Tools and SafetyEquipment · Tools and SafetyEquipment 1 These handouts and documents with attachments are not final, complete, or definitive instruments. This information is for

Tools and Safety Equipment

1

These handouts and documents with attachments are not final, complete, or definitive instruments. This information is for guidance purposes only. You should independently verify and satisfy yourself as to its accuracy. The AHBSIF does not

assume any liability for damages arising from the use of this information or exhibits and attachments thereto and renders no opinion that any of the terms, conditions, and/or cited federal standards in this document and the exhibits and

attachments should be explicitly followed by the fund member. Seek specific guidance from the appropriate regulator(OSHA) or professional advisor.

Table of ContentsSection Page

I. Tools 03II. HousekeepingIII. Personal Protective Equipment

1215

Tools• Non-Powered• Electric• Air Powered• Powder Actuated• Gas Powered

“If you have to modify a tool to make it work, you probably don’t have the

right one!”

Non-Powered Hand Tools

• Impact tools such as chisels, wedges, or drift pins are unsafe if they have mushroomed heads.

• Wrenches with sprung jaws should be taken out of service.

• Wooden handled tools should be inspected periodically to make sure they are not splintered, cracked, or loose.

Electric Tools

• Electric tools are difficult to guard completely

• They are subject to more abuse than stationary tools

• Cords must be inspected regularly

• These tools should be unplugged/battery removed for all maintenance procedures.

Double Insulated Tools

• NFPA 70 permits double insulation for portable tools

• Third wire grounding is not necessary for double-insulated tools

• Double insulation works by isolating the tool’s internal electric components from the outer housing

Circular Saw Safety Tips

• Set the blade’s depth to no more than 1/8” to ¼” greater than the thickness of the material

• Avoid binding the blade and causing a “kickback”

• Release the trigger if the saw binds or stalls

• Never pull the saw out of a cut until the blade stops

Pneumatic Tools (Nail Guns)

• Make sure the nose guard safety spring is functioning properly

• Don’t hook up the power source until it is time to nail

• If the tool has to be carried while under power, stay away from the trigger and never carry against the body

• Safety glasses are a must!• For Framers;

– Keep the off hand out of the way– Never nail beyond your reach– Keep the gun properly aligned

with the work– Be aware of surroundings and

fellow workers

Powder-Actuated Tools

• Only employees who have been trained and certified in the operation of the particular tool shall be allowed to operate

• Must be tested each day prior to use

• If it doesn’t pass inspection, it must be removed from service

• All required PPE must be worn

• Unfired caps should not be left in the gun or lying around

• The loaded tool should never be left unattended

Gas Powered Tools

• Types include leaf blowers, trimmers, mowers, and chainsaws.

• Follow manufacturers recommendations for service intervals and safe use.

• Take special care during refueling.– Give the equipment

adequate cool down time.– Use only approved

containers for fuel storage.– Never smoke during

refueling.

Safe Work Practices Checklist

• Always follow manufacturerrecommendations regardingmaintenance and safe use.

• Inspect all tools prior to the start of work;– Guards in place and working– All power cords in safe working

condition– Timely replacement of blades,

bits, etc.• Never bypass a safety feature.• Never modify a tool beyond its

intended use.• Use all required personal

protective equipment .

Housekeeping

• Debris should be gathered and removed from site daily, weekly, as often as needed.

• Plan for disposal of scrap, waste and surplus materials.

• Keep the work area and all equipment tidy.

• Designate areas for waste materials and provide containers.

• Keep stairways, passageways, ladders, scaffold and gangways free of material, supplies and obstructions.

Housekeeping

• Secure loose or light material that is stored on roofs or on open floors.

• Keep materials at least 5 feet from openings, roof edges, excavations or trenches.

• Remove or bend over nails protruding from lumber.

• Keep hoses, power cords, welding leads, etc. from laying in high traffic areas.

• Ensure structural openings are covered/protected adequately (e.g. sumps, shafts, floor openings, etc.)

Housekeeping

• Do not permit rubbish tofall freely from any levelof the project.

• Use chutes or otherapproved devices toremove materials.

• Do not throw tools or other materials.

• Do not raise or lower any tool or equipment by its own cable or supply hose.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be maintained and provided by the employer when necessary as of May 15, 2008.

OSHA now requires employers to pay for personal protective equipment used to comply with OSHA standards.

The PPE employers must provide is not specified, but the rule does indentify what must be paid for.

Employers cannot require workers to provide their own PPE and the worker’s use of PPE they already own must be completely voluntary.

