160 Tool Safety: Basic

Glossary

A

• Angle Grinder. A handheld power tool used for grinding, cutting, and polishing materials such as metal, stone, and concrete. Go Back

B

• Band Saw. A power saw with a long, continuous blade that consists of a band of toothed metal, used for cutting wood, metal, or plastic. Go Back
• Battery. A portable power source used to operate cordless power tools. Batteries come in various voltages and capacities, and should be regularly charged and maintained. Go Back
• Belt Sander. A power tool with a continuous loop of sandpaper, used for rapidly removing material from large, flat surfaces. Go Back
• Bit. A detachable tool or attachment used in drills and other rotary tools for drilling holes or driving screws. Bits come in various sizes and types depending on the application. Go Back
• Blade. The cutting part of a tool such as a saw, knife, or chisel. Blades must be kept sharp and properly maintained to ensure safe and efficient operation. Go Back
• Blade Guard. A safety device that covers the blade of a saw or other cutting tool when not in use, or during certain operations to protect the operator from injury. Go Back
• Brad Nailer. A type of nail gun specifically designed to drive thin brads or nails into wood for finishing work, such as trim and molding. Go Back
• Building. A structure that stands alone or is cut off from adjoining structures by fire walls with all openings therein protected by approved fire doors. Go Back

C

• Chainsaw. A portable, motorized saw with a set of teeth attached to a rotating chain, used for cutting trees and large branches. Go Back
• Chuck. A clamping device used to hold a drill bit or other tool in place on a power drill or lathe. Chucks can be tightened manually or with a key to secure the tool. Go Back
• Circular Saw. A power-saw using a toothed or abrasive disc or blade to cut different materials using a rotary motion spinning around an arbor. Go Back
• Claw Hammer. A hand tool used for driving nails into, or pulling nails from, some other object. It typically has a head with one flat end and one claw end. Go Back
• Collet. A type of chuck used to hold small-diameter tools, such as router bits, securely in place. Collets are designed to provide a strong grip while maintaining precise alignment. Go Back
• Cordless Drill. A battery-powered drill that provides the convenience of portability without being tethered to an electrical outlet. It is commonly used for drilling holes and driving screws. Go Back

D

• Double-Insulated Tool. A type of power tool that is constructed with two separate layers of electrical insulation to protect the user from electrical shock. These tools do not require grounding. Go Back
• Drill Press. A stationary machine tool designed for drilling precise holes with a drill bit, using a rotating spindle. Go Back
• Dust Extraction Port. An attachment point on a power tool for connecting a vacuum or dust collection system to remove debris and maintain a clean work area. Go Back

E

• Electric Drill. A power tool fitted with a cutting tool attachment or driving tool attachment, usually a drill bit or driver bit, used for drilling holes in various materials or fastening various materials together. Go Back
• Electric Knife. A power tool with a serrated blade that oscillates to cut through food or other materials easily. Go Back
• Electric Scissors. A power tool designed for cutting fabric, paper, and other materials with precision and ease. It uses an electric motor to move the blades. Go Back
• Electric Screwdriver. A power tool designed to drive screws quickly and efficiently. It often has adjustable torque settings for different types of screws and materials. Go Back
• Ergonomics. The practice of designing tools, equipment, and tasks to fit the user's physical capabilities and limitations to prevent strain and injury. Proper ergonomics reduces fatigue and improves productivity. Go Back
• Explosive powerload, also known as load. Any substance in any form capable of producing a propellant force. Go Back

F

• Finish Nailer. A nail gun used for driving finish nails, which are slightly thicker than brads, for detailed carpentry work like cabinetry and furniture making. Go Back
• Footplate. The flat base of a saw or other cutting tool that rests on the material being cut. The footplate helps guide the tool and maintain stability during cutting operations. Go Back

G

• GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter). A device that detects ground faults and interrupts the electrical circuit to prevent electric shock. GFCIs are especially important when using power tools in damp or wet locations. Go Back
• Guards. Safety devices or barriers used to protect the operator from moving parts of machinery or tools, such as blades, gears, or belts. Guards must be in place and functional to prevent injury. Go Back
• Grip. The surface or covering of a tool handle that enhances the operator's ability to hold and control the tool. Grips should be designed to reduce slippage and improve comfort. Go Back
• Grounding. A safety practice that involves connecting electrical equipment to the earth through a grounding conductor to prevent electrical shock. Grounding ensures that in case of a fault, the electrical current is safely dissipated into the ground. Go Back

