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Copyright 2023 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.
Copyright 2023 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.
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Hand and portable powered tools are a part of our everyday lives that make getting the job done quick and easy. However, they’re such a normal part of our lives that we forget how dangerous they can be. For example, according to the Center for Disease Control, nail-gun injuries account for approximately 37,000 emergency room visits each year. That’s why it’s important you make your employees aware of the hazards that they face when working with or around hand and portable powered tools.
OSHA makes clear that workers and employers must collaboratively identify hazards that are associated with tools. Additionally, the standard requires that employers implement safety precautions to prevent or control those hazards. The best way employers can do that is to first analyze their facilities and identify hazards specific to their employees’ workplaces. Next, implement controls and work with employees to help them understand safety procedures and precautions to follow.
Scope
The hand and portable powered tools rule applies to all general industry employers and tools in their workplaces. The rule also applies where employees furnish the workplace with their own hand and portable powered tools.
Regulatory citations
- 29 CFR 1910.241 — Definitions
- 29 CFR 1910.242 — Hand and portable powered tools and equipment, general
- 29 CFR 1910.243 — Guarding of portable powered tools
- 29 CFR 1910.244 — Other portable tools and equipment
Key definitions
- Explosive power-load, also known as load: Any substance in any form capable of producing a propellant force.
- Hammer-operated piston tool — low-velocity type: A tool which, by means of a heavy mass hammer supplemented by a load, moves a piston designed to be captive to drive a stud, pin, or fastener into a work surface, always starting the fastener at rest and in contact with the work surface. It shall be so designed that when used with any load that accurately chambers in it and that is commercially available at the time the tool is submitted for approval, it will not cause such stud, pin, or fastener to have a mean velocity in excess of 300 feet per second when measured 6.5 feet from the muzzle end of the barrel.
- High-velocity tool: A tool or machine which, when used with a load, propels or discharges a stud, pin, or fastener, at velocities in excess of 300 feet per second when measured 6.5 feet from the muzzle end of the barrel, for the purpose of impinging it upon, affixing it to, or penetrating another object or material.
- Limitation: Wheels used for tuck pointing should be reinforced, organic bonded. Portable grinding. A grinding operation where the grinding machine is designed to be hand held and may be easily moved from one location to another.
- Low-velocity piston tool: A tool that utilizes a piston designed to be captive to drive a stud, pin, or fastener into a work surface. It shall be so designed that when used with any load that accurately chambers in it and that is commercially available at the time the tool is submitted for approval, it will not cause such stud, pin, or fastener to have a mean velocity in excess of 300 feet per second when measured 6.5 feet from the muzzle end of the barrel.
- Mounted wheels: Mounted wheels, usually 2-inch diameter or smaller, and of various shapes, may be either organic or inorganic bonded abrasive wheels. They are secured to plain or threaded steel mandrels.
- Organic bonded wheels: Organic wheels are wheels which are bonded by means of an organic material such as resin, rubber, shellac, or other similar bonding agent.
- Protective shield or guard: A device or guard attached to the muzzle end of the tool, which is designed to confine flying particles.
- Reinforced wheels: The term “reinforced” as applied to grinding wheels shall define a class of organic wheels which contain strengthening fabric or filament. The term "reinforced" does not cover wheels using such mechanical additions as steel rings, steel cup backs or wire or tape winding.
- Safety guard: A safety guard is an enclosure designed to restrain the pieces of the grinding wheel and furnish all possible protection in the event that the wheel is broken in operation.
- Stud, pin, or fastener: A fastening device specifically designed and manufactured for use in explosive-actuated fastening tools.
- To chamber: To fit properly without the use of excess force, the case being duly supported.
- Tool: An explosive-actuated fastening tool, unless otherwise indicated, and all accessories pertaining thereto.
- Tuck pointing wheels: Tuck pointing wheels, usually Type 1, reinforced organic bonded wheels have diameter, thickness and hole size dimension. They are subject to the same limitations of use and mounting as Type 1 wheels defined in subparagraph (10) of this paragraph.
- Tuck pointing: Removal, by grinding, of cement, mortar, or other nonmetallic jointing material.
Summary of requirements
- Conduct hazard assessments that relate to hand and portable powered tools in your workplace.
- Inspect tools and other accessories including guards and cords daily to ensure they are in safe and working order.
- Train employees on the proper use and storage of tools in your workplace.
- Ensure employees understand precautions and procedures to take before operating certain tools or equipment.
- Remind employees not to swing powered tools by the cords or other extensions.
- Include employees on your safety plans to ensure they are aware of rules related to hand and portable powered tools in your workplace.
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['Tool Safety']
['Saws', 'Tool Safety', 'Portable Grinders', 'Hand and Other Portable Powered Tools']
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