810 Hand and Power Tool Safety
Glossary
A
- Abrasive Wheel. A wheel made of bonded abrasive materials used for cutting, grinding, or polishing. OSHA requires proper guarding and inspection to prevent wheel breakage and injuries.
- Adjustable Wrench. A hand tool with a movable jaw used to grip and turn fasteners of different sizes. OSHA recommends selecting the right size tool to avoid slippage.
- Air Compressor. A machine that compresses air for use with pneumatic tools. OSHA requires regular inspection, safety relief valves, and proper hose connections.
- Angle Grinder. A handheld power tool used for grinding, cutting, and polishing materials such as metal, stone, and concrete.
- Arc Flash. A dangerous electrical explosion caused by a short circuit through air. OSHA requires arc-rated PPE and de-energization procedures when working near live electrical systems.
- Arc Welder. A welding machine that uses an electric arc to melt and join metals. OSHA mandates PPE including welding helmets, gloves, flame-resistant clothing, and ventilation to reduce fume exposure.
B
- Band Saw. A power saw with a continuous band blade used for cutting materials like wood and metal. OSHA requires guarding and safe operation procedures.
- Bench Grinder. A stationary power tool used to sharpen and grind metal. OSHA requires adjustable tool rests and wheel guards to protect workers from flying debris.
C
- Chipping Hammer. A hand tool used in welding to remove slag from welds. OSHA recommends using safety glasses or a face shield to protect against flying chips.
- Circular Saw. A power saw with a rotating toothed blade for cutting wood, plastic, or metal. OSHA requires blade guards and proper PPE for operation.
- Concrete Saw. A fuel-powered cutting tool used to cut through concrete, asphalt, and other masonry materials. OSHA requires proper ventilation and PPE due to dust and exhaust fumes.
- Cut-Off Tool. A small, high-speed rotary tool used for cutting bolts, rods, and metal sections. OSHA requires guards and protective eyewear to prevent injuries from flying fragments.
- Cutting Torch. A gas-powered tool used to cut metal by heating and applying oxygen. OSHA requires proper cylinder storage, leak checks, and PPE including eye protection and flame-resistant clothing.
D
- Die Grinder. A high-speed rotary tool used for grinding and polishing. OSHA requires guarding and PPE to protect against flying particles and high noise levels.
- Double Insulation. An electrical safety feature in power tools that eliminates the need for grounding by using two layers of insulation. OSHA allows double-insulated tools where applicable.
- Dust Extraction System. Equipment that captures and removes airborne dust created during tool use. OSHA requires effective dust control to prevent respiratory exposure to silica and other particles.
E
- Electric Drill. A power tool used to make holes or drive fasteners. OSHA requires proper grounding or double insulation and safe handling to prevent electric shock or injury.
- Electrical Panel. A distribution board that houses circuit breakers or fuses. OSHA requires clear access, proper labeling, and protective covers to prevent electric shock.
- Eye Protection. Safety glasses, goggles, or face shields used to protect the eyes from flying particles, sparks, or chemicals. OSHA mandates eye protection in environments with known hazards.
F
- Face Shield. A clear plastic guard worn over the face for protection from sparks, splashes, or debris. Must be used with safety glasses for full OSHA compliance.
- Fuel-Powered Tools. Tools powered by gasoline or other fuels. OSHA requires proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide exposure and fire prevention protocols during fueling and storage.
G
- GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter). A device that shuts off power when a ground fault is detected. OSHA requires GFCIs for corded tools used in wet or outdoor environments.
- Grinder Guard. A protective shield over the grinding wheel to contain fragments in case of wheel breakage. Required by OSHA on all grinding tools.
- Grounding. Connecting electrical equipment to earth to prevent shock. OSHA requires tools to be grounded unless they are double-insulated or powered by a GFCI.
H
- Hammer Drill. A power drill that combines rotary drilling with hammering action for concrete or masonry. OSHA requires hearing protection and dust control when used for extended periods.
- Hazard Assessment. A formal evaluation of a work area or task to identify risks and determine appropriate controls. OSHA requires employers to conduct assessments before assigning tasks involving hazards.
- Hierarchy of Controls. A system for minimizing hazards by prioritizing control methods: Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, and PPE. OSHA recommends using this hierarchy to guide safety planning.
- Hydraulic Jack. A lifting device powered by pressurized fluid. OSHA requires stable placement, regular inspection, and use of jack stands when working beneath raised loads.
- Hydraulic Tools. Tools powered by pressurized fluid, such as cutters and spreaders. OSHA requires inspection for leaks, proper training, and PPE to prevent injection or crush injuries.
I
- Impact Driver. A power tool that delivers high torque using concussive blows, commonly used for driving screws or bolts. OSHA requires proper PPE to prevent strain and hearing damage.
- Impact Wrench. A tool powered by electricity, battery, or compressed air that applies sudden rotational force to tighten or loosen bolts. OSHA requires inspection for damage and use of proper sockets.
