Hand and Power Tools

[Audio] Welcome to our Hand and Power Tools Awareness Training..

[Audio] Origis Services delivers the promise of clean energy with operations and maintenance ( O&M) and asset management services for solar and energy storage across North America. Our Commitment Build competence in our workforce through training and development of employees. Champion safe, healthy and secure work conditions for employees and contractors. Maintain a global Health and Safety Management System designed to continuously improve our performance and actively manage risk in our business. Comply with applicable legal, regulatory, industry, and corporate requirements. Communicate openly with all stakeholders on relevant Health, Safety and Environment issues..

[Audio] Let's go over some definitions: Momentary Contact " ON/OFF" Switch – A type of switch usually in the form of a push button that is only engaged while it is being depressed. Positive "ON/OFF" Control Switch – A switch that you must push to turn the tool on and then push again to turn it off. Work – Activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result.

[Audio] And here are some samples of Hand and Power Tools.

[Audio] Many of the accidents that occur each year can be attributed to improper or unsafe use of tools and/or using tools in poor condition. The few extra seconds required to examine tools before operating them can reduce the number of injuries significantly. Here are some general safety tips and recommendations for the safe use of hand tools and power tools: All hand tools shall be inspected prior to and following use. Damaged tools will be removed from service immediately until repaired or replaced. Never remove or interfere with the operation of any tool guard or safety features. Always use the right tool for the right job. Appropriate PPE shall be worn based on the hazards associated with the tool. Keep tools clean and check their condition before using. If heads of striking tools become mushroomed or burred, have them dressed. If handles of tools are splintered, broken or loose, have them repaired or replaced. Tools shall always be returned to their proper storage place and not left where they create a hazard. Carrying tools in pockets is dangerous, especially if they are sharp or pointed. Never climb ladders with tools in pockets. Do not use excessive pressure or force on any hand tool. Metal measuring tapes, tapes having metal strands woven into fabric, brass bound rules, wire, or metal bound hose or rope with wire core shall not be used when working on or near energized electrical circuits or equipment. Tools should neither be dropped nor thrown from surface-to-surface or from person-to- person. Tools that must be raised or lowered from one elevation to another shall be placed in an approved tool bucket or firmly attached to a handline..

[Audio] Never attempt to use a screwdriver as a pry tool, drift, or chisel. Use the right size and type screwdriver for the job. Do not hold screwdriver work in palm of hand. The screwdriver may slip causing injury. Screwdrivers should be filed properly to prevent slipping..

[Audio] Hammers should have a clear path for back swing, and the target area should be free from obstructions. Hammers with "mushroomed" heads shall never be used as they might glance off the target, or the damaged head may splinter and send metal fragments flying..

[Audio] Do not use a file as a pry bar or hammer. Files shall be fitted with wooden handles to protect workers from the pointed file end..

[Audio] Be sure tip of bar is secure under load by first applying slight pressure. Check your own balance before exerting full force. An extension or " cheater bar" shall not be used to add leverage to pry bars..

[Audio] Wrenches should be pushed away from the body whenever possible to reduce the chance of the wrench slipping and striking the user in the face or body. Adjustable ( crescent) and combination wrenches should be snug on bolts and nuts to avoid slipping. Never use a wrench as a hammer or a hammer on a wrench that is not designated to be used as such. Never use a cheater bar on a wrench or "double wrench" a nut. Use a hammer wrench or impact instead..

[Audio] Do not use if any defects are noted during inspection. These defects are noted as mushroomed heads, chipped points, and over tempered surfaces. Do not strike with hardened hammer or chip toward yourself or others. Do not use without proper eye, face, and hand protection..

[Audio] Unsafe defects are identified as: Worn or battered heads, over tempered and dull cutting edges. Do not use a drill bit to ream holes (get a larger bit). Use a reamer bit or a rat-tail file. Do not change bits without unplugging cord..

[Audio] Only approved safety knives with a locking blade shall be used when appropriate. Unsafe defects are identified as: Dull or nicked edge or point, lose or broken handle. Do not pull a knife towards body. Use additional PPE (e.g., Kevlar sleeves and cut resistant gloves) when using knives..

[Audio] Let's look at the Hand Tools Precautions: Unsafe defects on shovels, pickaxe and axes are identified as: Rough, loose, cracked, or split handles; dull or nicked edges, over-tempered surfaces. Do not use as a wedge, pry bar or hammer. Nonconductive wood or fiberglass handles for shovels and post-hole diggers shall be used to protect from electrical shock..

[Audio] Power tools can be hazardous when improperly used. There are several types of power tools, based on the power source they use: electric, pneumatic, liquid fuel, hydraulic and power actuated. Remember, choose the right tool for the right job !.

[Audio] Never carry a tool by the cord or hose. Never yank the cord or the hose to disconnect it from the receptacle. Avoid accidental starting. The worker shall not hold a finger on the "dead-man" switch button while carrying a plugged-in tool. Battery packs should be disconnected when in transport. Tools should be stored in appropriate toolbox and a dry place during transport..

[Audio] Employees must don the appropriate personal protective equipment ( PPE) depending on the type of hazard operation of the tool creates: Employees must use the correct tool for the work to be performed. Electric tools shall be operated within their designed limitations. Tape or other opaque coverings that may hide potential defects must not be used on tools/equipment. Keep cords and hoses away from heat, oil and sharp edges. Electric tools will not be used in damp or wet locations. Work areas should be well lighted. All observers must be kept at a safe distance away from the work area. Secure work with clamps or a vise, freeing both hands to operate the tool. Be sure to keep good footing and maintain good balance when using power tools. The proper personal attire shall be worn. Loose clothing, ties, jewelry, and long hair can become caught in moving parts. Disconnect tools when not in use, before servicing, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits, and cutters..

