Efficient Plant May 2022 - 32

column | safety insights
Don't
Ignore
Hand Tool
Safety
Vince Plank, CSP
Safety Management Group
H
AND AND POWER tools are used
so frequently in facilities by employees
and contractors that many users often
don't realize the hazards each tool represents.
Hand tools are those that require manual use,
such as hammers and wrenches, whereas power
tools are typically classified by their power
source.
OSHA provides five basic safety rules to
assist in the prevention of workplace injuries and
illnesses.
1. Use the right tool for the job.
2. Keep tools in good condition with routine
maintenance.
3. Inspect or examine tools before use and do
not use damaged tools.
4. Operate tools by following the manufacturer's
instructions.
5. Select and use the proper personal protective
equipment (PPE).
Tool manufacturers provide operator or user
Hand and power tools are so commonplace
in maintenance that safety when
using them is often overlooked. Follow
best practices and OSHA guidelines.
manuals. Hard copies are generally provided with
the tool purchase and, these days, are usually
available electronically online. Manuals provide
guidance for handling and operating tools as
intended. Employees must be trained on tool
use, inspections, maintenance, hazards, and the
required PPE. Employers are prohibited from
allowing the use of unsafe tools, including tools
that employees bring from home. It's also a best
practice to provide company-approved tools and
prohibit the use of employee-owned tools. When
employees are empowered to decline the use of
unsafe power tools, they are more likely to inspect
and properly maintain their tools.
The inspection process for a tool depends on
the power source and complexity of the tool. For
example, most power tools are equipped with a
type of safeguard and a safety switch. The type of
safeguard, e.g., fixed, self-closing, or interlocked,
and safety switch are typically based upon the
hazard created by the tool. Throughout my years
as a safety professional, the most common issues
found with power tools are missing or damaged
guards and missing auxiliary handles.
Management should encourage employees to
use the correct tool for the job every time. Many
times employees performing service or maintenance
activities may not have the proper tool
with them and are prone to use a nearby tool.
Supervisors must urge employees to take the time
necessary to locate the correct tool for the job.
Once the proper tool has been selected and
inspected, the appropriate PPE should be provided
and worn consistently while using the tool. The
PPE selection must be based upon the hazard(s)
created by the tool. The two most common
pre-planning aids used to determine proper PPE
are a job hazard analysis (JHA) or the PPE hazard
assessment certification, which is required for
employers who require PPE. EP
For more information, reference Hand and
Power Tool Safety at osha.gov.
Vince Plank is a Safety Advisor at Safety
Management Group, Indianapolis, IN,
(safetymanagementgroup.com). He is a
Certified Safety Professional with almost
20 years of occupational safety and
health experience in general industry and
construction. Contact him at
VincePlank@safetymanagementgroup.com.
32 | EFFICIENTPLANTMAG.COM
MAY 2022
http://www.osha.gov http://www.safetymanagementgroup.com http://www.EFFICIENTPLANTMAG.COM
Efficient Plant May 2022

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