Tools

General	Prior to using power tools, ensure a user’s manual is available and you have reviewed it. If you have not used this type of tool, received training on the tool, or do not fully understand how to use the tool safely, contact your supervisor for additional training. Inspect tools before each use. Never use a tool that is damaged, worn, split, mushroomed, or that is missing a safety device. If you find a tool that is damaged or missing a safety device, immediately take it out of service by tagging it and reporting it to your supervisor. Follow manufacturer recommendations and limitations of the tool. Use the correct gloves to protect your hands. Make sure the gloves you are using are right for the job and appropriately sized, so they do not become snagged on a tool. Do not modify or change the intended function of tools. Guards and handles that are supplied by the manufacturer must be installed, adjusted, and not be removed or modified.
Power Tools	Power tools that rotate, such as drills, impact wrenches and saws, may jam. Keep hands on handles and designated hand hold areas of the tool. Maintain both hands on the tool when using powered tools. Keep hands out of pinch points to avoid pinch and crush type injuries. Be ready to release the power switch or trigger. Do not use a tool that can be locked in the “ON” position. Be aware of coasting and idling of tools after use. Keep the rotating part away from your body. Only pick a tool up by its handle. Do not perform repairs on a tool or piece of equipment. Only qualified repair personnel may make repairs. Contact your supervisor. Never come in contact with a moving part of a tool, work on a tool, or adjust a tool unless the power source is removed. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, or dangling items. Keep sleeves tightly wrapped. Do not “swing around” with a running tool. There may be other people in the area. Tools must be double insulated or grounded. Look on the tool for the symbol indicating it is double insulated (a box inside of a box). If the tool is not double-insulated the electrical cord must have a ground prong. Always plug into a use GFCI protected outlet. Use sawhorses or a stable worktable to support the material you are working with whenever possible. Never “free-hand” cut. Keep both hands on the tool. Secure the material or use clamps or vises to hold down the material you are working with. Never cut over your foot or any other body part.
Powder-Actuated Tool	Only trained and authorized personnel may use powder-actuated tools. Users must have on their person the operator card with them during use. Tools will not be loaded until ready for use. Loaded tools cannot be left unattended. Do not point loaded or unloaded tools at other personnel. Strips must be disposed of in accordance with the SDS. Do not store them in water or place them in the trash. Live load strips must be stored in a lock-controlled box.
Pneumatic Nail Guns	Only trained and authorized personnel may use pneumatic nail guns. Inspect the tool before each use to ensure that the tool and all safety devices are operating properly. Never use a tool that is not working properly or is damaged. All pneumatically driven nail guns and staplers are to be operated and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Operating controls are not to be removed, tampered with, altered, or otherwise disabled. Nail guns and staplers must be disconnected from the air supply and bled down of any residual pressure prior to when performing maintenance or clearing a jam. Be sure to depress the trigger to ensure all air is exhausted from the tool. Safety glasses with side shields must be worn. Should fasteners be driven into brittle substrates the user must also wear a face shield. Hearing protection is required. Secure air hoses at roof / deck level and provide ample, but not excessive, amounts of hose. Never carry the tool by the hose or carry the tool with your finger on the trigger. Never fire the tool unless the nose is placed firmly against the work surface. Never rest the tool against any part of your body. Keep your hand and other body parts away from the nose of the tool. Always assume the tool contains fasteners and never point it at yourself or anyone else. Never secure the trigger in the “ON” position. Operate the tool within the manufacturer’s specified air pressure range.
Table Saws	Supervisors must train and verify all users prior to operating table saws. The user must read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions. Inspect the table saw before each use. Any table saw deemed unsafe due to missing or damaged guards or unserviceable upon inspection shall be immediately removed from service and tagged “DO NOT USE”. Do not allow sawdust to accumulate in the saw. Frequently clean out sawdust and chips from moving parts prior to use. Be aware of sawdust accumulation, behind the guards and inside the saw that could cause guards to malfunction or blade to seize. Disconnect the power cord prior to performing any maintenance or blade change. Remain in control of the cord end or apply LO/TO. Contact your supervisor for the correct method of LO/TO. Lubricate guard pivots in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Table saws must be secured on a stable saw stand, work bench or worktable. Ensure ground is level for set up. Install all supplied and necessary saw blades, fences, riving knives/spreaders and guards based on manufacturer recommendations. Work areas must be kept clean. Before starting the table saw, clear table of all tools and scraps. Only the workpiece and feed/support devices should be on the table. Keep guards in place and in good working order while operating the table saw. Do not wear loose fitting clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving parts. Before beginning work, ensure a minimum of one of each type of work supports helpers (e.g. push sticks, push blocks, feather boards) are present and available. Do not make free-hand cuts. Work guides/fences must be adjusted to support the material to be cut. Do not leave running table saws unattended. Keep hands and body out of the line of saw blades. Ensure no one is in line of the rotating blades. Never reach around or over the saw. Never touch or hold onto the free end (cut off end) of a workpiece while saw is “ON” or while the blade is rotating.