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DOCUMENT ID: |
6120
Appendix T1 Portable
Hand Tool Safe Practices |
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1.0
Purpose
Portable hand tools expose workers to hazard issues including electrical shock, pinch points, sharp edges, and repetitive motion. In most cases basic personal protection equipment (PPE) is required; and in all cases additional vigilance by operators and observers.
There are
three categories of portable hand tools used at Jefferson Lab:
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·
Cutting Tools
(Saws) ·
Torsion Tools
(Wrenches) · Impact Tools (Hammers) ·
Pliers · Screwdrivers – Flat or Philips Head · Vises ·
Clamps |
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2.0
Scope
This appendix provides the minimum requirements when using portable hand tools. See the area supervisor and the tool owner for additional specific requirements for the material and/or tool used.
The process steps for this procedure are performed in coordination with ES&H Manual Chapter 6120 Portable Hand Tool Safety.
3.0
Responsibilities
NOTE: Management authority may be delegated to a task qualified Jefferson Lab employee at the discretion of the responsible manager.
3.1
Portable
Hand Tool Owner and/or Operator
·
Ask your
supervisor for clarification or training on any tool you are unfamiliar with,
or as required.
·
Inspect and
wear appropriate PPE in accordance with ES&H Manual Chapter 6620
Personal Protective Equipment Program.
·
Use tools in
accordance with Jefferson Lab’s and manufacturer’s requirements. If these are in
conflict ask your supervisor/Sponsor for clarification.
·
Include
Industrial Safety and Engineering (if needed) as part of the decision process
whenever tooling is not being used as designed or per IAW manufacturer’s
instruction.
3.2
Supervisor/Technical
Representative (SOTR)/Sponsor
·
Ensure
appropriate tools are available for the work assigned.
·
Ensure workers are
trained and authorized to use portable hand tools; coordinate training as
necessary.
·
Ensure that workers inspect,
maintain, store, and dispose of tools in accordance with department procedures.
3.3
Industrial Safety
·
Coordinate
training for portable hand tools when requested.
4.0
Process Steps
Unless otherwise noted process steps are performed by authorized Portable Hand Tool Owners and/or Operators.
Jefferson Lab’s minimal requirements for all portable hand tools (manual or powered) are:
·
Inspection prior to each use;
·
Maintenance in accordance with manufacturer’s
recommendations;
·
Storage in a secure location; and
·
Disposal in a safe, environmentally friendly
manner.
Loose
clothing, jewelry, ties, or any dangling objects, including long hair may catch
in rotating parts or accessories. This attire is never authorized in or around
these tools.
Generally, some type of basic PPE is required. See ES&H Manual Chapter 6620 Personal Protective Equipment to determine and obtain the appropriate items.
Jefferson Lab considers
manually powered tools to be those that are powered by manual force and held in
the hand. If hand tool is adapted for use with automated power, then follow
manual power tool guidance.
Minimum safety
requirements for all manually powered tools:
·
Secure footing.
·
Adequate clearance for fingers and hands.
·
Do not use a tool as a hammer (unless it is one).
4.1.1
Cutting Tools (in addition to 4.1 Manually Powered Tools requirements listed
above)
·
Use cut-resistant gloves and safety glasses.
·
The normal direction of force is away from the body; however, use
the tool in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions (i.e., cable stripping
tools).
·
Use guide-blocks to guide materials across a cutting surface.
·
Replace guards if they are missing or damaged.
·
Use retractable-blades whenever possible. If not possible use a
frame or handle (except for single and double edge razor blades.[1]).
o Correctly place blades
in the frame or handle. This includes selecting the proper blade for the
cutting task, installing the blade with the teeth pointing forward, and
properly adjusting the tension of the blade.
4.1.2
Torsion Tools (Wrenches) (in addition to 4.1 Manually Powered Tools requirements listed
above)
- Do
not use extensions on handles for additional leverage.
- Use
short, steady pulls. Do not push.
