢ Never point the tool at anyone, even if it is empty or disconnected from the
air supply.
➢ Keep hands and fingers out of line of fire and aim the gun away from your
body.
➢ Make sure the tool is placed firmly against the work piece.
➢ Never carry the tool with your finger on the trigger.
➢ Always assume that the tool is loaded.
➢ Always disconnect the tool before clearing jams or performing other
maintenance.
➢ Do not lower the nail gun by the air hose.
➢ Do not use the tool if it is malfunctioning. Take it out of service.
➢ If you must use the nail gun in an awkward position it may be safer to use a
hammer to nail the piece in.
➢ Be aware of ricochet hazards.
➢ For Gas operated guns make sure to clean them regularly.
➢ Ensure all period maintenance is performed on nail guns.
➢ If you are going to bounce nail, ensure you keep control of the tool and
operate at a safe speed.