ECI – Engineers Construction

Hand and Power Tools typically include drills, impact driver, circular saws, and grinders.    Each of these have fast rotation, high torque, and frequently sharp cutting edges – all of which can cause an injury if not handled properly.

In the last several years, the cordless tool industry have developed battery systems up to 36 volts.  These tools can be equally dangerous, except that the risk of electrical shock is obviously much less.

Some things to consider when using power tools:

1. Select the proper tool and blade (abrasive disc, etc)  for the application.
2. Inspect the tool before each use:  look for damage, frayed power cords, sharpness/integrity of blade, and missing guards.
3. Set yourself up with the proper PPE, which may include:  safety glasses, hearing protection, leather gloves, face shield, etc.
4. Set up your work area to support your work (vice/clamps/sawhorses, etc.).
5. Verify that the power supply is protected with a ground fault circuit interrupt.
6. Understand manufacturers instructions.
7. Powder-actuated tools require that the user be certified.
8. Remove the power supply when changing blades, abrasive tooling, belts, etc.