If an employee provides his/her own equipment, the employer is still responsible to make sure it is adequate and well maintained.

Personal Protective Equipment

Employers must do the following when providing PPE:– Assess the hazards of the workplace to identify and

control physical and health hazards.– Identify and provide appropriate PPE for employees.– Train employees in the use and care of the PPE.– Maintaining PPE, including replacing worn or

damaged equipment.– Periodically review, update and evaluate the

effectiveness of the PPE.

Personal Protective Equipment

Items Employers must pay for:– Metatarsal foot protection– Rubber boots with steel toes– Non-prescription eye protection– Prescription eyewear inserts/lenses for full face

respirators– Goggles and face shields– Fire fighting PPE (helmet, gloves, boots, proximity

suits, full gear)– Hard hats– Hearing protection– Welding PPE

Personal Protective Equipment

Items Employers are not required to pay for:– Steel-toe boots– Prescription safety eyewear if worn off the job site.– Non uniform work clothes including long-sleeve shirts,

long pants, street shoes, and normal work boots.– Weather protection clothing, including winter coats,

jackets, gloves, parkas, rubber boots, hats, raincoats, ordinary sunglasses, and sunscreen.

– Lifting belts.– Intentionally lost or damaged the PPE.

Definitions

PEL – Permissible Exposure Limit– Regulatory limits on the concentration of a substance

in the air.– Based on an 8-hour time weighted average

STEL – Short Term Exposure Limit– The maximum concentration of a chemical or dust to

which workers may be exposed continuously for up to 15 minutes without danger to health

TWA – Time Weighted Average– The average exposure to a contaminant/condition (ex:

noise) to which workers may be exposed without adverse effect per 8-hour day or 40-hour week

Definitions

TLV – Threshold Limit Value– The level at which a worker can be exposed

day after day for a working lifetime without adverse health effects.

– Values are reported in units of parts per million (PPM) or milligrams per cubic centimeter (mg/m³) of air

Definitions

TLV, 3 Types– (TLV-TWA) Time Weighted Average

• Average exposure on the basis of a 8-hour day or 40-hour work week

– (TLV-STEL) Short Term Exposure Limit• Spot exposure for a duration of 15 minutes, that

cannot be repeated more than four times per day– (TLV-C) Ceiling

• Absolute exposure limit that should not be exceeded at any one time

Definitions

Physical agents and chemical substances have TLV’sOSHA regulatory exposure limits (PEL)

are mostly based off TLV’s published in 1968, many are not considered sufficiently protective.NIOSH publishes Recommended

Exposure Limits (REL) which are more current and more stringent

OSHA PEL vs. NIOSH REL

Substance OSHA PELTWA

NIOSH RELTWA

Carbon Dioxide 9000 mg/m³ 9000 mg/m³

Silica 30 mg/m³ 6 mg/m³

Asphalt Fumes None 5 mg/m³

Cadmium 0.005 mg/cm³ None

Respiratory Protection

Construction and Industry Standards are identicalEmployer must

choose the right application for the job.

Structure of the Lung

Air enters through mouth and nasal passages

Alveoli are responsible for carrying oxygen to the blood stream

Oxygen diffuses into blood and is exchanged for carbon dioxide

Equipment Selection

Assigned Protection Factor (APF)– Expected level of employee protection

Maximum Use Concentration (MUC)– Maximum concentration from which an employee can

be protected from when wearing a respiratorRespiratory hazards may be present in the

workplace in different forms

Dust and Fiber Mists

Fumes Vapors

Gases Biological Hazards

Respiratory Protection

Dust Masks are for nuisance dusts only.

Respirators are made to filter harmful contaminants from the air.

Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is suitable for atmospheres that are both oxygen deficient and contain harmful contaminants.

Respiratory Protection

Employees that have to wear respirators must receive the following:Pulmonary Function TestRespirator Fit TestingEducation on devices capabilitiesStorage, cleaning, and regular inspection

proceduresRegularly monitored work area and

conditions

Respirator Fit Testing

Quantitative A pass/fail test to assess

respirator fit. Relies on the individual's

response to the test agent. (recognizable scents)

Qualitative Assesses a respirator’s

effectiveness by numerically measuring the amount of leakage into the respirator.

Respirator Fit Testing

1. Adjust straps and other connecting or fitting devices so that face seal is snug but comfortable.

2. Positive Pressure Test: Place hand over blowout diaphragm and exhale, the mask should first expand, then release around the face seal.

3. Negative Pressure Test: Place hands over the cartridges and inhale, the mask should collapse into the face.

If no leaks are discovered, and wearer can sense no surrounding odors, mask is fitted properly.

