Prepared by Allied Insurance Brokers, Inc.

Commonwealth Scaffold, LLC

Hand and Portable Power
Tool Program and Training
Materials
Effective Date: 12/14/2012
Revision #:

Table of Contents

Hand and Portable Power Tool Program ……………………1

Employee Handout ………………………………………………………5

Presentation Instructor Notes ……………………………………6

Presentation Quiz …………………………………………………………7

Presentation Sign-In Log ………………………………………………8

Prepared by: Date: Approved by: Date:

This policy is merely a guideline. It is not meant to be exhaustive nor be construed as legal advice. It does not address all potential
compliance issues with federal, state, local OSHA or any other regulatory agency standards. Consult your licensed Commercial
Property and Casualty representative at Allied Insurance Brokers, Inc. or legal counsel to address possible compliance requirements.
© 2005, 2011-2012 Zywave, Inc.
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 Commonwealth Scaffold, LLC
Hand and Portable Power Tool
Program
Effective Date: 12/14/2012
Revision #:

Reference Standard
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Subpart P Hand and Portable Powered Tools including:
− 29 CFR 1910.242, Hand and Portable Powered Tools and Equipment, General;
− 29 CFR 1910.243, Guarding of Portable Powered Tools; and
− 29 CFR 1910.244, Other Portable Tools and Equipment.

Purpose
This procedure establishes minimum safety procedures for the selection, inspection and use of hand and
portable power tools. This procedure applies to company owned and issued tools as well as employee
owned tools.

Scope
This procedure applies to all company employees, contractors, vendors, and other individuals performing
work on company property or visiting a work site.

Responsibilities
− Management is responsible for the development and periodic review of this program. Management
is also responsible for appropriate employee training.
− Management and supervisors are responsible for enforcement of this program.
− Employees, Contractors and vendors must comply with all procedures outlined in this policy.

Definitions
Constant Pressure Switch: a mechanism that shuts off the power when the pressure is released.
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter): a fast-acting circuit breaker designed to shut off electric
power and prevent a grounded current from establish an alternative path through an individual. The
breaker compares the amount current going and coming from the equipment and circuit conductors. If the
amounts going and coming are different, the breaker interrupts the current.
Lock mechanism: a mechanism that bypasses constant pressure controls enabling a tool to continue
operation even when pressure is released.
Operator: person operating a power tool or an individual assisting a person operating a power tool.
Power Tools: tools with electric, explosive, hydraulic or pneumatic power sources.
PPE: personal protective equipment as defined by 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I, including clothing, helmets,
goggles, and other garments or equipment designed to protect the body from injury, impact, and other
job-related hazards.

Procedure

Prevention and Safety

− Operators must be trained and authorized to operate power tools;
− Operators must refrain from using power tools in an explosive or flammable environment;

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 − Operators must inspect and test all tools and their parts (including guards and safety mechanisms)
before operation;
− Operators must avoid using equipment that has been damaged or modified in transit, storage, or
otherwise;
− Operators must be satisfied, after inspection of the tool, that the tool is clean, that all moving parts
will operate as designed, and that the tool is free of obstructions;
− Operators must inspect the work area for hazards before igniting or operating a power tool;
− Operators must take precautions to protect others from power tool usage hazards such as:
o Using Caution Tape, Traffic Cones or other barricades to isolate the area;
o Posting warning signs;
o Erecting temporary barriers;
o Holding pre-job conferences with personnel in the work area; and
o Scheduling work for hours when others are not present in the work area.
− Operators must only use approved tools. To be OSHA approved, power tools must;
o Be equipped with ignition and activation mechanisms that require manual and intentional
operation;
o Be equipped with a dual ignition mechanism, if applicable (consult OSHA regulations for
details and exceptions);
o Be equipped with guards to protect the operator against accidental contact with the tool;
o Be equipped with guards to prevent ejection of the tool, of its parts or of debris during
operation;
o Be equipped with guards that automatically and instantly cover the tool when the tool is not
in use, if applicable (consult OSHA regulations for detailed guard information on specific
tools);
o Be equipped with guards that must be set in place before operators can activate the tool, if
applicable (consult OSHA regulations for detailed guard information on specific tools);
o Be equipped with a constant pressure switch or a shutoff mechanism that deactivates the
tool or automatically and instantly sets guards to cover the tool when the tool seems to not
be performing its intended work;
o Be designed so the location of the ignition and operation controls minimizes the possibility
of accidental operation;
o Be designed to allow for an easy examination of the tool to determine the presence of
foreign objects (or matter) on the tool;
o Be designed to allow for an easy examination of the tool and to determine the existence of
damaged or otherwise altered tool components;
o Be designed to display prominently and permanently any warnings or instructions operators
must follow to ensure the safe ignition, operation, and deactivation of the tool; and
o Be designed, if applicable, to allow operators to select the appropriate power level to
accomplish the desired work without applying excessive force.

