810 Hand and Power Tool Safety

Introduction

Hand and power tools are a common part of our everyday lives and are present in nearly every industry. These tools help us easily perform tasks that otherwise would be difficult or impossible. However, these simple tools can be hazardous and have the potential for causing severe injuries when used or maintained improperly. Special attention toward hand and power tool safety is necessary in order to reduce or eliminate these hazards.

Hand and power tool hazards are addressed in specific standards for the general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, longshoring, and the construction industry.

This course is designed to present to employees and employers a summary of the basic safety procedures and safeguards associated with hand and portable power tools.

The material in this course is based on the standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. However, this course should not be considered as a substitute for the full safety and health standards for the general industry (published in Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 1910, Subpart P), or for the construction industry (published in 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart I).

Employers and employees in the 26 states and territories with OSHA-approved state safety and health plans should check with their state agency. Their state may be enforcing standards and other procedures that, while "at least as effective as" federal standards, are not always identical to the federal requirements.

Course Objectives