What are the hazards involving power tools?

Handheld power tools are a staple in many workshops and construction sites. They are convenient and easy to use, which is why they have become so popular. However, with great power comes great risk. You can easily injure yourself with these tools if you’re not careful. This blog post will discuss the risks associated with handheld power tools and how to avoid them.

Employees who use hand and power tools and are exposed to falling, flying, abrasive, and splashing objects or to harmful dust, fumes, mists, vapors, or gases must be provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment. All electrical connections for these tools must be suitable for the type of tool and the working conditions (wet, dusty, flammable vapors). When a temporary power source is used for construction, a ground-fault circuit interrupter should be used.

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.

• Accidental start-up – One of the biggest risks associated with hand-held power tools is that they can easily be turned on accidentally, which can obviously lead to serious injury. Always keep your fingers away from the trigger area and ensure the tool is turned off when not in use.
• Defective tools – Another big risk is using a defective tool. Be sure to always inspect your tools before use to make sure they are in good working condition. If you have any doubts, don’t use the tool and get it repaired or replaced first.
• Flying debris – Another hazard associated with hand-held power tools is flying debris. Always wear safety goggles or a face shield when using any power tool to protect your eyes from flying debris.
• Exposed blades – Another hazard to be aware of is exposed blades. Be careful not to touch any exposed blades as they can cause serious injury.
• Electrical hazards – Another hazard to be aware of is electrical hazards. Always make sure that the tool you are using is properly grounded and that you are using the correct voltage for the tool.
• Noise hazards – Another hazard associated with hand held power tools is noise. Always wear hearing protection when using any power tool to protect your ears from loud noise.
• Vibration hazards – Another hazard associated with hand held power tools is vibration. Always hold the tool firmly and use both hands if possible to help reduce the risk of vibration injuries.
• Ergonomic hazards – Another hazard associated with hand held power tools is ergonomic hazards. Always use the tool ergonomically correctly to help reduce the risk of injury.
• Safety hazards – Another hazard associated with hand held power tools is safety hazards. Always follow the safety instructions that come with the tool, and always use common sense when using any type of power tool.

Following these simple safety tips can help reduce the risks associated with hand held power tools. However, even if you do everything right, accidents can still happen. If you are injured using a handheld power tool, seek medical attention immediately.

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 properly using and handling tools and equipment.

When using saw blades, knives, or other tools, employees should direct the tools away from aisle areas and from other employees 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.

• Inspect tools for any damage prior to each use.
• Check the handle and body casing of the tool for cracks or other damage.
• If the tool has auxiliary or double handles, check to see that they installed securely.
• Inspect cords for defects: check the power cord for cracking, fraying, and other signs of wear or faults in the cord insulation.
• Check for damaged switches and ones with faulty trigger locks.
• Inspect the plug for cracks and for missing, loose or faulty prongs.

• If a tool is defective, remove it from service, and tag it clearly "Out of service for repair".
• Replace damaged equipment immediately – do not use defective tools "temporarily".
• Have tools repaired by a qualified person – do not attempt field repairs.

• Ensure that you have been properly trained to use the tool safely. Read the operator's manual before using the tool and operate the tool according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use only tested and approved tools.
• Ensure that the power tool has the correct guard, shield or other attachment that the manufacturer recommends.
• Prevent shocks. Ensure that the tools are properly grounded using a three-prong plug, are double-insulated (and are labelled as such), or are powered by a low-voltage isolation transformer: this will protect users from an electrical shock.
• Check electric tools to ensure that a tool with a 3-prong plug has an approved 3-wire cord and is grounded. The three-prong plug should be plugged in a properly grounded 3-pole outlet. If an adapter must be used to accommodate a two-hole receptacle, the adapter wire must be attached to a known, functioning ground. NEVER remove the third, grounding prong from a plug.

• Replace open front plugs with dead front plugs. Dead front plugs are sealed and present less danger of shock or short circuit.

• Have a qualified electrician install a polarized outlet if the polarized, two-prong plug of a double-insulated tool does not fit in a two-hole receptacle. Double insulated tools use plugs having one prong that is visibly wider than the other.
• Test all tools for effective grounding with a continuity tester or a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) before use.
• Use only the kind of battery that the tool manufacturer specifies for the battery-powered tool that you are using.
• Recharge a battery-powered tool only with a charger that is specifically intended for the battery in that tool.
• Remove the battery from the tool or ensure that the tool is switched off or locked off before changing accessories, making adjustments, or storing the tool.
• Store a battery pack safely so that no metal parts, nails, screws, wrenches and so on can come in contact with the battery terminals; this could result in shorting the battery and possibly cause sparks, fires or burns.

