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Safety Program Instruction Bulletins: Tool Safety

A recent near miss brought to the forefront the importance of how tools can become hazardous instruments if not used properly and maintained in proper condition.

Recently a grinder was being used as intended to cut a metal part. Unfortunately the grinder was not in proper operating condition. It is mandatory that all portable grinders have a guard in place that provides protection for the operator in case the wheel should break. Grinding or cutting wheel manufacturers provide safety features for the wheels to reduce the likelihood of a broken wheel flying apart, but even that is not always guaranteed to function. Another important point with grinders is that the operator is required to wear a face shield or goggles when in use. The operator should also take into account others that might be in the area.

Some will recall that last year we had an incident where an employee was using a hammer and a small piece of the metal flew off of the hammer and struck the person, embedding in their arm. Fortunately it was not serious, but it could have been. This brings up the point of how important it is that the tools meet the specifications necessary for their intended use. We do not mandate the specific type of tools that should be used, but the user must ensure that the tools being used meet the demands of the job and are not likely to break under our normal applications, which would create a hazard.

A third point on tools that was recently brought to my attention in refresher training in Hopkinsville, was the hazards presented by improper use of hand winches or as we know them, come alongs. They come in many different sizes and have many varied uses, but if used improperly they can be very hazardous. They are designed for a rated load and extending the handles with a homemade device to increase their pulling capacity creates the risk of breaking and injuring the user or bystander. Also not properly attaching the anchor hooks before the pull. In this case the hook could break and present a similar hazard.

Each of these examples should be a reminder to review the procedures at each location and crew with respect to tool inspection and use. Take the time to discuss this in safety meetings. Review JSAs for inspection of tools. Review task-training procedures to include training on proper use of tools. Our safety system works through the good investigations of near misses and employee involvement in refresher subjects. Use the information to help us achieve our goal of zero injuries.

Tool Use Checklist

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