IMS9.4.6.25 Safe Use of Powered and Hand Tools

1.0   PURPOSE

To ensure that SeaLink Gladstone has a procedure to deal with the safe use of tools, both powered and hand, arising from SeaLink Gladstone operations.

2.0   SCOPE

This procedure details the requirements for all tasks where the use of tools, both powered and hand is required to undertake a task. It shall encompass SeaLink Gladstone employees, sub-contractors, contractors and visitors.

Incidents arising during the use of hand tools contribute significantly to the number of injuries to company employees. Whilst many of these are minor, some cause lost time and most have the potential to be serious.

3.0   REFERENCES

• Qld WH&S Act 2011 & Regulations 2011.

• AS 1270 and AS 1337.

• Hazardous Manual Tasks – Code Of Practice 2011

4.0   DEFINITIONS

The following processes are involved:

• Must – be deemed as mandatory.
• Should  - be obliged to; should (expressing necessity).
• Requires - need for a particular purpose
• Mandatory - required by law or mandate; compulsory
• Should - used to indicate obligation, duty, or correctness, typically when criticizingly someone's actions

5.0   REQUIREMENTS

NOTE: Vessel Master has the ability to approve the use of powered and hand tools in the event of an emergency whilst underway

5.1   Training Requirements

All employees, regardless of trade backgrounds, must be properly trained and supervised in the selection, use and maintenance of the tools that they are required to use.  It is not sufficient to assume that an experienced person will be familiar with every type and make of tool that could be available.

The subject of hand tools is recommended as being suitable and valuable for inclusion in “Safety Toolbox" meetings.

5.2   Selecting the Correct Tool

Selecting the correct tool for the job will go a long way towards eliminating accidents, injuries and damage resulting from its use.

Common factors to be considered are listed below.

• Is it the correct size and proper fit?
• Is it as sharp as required? A blunt tool will take much more effort to use.
• Will it apply the required forces without makeshift extensions?
• Does it operate over the required distance?
• Does it operate at the required speed or in the specific range of revolutions?
• Does it develop the required energy for the job?
• Are its handles/grips suitable?
• Is it designed to be used in the way proposed? (If not, do not do it.).
• Will it generate hazardous particles, dust or noise when used?
• Is it in good repair?
• How heavy is it?
• How should it be carried and hoisted up to elevated jobs?
• Will it do the job without exposing the operator to risks?
• If powered, is there an adequate power source for the tool to operate correctly?

5.3   Hand Operated Tools

5.3.1 As these tools all involve a person supplying the necessary forces, they must all be carefully selected as above and these additional points considered.

5.3.2 Damage and injuries often arise from the use of poorly fitting spanners or wrenches.

5.3.3 Do not improvise extensions to spanners. (Use only sufficient leverage as indicated by machinery manufacturers and provided by the correct tools.).

5.3.4 Check handles on all tools for crack, splits and splinters.  If damaged, replace them.

5.3.5 Cutting tools should always be properly sharpened.

5.3.6 Mushroomed cold chisels should be redressed.

5.3.7 Screwdrivers should fit screw slots.

5.3.8 Keep tools clean and stored away from harmful environments.

5.3.9 Is there an opportunity for a powered tool to be used? (For example, use a press rather than a hammer and drift).

5.4   Electric Power Tools

Electric drills, saws, planers, grinders, friction disk cutters and sanders can be very efficient labour saving tools.  They can also expose people to risks when improperly used. Before using any electrical power tools, check the following items.

5.4.1 All electric power tools must have a current safety inspection tag attached near the power plug. If the tag is not present or is out of date DO NOT USE the power tool until the tool is checked out & tagged by a qualified electrician.

5.4.2 The tool is not physically damaged in any way.

5.4.3 There is no evidence (burned appearance or smell) that the tool has suffered internal electrical damage.

5.4.4 The electrical lead, switches, connections and plug are not damaged.

5.4.5 The air ventilation holes are free of obstruction.

5.4.6 The electrical supply is adequate for the tool and there is a residual current device (RCD or Safety Switch) connected to the circuit.

