A power tool safety inspection checklist is a template that guides workers and site supervisors when checking hand power tools before use. It helps identify damages and defects on tools and the steps they need to take to lessen the risks.
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A power tool safety inspection checklist is used to thoroughly inspect tools and equipment to mitigate and eliminate potential hazards. The OSHA hand tool safety standard recommends that power tools be checked daily or monthly basis. However, if a tool is often used, it should undergo checkups more often.
When creating a checklist, don't forget to create a description of work and a list of tools to accomplish the job. Also, check if the workers who will use the equipment are trained and competent, wearing the appropriate protective equipment, and not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Inspect if the work area is free and safe from existing and potential hazards.
You can also download our digital hand and power tools safety checklist and add more items to it. By thoroughly inspecting and maintaining your tools regularly, you lessen the risks that might cause injuries and accidents in the workplace.
1. Top causes of power tool accidents
3. The advantages of digital checklists
Many potential risks exist around power tools. You have a piece of equipment with either a sharp blade or high RPM. If you are not careful, a number of injuries and work accidents can happen. A lot of accidents in the workplace are not necessary and can be avoided if you have a hand power tools safety checklist. Here’s some of them:
Cords left lying all over the place is a potential trip hazard. You can prevent trips and falls in your workplace by keeping everything organized. Yes, it is a workplace, but that doesn't mean it has to be disorganized. Take a few minutes to sweep up and move the cords aside. Also, check for loose and protruding lines that might cause someone to stumble.
When using the table saw, don't forget two things — keep your hands as far as possible from the blade and never remove the blade guard. If you need to remove the blade guard because of clearances, always use a feather board or push stick.
When working with blades or sharp tools, always wear the appropriate PPE. For example, wear cut-protection gloves when using utility knives, sheet metal, or puncture-resistant boots when doing heavy-duty work or working around sharp objects.
Although most injuries usually involve electric shocks from high-voltage arcs, smaller voltage arcs are no less dangerous. An electrician working on a ladder can get outbalanced and fall even when encountering a small voltage shock.
Another cause comes from working close to explosive gases while using any power tools. Ignition of these gases can cause severe burns and death. So always be aware of your surroundings and report any materials that you deem hazardous.
Never forget to wear protective equipment for your eyes and face when working with abrasive cutting blades. These tools operate on high RPM, so there's a possibility that they might come apart. Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying objects.
Getting distracted or not paying attention has a high price, especially when working with high-power tools. When you become too familiar with the tools you use, you tend to do everything automatically, losing focus. You forget that you're holding a tool in one hand while suspended 20 feet up in the air. Or you might think someone has already switched off the breaker, so you did not double-check it. These are simple things that can cost you your life if you fail to pay attention.
The Standard 1926.03 comprises the OSHA hand tools safety guidelines. It talks about the proper handling of pneumatic and electric power-operated tools, including the safe limit of compressed air. According to 1926.302(b)(4), never use compressed air for cleaning purposes unless necessary. In case it happens, it reduces the pressure lower than 30 p.s.i. Also, use effective chip guarding and personal protective equipment. Otherwise, it must never be used for that purpose.
Aside from this, here are the five most essential safety rules to remember when using power tools:
Regular maintenance is the key to keeping the equipment reliable and safe to use. Tools should also be inspected regularly to lessen the risk of injuries because of equipment malfunction. Accidents and injuries often result in downtime, harming work efficiency.
Each tool is designed for a specific task. For example, using a hammer and nail instead of a power drill to bore a hole on a cement wall could injure you. So make sure to use the right tools for the task.
Inspecting the tools for defects and damages prior to each use is crucial in preventing accidents and injuries. Some of the things to look for are:
If you find a defective tool, make sure to tick it on your power tool safety inspection checklist and tag it as “out of service” or “for repair.” make sure that only a qualified person will repair the faulty tools.
User manuals guide workers to operate the tools properly. Take time to read and follow the recommended use of the manual to avoid mishandling. Neglecting them can cause injuries and accidents.
Personal protective equipment adds an extra layer of protection to workers. Wear the appropriate PPE when working around hazardous materials like volatile liquids and flammable gases.
Paper-based checklists are inconvenient for data entry. Paper documents can easily get lost in the hustle and bustle of day-to-day operations, leading to unresolved cases. In addition, there is no easy way for an inspector to attach photographic evidence. In contrast, a digital tool would allow them to take photos and instantly upload them to the cloud.
Lumiform is a powerful inspection application that replaces all paper-based power tool safety inspection checklists with digital lists. Because the checklists can be instantly annotated with photos and notes to highlight key findings, the final digital reports are more detailed and data-driven.
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