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Powered Hand Tools - Electric Tools - Basic Safety

When and how should you inspect powered hand tools? Inspect tools for any damage prior to each use.

hand protection

When and how should you inspect powered hand tools?

context Inspect tools for any damage prior to each use.
context Check the handle and body casing of the tool for cracks or other damage.
context If the tool has auxiliary or double handles, check to see that they are installed securely.
context Inspect cords for defects: check the power cord for cracking, fraying, and other signs of wear or faults in the cord insulation.
context Inspect batteries for defects: look for cracks, leaks, or swelling and make sure terminals are clean and free of corrosion.
context Check for damaged switches and ones with faulty trigger locks.
context Inspect the plug for cracks and for missing, loose, or faulty prongs.

What should you do if you find a tool defective?

context If a tool is defective, remove it from service and clearly tag it "Out of service."
context Replace damaged equipment immediately – do not use defective tools.
context Have tools repaired by a qualified person – do not attempt field repairs.

What should you do before using powered hand tools?

context Ensure that you have been properly trained to use the tool safely. Read the operator's manual before using the tool and operate the tool according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use only tested and approved tools.
context Ensure the power tool has the correct guard, shield or other attachment that the manufacturer recommends.
context Ensure that the tools are properly grounded using a three-prong plug, are double-insulated (and are labelled as such), or are powered by a low-voltage isolation transformer. This will protect users from an electrical shock.
context Check electric tools to ensure that a tool with a 3-prong plug has an approved 3-wire cord and is grounded. The three-prong plug should be plugged into a properly grounded 3-pole outlet. If an adapter must be used to accommodate a two-hole receptacle, the adapter wire must be attached to a known, functioning ground. NEVER remove the third grounding prong from a plug.
context Replace open front plugs with dead front plugs. Dead front plugs are sealed and present less danger of shock or short circuit.
context Have a qualified electrician install a polarized outlet if the polarized, two-prong plug of a double-insulated tool does not fit in a two-hole receptacle. Double insulated tools use plugs having one prong that is visibly wider than the other.
context Test all tools for effective grounding with a continuity tester or a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) before use.
context Use only the kind of battery that the tool manufacturer specifies for the battery-powered tool that you are using.
context Recharge a battery-powered tool only with a charger specifically intended for that tool's battery. See the OSH Answers on Battery Charging - Lithium-Ion Batteries for more information.
context Remove the battery from the tool or ensure the tool is switched off or locked off before changing accessories, making adjustments, or storing the tool.
context Store a battery pack safely so that no metal parts, nails, screws, wrenches, etc. can come in contact with the battery terminals; this could result in shorting the battery and possibly cause sparks, fires or burns.

What should you do while using powered hand tools?

context Wear or use personal protective equipment (PPE) or clothing that is appropriate for the work you are doing; this may include items such as safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles), hearing protection, respiratory protection, gloves, safety boots or shoes, or rubber boots.
context Switch off the tools before connecting them to a power supply.
context If a power cord feels more than comfortably warm or if a tool is sparking, have it checked by an electrician or other qualified person.
context Disconnect the power supply before making adjustments or changing accessories.
context Remove any wrenches and adjusting tools before turning on a tool.
context Inspect the cord for fraying or damage before each use. Tag defective tools clearly with an "Out of service" tag and replace immediately with a tool in good running order.
context During use, keep power cords clear of tools and the path that the tool will take.
context Use clamps, a vice, or other devices to hold and support the piece being worked on, when practical. This will allow you to use both hands for better control of the tool and will help prevent injuries if a tool jams or binds in a workpiece.
context Use only approved extension cords with the proper wire size (gauge) for the length of cord and power requirements of the electric tool that you are using. This will prevent the cord from overheating.
context For outdoor work, use outdoor extension cords marked "W-A" or "W."
context Suspend power cords over aisles or work areas to eliminate stumbling or tripping hazards.
context Eliminate octopus connections: if more than one receptacle plug is needed, use a power bar or power distribution strip that has an integral power cord and a built-in overcurrent protection.
context Pull the plug, not the cord, when unplugging a tool. Pulling the cord causes wear and may adversely affect the wiring to the plug and cause electrical shock to the operator.
context Follow good housekeeping procedures – keep the work area free of clutter and debris that could be tripping or slipping hazards.
context Keep power cords away from heat, water, oil, sharp edges and moving parts. They can damage the insulation and cause a shock.
context Ensure that cutting tools, drill bits, etc. are kept sharp, clean, and well-maintained.
context Store tools in a dry, secure location when they are not being used.

What should you avoid when using powered tools?

ppe Do not wear gloves, loose clothing, or jewelry while using revolving power tools. Tie back long hair or wear appropriate hair protection to prevent hair from getting caught in moving parts of equipment.
administrative Do not use a tool unless you have been trained to use it safely and know its limitations and hazards.
requirement Avoid unintentionally starting the tool by turning the tool off before you plug it in or attach the battery.
requirement Do not walk around with a plugged-in tool with your finger touching the switch.
requirement Do not bypass the ON/OFF switch and operate the tools by connecting and disconnecting the power cord.
requirement Do not disconnect the tool's power supply by pulling or jerking the cord from the outlet.
ppe Do not leave a running tool unattended. Do not leave it until it has been turned off, stopped running completely, and unplugged.
requirement Do not use electric tools in wet conditions or damp locations unless the tool is connected to a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
requirement Do not expose electric power tools to rain or wet conditions; wet tools increase the likelihood of electric shock.
requirement Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces like refrigerators, pipes, and radiators when using electric-powered tools to reduce the likelihood of shock if the operator's body is grounded.
requirement Do not plug several power cords into one outlet by using single-to-multiple outlet adapters or converters ("cube taps").
requirement Do not use light-duty power cords.
elimination Stop using an electric power tool if you feel a tingle in your fingers. This is a warning that the tool is faulty and needs repair.
requirement Do not connect or splice extension cords together to make a longer connection: the resulting extension cord may not be able to safely provide sufficient current or power.
requirement Do not carry electrical tools by the power cord.
requirement Do not tie power cords in knots. Knots can cause short circuits and shocks. Loop the cords or use a twist lock plug.
requirement Never break off the third prong of a plug: replace broken 3-prong plugs and make sure the third prong is properly grounded.
requirement Never use extension cords as permanent wiring: use extension cords only as a temporary power supply to an area that does not have a power outlet.
requirement Do not walk on or allow vehicles or other moving equipment to pass over unprotected power cords. Cords should be put in conduits or protected by placing planks on each side of them.
requirement Do not brush away sawdust, shavings or turnings while the tool is running. Never use compressed air to clean surfaces or remove sawdust, metal turnings, etc.
requirement Do not operate tools in an area containing explosive vapours or gases.
requirement Do not clean tools with flammable or toxic solvents.
requirement Do not surprise or touch anyone who is operating a tool. Startling a tool operator could end up causing an incident or injury.