Facial hair that interferes with a proper seal is prohibited.

Common Job-Site Respiratory Exposures

Pressure treated wood

Blown cellulose insulation

PesticidesSheetrockMasonry silica

exposuresBlockBrickSand

Crystalline Silica

Basic component of sand, granite, and other minerals

Classified as a human lung carcinogenRespirable dust enters the lung and forms scar

tissue Lung’s capacity to process oxygen is reducedEffects of silicosis include reduced lung capacity,

weakness, severe weight loss, and death

Foot Protection

Safety footwear must comply with ANSI Z41.1

Required for:Any material handling

process where something could be dropped on the foot

Bulk material handling processes

Work around sharp objects that could penetrate and puncture foot

Traffic Vests ANSI/ISEA 107-2010

• Garments are classified by the amount of retroreflective material per thestandard, the width and placement of the material, and design & color ofvest.

• Class 3:– Highest level of visibility.– For workers with high task loads in a wide range of weather conditions where

traffic exceeds 50 mph.– Recommended for all roadway construction personnel, vehicle operators,

utility workers, survey crews, emergency responders, railway workers, accident site investigators.

• Class 2:– For workers near roadways where traffic exceeds 25 mph and require greater

visibility in inclement weather.– Recommended for railway workers, school crossing guards, parking and toll

gate personnel, airport ground, law enforcement directing traffic.• Class 1:

– For workers where traffic does not exceed 25 mph and there is ample separation from the traffic.

– Recommended for parking service attendants, warehouse workers in equipment traffic, shopping cart retrieval, sidewalk maintenance.

Traffic Vests ANSI/ISEA 107-2010

• Class 3:– Greatest visibility of the three classes (most reflective material).– Must have sleeves with retroreflective material between the shoulders and elbow.– Table 1 provides minimum areas of background and coverage of the retroreflective material.– Retroreflective material shall not be less than 50mm wide.

• Class 2:– More visibility than Class 1– Retroreflective material shall be not less than 35mm wide.

• Class 1:– These garments need to be conspicuous– Retroreflective materials shall not be less than 25mm wide.

• Class E:– When hi-visibility pants are worn without other ANSI 107 compliant garments, they are

considered Class E.– When pants are added to Class 2 or 3 vests or coats the ensemble is considered a Class 3

classification.• There are charts and figures in the standard that give the minimum requirements for

retroreflectivity (chromaticity) and luminance (color of vest) combinations that are acceptable.

– The luminous colors that are used and accepted as long as they meet the minimum standard are fluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red, and fluorescent red.

Traffic Vests

Class 3 Class 2 Class 1

Head Protection All hard hats must comply with ANSI standard Z89.1, and Z89.2 for employees exposed to high voltage electric shock. Bump Caps are not acceptable for construction use under these standards.

Head Protection Employees must wear hard hats if there

is any possibility of; Being struck by an object falling from a higher level A flying object Electrical shock

Head Protection

Class A•General service (building construction, shipbuilding, lumbering)•Good impact protection but limited voltage protection Class B•Electrical / Utility work•Protects against falling objects and high-voltage shock and burnsClass C•Designed for comfort, offers limited protection•Protects against bumps from fixed objects, but does not protect against falling objects or electrical shock

Hearing Protection

Engineering and Administrative controls should be applied when feasible.

Ear plugs must be fitted under the direction of a competent person.

If you are arms length from the person talking to you and cannot hear them, its time for hearing protection!

Structure of the Ear

Sound enters the canaland creates movementin the middle ear.

Movements are transferred to the inner ear via fluids.

Hair like structures called cilia convert movements to perceptible sound.

Three Components of Hearing

SoundA sound can be intermittent or continuous or a combination of both.Intensity is also a factor.

PathDistance, terrain, and medium of travel play a part.

ReceiverThe average unimpaired hearing range of a person is 20 to 20,000 Hz

Facts and Numbers

85 decibels is considered the “Action Level” or the level at which an employee must be enrolled in a HCP (hearing conservation program) and notified of their results.

The permissible exposure level for a time weighted average over an eight hour period is 90 decibels.

The level at which dual hearing protection must be worn is 105 decibels.

The maximum allowable exposure level at any one time during the shift is 115 decibels.

Permissible Noise ExposuresDuration/Day,

HoursSound Level

dBA8 90

6 92

4 95

3 97

2 100

1.5 102

1 105

½ 110

¼ or less 115

• Are my employees overexposed?

