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The purpose of this policy is to outline The Power Tool Safety Policy in accordance with OSHA regulations cited below.
It is the policy of the University to notify all affected employees of the elements of the Power Tool Safety program and to expect those employees to follow safe practices when using power tools.
Each department shall be responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees, including tools and equipment which may be furnished by employees.
Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) is requesting that the person in charge of power tools within their departmental shops implement a safety training program featuring the following elements:
- Shop Regulations. Regulations will include hours that shop may be used, persons permitted to use equipment, supervision required, recommended personal protective equipment, and any other pertinent information regarding the safe operation of the tools and equipment within the shop. A copy of the regulations should be posted in the shop and used as part of your training program.
- Employee/Student Training. All employees and students should receive instruction on shop regulations and the safe use of each power tool. Train employees to select the right tools for each job. The training should be conducted on an annual basis for employees and each semester for students. No persons should be permitted to use any power tools until they have received such training. The tool’s operation manual should be made available to employees/students. The Office of Risk Management is available to conduct power tool safety training.
- Training/Documentation. All students/employees must sign an Acknowledgement Training Form after receiving training. The original copy should be maintained by the trainer and a second copy forwarded to Risk Management.
- Inspection/Maintenance. Tools shall be inspected at regular intervals and shall be repaired in accordance with the manufacturers’ specification. Before using a tool, the operator shall inspect it to determine that all operating moving parts operate and that is clean. Power tools shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Inventory Form. The Office of Risk Management has developed a power tool inventory form to assist departments in listing their tools.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.242 – Hand and Portable Powered Tools and Other Hand-Held Equipment
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.243 – Guarding of Portable Powered Tools
