Hand and Power Tool Safety 201

abrasive wheel tools

A tool composed of abrasive grains held together in a circular shape. Abrasive wheel tools are used in grinding operations.

axe

A tool with a metal blade attached to a handle. Axes are usually used to chop wood and other soft materials.

base plate

A flat, rectangular fixture body with holes, slots, or both to allow the placement of fixture components. Base plates, or shoes, are set on a machine worktable for cutting or grinding operations.

bolts

A cylindrical threaded fastener with a head that usually mates with a nut. Bolts typically have blunt ends.

breaker

A safety device that detects excess current in a circuit. Breakers often contain a bimetallic strip that bends and trips a switch that opens a circuit.

bump hats

A protective head covering used in areas of low clearance that offers minimal protection from minor impacts and abrasions. Bump hats are not recommended in heavier industrial settings where hard hats are required.

chisel

A sharp metal tool that is used to cut or chip workpiece materials. Chisels must remain clean and sharp.

Control of Hazardous Energy

The official title of the OSHA lockout/tagout safety standard. The Control of Hazardous Energy standard protects employees by requiring preventive steps against accidental machine startup during maintenance.

coveralls

Protective clothing that covers the entire body from the wrists to the ankles. Coveralls provide good general protection for the skin against hazards like skin irritants.

cutting

A machining process that uses a tool to create chips and remove metal from a workpiece. When cutting with an abrasive wheel, the wheel can discharge particles or become disengaged from its mounting.

drums

A cylindrical steel component used in drum-style friction clutches and brakes. A drum rotates with the driven shaft and either transfers rotary motion in a clutch or stops rotary motion in a brake.

ear plugs

A protective device waxed cotton, foam, silicone, or rubber that is designed to protect the ear from excess noise. Earplugs can be either disposable and self-forming or professionally fitted.

earmuffs

Hearing protection consisting of two ear coverings connected by a headband. Earmuffs require a perfect seal around the ear.

electric power tools

A tool powered by electricity supplied by an electrical distribution system. Electric power tools operate quietly and cleanly.

electric shock

The flow of electricity through the body. Severe electric shock can be fatal.

ergonomics

The science of designing devices to decrease operator discomfort or fatigue and increase productivity. Employees should follow ergonomic guidelines outlined by their supervisor to prevent injuries.

eye wash stations

A designated station in an easily accessible area where employees may flush their eyes and/or faces with water in the event of an emergency. Approved eye wash stations must be able to provide at least 15 minutes of continuous flow of at least 1.5L/min or 0.4 gal./min.

face shields

A rigid, transparent plastic sheet that covers the wearer's entire face to protect against dust, debris, or splashes. Face shields are often worn with goggles because they do not protect against impacts.

fasteners

A device that holds objects together or locates them in relation to one another. Common fasteners include bolts, screws, pins, and rivets.

fire extinguisher

A portable device that uses a rapid spray of material to put out small fires. A fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires contains a non-flammable gas under extreme pressure and displaces or removes oxygen from the fire.

fire shields

A flame-resistant, tarp-like device that is used to isolate a work area. Fire shields protect bystanders and nearby equipment from applications that throw sparks.

flange

A flat or raised metal disc that helps deflect mounting stresses from the hole of an abrasive wheel. When mounting a grinding wheel, the nut should not be tightened enough to distort the flange.

fly wheels

The device on a machine that spins continuously as the machine is powered up. Fly wheels store the energy necessary to cycle the machine when the clutch is engaged.

fuel-powered tools

A tool that is powered by fuel, usually gasoline. Fuel-powered tools require proper ventilation.

fumes

A cloud of particles suspended in a gas. Applications that emit fumes require proper ventilation.

grinding

A machining process that uses an abrasive to cut the surface of a workpiece. Grinding uses an abrasive wheel that can discharge particles or become disengaged from its mounting.

ground fault

A dangerous condition that occurs when electricity is unintentionally routed to the ground. Ground faults are a risk with electric tools and can be prevented with ground fault circuit interrupters.

ground fault circuit interrupter

GFCI. A type of switch disables a circuit when a dangerous electrical fault occurs. Ground fault circuit interrupters should be used outside and whenever there is a chance of water contacting a power source.