H

• Hammer Drill. A drill that combines rotary drilling with a hammering action to drill into hard materials like concrete and masonry. Go Back
• Hammer-operated piston tool - low-velocity type. A tool which, by means of a heavy mass hammer supplemented by a load, moves a piston designed to be captive to drive a stud, pin, or fastener into a work surface, always starting the fastener at rest and in contact with the work surface. It shall be so designed that when used with any load that accurately chambers in it and that is commercially available at the time the tool is submitted for approval, it will not cause such stud, pin, or fastener to have a mean velocity in excess of 300 feet per second when measured 6.5 feet from the muzzle end of the barrel. Go Back
• Hand Tool. A tool that is powered manually, meaning it does not use electricity, compressed air, or other power sources. Examples include hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, and chisels. Go Back
• Handle. The part of a tool designed to be held by the operator's hand. Handles should be ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue and provide a secure grip. Go Back
• Heat Gun. A power tool that blows hot air for purposes such as paint stripping, plastic welding, and heat shrinking. Go Back
• High-velocity tool. A tool or machine which, when used with a load, propels or discharges a stud, pin, or fastener, at velocities in excess of 300 feet per second when measured 6.5 feet from the muzzle end of the barrel, for the purpose of impinging it upon, affixing it to, or penetrating another object or material. Go Back

I

• Impact Driver. A power tool similar to a drill, designed specifically for driving screws and bolts with high torque. It uses concussive rotational force to drive fasteners more effectively. Go Back
• Inspection. The process of examining tools before use to ensure they are in good working condition. Regular inspections help identify defects or damage that could lead to accidents. Go Back

J

• Jack. A jack is an appliance for lifting and lowering or moving horizontally a load by application of a pushing force. Note: Jacks may be of the following types: Lever and ratchet, screw and hydraulic. Go Back
• Jack Rating. The rating of a jack is the maximum working load for which it is designed to lift safely that load throughout its specified amount of travel. Note: To raise the rated load of a jack, the point of application of the load, the applied force, and the length of lever arm should be those designated by the manufacturer for the particular jack considered. Go Back
• Jigsaw. A power saw with a reciprocating blade used for cutting irregular curves and other shapes in wood, metal, or other materials. Go Back

K

• Kickback. A sudden, forceful recoil of a tool, often occurring when a tool's moving part (like a saw blade) binds or catches in the material being worked on. Kickbacks can cause loss of control and serious injury. Go Back

L

• Low-velocity piston tool. A tool that utilizes a piston designed to be captive to drive a stud, pin, or fastener into a work surface. It shall be so designed that when used with any load that accurately chambers in it and that is commercially available at the time the tool is submitted for approval, it will not cause such stud, pin, or fastener to have a mean velocity in excess of 300 feet per second when measured 6.5 feet from the muzzle end of the barrel. Go Back

M

• Miter Saw. A specialized power saw that allows the user to make precise crosscuts and miter cuts in a workpiece by positioning a mounted blade. Go Back
• Motor. The component of a power tool that converts electrical energy into mechanical motion. Motors are rated by power output and should be matched to the tool's intended use. Go Back
• Mounted wheels. Mounted wheels, usually 2-inch diameter or smaller, and of various shapes, may be either organic or inorganic bonded abrasive wheels. They are secured to plain or threaded steel mandrels. Go Back

N

• Nail Gun. A power tool that drives nails into wood or other materials using compressed air, electricity, or gas. It significantly speeds up the process of nailing compared to using a hammer. Go Back

O

• Operator Training. Instruction and education provided to workers to ensure they understand how to use tools safely and effectively. Training should cover tool operation, safety procedures, and emergency response. Go Back
• Organic bonded wheels. Organic wheels are wheels which are bonded by means of an organic material such as resin, rubber, shellac, or other similar bonding agent. Go Back
• Oscillating Multi-Tool. A versatile power tool with a blade or attachment that oscillates back and forth to perform various tasks, such as cutting, sanding, and scraping. Go Back

P

• Palm Sander. A small, handheld power sander used for finishing and smoothing surfaces. It is compact and easy to maneuver. Go Back
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that can cause serious injuries or illnesses. For hand and power tools, this may include safety glasses, gloves, ear protection, and respirators. Go Back
• Pipe Wrench. A hand tool used to turn threaded pipe and pipe fittings for assembly (tightening) or disassembly (loosening). Go Back
• Pliers. A hand tool used to hold objects firmly, for bending, or for cutting. Go Back
• Portable Band Saw. A handheld power saw with a continuous blade that is ideal for cutting metal and other tough materials on the go. Go Back
• Portable grinding. A grinding operation where the grinding machine is designed to be hand held and may be easily moved from one location to another. Go Back
• Power Tool, A tool that is powered by an external source, such as electricity, compressed air, or gasoline. Examples include drills, saws, grinders, and sanders. Go Back
• Proper Lifting Techniques. Methods used to lift and move tools or materials safely to avoid injury. This includes bending at the knees, keeping the back straight, and using the legs to lift. Go Back
• Protective shield or guard. A device or guard attached to the muzzle end of the tool, which is designed to confine flying particles. Go Back

