Power Tool Safety A to Z

P is for Pneumatic Power.
Be sure to keep air lines and hoses clear for optimum efficiency and safety. Prior to using a compressor, the air lines should be checked for water or oil that could block air flow.

Q is for Quality.
Quality of workmanship depends upon the quality of the technician and the tools he or she chooses for the task. When deciding to purchase power tools, consider how the tool will be used, how often it will be required to perform tasks, etc. and buy the best tools the budget will allow.

R is for the Right tool for the job.
Altering any tool to suit a purpose other than for what it was originally designed is strongly discouraged. Be sure to know the capabilities and limitations of power tools.

S is for Safety and Signage.
From shop floor to ceiling, safety should be considered and implemented at every level. Check with Safety managers, quality managers, OSHA, ANSI or others to be compliant with shop signs.

T is for Training.
Know all there is to know about the job at hand and the correct tools for the task to work smarter and safer. Many manufacturers and distributors offer training in the use, care and maintenance of power tools.

U is for Unplug.
Be sure to unplug any tools that aren’t being used to prevent damage from power surges. Also, removing a ground prong from a plug because the nearest outlet only has two slots is definitely not advised.

V is for Ventilation.
Proper ventilation is crucial for both worker and equipment in the shop.

W is for Workers’ Compensation.
A direct result from improper and dangerous utilization of power tools. A total of 1.7 million injuries and illnesses that required recuperation away from work beyond the day of the incident were reported in private industry workplaces during 1999, according to a survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U. S. Department of Labor. More than 4 out of 10 injuries and illnesses resulting in time away from work in 1999 were sprains or strains, most often involving the back. The number of lost worktime cases due to bruises and contusions increased from 1998 by nearly two percent and cases of carpal tunnel syndrome increased 6 percent.

X is for Xylophone.
Serious injuries can result with improper use of power tools rendering you unable to ever play the xylophone again.

Y is for You.
You are responsible for safety. Keep safe by minimizing or eliminating distractions in the workplace where power tools are in use. Stay focused on the task and know the tool’s function and operating instructions. "Trial and error" is not the way to safely learn how to use a power tool.

Z is for Zone.
Be sure to mark hazardous zones clearly with signage and striping on floors and stairs. Keep work zones free from clutter and mop up any spills immediately. Personal protection gear should be accessible from the work zone where power tools will be used to promote worker safety and the safe operation of equipment.

AMT Power Tool Listing
The following is a listing of companies that provide power tools. Please contact them for further information about products and services.

Atlas Copco Tools and Assembly Inc.
37735 Enterprise Ct. #300, Farmington Hills, MI 48331, (248) 489-1260 www.atlascopco.com
Atlas Copco Tools and Assembly Inc. is your ultimate source for ergonomic power tools. With a full line of both air and electric tools, we look forward to serving your aerospace needs.

Brown Aviation Tool Supply Co.
3801 S. Meridian Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73119, (800) 587-3883, www.browntool.com
Mail order supplier of specialty aviation power tools. Largest aviation dealer of Sioux™ Air Tools in the world. Also stocking DOTCO, Taylor, and GBP CherryMax™ power tools. Visit our web site for complete product information.

Jensen Tools Inc.
7815 S. 46th St., Phoenix, AZ 85044. 800-426-1194
Jensen offers a wide variety of power tools and accessories from leading manufacturers including DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, Dremel & Stanley.

Kett Tool Co.
5055 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45227, (513) 271-0333, www.kett-tool.com.
A national manufacturer and marketer of handheld power tools for manufacturing and industry. Kett Tool’s ten-page, full color catalog details its entire line of portable power saws, shears, nibblers, kits and accessories.