4.1.2.1
Socket Wrench (Preferred whenever possible)
(in addition to 4.1 Manually Powered Tools requirements listed
above)
·
Use instead of an adjustable wrench or an open-ended wrench as
they are safer and protect the bolt head or nut.
·
Use 6-point sockets when available.
4.1.2.2
Adjustable Wrench (in
addition to 4.1 Manually Powered Tools requirements listed above)
·
Use mainly for nuts and bolts that do not fit a socket wrench.
·
Always apply pressure to the fixed-jaw side of the wrench and, whenever
possible, pull the wrench toward the body.
4.1.2.3
Pipe Wrench (Straight or Chain Tong) (in
addition to 4.1 Manually Powered Tools
requirements listed above)
·
Jaws are sharp and kept clean to prevent slipping.
·
Do not use on nuts or bolts.
·
Do not use a pipe wrench as a hammer
unless it is specifically designed for such use.
4.1.2.4
Torque Wrench (in
addition to 4.1 Manually Powered Tools requirements listed above)
· Clean bolt or nut thread before each use.
·
Ensure accurate calibration. These require an annual
documented calibration test in accordance with Jefferson Lab’s Measurement
and Test Equipment Control and Calibration Procedure.
·
Do not exceed its scale range.
4.1.3
Impact
Tools (in addition to 4.1
Manually Powered Tools requirements listed above)
·
Wear protective eyewear.
4.1.3.1
Hammers (in addition to 4.1
Manually Powered Tools requirements listed above)
·
Head
is fitted securely to the handle.
·
Handle
is smooth, free of oil, and shaped to fit the hand.
·
Use
a ball-peen or maul hammer to strike another tool.
4.1.3.2
Chisel (in addition to 4.1
Manually Powered Tools requirements listed above)
·
Heads
are to be dressed when they start to mushroom. (If qualified to dress, do so,
otherwise take mushroomed hammers to the Machine Shop.)
4.1.3.3
Sledge
Hammers (in addition to 4.1
Manually Powered Tools requirements listed above)
·
Wear
protective eyewear.
·
Do
not use a sledge hammer with a split handle or a chipped head. (See ESH& Manual Chapter
6120 Appendix T2 Storage, Inspection, Maintenance, and Disposal of Portable
Hand Tools.
4.1.4
Pliers (in
addition to 4.1 Manually Powered Tools requirements listed above)
Pliers are used for cutting or bending
material such as wire. Pliers are designed to allow the force of the hand’s
grip to be amplified.
· Jaws are to meet each other at one pivot angle without play.
· Handles have protective coating or patterned grip.
4.1.4.1
Side Cutting Pliers (Electricians’ Pliers) (in addition to 4.1 Manually Powered Tools requirements listed
above)
·
Use safety glasses with side shields.
·
Have insulated grips. Grips are to be replaced as needed.
·
Serrated jaw should be sharp enough to hold wires securely.
4.1.5 Screwdrivers – Flathead or Philips Head (in addition to 4.1 Manually Powered Tools requirements listed above)
·
Keep tips clean and square-edged. It is acceptable to reshape
minor wear with a file.
·
Size the tip to fit snugly in the screw.
·
Dispose of any screwdriver with a broken or loose handle, bent
blade, or dull or twisted tip.
·
Always make a pilot hole for a screw.
·
Do not carry screwdrivers in your pockets.
·
Do not use as a chisel, punch, wedge, pinch, or pry bar.
·
Never use any screwdriver for electrical work unless it is
insulated. Be alert for small cracks in the insulation.
4.1.6
Vises (in
addition to 4.1 Manually Powered Tools requirements listed above)
·
Fasten securely to a sturdy, immobile work bench or a similar
base.
·
When sawing material held in a vise, make the cut as close to
the jaws as possible.
·
If clamping long pieces, support the free end of the piece adequately.
4.1.7 Clamps (in addition to 4.1 Manually Powered Tools requirements listed above)
·
Over tightening a clamp can break the clamp or damage the
product.