grounded

Using a source that absorbs stray electrical charge. Grounded items may use the earth or another large conducting body, such as a motor housing, that serves as a source of zero electrical potential.

hand tools

A tool powered by an operator's manual force. Hand tools must be kept clean and sharp in order to avoid injury.

hand wash stations

A designated station in an easily accessible area where employees may wash their hands. Employees should be familiar with the location and use of hand wash stations in the workplace.

hard hats

A lightweight, protective head covering, usually made of plastic. Hard hats protect the head from impacts, bumps, and electric shock.

hex

A type of fastener head with six sides. Hexagonal heads are the most common bolt head.

hydraulic tools

A tool that is powered by a liquid. A torque wrench is one example of a hydraulic tool.

jackhammers

A powerful pneumatic tool that is used to chisel or hammer away at surfaces. Because of their vibrating motion, jackhammers require special safety considerations.

jacks

A tool used for lifting large or heavy objects. Jacks use hydraulic power and are common in manufacturing facilities.

kilopascals

kPa. A unit of measurement in the metric system. Kilopascals are used to measure pressure.

local exhaust ventilation

LEV. An interconnected series of devices and pipes that move contaminated air away from the point of contamination. Local exhaust ventilation systems often include ventilation hoods and ductwork.

lockout/tagout

A method of protecting employees by preventing accidental machine startup through proper locking and labeling of machines during maintenance. Lockout/tagout is the common term for OSHA's Control of Hazardous Energy standard.

machine guards

A shield or device covering hazardous areas of a machine to prevent contact with body parts or to control hazards like chips and noise from exiting the machine. Machine guards are often used in cutting operations.

machine screws

A screw with a blunt end that is assembled into a threaded hole. Machine screws are very common threaded fasteners that are similar to bolts.

mounting

The device that holds the wheel on the tool and facilitates its movement. The abrasive wheel must be able to move freely without obstruction on the mounting.

mushroomed heads

A flaring of the end of a chipping tool due to excessive use. Using tools with mushroomed heads is dangerous because pieces can fly off and hit the employee or other bystanders.

muzzle

A safety guard that protects employees from coming into contact with dangerous parts of a tool. For example, a muzzle covers a nail gun until it is pressed against a workpiece.

neutral position

The proper or correct position of a bone or joint at rest. Keeping the spine and wrists in a neutral position can prevent pain and injury.

non-conducting surface

A surface that does not allow electricity to travel through it. Employees should stand on non-conducting surfaces when using electric power tools.

nuts

A fastener with a threaded hole that mates with a bolt. Nuts have internal threads.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA. A government agency under the U.S. Department of Labor that sets the standards for safe working conditions in the United States. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration ensures that employees work in safe and healthy environments.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A government agency under the U.S. Department of Labor that sets the standards for safe working conditions in the United States. OSHA ensures that employees work in safe and healthy environments.

personal protective equipment

PPE. Any clothing or device that employees wear or use to prevent injury in the workplace. Personal protective equipment may include safety goggles, hard hats, gloves, and coveralls.

Phillips

A type of driving recess that has an X-shaped indentation designed to accept a Phillips screwdriver. Phillips drives are prone to camming out.

pinch points

Any place where two moving components come together. Pinch points can cause injury if a body part comes into contact with the area.

pliers

A pincer-shaped tool with flat gripping surfaces used to hold objects or bend wire. Pliers are a common hand tool.

pneumatic tools

A tool powered by compressed air. Pneumatic tools should be securely attached to their air hoses before use.

point of operation

The area where the tool comes into contact with a workpiece or where work is being performed within the workpiece. Employees must never place anything in the path of the point of operation.

polishing

A finishing process that uses an abrasive to create a smooth, shiny surface on a part. Polishing uses an abrasive wheel that can discharge particles or become disengaged from its mounting.

posture

How a person stands, sits, or arranges his or her body. The correct posture can reduce the occurrence of ergonomic injuries.

pounds per square inch

psi. A unit of measurement in the English measuring system. Pounds per square inch is used to measure pressure.

powder-actuated tools

A tool powered by a type of explosive load. Powder-actuated tools require special safety considerations and may only be used by approved personnel.

power tools

A tool powered by an external source such as electricity or compressed air. Power tools must receive regular maintenance and be properly operated to avoid injury.

