Knowing the dangers and preventing the hazards. Objective To make all employees aware of the possible dangers when using these tools, prevent injuries,

Knowing the dangers and preventing the hazards

Objective

• To make all employees aware of the possible dangers when using these tools, prevent injuries, and eliminate misuse

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Numerous safety considerations

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Ergonomics

• Electrical safety

• Fuel-handling safety

• Proper guarding

• Correct application

• Workers’ awareness of surroundings


Common injuries

• Leg lacerations

• Electric or gas-powered shears or hedge trimmers

• Workers’ arms begin to tire after extended use

• Natural tendency is to lower the tool to the side or front of the thighs while taking a breather


Common injuries

• Electrical shocks

• Ensure that tools…

• have a three-wire cord with a ground and are plugged into a grounded receptacle

• are double insulated, or are powered by a low-voltage isolation transformer

• Electrical shocks can lead to fatal heart failure, burns, and falls from elevated surfaces


Safety Tip 1

Use the right tool for the job

• In a hurry, grab the nearest tool or object to get the job done, even though it’s not the proper tool

• A wrench for a hammer, a screwdriver for a chisel, or a pocketknife for a utility knife, etc.

• Take the time to find the right tool for the job


Safety Tip 2

Personal Protective Equipment

• Know what PPE your company requires for each power tool you use and wear it

• Safety glasses are the most required PPE while operating equipment

• Some tools require face shield

• Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations


Safety Tip 3

Cords

• Keep cords away from heat, oil, and sharp edges

• Disconnect tools when you’re not using them, before servicing them, and when changing accessories

• Ensure cords from electric tools don’t present a tripping hazard


Safety Tip 4

Right tool, wrong handling

• Maintain good footing and balance

• Wearing sturdy work boots can help

• Be aware of your surroundings and the position of the power tool in relation to your body

• Be careful not to relax your arms in a way that brings the cutting edges of shears, trimmers, or other tools in contact with your legs


Safety Tip 5

Right container for fuel

• Handle, transport, and store fuel for power tools only in approved containers for flammable liquids


Safety Tip 6

Time for new tools?

• Inspect and maintain tools regularly to ensure they are in good condition

• Consider phasing out older equipment and replacing with ergonomically friendly versions now on the market

• Many new tools also are quieter, lighter, and emit less pollution


Safety Tip 7

Job rotation

• Rotate employees among different tasks and allow rest periods to improve ergonomics


Safety Tip 8

Train, train, train

• Train on the proper use of all tools

• Learn to recognize hazards associated with different handheld tools and know the necessary precautions

• Have the manufacturer’s operating instructions for each tool available


Review

• Learn about the handheld power tools that you use everyday

• Wear the proper PPE when working with handheld power tools

• Train on any new handheld power tools introduced to the job

• Inspect all tools before use


Documents

Knowing the dangers and preventing the hazards. Objective To make all employees aware of the possible dangers when using these tools, prevent injuries,