·
If there is a swivel, it must turn freely.
· Clamps should be stored on a rack and not in a drawer
Jefferson Lab considers
portable power driven tools to be those that are powered by an automated force
(e.g., electricity or air) and held in the hand. Many hand tools have been
adapted for use with automated power. When this is the case (e.g., a hammer or
saw) both safety requirements are to be followed.
Minimum safety
requirements for all portable power driven tools:
·
Wear protective eyewear.
·
Manufacture’s safety requirements are followed applicable to
the tool being used and the nature of the work being performed.
·
Wear safety glasses.
·
Hands and clothing are kept away from the working end of the
tool.
·
Speed regulator or governor is maintained to avoid wheel
runaway.
·
The power source is “off” or unplugged (so the
tool cannot inadvertently become powered up) when not in use and before making
adjustments.
·
Workers and observers are constantly aware of
the location of cords, hoses and attachments.
· Removable parts are maintained in good condition and securely attached before use.
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NOTE: Since ground conductors are not needed for the device to
operate, there may be an undetected open ground in an appliance, its cord, or
in a branch circuit. For this reason, it is important to test grounded
appliances and circuits periodically for ground continuity. Your supervisor
or Jefferson
Lab’s Electrical Safety Engineer can arrange for this test. |
4.2.1
Electric Power Tools
(in addition to 4.2 Portable Power Tools requirements
listed above)
Electric shock is the chief hazard
from electrically-powered tools. For that reason:
·
Do
not use electric tools in damp or wet areas or in metal tanks.
·
Only
use electric tools that are in good repair.
·
A
ground-fault
circuit-interrupter (GFCI) is required.
4.2.2 Air-Powered Tools (in addition to 4.2 Portable Power Tools requirements listed above)
Typically air-powered tools are powered by
an electric or gas powered air compressor or explosive cartridge. Attachments
include drills, saws, belt sanders, hammers, and chainsaws. Safety requirements
are identical to those of their electric or manual counterparts
with the addition of:
·
Use of hearing protection.
·
Inspection and testing of the tool, air hose, and coupling
before each use.
· Never exceed the manufacturer’s listed air pressure for the tool.
4.2.3
Circular Saws (in addition to 4.2 Portable Power Tools requirements listed
above and if electric then 4.2.1 Electric Power
Tools, or if air powered the 4.2.2 Air-Powered
Tools)
·
Wear eye protection when operating a
circular saw. This eyewear is available from the stockroom.
·
Use guards as the manufacturer intended. Check
the guard frequently to be sure that it operates freely and encloses the teeth,
including the unused portion of the blade when cutting.
·
Do not use a circular saw that is too heavy to be easily
controlled.
·
Be sure that the switch that turns the tool on returns to the off
position after release.
·
Use sharp blades.
·
Use the correct blade for the application, and observe rotation
marks on the blade during installation.
·
Ensure the blade is compatible for the tool. Ensure that:
o It is the proper size
o It has the proper
shaped arbor hole.
o The speed marked on the
blade is at least as high as the “no-load speed” (revolutions per minute) on
the saw’s nameplate.
·
The work piece must be securely supported.
·
For maximum control, use either both hands or a guide block to
properly and safely guide the saw.
4.2.4
Abrasive Wheels, Buffers, and Scratch Brushes (in
addition to 4.2 Portable Power Tools
requirements listed above and if electric then 4.2.1
Electric Power Tools, or if air powered the 4.2.2
Air-Powered Tools)
·
Always wear safety glasses.
·
Guards are to be in place and cover the moving part as completely
as possible. Guards should be adjustable so operators can make adjustment
instead of removing the guard. Guards for
wheels must not be removed.
·
Keep the abrasive
wheel away from water and oil. These may affect its balance.
·
Do not strike
the sides of a wheel against other objects or drop the wheel.
·
Sound-test
(ring-test) wheels before mounting. Discard defective wheels immediately.
·
Check the wheel rating. Ensure that maximum machine rotation (RPM) does not exceed the
rating of the wheel.