PPE

Personal protective equipment. Any clothing or device that employees wear or use to prevent injury in the workplace. PPE may include safety goggles, hard hats, gloves, and coveralls.

respirator

A breathing device worn to prevent inhalation of hazardous substances. Hand and power tool applications that emit dust, debris, or fumes may require that the operator wear a respirator.

respirators

A breathing device worn to prevent inhalation of hazardous substances. Hand and power tool applications that emit dust, debris, or fumes may require that the operator wear a respirator.

ring test

A test performed on an abrasive wheel to ensure that it is not cracked. When performing a ring test, an undamaged wheel emits a ringing sound when a non-metallic object is lightly tapped on it.

safety excess flow valve

A safety mechanism used to restrict unplanned or excessive flows in pipes and hoses. Safety excess flow valves are often used with pneumatic tools to control pneumatic pressure.

safety glasses

Protective eyewear with metal or plastic frames and impact-resistant lenses. Safety glasses may also be fitted with filtered glass to provide protection against infrared (IR) or ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

safety screens

A protective screen that isolates a work area to protect bystanders and nearby equipment. Safety screens are similar to fire shields.

safety shoes

Footwear that protects feet from hazards such as heat, impact, and electric shock. Most safety shoes have a steel toe.

safety-toed shoes

Footwear with a steel or composite-material plate built into the toe area. Safety-toed shoes help protect feet from damage from falling objects.

screwdriver

A type of hand tool that tightens and loosens screws. Screwdrivers contain a grip on one end and a shaped tip on the other end that corresponds to the head on the screw.

sensor switch

A safety device used on power tools to automatically turn power on and off. Sensor switches can have different designs, but the most common type allows the tool to operate while pressure is applied and does not allow the tool to operate when pressure is released.

shoe

A flat, rectangular fixture body with holes, slots, or both to allow the placement of fixture components. Shoes, or base plates, are set on a machine worktable for cutting or grinding operations.

short out

A circuit where current takes a shorter, unintended path between two conductors. Short outs, also known as short circuits, cause excess current flow.

slotted

A type of driving recess that has a single straight-line slot designed to accept a flat-blade screwdriver. Slotted drives are used in lower-torque applications.

Society of Automotive Engineers

SAE. An organization that writes specifications and other data used in a broad range of industries. The Society of Automotive Engineers develops standards for inch-sized fasteners and tools.

socket wrenches

A wrench that consists of a handle-like device with an interchangeable round attachment called a socket that completely covers the nut or bolt head. Socket wrenches can use ratchets, T-handles, and extensions to turn fasteners.

spindles

The component of a tool that spins. For safety, spindles must be properly tightened and able to move freely without obstruction.

sprung

Loose due to warping. Sprung wrench jaws might slip during use.

tool crib

A designated area where extra tools and accessories are kept. A tool crib, also known as a tool room, is typically where tools can be serviced or repaired.

tool retainer

A safety device that grips a tool to ensure that it is properly attached to its power source. Pneumatic tools require a tool retainer on each pneumatic component.

tool room

A designated area where extra tools and accessories are kept. A tool room, also known as a tool crib, is typically where tools can be serviced or repaired.

torque wrenches

A torque tool, typically in the form of a socket wrench, that is used to apply specific amounts of torque to a nut or bolt. Torque wrenches include click and dial wrenches.

Torx

A type of driving recess with a six-pointed indentation to resist slippage. Torx screwdrivers are a proprietary tool developed by Camcar Textron, Inc. and currently trademarked by Acument Global Technologies, Inc.

ventilation

A means of providing fresh air. Fuel-powered tools require ventilation during use.

wire buffing

A finishing process that uses a wire brush to clean and brush metal or deburr edges. When wire buffing with an abrasive wheel, the wheel can discharge particles or become disengaged from its mounting.

wood screws

A type of screw with a sharp, pointed end and a tapered shank with sharp threads for penetrating wood. Wood screws come in a variety of styles.

wrench

A tool used for fastening nuts and bolts. Wrenches contain fixed or moving jaws or a round attachment that grips nuts and bolts.