Osha 10 Hour Construction Hand and Portable Power Tools

Hand and Portable Power Tools 
SUBPART P 
Hazard Recognition
Tools are such a common part of our lives that it is difficult to 
remember that they may pose hazards. All tools are manufactured 
with safety in mind but, tragically, a serious accident often occurs 
before steps are taken to search out and avoid or eliminate tool-
related hazards.
In the process of removing or avoiding the hazards, workers must 
learn to recognize the hazards associated with the different types of 
tools and the safety precautions necessary to prevent those 
hazards.
Hand Tools
Hand tools are non-powered. They include anything from axes to 
wrenches. The greatest hazards posed by hand tools result from 
misuse and improper maintenance.
Some examples:
Using a screwdriver as a 
chisel may cause the tip of the screwdriver to break and fly, 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 another worker -
A wrench must not be used if it's jaws are sprung, because it might 
slip. 
Impact tools such as chisels, wedges, or drift pins are unsafe if they 
have mushroomed heads. The heads might shatter on impact, 
sending sharp fragments flying.
The employer is responsible 
for 
the safe condition of tools and 
equipment used by employees but the employees have the 
responsibility 
for 
properly using and maintaining tools.
Employers should caution employees that saw blades, knives, or 
other tools be directed away from aisle areas and other employees 
working in close proximity.
Hand and Portable Power Tools 
Page 2 

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OSHA 10 Hour Construction 
Around flammable substances, sparks produced by iron and steel 
hand tools can be a dangerous ignition source. Where this hazard 
exists, spark-resistant tools made from brass, plastic, aluminum, or 
wood will provide for safety.
A wrench must not be used if its jaws are sprung, because it might 
slip.
Impact tools such as chisels, wedges, or drift pins are unsafe if they 
have mushroomed heads. The heads might shatter on impact, 
sending sharp fragments flying.
The employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools and 
equipment used by employees but the employees have the 
responsibility for properly using and maintaining tools.
Employers should caution employees that saw blades, knives, or 
other tools be directed away from aisle areas and other employees 
working in close proximity. Knives and scissors must be sharp. Dull 
tools can be more hazardous than sharp ones.