511 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 9-15

Sections

13-8. General Requirements.

Pneumatic Power Tools

Secure connections between tool and hose at and all quick makeup type connections with safety lashings and maintain safety clips on pneumatic impact tools.
Ensure operating pressures for tools and components do not exceed manufacturer's recommendations.
Use safety devices to control pressure and prevent accidental discharge, especially when handling tools with high-pressure requirements.

Hydraulic Power Tools

Select hydraulic fluid suitable for the most extreme temperatures the tool will face.
Maintain pressures within the safe operating limits set by the manufacturer.
Use non-conducting hoses of adequate strength for tools used near energized lines or equipment.

Explosive-Actuated Tools

Ensure tools comply with ANSI A10.3 and are stored in lockable containers with clear warning labels.
Secure explosive-actuated tools and charges, load tools only when ready to fire, and avoid using them in explosive or flammable atmospheres.
Follow specific guidelines for handling misfires, and only drive fasteners into suitable materials as per detailed instructions.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

13-5. When using pneumatic tools, secure connections between tool and hose and at all quick makeup type connections with _____.

relief hooks

retainers

trip clips

safety lashings

You forgot to answer the question!

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 13-8 (d.–f.).

13-3. General Requirements (d.–f.).

d.  Pneumatic Power Tools.  (13-8.d)

(1)  Provide a safety lashing at connections between tool and hose and at all quick makeup type connections.

(2)  Install and maintain safety clips or retainers on pneumatic impact (that is, percussion) tools to prevent attachments from being accidentally expelled.

(3)  Do not exceed the manufacturer’s safe operating pressure for tools, hoses, pipes, valves, filters, and other fittings.

(4)  All hoses exceeding one-half (½) inch (1.3 cm) inside diameter must have a safety device at the source of supply or branch line to reduce pressure in case of hose failure.

(5)  Shut off the pressure and exhaust the line before disconnecting the line from any tool or connection.

(6)  Do not use hoses to hoist or lower tools.

(7)  Equip airless spray guns of the type which atomize paints and fluids at high pressures (that is, 1,000 psi (6,895 kPa) or more) with an automatic or visible, manual safety device.  The safety device must prevent the trigger from being pulled so that
    paint or fluid is not discharged until the safety device is manually released.  In lieu of the above, a diffuser nut that will prevent high-pressure velocity release while the nozzle tip is removed plus a nozzle tip guard that will prevent the tip from coming into contact with the operator, or other equivalent protection may be provided.

(8)  Provide impact wrenches with a locking device for retaining the socket.

(9)  All pneumatic tools used on or around energized lines or equipment must have non-conducting hoses of adequate strength for the normal operating pressures.

e.  Hydraulic Power Tools.  (13-8.e)

(1)  Use appropriate hydraulic fluid in powered tools so that it retains its operating characteristics at the most extreme temperatures to which it will be exposed.  For underground use, see chapter 26.

(2)  Do not exceed the manufacturers' safe operating pressures for hydraulic hoses, valves, pipes, filters, and other fittings.

(3)  All hydraulic tools used on or around energized lines or equipment must have non-conducting hoses of adequate strength for the normal operating pressures.

f.  Explosive-Actuated Tools.  (13-8.f)

(1)  Explosive-actuated (that is, powder-actuated) tools must meet the design requirements of ANSI A10.3.

(2)  Provide each tool with the following:

(a)  A lockable container with the words "EXPLOSIVE- ACTUATED TOOL" in plain sight on the outside and a notice reading, "WARNING – EXPLOSIVE -ACTUATED TOOL TO BE USED ONLY BY A QUALIFIED OPERATOR AND KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY WHEN NOT IN USE" on the inside.

(b)  Operator’s instruction and service manual.

(d)  Tool inspection record.

(e)  Service tools and accessories.

(3)  Secure explosive-actuated tools and the charges at all times to prevent unauthorized possession or use.

(4)  Do not load explosive-actuated tools until just before the intended firing time. Do not point load nor empty tools in the direction of other persons.  Keep hands clear of the open barrel end.

(5)  Do not use explosive-actuated tools in explosive or flammable atmospheres. (6)  Do not drive fasteners into:
    (a)  Soft or easily penetrable materials, unless they are backed by a material that will prevent the fastener from passing through to the other side.

(b)  Very hard or brittle material such as cast iron, hardened steel, glazed or hollow tile, glass block, brick, or rock.

(d)  Spalled concrete.

(7)  If the explosive-actuated tool misfires, wait at least 30 seconds before firing again.  If the tool will not fire after a second attempt, wait at least another 30 seconds before removing the faulty cartridge.  Place the faulty cartridge in water until disposal. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for appropriate disposal.