For convenience, some tools may operate with a lock mechanism to prevent an automatic shutoff,
provided that such mechanism can be deactivated by a single motion of the finger(s) that turned it on.
Consult OSHA regulations for detailed information on allowed lock mechanisms.

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Training
− Operators must receive training before being assigned to jobs requiring the use of power tools;
− Operators must receive training when new or different tools are introduced into the facility;
− Operators must receive training when procedures for operating existing tools change;
− Operators and repair personnel must have access to instruction manuals; and
− Power tool owners must maintain updated instruction manuals for power tools.

Power Tool Operation

− All operators and assistants must wear PPE while using tools as required by working conditions.
− Operators must not load power tools far in advance. Operators should load power tools
immediately before use.
− Operators must select the appropriate power level for the desired work. Operators must not use
excessive force on very hard or brittle materials.
− Operators must install on the tools the guards and safety equipment recommended by the
manufacturer.
− Operators must consider body placement when handling a tool. Operators must:
o Never use hands or other body parts to support a work piece;
o Keep body parts out of the path of the power tool and the debris created while operating the
tool; or
o Avoid using force that may cause them to fall or lose balance while operating the tool.
− When a tool becomes defective during use, the operator must cease to use it immediately, must
follow the manufacturer’s instructions to unload the tool, and must discontinue its use until the tool
is satisfactorily repaired.

Specific Tool Requirements

− When using electric tools, operators must:
o Keep cords out of aisles and traffic areas where they could be damaged by traffic and/or
cause pedestrians to trip;
o Keep cords away from heat sources and equipment that could cause mechanical damage;
o Make sure the tool is plugged into a GFCI receptacle or extension cord equipped with a
GFCI;
o Make sure that their hands, the tools, and all cords are dry and kept away from wet
environments; and
o Make sure that cords are rated for the same amperage as the tool.
− When using pneumatic tools, operators must:
o Be sure to use compressed air to power the tools instead of oxygen, nitrogen or other
gasses;
o Be sure that compressed air fittings are different and easily distinguished from other gas
fittings available in the facility to prevent mistaking another gas for compressed air; and
o Never direct compressed air to other chemicals (compressed air can act as an oxidizer and
increase the burning rate of combustible and flammable liquids).
− When using internal combustion tools, operators must:
o Operate the tool in areas with adequate ventilation;
o Shut off and allow motors or engines to cool down prior to refueling; and

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 o Store fuel in approved containers in a secure location, away from ignition sources or
hazards that may trigger spills.
− When using a tools with a chuck, operators must:
o Make sure the chuck is tight prior to use; and
o Remove the chuck key from the chuck prior to use.
− When using a jack, operators must follow the specific instructions set out by OSHA regarding the
usage of jacks. These instructions address the rating of the tool, the load worked on, and the
prevention of slippage. Please consult OSHA regulations for detailed information. (see 29 CFR
1910.244(a))

Maintenance, Storage, and Repairs

− Operators must inspect repaired tools at regular intervals.
− Operators must store power tools in a location that protects the tools and their components from
damage and other hazards.
− Operators must store power tools in a location that prevents theft or unauthorized personnel from
gaining easy access to the tools.
− Operators may use compressed air for cleaning only if reduced to less than 30 psi and only while
using effective guards and PPE.
− Authorized personnel must repair tools according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Prohibited Practices
− Never leave a loaded tool unattended, particularly in areas where it may be stolen or become
accessible to unauthorized personnel.
− Never point or aim a tool toward another person.
− Never remove company tools from a worksite or from storage without proper authorization.
− Never modify or alter company tools without proper authorization.

Revision History Record:

Revision Section Revised By Description

Number
0 NA NA Original document.

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 Be safe and healthy on the job at Commonwealth Scaffold, LLC with
these helpful tips provided by Allied Insurance Brokers, Inc..

