Portable Power Tools

Team VADA eViews

The Digital Newsletter of Your Virginia Automobile Dealers Association

March 2008

Portable power tools account for 25% of all injuries in dealerships
Important to review safety procedures regularly with employees who use these tools
OSHA provides Hand protection guidelines on their website (www.osha.gov)

Portable hand tools, either manual, electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic, can be a lethal combination of energy, sharp edges, fast moving parts, and excessive force. Accidents involving hand tools are “on the rise” representing about 25% of all injuries in Virginia’s automobile dealerships. The costs of these injuries average over $300,000 per year.

Without a doubt, your technicians surely know how to operate their tools in an “expert” fashion. But do they know everything there is to know about using them safely?

These accidents are caused from three primary sources:

Choosing the wrong tool for the job (or using the right tool incorrectly)
Using a tool without appropriate safeguards
Applying excessive force on a tool, resulting in loss of grip or even muscle strain.

Even if you’ve heard most of these guidelines before, it is important to review them with staff periodically to keep the safety procedures fresh in their minds. So let’s get started!

Do…

Know the purpose of each tool, and use it only for that purpose
Inspect tools before each use and replace/repair if damaged
Use the right sized tool for the job
Choose quality tools (not just the economy brand). Higher quality tools typically offer better design and limit excessive strain on the body
Make sure power switch is “Off” before use
Power off and Bleed the powered line before disconnecting a tool from its power source
Use power tools when excessive force is necessary to loosen/tighten an object
Use lubricants to loosen tight bolts
Use double insulated power tools with GFCI connection
Make sure your standing on good, balanced footing when using tools
Carry tools with sharp edges pointed away from your body
Keep work area clean and dry
Use tools in a well lighted area
Wear PPE (i.e. safety glasses, disposable masks) when using a power tool, especially for grinding, chipping, sanding
Use only cutting blades in protective holders with safety lip
Place discarded blades in a blade container
Cut away from yourself, never toward your body
Use spark resistant tools near any flammable substance (liquid, vapor, or gas)
(spark resistant tools are usually made of brass, plastic, aluminum, or wood)

Don’t…

Use any tools unless you’ve been trained
Test a cutting edge with your fingers
Put sharp or pointed tools in your pockets
Clean or repair a tool while power is connected. Always disconnect power from unit!
Use tools without appropriate safety guards before use
Wear jewelry or loose clothing when operating power tools
Use power/pneumatic tools with frayed cords or observable defects
Stand in wet floor areas when working with tools
Mix horseplay with tool use

Some Final Words of Wisdom…

OSHA requires that employers provide Hand Protection to all employees when hands are exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasions; punctures; chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes. Effective February 13, 2008, employers will be responsible for supplying all personal protective equipment at no expense to the employee.

For more information on OSHA’s requirements for Hand Protection, see the OSHA website at: www.osha.gov. Specific regulations for Hand Protection are 29 CFR 1910.138.