Friday, February 17, 2012

Safety Info - Saws (Circular)

Topics:

a)What should you do before start cutting with a circular saw?
b)What should you do to work safely with a circular saw?
c)What should you avoid when cutting with a circular saw?


a)What should you do before start cutting with a circular saw?

-Wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield.
-Wear an approved respirator or dust mask when exposed to harmful or nuisance dusts.
-Use appropriate hearing protection equipment in noisy areas.
-Check the retracting lower blade guard to make certain it works freely.
-Ensure that the blade that you have selected is sharp enough to do the job. Sharp blades work better and are safer.
-Check the saw for proper blade rotation.
-Set the depth of the blade, while the saw is unplugged, and lock it at a depth so that the lowest tooth does not extend more than about 0.3 cm (1/8") beneath the wood.
-Keep all cords clear of cutting area.
-Circular saws are designed for right-hand operation; left-handed operation will demand more care to operate safely.



b)What should you do to work safely with a circular saw?

-Check the retracting lower blade guard frequently to make certain it works freely. It should enclose the teeth as completely as possible, and cover the unused portion of the blade when cutting.
-Check that the retracting lower blade guard has returned to its starting position before laying down the saw.
-Keep upper and retracting lower blade guard clean and free of sawdust.
-Disconnect power supply before adjusting or changing the blade.
-Allow the saw to reach full power before starting to cut
-Use two hands to operate saws - one on a trigger switch and the other on a front knob handle.
-Keep motor free from accumulation of dust and chips.
-Select the correct blade for stock being cut and allow it to cut steadily. Do not force it.
-Secure stock being cut to avoid movement.



c)What should you avoid when cutting with a circular saw?

-Do not hold or force the retracting lower guard in the open position.
-Do not place hand under the shoe or guard of the saw.
-Do not over tighten the blade-locking nut.
-Do not twist the saw to change, cut or check alignment.
-Do not use a saw that vibrates or appears unsafe in any way.
-Do not force the saw during cutting.
-Do not cut materials without first checking for obstructions or other objects such as nails and screws.
-Do not carry the saw with a finger on the trigger switch.
-Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance.
-Do not rip stock without using a wedge or guide clamped or nailed to the stock.


Refer to Powered Hand Tools - Basic Safety for Electric Tools for general safety tips.

Sources: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/power_tools/saw_circ.html

Safety Info - Routers

Topics:

a)What should you do before start cutting with a router?
b)What should you do to work with a router safely?



a)What should you do before start cutting with a router?

-Wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield and appropriate hearing protection.
-Disconnect the power supply before making any adjustments or changing bits. Inspect bits carefully before installing
-Ensure that the bit is securely mounted in the chuck and the base is tight.
-Put the base of the router on the work, template or guide. Make sure that the bit can rotate freely before switching on the motor.
-Secure stock. Never rely on yourself or a second person to support or hold the material. Sudden torque or kickback from the router can cause damage and injury.
-Before using a router, check stock thoroughly for staples, nails, screws or other foreign objects.
-Keep all cords clear of cutting area.



b)What should you do to work with a router safely?

-Hold both hands on router handles always, until a motor has stopped. Do not set the router down until exposed router bit has stopped turning.
-Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance.
-When inside routing, start the motor with the bit above the stock. When the router reaches full power, lower bit to required depth.
-When routing outside edges, guide the router counter clockwise around the work.
-When routing bevels, moldings and other edge work, make sure the router bit is in contact with the stock to the left of a starting point and is pointed in the correct cutting direction.
-Feed the router bit into the material at a firm, controlled speed.
-With softwood, you can sometimes move the router as fast as it can go.
-With hardwood, knotty and twisted wood, or with larger bits, cutting may be very slow.
-The sound of the motor can indicate safe cutting speeds. When the router is fed into the material too slowly, the motor makes a high-pitched whine. When the router is pushed too hard, the motor makes a low growling noise.
-When the type of wood or size of the bit requires going slow, make two or more passes to prevent the router from burning out or kicking back.
-To decide the depth of cut and how many passes to make, test the router on scrap lumber similar to the work.
-If a router is connected to a router table, refer to Woodworking Machines - Shapers for more guidance.

Refer to Powered Hand Tools - Basic Safety for Electric Tools for general electrical safety tips.


Sources: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/power_tools/router.html

Safety Info - Powder-Actuated Tools

Topics:

a)What general safety principles should you follow when using powder-actuated tools?
b)How should you care and service a powder-actuated tool?
c)How should you use a powder-actuated tool safely?
d)How should you use the projectiles (fasteners, nails, studs, etc.) safely?
e)How should you use charge cartridges safely?


a)What general safety principles should you follow when using powder-actuated tools?

