Power Tools

Power-operated hand tools are common at most workplaces. Injuries can be prevented by always making sure that the tools are kept in proper working condition, inspected before being used, and repaired or replaced as needed.

Sections 80 to 82 of the General Regulation 91-191 outline the general duties of an owner, employer and user of any tool. In general, it is important that tools are:

• Of good quality material appropriate for the intended use.
• Inspected before being used.
• Repaired or replaced if necessary.
• Kept in proper working condition.
• Repaired only by a competent person.
• Equipped with devices to ensure a secure hand grip.
• A non-sparking type, where needed.
• Stored properly when not in use.
• Connected to a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) when used in wet and damp locations.
• Only used with approved extension cords that have the proper wire size (gauge) for the length of cord and power requirements of the tool. For outdoor work, use extension cords marked "W-A" or "W".

In addition, employers must also develop and implement procedures for safely supplying tools and materials to employees who work in hazardous places. [Reg. 91-191, S.81(c)]

As an employer, you must ensure that:

• A portable power-operated tool is cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions. [Reg. 91-191, S.83(a)]
• An electric portable power-operated hand tool is double insulated or bonded to ground, or is equipped with a double insulated portable ground fault circuit interrupter. [Reg. 91-191, S.83(b)]
• Fittings and couplings used meet the intended use and manufacturer's specifications. [Reg. 91-191, S.83(c)]
• A shut-off is readily (easily) accessible to the user of the tool. [Reg. 91-191, S.83(d)]
• Lines and hoses for any tool (hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical or electrical) do not run across aisles, travel ways or work areas that would create a hazard to employees. [Reg. 91-191, S.84(1)]
• Employees wear the proper personal protective equipment.
• When using a grinder, that the maximum number of revolutions per minute of a grinder output shaft is identified and the maximum number of revolutions per minute for the abrasive wheel is identified on the wheel. [Reg. 91-191, S.244(1)(a) to (b)]
• That an abrasive wheel is checked for flaws before installation, and is fitted with a protective hood of sufficient strength and mounted in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. [Reg. 91-191, S.244(2)(a) to (c)]

While the employer is ultimately responsible for all the provisions mentioned above, the supervisor has a vital role to play in the safety of their teams. As a supervisor, you must:

• Acquaint your employees with the hazards and control measures associated with their work
• Provide the information and instruction necessary to ensure their health and safety
• Enforce company safety rules, programs, codes of practice and procedures, including ensuring employees comply with the requirements below.

Users of tools must:

• Be competent in the safe handling and use of the tool.
• Only use tools for the purpose they were designed for.
• Inspect the tool before using it.
• Not use a defective tool.
• Report any defects to your employer or supervisor.
• Keep the tool in proper working order.
• Store the tool safely when not in use.
• Use a holding device to hold a tool.
• Not leave tools on floors, passageways, stairways or elevations.
• Not point any tool that ejects a pin, nail or other item toward anybody.
• Always wear the required personal protective equipment.
• Not run lines and hoses for any tool (hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical or electrical) across aisles, travel ways, or work areas that would create a hazard. [Reg. 91-191, S.84(2)]
• Keep guards in place when using the tool. [Reg. 91-191, S.85(a)]
• Disconnect the power source before changing accessories on the tool. [Reg. 91-191, S.85(b)]
• Hold the end of the tool firmly when starting the motor to prevent flexible shaft tools from whipping. [Reg. 91-191, S.85(c)]
• When operating a grinder, run the wheel at full operating speed before applying any work to an abrasive wheel. [Reg. 91-191, S.244(4)]
• Not operate the abrasive wheel at a speed in excess of the speed set out by the manufacturer's specifications. [Reg. 91-191, S.244(5)(a)]