[Audio] Tools will be maintained with care. They shall be kept sharp and clean for the best performance. Follow instructions in the User's Manual for lubricating and changing accessories (periodic/preventative maintenance). Personnel shall inspect tools and equipment for wear and damage before each use. Defective tools/ equipment must be tagged – " Defective: Do Not Use" and removed from service until it has been repaired or replaced. All hand and power tools including similar equipment, shall be maintained in safe operating condition. Damaged tools shall be immediately repaired or replaced. Tools shall be used only for the purpose for which they were designed..

[Audio] Guards shall be provided to protect the operator and others from the following : In-running nip points Rotating parts Flying chips and sparks The following hand-held power tools must be equipped with a momentary contact "on-off" control switch: Impact Drills Impact Drivers Thread Tappers Grinders (horizontal, vertical or angle) with wheels larger than 2 inches in diameter Sanders ( disc or belt) Saber Saws Jig Saws Safety guards must never be removed when a tool is being used..

[Audio] Workers using electric tools must be aware of several dangers; the most serious is the possibility of electrocution. Among the chief hazards of electric-powered tools are burns and slight shocks that can lead to injuries or even heart failure. Under certain conditions, even a small amount of current can result in fibrillation of the heart, and eventual death. A shock also can cause the user to fall off a ladder or other elevated work surface..

[Audio] Let's have a look at some power tools precautions: Powered abrasive grinding, cutting, polishing, and wire buffing wheels create special safety problems because they may throw off flying fragments. Before an abrasive wheel is mounted, it shall be inspected closely and sound- or ring-tested to be sure that it is free from cracks or defects. To test, wheels should be tapped gently with a light non-metallic instrument. If they sound cracked or dead, they could fly apart in operation, and must not be used. A sound and undamaged wheel will give a clear metallic tone or ring. To prevent the wheel from cracking, the user shall be sure it fits freely on the spindle. The spindle nut must be tightened enough to hold the wheel in place without distorting the flange. Follow the manufactures recommendations. Care must be taken to assure the spindle wheel will not exceed the abrasive wheel specifications. Due to the possibility of a wheel disintegrating (exploding) during start-up, the operator must never stand directly in front of the wheel as it accelerates to full operating speed. Portable grinding tools need to be equipped with safety guards to protect workers not only from the moving wheel surface, but also from flying fragments in case of breakage. In addition, when using a powered grinder: Always use eye protection. Turn off the power when not in use. Never clamp a hand-held grinder in a vise..

[Audio] There are several dangers encountered when using pneumatic tools. The main one is the danger of getting hit by one of the tool attachments or by fastener the operator is using with the tool. Therefor; Eye and face protection are required for personnel working with pneumatic tools. Noise is another hazard. Working with noisy tools such as jackhammers requires proper, effective use of hearing protection. When using pneumatic tools, operators must check to see that they are fastened securely to the hose to prevent them from becoming disconnected. A safety clip or retainer must be securely installed and maintained on hose couplings and pneumatic tools to prevent attachments from being accidentally uncoupled Screens must be set up to protect nearby workers from being struck by flying fragments around chippers, riveting guns, staplers, or air drills. Compressed air guns must never be pointed toward anyone..

[Audio] All jacks - lever and ratchet jacks, screw jacks and hydraulic jacks - must have a device that stops them from jacking up too high. Also, the manufacturer's load limit must be permanently marked in a prominent place on the jack and will not be exceeded. A jack must never be used to support a lifted load. Once the load has been lifted, it must immediately be blocked up. Use wooden blocking under the base, if necessary, to make the jack level and secure. If the lift surface is metal, place a 1-inch-thick hardwood block, or equivalent, between it and the metal jack head to reduce the danger of slippage. Proper maintenance of jacks is essential for safety. All jacks must be inspected before each use and lubricated regularly. If a jack is subjected to an abnormal load or shock, it must be thoroughly examined by a "qualified" person to make sure it has not been damaged. Hydraulic jacks exposed to freezing temperatures must be filled with an adequate anti-freeze liquid..

[Audio] Next, let's go over manual hoisting equipment: Only trained and competent personnel shall oversee such activities. Hooks must have positive locking safety latches. Chokers with soft jaws shall be used to secure the hoist to the supporting structure and the load. Load chains must not be wrapped or choked around loads. Hooks of hoists must not be hooked into structural beams or their associated flanges, or in the end of a pipe. Chain falls and lever chain hoists shall be load-tested periodically and inspected on a quarterly basis by a competent person designated by the contractor/ subcontractor. Documentation shall be made available to the EHS Department upon request. Manufacturer's recommendations shall be observed at all times..

[Audio] Here is our summary from this awareness training: Hazards are usually the result of improper tool use or not following one or more of these protection techniques: Inspecting the tool before use. Using PPE ( Personal Protective Equipment). Using guards. Properly storing the tool. Using safe handling techniques..

26. A nail gun is considered a hand tool Tools shall always be returned to their proper storage place and not left where they create a hazard. Tools that must be raised or lowered from one elevation to another shall be placed in an approved tool bucket or firmly attached to a handline. You can use a file as a pry bar or hammer. Never use a wrench as a hammer or a hammer on a wrench that is not designated to be used as such. Only approved safety knives with a locking blade shall be used when appropriate. You can carry a tool by the cord or hose. Keep cords and hoses away from heat, oil and sharp edges. Defective tools/equipment must be tagged – “Defective: Do Not Use” Safety guards can be removed when a tool is being used. Hazards are usually the result of improper tool use.