·
When
installing the wheel, make sure both sides have blotter paper.
4.2.5
Belt or Disc Sanders (in
addition to 4.2 Portable Power Tools
requirements listed above and if electric then 4.2.1
Electric Power Tools, or if air powered the 4.2.2
Air-Powered Tools)
·
Do not to expose the tool to liquids, or use in damp, wet
locations.
·
When adjusting the tracking of the belt, be certain you have
the sander supported and positioned to avoid accidental contact with yourself
or an adjacent object.
·
The work area should be at least 3ft – 4ft larger than the
length of stock being sanded.
· Use jigs, clamps, or fixtures to hold your work piece whenever possible.
4.2.6
Disc or Straight Grinders (in addition to 4.2
Portable Power Tools requirements listed
above and if electric then 4.2.1 Electric Power
Tools, or if air powered
the 4.2.2 Air Power Tools)
·
Use only with high-strength, bonded, undamaged wheels.
·
Use the proper combination of wheel and guard.
·
Never over reach.
·
Maintain balance of the machine.
·
Do not allow the grinding wheel to bend, pinch, or twist in
the cut.
·
Angle grinders are primarily used with reinforced abrasive
discs or wire cup brushes for the removal of metal or masonry.
·
Tuck point grinders (a variation of straight grinders) are
equipped with reinforced abrasive discs and the appropriate guard.
·
Check the wheel rating. Ensure that maximum machine rotation (RPM) does not exceed the
rating of the wheel.
· Do not grind near combustibles. Hot fragments may be thrown off the material causing a fire hazard job. (See ES&H Manual Chapter 6900 Appendix T1 Fire Protection Hot Work Permit - Instructions.)
4.3
Powder Actuated Fastening Tools
The hazards encountered in the use of these tools are similar to
those encountered with firearms. For this reason Jefferson Lab has determined that use of powder
actuated fastening tools carries an unmitigated Risk Code 3.
Therefore, an Operational
Safety Procedure (OSP) is written, read, and signed by operators prior to
use. (See OSHA 1919.243(d) and the National Safety
Council Data Sheet 236, Powder Actuated Hand Tools).
Step 1: Operational Safety Procedure (OSP)
· Use ES&H Manual Chapter 3310 Operational Safety Procedure Program to develop an OSP to document the hazard issues and mitigation requirements associated with powder actuating fastening tools.
· The following additional information is required to be addressed prior to review and approval of the document:
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Training |
Operators must be trained by a representative of the tool
manufacturer, or other authorized representative (contact Industrial Safety). |
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Cartridge
Purchase and Storage |
Define the purchasing, storing, and other control options for
the tool’s cartridges. (Cartridges for these types of tools are considered chemicals.
Therefore they are:
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Step 2:
Complete the OSP Document
·
Complete
the process steps as outlined within ES&H Manual Chapter
3310 Appendix T1 Operational Safety Procedure (OSP) and Temporary OSP-
Instructions for validation, approval, recordkeeping and implementation.
5.0
Revision Summary
Revision 1.4 – 09/23/21
– Periodic Review; updated header and footer, changed some manual chapter titles to
match their updates, changed SOTR to TR, minor edits only, no approval needed.
Periodic Review –
10/25/18 – No changes per TPOC
Revision 1.3 – 11/16/15
– Periodic Review; minor clarifications; review cycle adjusted to reflect high-risk
category.
Revision 1.2 – 01/16/13
– Clarified
Process Steps for Manually Powered Tools and Portable Power Tools
Revision 1.1 – 11/30/12
– Clarified
training requirement for Powder Actuated Fastening Tool and process for purchasing
and storing of cartridges
Revision
1.0 – 07/19/10 – Updated to reflect current laboratory operations
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ISSUING
AUTHORITY |
TECHNICAL POINT-OF-CONTACT |
APPROVAL
DATE |
REVIEW DATE |
REV. |
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ES&H Division |
10/25/18 |
09/23/24 |
1.4 |
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