Q

R

• Random Orbital Sander. A power sander that moves in a random orbit pattern, providing a smoother finish and reducing the risk of swirl marks. Go Back
• Ratchet and Socket Set. A hand tool used for fastening and loosening nuts and bolts. The ratchet provides a mechanism for turning the socket without removing it from the fastener. Go Back
• Reciprocating Saw. A saw with a blade that moves back and forth (reciprocates) to cut through various materials, often used in demolition and remodeling work. Go Back
• Regular Maintenance. Performing routine maintenance, such as cleaning, lubricating, and sharpening tools, to keep them in good working condition. Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of tools and ensures safe operation. Go Back
• Rotary Tool. A versatile power tool with a rotary tip that accepts a variety of attachments for cutting, grinding, sanding, polishing, and engraving. Go Back
• Router. A power tool used to rout (hollow out) an area in hard material, such as wood or plastic. Go Back
• RPM (Revolutions Per Minute). A measure of the speed at which a tool or its components (such as a drill bit or saw blade) rotates. The RPM must match the tool's specifications to ensure safe operation. Go Back

S

• Safe Operating Procedures. Following established procedures and best practices for using tools safely. This includes using tools only for their intended purpose and keeping hands and body parts away from moving parts. Go Back
• Safety guard. A safety guard is an enclosure designed to restrain the pieces of the grinding wheel and furnish all possible protection in the event that the wheel is broken in operation. Go Back
• Screwdriver. A hand tool for driving screws into a material by turning them manually. It comes in various types, such as flathead, Phillips, and Torx. Go Back
• Secure Work Area. Ensuring the work area is free from clutter, properly lit, and has adequate space to safely operate tools. A secure work area reduces the risk of accidents. Go Back
• Shaft. A rotating component of a tool that transmits power from the motor to the working end, such as a drill bit or saw blade. Shafts must be properly aligned and maintained. Go Back
• Socket Wrench. A tool that uses separate, removable sockets to fit different sizes of fasteners and allows for the fastener to be turned without removing and repositioning the wrench. Go Back
• Speed Control. A mechanism that allows the operator to adjust the operating speed of a power tool. Speed control is important for matching the tool's performance to the material and task. Go Back
• Switch. A device used to turn a power tool on or off. Switches should be designed to prevent accidental activation and to allow for easy, quick control by the operator. Go Back

T

• Table Saw. A woodworking tool consisting of a circular saw blade, mounted on an arbor, that is driven by an electric motor. The blade protrudes through the surface of a table, which provides support for the material being cut. Go Back
• To chamber. To fit properly without the use of excess force, the case being duly supported. Go Back
• Tool. An explosive-actuated fastening tool, unless otherwise indicated, and all accessories pertaining thereto.Go Back
• Tool Maintenance. The regular inspection, cleaning, and repair of tools to ensure they are in safe working condition. Proper maintenance can prevent tool failure and accidents. Go Back
• Tool Storage. Properly storing tools in designated areas when not in use to prevent damage and ensure they are easily accessible. Good storage practices prolong the life of tools and maintain a safe work environment. Go Back
• Trigger. A control mechanism used to activate and control the speed of a power tool. Triggers should be designed for easy operation and to prevent accidental activation. Go Back
• Tuck pointing. Removal, by grinding, of cement, mortar, or other nonmetallic jointing material. Go Back
• Tuck pointing wheels. Tuck pointing wheels, usually Type 1, reinforced organic bonded wheels have diameter, thickness and hole size dimension. They are subject to the same limitations of use and mounting as Type 1 wheels. LIMITATION: Wheels used for tuck pointing should be reinforced, organic bonded. (See § 1910.243(c)(1)(ii)(c.)) Go Back

U

• Unplugging Tools. Disconnecting power tools from their power source when not in use, during maintenance, or when changing accessories to prevent accidental activation. Go Back
• Using Both Hands. Operating tools with both hands when required to ensure better control and stability, reducing the risk of accidents. Go Back
• Utility Knife. A hand tool used for cutting various materials, such as cardboard, plastic, and wood. It typically has a retractable blade for safety. Go Back

V

W

• Wire Strippers. A hand tool used to strip the electrical insulation from electric wires. Go Back
• Work Area Safety. Practices and measures taken to keep the work area safe and organized. This includes keeping the area free of clutter, ensuring adequate lighting, and using proper signage to indicate hazards. Go Back
• Work Light. An integrated light source on a power tool that illuminates the work area to improve visibility and accuracy during operation. Go Back

X

Y

Z