- Insulated Tools. Tools designed with non-conductive materials to protect users from electrical shock. OSHA recommends using insulated tools when working near energized electrical systems.
J
- Jack. A mechanical or hydraulic device used to lift heavy objects. OSHA requires jacks to be used on level surfaces, inspected before use, and supplemented with jack stands when lifting vehicles or machinery.
- Jackhammer. A percussive tool used for breaking up concrete and pavement, typically powered pneumatically or electrically. OSHA requires hearing, eye, and vibration protection when operating jackhammers.
- Jib Crane. A type of crane with a horizontal arm (jib) supporting a movable hoist. OSHA requires operator training, load testing, and inspection before use.
K
- Kickback. A sudden, uncontrolled motion of a tool such as a saw or grinder, often caused by pinched blades or improper use. OSHA requires guards and user training to minimize kickback risks.
- Knurling Tool. A hand or machine tool used to create textured grips on metal surfaces. Workers must wear gloves and eye protection to prevent contact with sharp knurled edges.
L
- Lockout/Tagout. OSHA-required procedures to disable machinery or electrical systems before servicing. Prevents accidental energization or startup.
M
- Machine Guard. A physical barrier that prevents access to hazardous moving parts of machinery. Required by OSHA to prevent contact injuries.
- Multimeter. An electrical diagnostic tool used to measure voltage, current, and resistance. OSHA requires safe practices when testing live circuits, including insulated probes and proper PPE.
N
- Nail Gun. A pneumatic or battery-powered tool used to drive nails into wood or other materials. OSHA requires sequential triggers, safety tips, and eye protection when operating nail guns.
- Non-Conductive Ladder. A ladder made of fiberglass or other insulating material, designed for electrical work. OSHA requires the use of non-conductive ladders when working near energized lines.
O
- Offhand Grinding. Grinding work performed with handheld tools rather than guided machinery. OSHA mandates tool rests, eye protection, and proper guarding for all grinding activities.
- Overcurrent Protection. A safety feature in electrical systems that prevents excessive current flow, typically through circuit breakers or fuses. Required by OSHA to prevent fires and equipment damage.
P
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Equipment worn to reduce exposure to hazards, including gloves, safety glasses, helmets, and respirators. Employers must provide and train workers in PPE use under OSHA rules.
- Pneumatic Tools. Tools powered by compressed air, such as nail guns or impact wrenches. OSHA requires secure hose connections, safety clips, and protection from flying fasteners.
- Powder-Actuated Tools. Tools that use a small explosive charge to drive fasteners into hard surfaces. OSHA treats these as firearms and requires operator training, PPE, and secure storage.
Q
- Qualified Person. An individual who has demonstrated the necessary skills, training, and knowledge to perform specific tasks safely and recognize hazards. OSHA uses this term in standards where specialized expertise is required.
- Quick-Connect Coupling. A fitting used to rapidly connect or disconnect pneumatic hoses and tools. OSHA requires these to be secure and equipped with safety clips to prevent accidental disconnection.
R
- Respirator. A protective device worn over the nose and mouth to filter harmful particles, vapors, or fumes. OSHA mandates fit testing and training when respirators are required for tool or material use.
S
- Spark Resistant Tools. Tools made from non-ferrous metals like brass or bronze, used in environments with flammable gases or dust. Required by OSHA where explosion risks exist.
T
- Tagging. Part of the lockout/tagout system. A visible warning tag attached to a machine or tool to indicate it must not be used. Tags must be durable and clearly marked per OSHA regulations.
- Tool Inspection. Regular examination of hand and power tools for damage or wear. OSHA requires defective tools to be removed from service until repaired.
U
- Undervoltage Protection. A safety feature that prevents tools or equipment from restarting automatically after a power loss. OSHA encourages its use to reduce unexpected start-up hazards.
- Utility Knife. A hand-held cutting tool with a retractable blade, used for general purpose trimming and cutting. OSHA requires safe handling, blade retraction after use, and cut-resistant gloves when appropriate.
V
- Ventilation. The process of supplying or exhausting air to control contaminants or heat in a workspace. OSHA requires adequate ventilation in confined spaces and during work that produces harmful fumes or dust.
- Voltage Tester. A handheld device used to detect the presence of electrical voltage. OSHA recommends using a properly rated tester before performing electrical work to verify circuits are de-energized.
W
- Welding Hood. A helmet or face shield equipped with a darkening lens to protect eyes and face from welding light, sparks, and heat. Required by OSHA for arc welding operations.
X
- X-Axis Movement. In machining and tool operation, movement along the horizontal axis. OSHA requires machine guarding and training when working with powered machine tools involving axis controls.
Y
- Yoke Clamp. A clamping tool used in rigging or pipefitting to hold or stabilize materials. OSHA requires that clamps be properly rated and inspected before use in lifting or securing operations.