The continuing efficiency of all portable powered tools, like all
other mechanical equipment, depends on regular care and maintenance. Tools should be regularly checked on issue
from, and return to, the stores.
All tools which have exposed cutters should be switched off and held
until they have stopped moving before being set down.
Operators should not wear any items of loose clothing which could
become caught in moving parts of power tools.
Only 110 volt electrical powered tools are allowed on site and these
must be visually checked before use by the operator and, every three months, a
thorough examination should be carried out by a competent electrician.
The efficient and safe use of all powered tools can come only
through proper training, proper maintenance and from adequate supervision on
site. Too many accidents have occurred
through the use of these tools by untrained, unskilled labour. No-one should use a power tool unless he has
been given instruction on it.
Compressed air is delivered at high pressure; therefore if it enters
the body, it can rupture internal organs and cause death. It is important that air lines are used only
for their proper purpose and not played with.
The air lines to air driven tools can be lethal if they break free
and whip. All connections in air lines
must be made with the proper crimp type connectors - never with jubilee clips
which have been involved in many serious accidents. Check all lines before use.
If machines are designed to be used with
guards, never start the machines unless the guards are firmly in place.