HAND AND POWER TOOLS

1.  Purpose
   1. The purpose of this policy is to safeguard employees who encounter hazards involving hand and power tools.
2. Program
   1.  ESCO Group’s Hand and Power Tools applies to all work where an employee may be occupationally exposed to different hand and power tools.
   2. It shall be ESCO Group’s policy that all hand and power tools be maintained in a safe condition.
3. Safe Practices
   1.  All tools must be grounded, unless double insulated.
   2. If a tool is equipped with a three-prong plug, it shall be plugged into a three-hole electrical receptacle.
   3. Never remove the third prong
   4. All electrical connections must have all prongs intact with cords in good condition.
   5. All moving parts of tools must be guarded if the parts are exposed and could contact the operator.
   6. Tools will have the proper guard attached, and they must be used as intended. Electric hand tools must:
      1. Have double insulated frames or have the frames grounded.
      2. Have a constant pressure switch.
      3. Must not be raised or lowered by the cord.
   7. Rotating equipment such as grinders (bench or angle) with abrasive, cutoff, and/or wire wheels, drill presses, and other rotating equipment shall be equipped with factory specific guards within tolerance.
   8. Personal protective equipment must be worn by operators for the conditions that are presented to them.
   9. Powder actuated tools must be operated only by trained personnel. Refer to our ‘Powder Actuated Tools’ program for more information.
   10. Make sure you have the adequate tool you need in the environment you are exposing it to.
   11. When not in use, tools shall be stored in dry, high, or locked places
   12. No loose clothing or jewelry may be worn.
   13. Never carry tools by the cord or yank them to disconnect from a receptacle.
   14. Keep tools sharp and clean for the best and safest performance.
   15. Disconnect tools when not in use, before servicing, when changing accessories such as blades, bits cutters, etc.
   16. All equipment that produces dust, fumes, mist, vapors or gases in concentrations that are harmful upon exposure to employees must have the proper ventilation.
   17. Wooden handles shall be tight and free from cracks or splinters.
   18. Any tool that has a molded head must not be mushroomed.
   19. Compressed air must not be used for cleaning if the pressure is above 30 PSI.
   20. Be sure keys and adjustment wrenches are removed from tools before turning them on.
4. Maintenance Check List
   1. After performing pre-use inspection procedures, any tool found to be damaged or defective shall be tagged “Danger Unsafe DO NOT USE” and removed from service until repaired or replaced.
   2. ESCO Group will ensure the following power tool maintenance checklist is in effect:
      1. Cord Sets and Extension Cords
         1. Visually check cords for cuts or other damage. Examine plugs for damage. If the ground terminal is missing, the plug shall be replaced.
      2. Operating Controls and Switches
         1.  All power tools equipped with a constant pressure switch or control that shuts of power when pressure is released must adequately be working.
         2. Any controls and switches found on any power tool must be in good working order and perform the operation it is intended to do.
      3. Chucks, Collets, or Other Tool Holding Devices
         1.  Make sure parts are in good functional condition.
         2. Make sure chucks, collets, or other tool holding devices are the proper device for that set of tools.
      4. Guards
         1.  Check guards for proper installation – proper tolerances must be measures, example: tool rest no greater than 1/8″ and tongue guard no great than 1/4″ for bench style grinders.
         2. Guards are fully intact and have not been removed.
         3. Moveable guards should be in good working order.
      5. Housing and General Hardware
         1.  Check the general condition of housing for defects and or damage.
         2. Replace any missing hardware and tighten all loose bolts and or fittings.
         3. Any nameplates or decals required to be on the tool must be present and intact. Any missing items will need to be replaced.
      6. Blades and Bits
         1.  Check for any damage or defects.
         2. Re-sharpen as required and reinstall in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and use only those accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
      7. Care
         1.  When tools are not in use, tools should be stored in their appropriate box, tray, containers or other properly designated place.
         2. Tools should be stored carefully to prevent damage to each other and to avoid hazards to the employees handling the tools.
         3. Tools shall never be allowed to be left out lying around our work areas.
      8. Maintenance
         1. Follow manufacturer’s recommended maintenance procedures.
      9. Continuity Testing (for further information refer to our ‘Assured Grounding and Equipment Inspections)