OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH ALERT

Issued By: QHSE - ALDAR Projects Date of Issue: 19/02/2025

Shattered disc wheel due to several potential factors such Lack of dead man switch Tying steel binding wire to Lack of handle and incorrect ergonomic Typical example of angle grinder safety Typical example of PPE that shall be worn
as use of incorrect disc, RPM, excessive force applied, etc. for the grinder machine. bypass the safety guard. positioning while using drill machine. features. during the operation of power tools.

Description
‘Portable Power Tools’ are among the most versatile tools on a construction site and includes angle grinder, chop saw cutting machine, circular saw, drilling machines, etc.;
If the power tools are handled unsafely, they can lead to severe incidents with potentially devastating consequences. The key hazards associated with the use of portable
power tools include (but are not limited to) the following:
A. Shattering or disintegration of the grinding disc/wheel or drill bit jammed at extremely high speeds, which may occur due to various factors such as using an incorrect
disc for the task, operating with a defective or damaged disc, exceeding the recommended RPM (Rotations Per Minute) of the wh eel or grinder, or applying excessive
force during use that may cause damage to disc or bit jammed for drill, etc.
B. Use of defective disc/wheel, such as those with segment loss or visible damage, which can compromise safety and performance.
C. Grinder kickback, occurs when the disc gets jammed, causing the tool to recoil suddenly. This reaction can result in contact with the user, leading to severe injuries.
D. Other hazards and risks, Lack of using the appropriate guard protection system and hand grip “Handle”, entanglement and contact with, exposure to electrical shock,
excessive noise and vibration, as well as potential fire hazards caused by friction and sparks emitted during operation.
These unsafe practices and conditions can result in serious OSH incidents, such as cuts, abrasions, eye injuries, amputations, or even fatalities. Therefore, ensuring the safe
use of power tools is paramount to preventing serious incidents on construction sites.

Recommended Control Measures to Prevent or Mitigate the Probability and Severity of the incident incudes (but not limited to):
To effectively eliminate or mitigate OSH-related injuries associated with the use of portable power tools, it is essential to incorporate the Hierarchy of Safety Controls while
formulating proactive control measures. Key safety considerations include the following:
• Adherence to Manufacturer Guidelines: The manufacturer’s manual, recommendations, and instructions shall be strictly followed regarding the storage, handling, safe
use, repair, servicing, and maintenance of the portable power tools.
• Development of Safe Operating Procedures: A task-specific Safe Operating Procedure (SOP), supported by a thorough risk assessment, shall be established. This must
outline a structured safe system of work for selecting and using the portable power tools safely.
• Supervision & Compliance Monitoring: Competent supervision must be in place to ensure full compliance with the established safety protocols.
• Appropriate Tool Selection and Maintenance: portable power tools and their accessories must be in good working condition & used strictly for their intended purpose.
• Hierarchy when planning to use electrically operated portable power tools : 1. battery or cordless tools (low voltage); 2. use of 110v tools using a step-down transformer;
or 3. use of 240v tools protected with a 30mA RCD (Residual Current Device).
• Anti-Kickback Safety Features: portable power tools such as angle grinders should be equipped with an anti-kickback feature that quickly halts the machine if the
wheel gets jammed, preventing sudden recoil. Project-specific safety features for power tools should also be reviewed.
• Dead Man’s Switch Requirement: Ensure the grinder is fitted with a Dead Man’s Switch (Constant Pressure Switch), which automatically cuts off power when the trigger
is released. This fail-safe mechanism prevents serious injuries caused by accidental operation, malfunction, or misuse.
• Selection and Inspection of Abrasive Discs: The correct disc or wheel must be carefully selected and installed by a competent person. Discs should be inspected for
chips, cracks, and expiration dates before use. Additionally, they must be verified for their specific purpose—grinding or cutting—and a color-coded system should be
implemented to prevent human error.
• RPM Compatibility: The maximum speed (RPM - Rotation Per Minute) marked on the portable power tools i.e., abrasive disc/wheel, chop saw cutter, etc. shall always
be greater than or equal to the rated speed of the angle grinder. The RPM rating should be clearly visible on the tool’s nameplate.
• Secure Handling and Firm Grip: Portable power tools shall always be operated with handle attached to ensure a firm grip, minimizing the risk of accidental kickback or
sudden jerks.
• Proper Securing of Workpieces: Objects being cut or ground should be securely clamped to prevent movement or slipping. Workpieces must not be held in one hand
while operating the portable power tools in the other. Additionally, discs should never be forcibly stopped.
• Machine Guard Integrity: Guards must not be removed from portable power tools under any circumstances. Furthermore, the grinder should never be placed down
while the disc is still in motion.
• Safe Handling of Electrical Cords: Power tools must never be lifted by their power cords, as this can cause electrical damage, increasing the risk of electric shock. The
power supply should always be disconnected when changing discs/bit or when the portable power tools is not in use. Under no circumstances are domestic 3 pin plugs
and sockets to be used in a construction site.
• Fire and Combustible Material Precautions: The work area must be kept free from flammable materials. During cutting or grinding of ferrous metals, welding screens
and fire blankets should be used to create a safe working environment for both the operator and nearby workers.
• Operator Training and Awareness: Regular awareness training should be conducted to educate operators on safe practices, pre-use inspections, correct assembly,
and the proper handling of power tools. Loose clothing or any item that could pose an entanglement hazard should not be worn.
• Periodic Inspections and Testing: A structured Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) and visual inspection regime shall be implemented along with implementing colour
code system. Competent personnel should inspect all the power tools for safety compliance, checking features such as cable, earthing, double insulation, guarding,
handle, etc. to ensure proper functioning.
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Operators must wear task-specific PPE, including eye, face, hearing, hand, body, and respiratory protection, to minimize
exposure to hazards (subject to the specific risk assessment).
• Reporting of Defective Tools: Workers must be encouraged to report any unsafe or defective tools and equipment immediately to their direct supervisor or the OSH
department. Faulty discs and tools should be properly marked and promptly removed from the site. Maintenance and repair work shall only be undertaken by
competent personnel. All Power tools shall be controlled and issued by competent personnel in line with approved SOP.
Please refer to ADOSH SF – CoP 35.0 - Portable Power Tools, CoP 47.0 - Machine Guarding, 15.0 - Electrical Safety, 28.0 - Hot Work Operations (e.g., Welding and Cutting).
CoP 2.0 Personal Protective Equipment. Also, refer to any ‘Relevant OSH Legal Requirements’ in your Respective Jurisdiction.
Issue Details: The information in this document shall be disseminated to all relevant key personnel within your project/entity in order to be read / understood, then shall be
communicated to all the personnel under their control and supervision for understanding and implementation. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in non‐
conformance during OSH Audit & Inspection.
Distribution: All PMC, Consultant/ Construction Supervision and Contractors CC: ALDAR Projects

ALDAR OSH- MS Rev 07 / 05-01-2023 1 of 1 Appendix 6