-Allow only trained, competent and authorized persons who are familiar with the regulations governing the use of the tool to operate powder-actuated tools (also known as explosive actuated fastening tools ).
-Powder-actuated tools operate like loaded guns. Handle powder-actuated tools with the same respect and safety precautions as guns.
-Use the Canadian Standards Association Standard series Z166-M85 "Safety Code for Powder-Actuated Tools" as a guide for safe operation and maintenance of the tool.
-Wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield and a hard hat.
-Wear hearing protection.
-Brace yourself at all times when working on ladders or scaffolds to maintain good balance.
-Keep tools pointed in a safe direction. Never point powder-actuated tools at anyone.
-Load powder-actuated tools just before use. Do not carry loaded tools from job to job.
-Do not leave loaded powder-actuated tools unattended.
-Do not allow bystanders near the work. Shields for protecting workers against a possible ricochet may be necessary in the working area.



b)How should you care and service a powder-actuated tool?

-Clean and maintain tools according to the manufacturers' instructions.
-Check tools before use to ensure that they are in good working order.
-Tag defective tools "Out of service" and remove from service until properly repaired.
-Store tools and cartridges in a locked container when they are not in use. Ensure that the tool is unloaded before storing it.



c)How should you use a powder-actuated tool safely?

-Use the tool at right angles to the work surface.
-Check the chamber to see that the barrel is clean and free from any obstruction, before using the tool.
-Do not use the tool where flammable or explosive vapours, dust or similar substances are present.
-Do not place your hand over the front (muzzle) end of a loaded tool.



d)How should you use the projectiles (fasteners, nails, studs, etc.) safely?

-Use only the projectiles (fasteners, nails, studs, etc.) recommended by the tool manufacturer.
-Ensure that the base material has no holes or openings and is of sufficient consistency to prevent a projectile from passing right through.
-Do not load a tool until immediately before use.
-Do not force a projectile into a working surface that is harder than the projectile being used. If the base material is unknown, use a hand hammer to drive the projectile, using it as a centre punch.



e)How should you use charge cartridges safely?

-Use only cartridges recommended by the tool manufacturer.
-Check that the colour of the cartridge is appropriate for work being done. Charge cartridges are colour-coded to show their strength.
-Conduct a first trial by using the weakest or lowest strength charge cartridge.
-Provide adequate ventilation in confined spaces where powder-actuated tools are used.
-Hold the tool in the fixing position for no less than 5 to 15 seconds when a tool misfires. Keep the tool pointed in a direction that will not cause injury to you or others and unload a cartridge with extreme caution.
-Use caution when using tools near live electrical circuits. Make sure that the nails (etc.) do not enter live circuits buried or hidden in the base material.
-Keep cartridges in a lock up when not in use.
-Do not attempt to force a cartridge into a tool.
-Do not discard unfired cartridges carelessly.
-Do not carry cartridges loose or in a pocket. Carry them in the manufacturer's package.


Sources: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/power_tools/powder.html

Safety Info - Pneumatic Nailing and Stapling Tools

Topics

a)What general safety principles should you follow when using pneumatic nailing and stapling tools?
b)What should you avoid when using pneumatic nailing and stapling tools?


a)What general safety principles should you follow when using pneumatic nailing and stapling tools?

-Permit only experienced and trained people to operate pneumatic nailing and stapling tools.
-Wear safety glasses or goggles, or face a shield and, where necessary, use hearing protection.
-Inspect each tool before connecting it to the air supply:
-Check tool safety mechanisms if applicable.
-Tighten all screws and cylinder caps securely.
-Check for correct air supply and pressure before connecting a tool.
-Check that the tool is correctly and securely connected to the air supply hose, in good working order, and has a fully operating safety mechanism before using.
-Always handle a tool as if it is loaded with fasteners (nails, staples, etc.)
-Equip tools with a work-contacting element that limits the contact area to one that is as small as practical.
-Make sure that the mechanical linkage between work-contacting element and trigger is enclosed.
-Disconnect tool from air supply when not in use and during cleaning or adjustment. --Before clearing a blockage, be sure to depress the trigger to exhaust all air from the tool.
-Use only fasteners recommended by the manufacturer.
-Permit only properly trained people to carry out tool maintenance.



b)What should you avoid when using pneumatic nailing and stapling tools?

-Do not point the tool toward yourself or anyone else whether it contains fasteners or not.
-Do not operate at a pressure above the manufacturers' rating.
-Do not depress the trigger unless the nose piece of tool is directed onto a safe work surface.
-Do not carry a tool with the trigger depressed.
-Do not load a tool with fasteners while the trigger is depressed.
-Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance.
-Do not use compressed air to blow debris or to clean dirt from clothes.

