Jefferson Lab > ES&H
Privacy and Security Notice
ES&H Manual
Chapter 6120 Portable Hand Tool Safety
Purpose
Jefferson Lab recognizes that portable hand tools, both manual and power driven, expose workers to hazard issues including: electrical shock, pinch points, sharp edges, and repetitive motion which could result in personal injury and damage. It is therefore required that any worker using this type of equipment be authorized to do so by their supervisor and abide by the requirements of the safety procedures contained within the appendices of this chapter.

This program satisfies applicable federal, state, and local requirements as outlined in ES&H Manual Chapter 2410 Appendix T1 Hazard Issues List.


Scope
This program describes required activities when using portable hand tools owned by and/or used on behalf of Jefferson Lab.

See ES&H Manual 6121 Machine Tools for the safety requirements associated with machine tools. Jefferson Lab recognizes "machine" tools as pieces of equipment that:
  • Is non-portable - secured for stability.
  • Has rotational motion, hydraulic, or leverage force.
Technical Appendices:

T1 Portable Hand Tool Safe Practices
Portable hand tools expose workers to hazard issues including electrical shock, pinch points, sharp edges, and repetitive motion. In most cases basic PPE is required; and in all cases additional vigilance by the operator and observers. ES&H Manual Chapter 6120 Appendix T1 Portable Hand Tool Safe Practices provides Jefferson Lab's minimum safety requirements when using these tools.
T2 Storage, Inspection, Maintenance, and Disposal of Portable Hand Tools
Jefferson Lab requires that owners of portable hand tools store, inspect, maintain, and dispose of their equipment and any attachments in a responsible manner. Unauthorized use of portable hand tools is not permitted at Jefferson Lab. Owners and their supervisors are responsible for monitoring the use of this equipment. ES&H Manual Chapter 6120 Appendix T2 Storage, Inspection, Maintenance, and Disposal of Portable Hand Tools defines the minimum requirements for maintaining equipment at Jefferson Lab.
PPE
Safety glasses and hearing protection are generally required when using portable powered hand tools (i.e., circular saw, sander.). Refer to ES&H Manual Chapter 6620 Personal Protective Equipment for guidance on the type, how to make a determination, and proper use.
Extension Cords
Portable hand tools often require the use of an extension cord. Jefferson Lab requires the use of portable Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI). ES&H Manual Chapter 6200 Appendix T4 General Electrical Safety Guidelines provides safe work practice requirements to be followed when using these and other various power cords.
Responsibilities:

Note: Management authority may be delegated to a task qualified Jefferson Lab employee at the discretion of the responsible manager.

Portable Hand Tool Owner and/or Operator
  • Abide by the requirements of Jefferson Lab and department procedures regarding the use, storage, inspection, maintenance, and disposal of portable hand tools used on behalf of Jefferson Lab.
  • Inspect and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with ES&H Manual Chapter 6620 Personal Protective Equipment.
  • Use tools in accordance with Jefferson Lab and manufacture's requirements.
Supervisor/Technical Representative (TR)/Sponsor
Document Control:
  • ISSUING AUTHORITY:   ES&H Division
    TECHNICAL POINT-OF-CONTACT:  Bert Manzlak
    APPROVAL DATE:   07/17/18
    REVIEW DATE:  09/23/24
    REVISION HISTORY
    Revision 1.4 - 09/23/21 - Periodic Review; updated header and footer, changed SOTR to TR, minor changes only, no approval needed.
    Revision 1.3 - 07/17/18 - Periodic Review; updated 4.4 to reflect Jefferson Lab's requirement to use portable GFCIs.
    Revision 1.2 - 12/07/15 - Periodic Review; deleted SOTR responsibility to provide tooling for subcontractors; review cycle adjusted to reflect high risk category.
    Revision 1.1 - 11/30/12 - Updated Appendix T1 description. Clarification only.
    Revision 1.0 - 07/19/10 - Updated to reflect current laboratory operations.

This document is controlled as an on-line file. It may be printed but the print copy is not a controlled document. It is the user's responsibility to ensure that the document is the same revision as the current on line file. .