Symmetrical Group

Policies and Procedures

OHS&E\SAFETY PROCEDURES

SG-PR-33-15 Hand and Power Tools

1. PURPOSE

This procedure provides safe working guideline for all Symmetrical Group company personnel and

subcontractors who have to use hand tools in their work.

2. SCOPE

Covers all Symmetrical Group Worksites and Operations.

3. DEFINITIONS

Portable

Hand Tools

Tools used for tasks such as:

• Making new equipment and plant;
• Repairs on broken equipment;
• General maintenance on machinery and plant;
• Special projects that require cutting, hammering and

sanding, etc.

and can be categorised in the following way for this procedure:

• Manual hand tools that have to be held and manually

operated by individual such as hammers, chisels and

screwdrivers, etc.

• Power tools driven by electric power such as grinders, drills

and saws;

• Compressed air tools powered by compressed air that can

be from an established fixed reticulation system or from a

mobile air compressor.

4. RESPONSIBILITIES

The following bullet points summarise the key roles and responsibilities detailed within

this procedure:-

• The S&E Coordinator shall ensure that systems are in place to train all

personnel in the correct use, maintenance and storage of hand tools.

• Workshop/Site Supervisors shall be responsible for ensuring that:
• Only hand tools in good condition are utilised in their working areas;

A system is in place for inspecting, repairing and removing any

unsafe, damaged or defective equipment from the work area;

• Only persons trained by trade or on the job training in the correct use

of hand tools are allowed to use them;

• Personnel are trained in the correct use of hand tools as required.
• All Symmetrical Group personnel shall ensure that they follow the requirements of this

procedure and will involve themselves in any training procedure as requested.

5. PROCEDURE

5.1 Personal Safety

The important aspect of working safely with any hand tools is to have a

system in place that ensures that all personnel know:

• How to choose the right tool for the task;
• What to look for when inspecting the tool;
• How to use it correctly;
• What safety precautions are required?
• What PPE is required;
• Where and how to store them safely.

5.2 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

When working with hand tools and dependent upon the task and site

requirements relevant PPE should be considered:

• Loose clothing and jewellery should be removed to avoid getting

caught in tools;

• Long hair should be tied back out of the way;
• Eye protection should be worn for drilling, grinding, hammering, etc;
• Hearing protection should be worn to protect against excessive noise;
• Correct overalls or aprons;
• Work gloves that could include leather for heavy sharp objects;
• Correct type of respiratory systems depending upon the task i.e.-

fumes, dust or gases.

5.3 New Equipment

All personnel should be instructed in the use of any new equipment or tool

that has been purchased and they have to use. The training should include

the manufacturers’ instructions that are available to be assessed.

5.4 Safe Storage

• Carrying of tools can be by leather belt i.e.-riggers, scaffolders, or in

an apron or toolbox/tool bag. They should not be carried in clothing

pockets. Tool boxes/bags are commonly used on most sites to keep

them near to the job.

• Sharp tools should be kept in a sheath or special container to protect

personnel from cuts and puncture wounds.

• All tools should have a good safe and dry storage place to keep them

away from untrained and unauthorised persons.

• All tools should be returned to their proper place whenever they have

been used.

• They should be inspected and cleaned after use prior to being put

away.

5.5 Manual Hand Tools

The type of tools involved are varied but would include:

• Hammers, chisels, screwdrivers, spanners, saws, pliers, wrenches,

etc.

• The job should be planned out using a JSA to ensure that all

hazards are identified and controls implemented.

• All tools that are to be used should be made available (these

could also include power tools, etc.)

• All work sections should be secured to keep hands free from

danger.

• The work area should be made safe by ensuring good
• housekeeping, lighting, ventilation and safe access to give
• good footing and balance.
• Be aware of other personnel and ensure that PPE is worn as

required.

5.5.1 Hammers

The person using one should:

• choose the correct type of hammer for the task i.e.- a claw

hammer for de-nailing;

• clean the hands and also the handle;
• make sure that the head is secure on the handle and is not

cracked;

• make sure the striking face is clean and does not have

ragged edges;

• check the handle condition for splits and splinters;
• repair any damaged tools or replace them;
• use correct procedure i.e.- hit object squarely with the head

and not the side of the hammer.

5.5.2 Chisels

The person using one should:

• choose the correct type of chisel;
• check them for bent or mushroom heads;
• check the edges to see if they are dull or are jagged;
• use a wood chisel and mallet for chiselling and not a knife or

screwdriver;

• chiselling and cutting – pressure strokes should be away from

the body;

• dress any mushroom heads with a grindstone file or oilstone;
• sharpen drilled edges with a grinding wheel and use file to

finish off.

5.5.3 Screwdrivers

The person using one should:

• use the correct type i.e.- Phillip’s head for Phillip screws;
• make sure the tip of the screwdriver is as thick and wide as

the screw;

• use insulated screwdrivers for electrical work;
• do not use screwdrivers as levers or chisels.

5.5.4 Spanners

The person using them should use:

a) open-ended spanners

b) tube spanners

c) ring spanners

d) socket spanners

e) adjustable spanners

• always use a spanner for loosening and tightening bolts,

never pliers;

• pull, don’t push on spanner;
• adjustable spanners should be adjusted on the nut prior to

tightening or loosening.

5.5.5 Saws

The person using them should:

• choose the correct type i.e.- use a wood saw for wood and

hacksaw for metal;

• choose the correct type of hacksaw blades for the task;
• support the work piece at all times;
• clear away any obstructions i.e.- nails in wood;
• apply pressure on the downstrokes;
• oil the tension bar on a hacksaw;
• remove rusting blades;
• ensure that all saws are maintained, lubricated and stored

correctly.

5.6 Power Tools

Some of the basic problems in the use of power tools are:

• wrong tools chosen for the task;
• being used incorrectly;
• being in poor condition;
• in an unsafe work area.
• They should comply with Australian Standards and marked

‘AS’.

• They should be earthed or double insulated.
• The power outlet should be earthed and protected by an

earth leakage device, if not use and RCD unit.

• Use heavy-duty leads and keep them protected against all

hazards.

• All leads and plugs should be inspected and repaired or

replaced.

• Make sure that all attachments are secure and tight i.e.

grinding wheels, etc.

• Keep finger off operating switch when not operating the tool.
• Secure the work piece and keep hands away from moving

parts.

• Allow the tools to work without forcing them.
• Do not leave tool running when not in use.
• Switch off and disconnect before checking, changing

attachments, or brushing clean the machine.

• Do not use tools with blunt or defective attachments.
• When finished tools should be cleaned, inspected and

lubricated prior to safe storage.

5.7 Compressed Air Tools

• It is important to ensure that only compressed air is used for these

tools.

• Safety clips shall be attached to all connection points of the air hose

fitting.

• Compressed air tools shall be disconnected by turning off the air

when not in use.

• Hoses should be protected against all hazards and not kinked to turn

off whilst disconnecting them.

• Air tools should be used as per manufacturers’ instructions i.e. speed

of operation.

• Only the correct tool should be used for specific tasks.

Date published: 25/07/2013

* -25/07/2013 12:27:06 PM