Refer to Powered Hand Tools - Basic Safety for Pneumatic Tools for general safety tips for using tools powered by compressed air.

Sources: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/power_tools/nailing.html

Safety Info - Pneumatic Tools - Basic Safety

Pneumatic Tools - Basic Safety

Topics:

a)What are pneumatic tools?
b)How do you use pneumatic tools safely?
c)How should you handle air hoses?
d)What should you avoid with a compressed air?


a)What are pneumatic tools?

-Pneumatic tools are powered by compressed air. Common types of these air-powered hand tools that are used in industry include buffers, nailing and stapling guns, grinders, drills, jack hammers, chipping hammers, riveting guns, sanders and wrenches.

b)How do you use pneumatic tools safely?

-Review the manufacturer's instruction before using a tool.
-Wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield and, where necessary, safety shoes or boots and hearing protection.
-Post warning signs where pneumatic tools are used. Set up screens or shields in areas where nearby workers may be exposed to flying fragments, chips, dust, and excessive noise.
-Ensure that the compressed air supplied to the tool is clean and dry. Dust, moisture, and corrosive fumes can damage a tool. An in-line regulator filter and lubricator increases tool life.
-Keep tools clean and lubricated, and maintain them according to the manufacturers' instructions.
-Use only the attachments that the manufacturer recommends for the tools you are using.
-Be careful to prevent hands, feet, or body from injury in case the machine slips or the tool breaks.
-Reduce physical fatigue by supporting heavy tools with a counter-balance wherever possible.


c)How should you handle air hoses?

-Use the proper hose and fittings of the correct diameter.
-Use hoses specifically designed to resist abrasion, cutting, crushing and failure from continuous flexing.
-Choose air-supply hoses that have a minimum working pressure rating of 1035 kPa (150 psig) or 150% of the maximum pressure produced in the system, whichever is higher.
-Check hoses regularly for cuts, bulges and abrasions. Tag and replace, if defective.
-Blow out the air line before connecting a tool. Hold hose firmly and blow away from yourself and others.
-Make sure that hose connections fit properly and are equipped with a mechanical means of securing the connection (e.g., chain, wire, or positive locking device).
-Install quick disconnects of a pressure-release type rather than a disengagement type. Attach the male end of the connector to the tool, NOT the hose.
-Do not operate the tool at a pressure above the manufacturer's rating.
-Turn off the air pressure to hose when not in use or when changing power tools.
-Do not carry a pneumatic tool by its hose.
-Avoid creating trip hazards caused by hoses laid across walkways or curled underfoot.
-Do not use compressed air to blow debris or to clean dirt from clothes.


d)What should you avoid with a compressed air?

-Cleaning with compressed air is dangerous.
-Do not use compressed air for cleaning unless no alternate method of cleaning is available. The nozzle pressure MUST remain below 207 kPa (30 psi).
-Personal protective equipment and effective chip guarding techniques must be used.
-Two acceptable methods of meeting the "below 207 kPa (30 psi)" requirement are illustrated below.


Sources: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/power_tools/pneumat.html

Safety - Electric Tools - Basic Safety

Electric Tools - Basic Safety

Topics:
a)When and how should you inspect powered hand tools?
b)What should you do if you find a tool defective?
c)What should you do before using powered hand tools?
d)What should you do while using powered hand tools?
e)What should you avoid when using powered tools?


a)When and how should you inspect powered hand tools?

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

b)What should you do if you find a tool defective?

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

c)What should you do before using powered hand tools?

-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.
-Ensure that the power tool has the correct guard, shield or other attachment that the manufacturer recommends.
-Prevent shocks. 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.
-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 in 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.

-Replace open front plugs with dead front plugs. Dead front plugs are sealed and present less danger of shock or short circuit.

-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.
-Test all tools for effective grounding with a continuity tester or a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) before use.
-Use only the kind of battery that the tool manufacturer specifies for the battery-powered tool that you are using.
-Recharge a battery-powered tool only with a charger that is specifically intended for the battery in that tool.
-Remove the battery from the tool or ensure that the tool is switched off or locked off before changing accessories, making adjustments, or storing the tool.
-Store a battery pack safely so that no metal parts, nails, screws, wrenches and so on can come in contact with the battery terminals; this could result in shorting the battery and possibly cause sparks, fires or burns.

d)What should you do while using powered hand tools?