• Use this Formula;– D=100(C/T)

• D = Percentage Dose• 100 = Constant• C = Hours of Exposure• T = Allowable Hours per day

at specified dbA)

• If Percentage Dose exceeds 100, too much exposure

Noise Exposure Calculation• EXAMPLE:– A technician works in a noise enclosure booth with a noise exposure of less

than 70 dBA. The technician makes rounds to read gauges and instruments that are located in an area with a noise level of 105 dBA. The technician makes four trips a day, and each trip lasts 30 minutes. What is the employee’s noise exposure?

• Calculate:– D=100(C/T)

• C = 2 Hours (Four 30min trips)• T = 1, (1 Hour at 105 dBA)• 100 x (2/1) = 200%

• Exposure:– With four trips a day and 30 minutes per trip, the employee is exposed to two

hours of noise at 105 dBA with the remaining time spent inside the booth. His exposure is twice the recommended limit.Time for hearing protection!

Components of a Hearing Conservation Program

MonitoringHearing ProtectionAudiometric TestingTrainingRecord Keeping

Audiometric TestingRequired for all employees that work in an environment where TWA is >85 dbA

Participant is exposed to a range of sounds

Testing establishes a baseline for employee hearing

Conducted pre-hire and annually, results must be kept on file

A standard threshold shift is described as 10decibels in either ear.

Muffs vs. Plugs

Product will have a Noise Reduction Rating or NRRRating indicates

the performanceof the device

Muffs Plugs

Average NRR for devices shown: 28.66

Average NRR for devices shown: 23.66

When C-weighted sound level measurement is available, the following formula should be used to calculate the required NRRNoise Level in dB(C) - Protector NRR = 90 dB(A) or less.When A-weighted sound level measurement is available, the following formula should be used to calculate the required NRR.Noise Level in dB(A) - (Protector NRR - 7 dB) = 90 dB(A) or less

Calculating Noise Reduction using the NRR

How to insert an Ear Plug

Grab the top/back of the ear. Gently pull up and backward. (If disposable foam) Roll the plug between the forefinger and thumb until it is completely compressed. Gently slide the plug in the ear canal. (If disposable foam) Let the plug expand.

Typical A-weighted SoundLevels

0 dB75 dB95 dB100 dB105 dB115 dB120 dB140 dB

Threshold of HearingShop VacuumJackhammerTable Mounted RouterPneumatic Trim NailerCircular Saw 7 ¼”Pneumatic Nail GunThreshold of Pain

Eye & Face ProtectionAll eye and face

equipment must comply with ANSI Z87.1 standards.

Employers must provide protection when employees are exposed to any and all potential flying debris.

ANSI compliant side shields applied to conventional glasses do not make them safety glasses!

Structure of the Eye• Pupil – Allows light to enter

the retina• Rod – Handle peripheral and

low light vision• Cones - Responsible for

color sensitivity• Retina – Captures image and

sends it to the Optic Nerve• Iris – Controls the size of the

Pupil• Lens – Reflects light to be

focused on the retina• Cornea – Transparent outer

cover of the eye• Optic Nerve – Transfers

image to brain

Eye & Face Protection

The standard covers general eye protection, eye protection for welding, and laser applications.Tables E-1, E-2, and E-3 tell us minimum performance requirements for our applications.

Hand Protection• Must be durable and

resist the conditionsof use

• Glove should not restrict dexterity required for task

• Employee must be educated on capabilities of equipment

Conditions for Glove Use

• Burns• Bruises• Abrasions• Cuts• Punctures• Fractures• Amputations• Chemical Exposures

Glove Types

• Metal mesh, leather, or canvas– Protects from cuts, burns, heat

• Fabric and coated fabric gloves– Protects from dirt and abrasion

• Chemical and liquid resistant gloves– Protects from burns, irritation, and dermatitis

• Rubber gloves– Protects from cuts, lacerations, and abrasions

Safety Harnesses

Body belt use has been outlawed.

Harness should be properly adjusted to fit the employee.

Never use positioning devices as primary means of tie-off.

Always have a plan for retrieving a “hanging” worker.

Lanyards

Choose the right lanyard for the task at hand.Static w/ shock absorberRetractableNylon Rope or Steel CableDouble legged for 100% tie-off

transitions• Must be equipped with double action snap hooks• May not be tied off on to itself unless designed for

such use

Tie-Off Anchorage

Anchorage point must withstand a 5000lb. static load.

One man per anchorage point unless the instructions for the component state otherwise.

Numerous options for construction industrySafe-T-StrapCross Arm StrapsSuper AnchorReusable Metal Brackets w/hardware