Hand and Power Tools

Stay safe while using tools
Broken or worn equipment, as well as • Ensuring dust control is in
employees untrained in proper place
equipment use, can result in severe • Avoiding all grinding on the
injuries that may cause you to miss side of the wheel
several days (or even weeks) of work. • Not standing directly in front of
Follow these tips to stay safe with hand the grinding wheel when it is
and power tools in the workplace. first starting

Hand Tools Any sort of defective tool should be

Basic defects with hand tools often reported to your supervisor immediately.
result in the most frequent problems. Your safety is our first priority at
Before using any hand tool, be on the Commonwealth Scaffold, LLC; we’re
lookout for: happy to discuss any additional
• Chipped or broken drill bits questions or concerns you have
• Split or cracked handles regarding hand and power tool safety!
• Tools with missing parts
• Wrenches with torn-out jaws Safety Starts with You!
• Chisels and wedges with
mushroomed heads
Before you begin working
with any hand or power
Power Tools tool, visually inspect it prior
The electrical component of power tools to use. If the tool is broken,
provides an added hazard. Power tools cracked, missing parts or
are often extremely dangerous
worn down, take the tool
machines, and should be treated as
such. Examine any power tool before out of service.
use, looking for:
• Cracked tool blades
• Defective on/off switches
• The insertion of wrong parts
• Broker or inoperative guards
• Damage to the grounding wire,
or insufficient grounding

Grinders
Grinders are arguably the most This flyer is for informational purposes only and is
not intended as medical or legal advice.
dangerous tool in the power tool family.
Special precautions need to be taken Content © 2012 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
when using a grinder. These
precautions include:
• Following all safety concepts
discussed in training
• Wearing eye, hearing and
respiratory protection

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 HAND AND PORTABLE POWER TOOL
INSTRUCTOR NOTES

The following provides a useful preparation outline for use by trainers presenting the Hand and Portable
Power Tool presentation to employees. The presentation is available from Allied Insurance Brokers, Inc..

Training Objectives
− Review general power tool safety and how to inspect, operate and store tools used for their job

Before Training
− Read the OSHA standards and the model Hand and Portable Power Tool Safety Program
− Understand the following:
− This training program does not cover all power tools. There are general notes for electric and
pneumatic tool and for grinders. Additional, tool specific training is required although this can be
presented using information contained in the manufacturer’s manual
− To assure compliance, the written program and training material requires the use of a GFCI
receptacle or extension cord when using electrical tools
− Have examples of power tools that the student will use available for training
− Allow the employee to review written tool instructions for each tool

Introduction for Training

− Begin by stressing the overall importance of safety in your facility
− Review with students that power tools can cause injury to the operator as well as others in the area
− Give examples of facility use of power tools
− As a ground breaker, you can ask employees what experience they have had with power tools in
past jobs or hobbies

General Guidelines
− Stress the importance of the bullet points on these slides
− Stress the importance of the individual employee being committed to his/her own safety
− Be sure to be open to questions or comments
− Have specific examples of tools available for employees. Someone that is familiar with the safe
operation of these tools must cover the following:
o Pre-use inspection
o Required PPE
o Blade, bit, tool change
o Supplying power to the tool
o Tool operation
o Operator maintenance
o Tool and accessory storage practices

Conclusion
− Review the importance of safety in your facility
− Review the handout for further training

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 HAND AND PORTABLE POWER TOOL
QUIZ

Name: ______________________________ Date: ____________ Score: __________

Place a check mark on the line with the best answer for each of these 10 questions:

1. You are required to inspect a power tool before use:

a.___ True
b.___ False

2. When inspecting an electric power tool you must check:

a. ___The cord and the plug in addition to the tool
b. ___Only the tool itself

3. When inspecting a pneumatic (air) tool you must check:

a. ___Only the tool itself
b. ___Hose condition and connections in addition to the tool

4. Whenever you find a damaged or defective power tool you must:

a. ___Not use the tool and report the problem to your supervisor
b. ___Finish the job then immediately tell you’re your supervisor

5. When first starting a job using power tools you should:

a. ___Be sure others in the area are not at risk from the power tool
b. ___ Check the wind direction

6. When using electric tools always plug the tool into a:

a. ___TGIF
b. ___GFCI

7. Hoses and cords must be positioned to prevent damage from traffic:

a. ___True
b. ___False

8. It is critical to match the _____ of the grinding wheel with the grinder:
a. ___Pitch
b. ___Speed

9. Additional PPE required when using a grinder protects the ____ and ____:
a. ___Hands and feet
b. ___Eyes and face

10. Power tool operators are responsible for their safety as well as the safety of others in the area:
a. ___True
b. ___False

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 Commonwealth Scaffold, LLC
OSHA Training Sign-in Log
LOCATION: INSTRUCTOR: SUBJECT: Hand and Portable Power
Tool Training
The employees listed have satisfactorily participated in and fulfilled all requirements of the above training.
NAME (Print) DEPARTMENT NAME (Signature) DATE

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© 2005, 2010-2012 Zywave Inc. All rights reserved.
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