-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, hearing protection, dust mask, gloves, safety boots or shoes, or rubber boots.
-Switch off the tools before connecting them to a power supply.
-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.
-Disconnect the power supply before making adjustments or changing accessories.
-Remove any wrenches and adjusting tools before turning on a tool.
-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.
-During use, keep power cords clear of tools and the path that the tool will take.
-Use clamps, a vice or other devices to hold and support the piece being worked on, when practical to do so. 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 work piece.
-Use only approved extension cords that have 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.
-For outdoor work, use outdoor extension cords marked "W-A" or "W".
-Suspend power cords over aisles or work areas to eliminate stumbling or tripping hazards.
-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.
-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.
-Follow good housekeeping procedures - keep the work area free of clutter and debris that could be tripping or slipping hazards.
-Keep power cords away from heat, water, oil, sharp edges and moving parts. They can damage the insulation and cause a shock.
-Ensure that cutting tools, drill bits, etc. are kept sharp, clean and well maintained.
-Store tools in a dry, secure location when they are not being used.

e)What should you avoid when using powered tools?

-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.
-Do not use a tool unless you have been trained to use it safely and know its limitations and hazards.
-Avoid accidental starting by ensuring the tool is turned off before you plug it in. -Also do not walk around with a plugged-in tool with your finger touching the switch.
-Do not bypass the ON/OFF switch and operate the tools by connecting and disconnecting the power cord.
-Do not disconnect the power supply of the tool by pulling or jerking the cord from the outlet.
-Do not leave a running tool unattended. Do not leave it until it has been turned off, has stopped running completely, and has been unplugged.
-Do not use electric tools in wet conditions or damp locations unless tool is connected to a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
-Do not expose electric power tools to rain or wet conditions; wet tools increase the likelihood of electric shock.
-Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces like refrigerators, pipes and radiators when using electric powered tools; this will reduce the likelihood of shock if the operator's body is grounded.
-Do not plug several power cords into one outlet by using single-to-multiple outlet adapters or converters ("cube taps").
-Do not use light duty power cords.
-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.
-Do not connect or splice extension cords together to make a longer connection: the resulting extension cord may not be able to provide sufficient current or power safely.
-Do not carry electrical tools by the power cord.
-Do not tie power cords in knots. Knots can cause short circuits and shocks. Loop the cords or use a twist lock plug.

-Never break off the third prong on a plug: replace broken 3-prong plugs and make sure the third prong is properly grounded.
-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.
-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.
-Do not bush away sawdust, shavings or turnings while the tool is running. Never use compressed air for cleaning surfaces or removing sawdust, metal turnings, etc.
-Do not operate tools in an area containing explosive vapours or gases.
-Do not clean tools with flammable or toxic solvents.
-Do not surprise or touch anyone who is operating a tool. Startling a tool operator could end up causing an accident or injury.

Sources: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/power_tools/saf_elec.html

Safety Info - Drill

Drills

Topics:
a)How do you select the proper bit or attachment?
b)What should you do when working with powered hand drills?
c)What should you do when working with small pieces?
d)What should you avoid when working with powered hand drills?


a)How do you select the proper bit or attachment?

Follow manufacturers' instructions when selecting and using a bit or attachment, especially with unfamiliar drills or work.
Select the bit or attachment suitable for the size of the drill and the work being done.
Ensure that the bit or attachments are properly seated and tightened in the chuck.
Use only bits and attachments that turn true.
Use the auxiliary (second) handle for larger work or continuous operation.


b)What should you do when working with powered hand drills?

Wear safety glasses or a face shield.
Keep drill air vents clear to maintain adequate ventilation.
Keep drill bits sharp always.
Keep all cords clear of the cutting area during use. Inspect for frays or damage before each use.
Disconnect power supply before changing or adjusting bit or attachments.
Tighten the chuck securely. Remove chuck key before starting drill.
Secure workpiece being drilled to prevent movement.

Slow the rate of feed just before breaking through the surface.
Drill a small "pilot" hole before drilling large holes.

c)What should you do when working with small pieces?

Clamp stock so work will not twist or spin.
Do not drill with one hand while holding the material with the other.

d)What should you avoid when working with powered hand drills?

Do not use a bent drill bit.
Do not exceed the manufacturer's recommended maximum drilling capacities.
Do not use a hole saw cutter without the pilot drill.
Do not use high speed steel (HSS) bits without cooling or using lubrication.
Do not attempt to free a jammed bit by starting and stopping the drill. Unplug the drill and then remove the bit from the workpiece.
Do not reach under or around stock being drilled.
Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance.
Do not raise or lower the drill by its power cord.
Do not use in wet or muddy locations. Use a nonpowered drill instead.
Do not use excessive force to drill into hard material. Reduce drill speed if possible.

Refer to Powered Hand Tools - Basic Safety for Electric Tools for general safety tips.

Souces: OSH Answer - http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/power_tools/drills.html