General Orientation
Rev. November 10, 2020
Hand and Power Tools
This standard was developed for workers to be competent in operating hand and power tools by receiving appropriate training and operating hand tools using appropriate personal protective equipment and to;
· Maintain and store hand tools properly
· Inspect and set up electrically powered hand tools
· Operate electrically powered hand tools safely
· Maintain and store electrically powered hand tools in their proper location
· Inspect and set up pneumatic and/or hydraulic hand tools
· Operate pneumatic and/or hydraulic hand tools
· Maintain and storing pneumatic and/or hydraulic hand tools according to safety legislation, company standards and manufacturer specifications.
Hand and Power Tools Standard
Note: Specialty training is required when using powder actuated tools.
Operating Hand and Power Tools
The following are some examples of worker duties when operating hand and power tools;
· Inspections before, during and after use
· Clean tools prior to storage
· Properly maintain and store
· Report defects and damage
· Use proper PPE for the task
· Work from a safe and secure location
· Shut off tools when changing attachments
Maintain and Storing Tools
· Check tools, attachments, cords and plugs
· Locate and secure extension cords where applicable
· Use appropriate extension cords or hoses for the task
· Inspect before, during and after use
· Clean prior to storing the tools
· Store in designated locations
If uncertain where to store the tools, ask your supervisor
Inspect Electrically Powered Hand Tools
An inspection and proper set up of electrically powered hand tools must be done prior to its use.
· Check tool attachment cords and plugs
· Locate and secure appropriately rated (300v) extension cord(s)
· Repair and/or report deficiencies according to safety legislation, company standards and manufacturer’s specifications.
Operating Electrically Powered Hand Tools
· When operating electrically powered hand tools, you may need specialized PPE.
· Work from a safe and secure location
· Properly secure the object to be worked on
· When changing attachments, shut off the tool and retrieve the extension cord(s).
Maintaining and Storing Electrically Powered Tools
· Workers must maintain and store electrically powered hand tools in proper locations
· Inspect tools before, during and after use
· Clean tools prior to storage
· Store the tools in their designated locations
· Report defects immediately to your supervisor
Setting up Hydraulic and Pneumatic Tools
· Workers must inspect and properly set up pneumatic and/or hydraulic hand tools prior to its use
· Check hoses and connect them safely
· Ensure the tool is in "off' position and verify pressure.
Operating Hydraulic and Pneumatic Tools
· Operate pneumatic and hydraulic hand tools using the appropriate personal protective equipment
· Be aware that some tools require face shields and/or other specialty P.P.E
· Always work from a safe and secure location
· To replace attachments, shut down the tool to relieving pressure in hoses
· Disconnect hoses safely and only when pressure is relieved
· Retrieve and recoil hoses once tasks are completed
Maintaining and Storing Hydraulic and Pneumatic Tools
· Inspect before, during and after use
· Clean prior to storing the tools
· Store in designated locations. In uncertain, ask your supervisor
· Report defects immediately to your supervisor
Summary
Ask your supervisor to demonstrate how to safely use hand and power tools that you have not received safety instructions on in the past.
When in doubt, always ask a supervisor prior to use.