General Safe Work Practices
Employer Responsibilities
Your employer is responsible for ensuring all tools are in good working condition and properly used for the task being performed.
Angle Grinder Incident
Below is a list of responsibilities and safe work practices that should be taken.
- All hand tools must be maintained in good condition.
- The use of unsafe hand tools is not permitted (i.e., no sprung jaws on wrenches, no mushroomed heads, no splinters or cracks in wooden handles, no loose parts/heads of tools).
- Saws must be equipped with guards and have a constant pressure switch that will shut off the power when the pressure is released.
- Safety guards must be on all abrasive wheel bench and stand grinders.
- Only trained workers are allowed to operate powder-actuated tools.
- All powder-actuated tools must be tested daily before use and all defects discovered before or during use are corrected.
- Powder-actuated tools must not be loaded until immediately before use.
- Loaded tools must not be left unattended.
- Compressed air that is used for cleaning purposes must be reduced to less than 30 pounds per square inch (psi) and provide effective chip guarding and PPE.
- All materials stored in tiers must be secured to prevent sliding, falling, or collapsing.
- Toeboards must be erected along the edge of overhead walking/working surfaces.
Safe Practices: Compressed Air
When working with compressed air, use the following best practices:
- get trained on the equipment prior to first use
- make sure equipment is in good condition and the gauges are accurate
- reduce air pressure to 30 psi if used for cleaning equipment, etc.
- and use only with appropriate guarding and proper protective equipment
- never clean clothing with compressed air
Safe Practices: Hand and Power Tools
When working with hand and power tools use the following best practices:
- do not use hand tools with loose, cracked or splintered handles
- do not use hand impact tools with mushroomed heads
- recondition or replace deformed hand tools such as chisels, punches, etc.
- replace broken, worn, or otherwise defective tools immediately
- store tools in secure and dry location
- be sure to be trained on how to safely use the tool
- inspect tools before each use
- wear safety goggles, face shields, gloves, and other PPE as necessary
- operate according to manufacturer's instructions
- ensure all required guards on power tools are in place
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-4. Compressed air used for cleaning purposes must be reduced to _____.
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