| Purpose |
Provides direction for the use of corded and cordless electric power tools in wood frame home construction to prevent electrical hazards, injuries from rotating or cutting components, and other tool-related incidents. |
| Definition |
Electric power tools are portable tools with an electric motor. They will either have a power cord or a battery and are used for a variety of tasks. |
| Hazards
This list of potential hazards is not comprehensive. Workers are required to complete a Hazard Assessment prior to starting this task to ensure all hazards are identified and controlled.
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Physical:
- Electric shock
- Cuts/Lacerations
- Amputations
- Noise
- Fire hazards
- Slips/Trips
- Entanglement
- Repetitive strain
- Tool kickback
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| Controls |
Engineering:
- Guarding (Manufacturer installed)
- GFCI circuits (working outdoors)
- Grounding
Administrative:
- Equipment pre-use inspection
- Training
- Lock-out/Tag-out
Personal Protective Equipment:
- Task-Specific PPE: Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and dust mask
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| Work Site Supervisory Responsibility |
Do
- Ensure that Workers are trained and competent to use power tools and that safe work protocol is used.
- Ensure that all power tools are three-prong ground or double insulated.
- Ensure all cords are in good condition.
- Ensure that the tool is disconnected from the power source when Workers are making adjustments or changing attachments.
- Ensure that guards are used on all equipment, as provided by the manufacturer.
- Ensure that outdoor and/or damp location power receptacles are GFCI.
Do Not
- Allow untrained Workers to use power tools until they are trained and deemed competent.
- Allow Workers to use power tools for tasks that they are not made for.
- Allow Workers to modify, tamper with, or remove guards and other safety devices.
- Allow the use of damaged electrical cords and extensions.
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| Worker Responsibility |
Do
- Wear all required Personal Protective Equipment.
- Ensure that job hazards, operating instructions, manufacturers’ specifications and Applicable Legislation are understood and adhered to.
- Inspect all tools and their cords/battery packs prior to use.
- Only use equipment that you are trained to use.
- Remove any defective power tool from service, as per Lock-Out, Tag-Out SWP.
- Ensure all guards are in place and operational.
- Hold the tool firmly and ensure material is properly supported or secured.
- Use handles provided to help control the tool.
- Use push sticks when using table saws, jointers or other tools with exposed blades, to prevent the possibility of hand contact with cutting attachments.
- Unplug or detach battery pack before changing accessories
Do not
- Use a tool if you are not familiar with its operation.
- Use power tools for tasks that they are not made for.
- Wear loose clothing or dangling jewelry.
- Force or put pressure on power tools; let the tool do the work.
- Use tools with guard removed.
- Modify, tamper with, or remove guards and other safety devices.
- Remove power tools from receptacles by pulling on the cord.
- Use electric tools in wet or damp environments without GFCI protection.
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