5.4.7 When using electric power tools, observe the following precautions:

• Keep leads and tools away from puddles and rain.
• Be sure that you have firm footing, are well balanced and have a firm hold on the tool.
• Do not lift or carry tools by their electrical leads.
• Do not shower other people with sparks, cuttings or dust, apply correct safety procedures to protect them from exposure.
• Clamp work pieces where possible.
• Use grinding and cutting stones and disks of the correct REV rating.
• Use the appropriate personal protective equipment (eyes, ears, respiratory, body).
• Read the owner's manual and learn the correct usage.
• Workers on elevated platforms with portable power tools should wear a safety belt to protect against a fall or serious injury.
• Ensure the trigger switch is in the OFF POSITION before:
  • Putting the tool down.
  • Connecting the power to the tool.
• Before servicing the tool DISCONNECT THE POWER SUPPLY.
• Regularly check equipment for defects particularly the guard and electric lead. Damaged tools and equipment should be tagged 'OUT OF SERVICE' and removed from the workplace for repairs by an authorised electrician.

NOTE: On vessels, at no time are electric power tools to be used whilst the vessel is underway.   

5.5   Air Powered Tools

In addition to the guidelines for use of electrical tools, the following points relate to the use of air-powered tools.

5.5.1 Compressed air must not be used to dust off a person's clothing or body. (Serious injury or death could result).

5.5.2 Air powered drills and grinders are capable of spinning at very high revs. Their speed governors should be checked as part of a regular routine maintenance program.  If in doubt, tag it "OUT OF SERVICE" and have it checked and repaired.

5.5.3 Air powered nail guns, tackers and staplers must be fitted with safety devices that preclude firing unless the tool is pressed against a firm surface.  Care must also be taken to avoid the nails or staples becoming missiles by breaking out of the material being fixed.  Air powered tools must always be operated pointing away from the body.  Hands should never be placed behind the work piece to steady it.

5.5.4 Air exhaust ports should be fitted with silencers to avoid high noise levels and the possibility of small items being dislodged by the air.

5.5.5 Hoses and connections should be regularly checked for leaks and deterioration.

5.5.6 Air supply should be of adequate volume and pressure and free from contaminants.

5.5.7 Use the appropriate personal protective equipment (eyes, ears, respiratory, body).

NOTE: On vessels, at no time are AIr power tools to be used whilst the vessel is underway.   

5.6   Hydraulic Tools

Hydraulics allows very large forces to be applied, and when under load represent a considerable amount of stored energy.  The following precautions should apply.

Appliances should be of the correct capacity.

5.6.1 Appliance should be checked thoroughly for leaks to rams etc, as well as perished or damaged hoses.

5.6.2 Mechanical attachments and frames should be designed to handle the load potential of the hydraulics.

5.6.3 Hydraulic rams and the items being loaded should be secured from dislodgement under pressure.

NOTE: On vessels, at no time are Hydraulic power tools to be used whilst the vessel is underway.     

5.7   Explosive Powered Tools

In most states, the use of these tools is restricted by regulation to trained and licensed persons.  Check your local authority or state legislation.  The following points should be noted:

5.7.1 These tools are all potentially dangerous.

5.7.2 Erect warning signs and keep other people out of prescribed danger areas.

5.7.3 Be sure of the material to be fixed and select the correct fasteners and charges.

5.7.4 Always align the tool carefully to avoid fasteners breaking out or rebounding off the materials being fixed.

5.7.5 Always use purpose built safety devices and shields for fixing proprietary brackets and fixtures.

5.7.6 Only load the tool just prior to use.

5.7.7 Always point the tools in a safe direction.

5.7.8 Hold the tool in place for more than ten seconds - if it fails to fire, unload it with caution and store the charge, separating the charge from the others for return to the supplier.

5.7.9 Explosive powered tools and their charges must be stored in a location secured from theft and fire.

5.7.10 Use the appropriate personal protective equipment. (Eyes and ears especially).  Complying with AS 1270 and AS 1337.

5.7.11 A qualified operator or the manufacturer or manufacture’s agent must only carry out repairs to tools.

NOTE: On vessels, at no time are explosive power tools to be used whilst the vessel is underway.    

5.8   Masters Discretionary Capability 

Vessel Masters has the ability to approve the use of powered and hand tools in the event of an emergency whilst underway.

6.0   EXHIBITS

Nil Exhibits for this SWP