• Wear or use personal protective equipment (PPE) or clothing that is appropriate for the work you are doing; this may include items such as safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles), hearing protection, dust mask, gloves, safety boots or shoes, or rubber boots.
• Switch off the tools before connecting them to a power supply.
• If a power cord feels more than comfortably warm or if a tool is sparking, have it checked by an electrician or other qualified person.
• Disconnect the power supply before making adjustments or changing accessories.
• Remove any wrenches and adjusting tools before turning on a tool.
• Inspect the cord for fraying or damage before each use. Tag defective tools clearly with an "Out of service" tag and replace immediately with a tool in good running order.
• During use, keep power cords clear of tools and the path that the tool will take.
• Use clamps, a vice or other devices to hold and support the piece being worked on, when practical to do so. This will allow you to use both hands for better control of the tool and will help prevent injuries if a tool jams or binds in a work piece.
• Use only approved extension cords that have the proper wire size (gauge) for the length of cord and power requirements of the electric tool that you are using. This will prevent the cord from overheating.
• For outdoor work, use outdoor extension cords marked "W-A" or "W".
• Suspend power cords over aisles or work areas to eliminate stumbling or tripping hazards.
• Eliminate octopus connections: if more than one receptacle plug is needed, use a power bar or power distribution strip that has an integral power cord and a built-in overcurrent protection.
• Pull the plug, not the cord when unplugging a tool. Pulling the cord causes wear and may adversely affect the wiring to the plug and cause electrical shock to the operator.
• Follow good housekeeping procedures – keep the work area free of clutter and debris that could be tripping or slipping hazards.
• Keep power cords away from heat, water, oil, sharp edges and moving parts. They can damage the insulation and cause a shock.
• Ensure that cutting tools, drill bits, etc. are kept sharp, clean and well maintained.
• Store tools in a dry, secure location when they are not being used.

• Do not wear gloves, loose clothing or jewelry while using revolving power tools. Tie back long hair or wear appropriate hair protection to prevent hair from getting caught in moving parts of equipment.
• Do not use a tool unless you have been trained to use it safely and know its limitations and hazards.
• Avoid accidental starting by ensuring the tool is turned off before you plug it in. Also do not walk around with a plugged-in tool with your finger touching the switch.
• Do not bypass the ON/OFF switch and operate the tools by connecting and disconnecting the power cord.
• Do not disconnect the power supply of the tool by pulling or jerking the cord from the outlet.
• Do not leave a running tool unattended. Do not leave it until it has been turned off, has stopped running completely, and has been unplugged.
• Do not use electric tools in wet conditions or damp locations unless tool is connected to a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
• Do not expose electric power tools to rain or wet conditions; wet tools increase the likelihood of electric shock.
• Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces like refrigerators, pipes and radiators when using electric powered tools; this will reduce the likelihood of shock if the operator's body is grounded.
• Do not plug several power cords into one outlet by using single-to-multiple outlet adapters or converters ("cube taps").
• Do not use light duty power cords.
• Stop using an electric power tool if you feel a tingle in your fingers. This is a warning that the tool is faulty and needs repair.
• Do not connect or splice extension cords together to make a longer connection: the resulting extension cord may not be able to provide sufficient current or power safely.
• Do not carry electrical tools by the power cord.
• Do not tie power cords in knots. Knots can cause short circuits and shocks. Loop the cords or use a twist lock plug.

• Never break off the third prong on a plug: replace broken 3-prong plugs and make sure the third prong is properly grounded.
• Never use extension cords as permanent wiring: use extension cords only as a temporary power supply to an area that does not have a power outlet.
• Do not walk on or allow vehicles or other moving equipment to pass over unprotected power cords. Cords should be put in conduits or protected by placing planks on each side of them.
• Do not brush away sawdust, shavings or turnings while the tool is running. Never use compressed air for cleaning surfaces or removing sawdust, metal turnings, etc.
• Do not operate tools in an area containing explosive vapours or gases.
• Do not clean tools with flammable or toxic solvents.
• Do not surprise or touch anyone who is operating a tool. Startling a tool operator could end up causing an accident or injury.

Document last updated on December 20, 2013
Document confirmed current on August 15, 2019

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