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15.3: Identifying and Preventing Hazards

  • Page ID
    63681
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    Employers must assess work activities to determine hazards or potential hazards, and implement measures to protect workers. The assessment must include evaluation of the equipment necessary (e.g., portable and hand-held power tools) for the task and any hazards that they might produce. Noise, respirable dust, flying projectiles, contact with sharp objects, as well as fire from heat generation and sparks, are some of the hazards associated with the use of portable and hand-held power tools. To prevent injuries with the use of portable and hand-held power tools, employers should train workers to:

    Keep all tools in good condition with regular maintenance;

    Use the right tool for the job;

    Examine each tool for damage before use and do not use damaged tools;

    Operate tools according to the manufacturers’ instructions, including proper tool orientation and use of accessories or attachments; and

    Use the right PPE provided for the task (e.g., gloves, respiratory protection, safety glasses, goggles, or face shield)

    Employers and workers should work together to establish and maintain safe working conditions. If a hazardous situation arises, it should be brought immediately to the attention of the appropriate individual(s) for hazard abatement.

    When using power grinders:

    Always use eye or face protection.

    Disconnect tools when not in use, before servicing or cleaning, and when changing accessories.

    Never disable the pressure switch or control, such as by clamping the hand-held grinder in a vise.

    Ensure that angular exposure of the grinding wheel periphery and sides do not exceed 180 degrees of safety guards in place.

    Only replace accessories with those recommended by the manufacturer.


    This page titled 15.3: Identifying and Preventing Hazards was last modified on Fri, 14 Aug 2026 16:59:16 GMT and is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Jenny Huang.