I want to write a new policy for the use of hand tools. The tools that need to be in the practice are hand tools, knifes, and power tools

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# What Are the Hazards of Hand Tools? 3 Hand tools are tools that are powered manually. Hand tools include anything from axes to wrenches. The greatest hazards posed by hand tools result from misuse and improper maintenance. Some examples include the following: • If a chisel is used as a screwdriver, the tip of the chisel may break and fly off, hitting the user or other employees. - If a wooden handle on a tool, such as a hammer or an axe, is loose, splintered, or cracked, the head of the tool may fly off and strike the user or other employees. - If the jaws of a wrench are sprung, the wrench might slip. - If impact tools such as chisels, wedges, or drift pins have mushroomed heads, the heads might shatter on impact, sending sharp fragments flying toward the user or other employees. The employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees. Employers shall not issue or permit the use of unsafe hand tools. Employees should be trained in the proper use and handling of tools and equipment. Employees, when using saw blades, knives, or other tools, should direct the tools away from aisle areas and away from other employ- ees working in close proximity. Knives and scissors must be sharp; dull tools can cause more hazards than sharp ones. Cracked saw blades must be removed from service. Wrenches must not be used when jaws are sprung to the point that slippage occurs. Impact tools such as drift pins, wedges, and chisels must be kept free of mushroomed heads. The wooden handles of tools must not be splintered. Iron or steel hand tools may produce sparks that can be an ignition source around flammable substances. Where this hazard exists, spark-resistant tools made of non-ferrous materials should be used where flammable gases, highly volatile liquids, and other explosive substances are stored or used. What Are the Hazards of Hand Tools?

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# What Are the Dangers of Power Tools? (cont.) ## Pneumatic Tools (cont.) 9 Eye protection is required, and head and f ace protection is recommended for employees working with pneumatic tools. Screens must also be set up to protect nearby w orkers from being struck by flying fragments around chippers, riveting guns, staplers, or air drills. Compressed air guns should never be pointed toward anyone. Workers should never "dead-end" them against themselves or anyone else. A chip guard must be used when compressed air is used for cleaning. Use of heavy jackhammers can cause fatigue and strains. Hea vy rubber grips reduce these effects by providing a secure handhold. Workers operating a jackhammer must wear safety glasses and safety shoes that protect them against injury if the jackhammer slips or falls. A face shield also should be used. Noise is another hazard associated with pneumatic tools. Work- ing with noisy tools such as jackhammers requires proper, effective use of appropriate hearing protection. ## Liquid Fuel Tools Fuel-powered tools are usually operated with gasoline. The most serious hazard associated with the use of fuel-powered tools comes from fuel vapors that can burn or explode and also give off danger- ous exhaust fumes. The worker must be careful to handle, trans- port, and store gas or fuel only in appro ved flammable liquid containers, according to proper procedures for flammable liquids. Before refilling a fuel-powered tool tank, the user must shut down the engine and allow it to cool to pre vent accidental ignition of hazardous vapors. When a fuel-powered tool is used inside a closed area, effective ventilation and/or proper respirators such as atmosphere-supplying respirators must be utilized to a void breath- ing carbon monoxide. Fire extinguishers must also be available in the area. ## Powder-Actuated Tools Powder-actuated tools operate like a loaded gun and must be treated with extreme caution. In fact, they are so dangerous that t…

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# What Are the Dangers of Power Tools? (cont.) ## Powder-Actuated Tools (cont.) 10 When using powder-actuated tools, an employee must wear suitable ear, eye, and face protection. The user must select a powder level-high or low velocity-that is appropriate for the powder-actuated tool and necessary to do the work without exces- sive force. The muzzle end of the tool must have a protective shield or guard centered perpendicular to and concentric with the barrel to confine any fragments or particles that are projected when the tool is fired. A tool containing a high-velocity load must be designed not to fire unless it has this kind of safety de vice. To prevent the tool from firing accidentally, two separate motions are required for firing. The first motion is to bring the tool into the firing position, and the second motion is to pull the trigger. The tool must not be able to operate until it is pressed against the work surface with a force of at least 5 pounds (2.2 kg) greater than the total weight of the tool. If a powder-actuated tool misfires, the user must hold the tool in the operating position for at least 30 seconds before trying to f ire it again. If it still will not fire, the user must hold the tool in the operating position for another 30 seconds and then carefully remo ve the load in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. This procedure will make the faulty cartridge less likely to explode. The bad cartridge should then be put in water immediately after re- moval. If the tool de velops a defect during use, it should be tagged and must be taken out of service immediately until it is properly repaired. Safety precautions that must be follo wed when using powder- actuated tools include the following: • Do not use a tool in an explosive or flammable atmosphere. • Inspect the tool before using it to determine that it is clean, that all moving parts operate freely, and that the barrel is free from obstructions and has the proper shield, guar…