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Tools, Equipment, and Construction Safety Tools, Equipment, and Construction Safety
WAC 296-807
WAC 296-24, Part D & H-1
& WAC 296-155, Part G & I &N

1.0 General Protection

Employees must utilize machinery, tools, materials, or equipment, whether owned by the
employee or the University, in accordance with the safety or health requirements of this program
or any applicable Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
Selecting the proper tool or piece of equipment for a particular job is an important step in
maintaining a safe work place. Tools and equipment must be used in accordance with the
manufacturers designed or intended purpose.

2.0 Hand and Power Tools (WAC 296-155, Part G)

Employees will use proper tools suitable to the job being done. Only tools in good repair may be
kept or used on the premises or on the job. Employee-owned tools must meet all safety
requirements, whenever used for work.

2.1 Hand Tools

Use the proper tool for the job. When possible, purchase tools with ergonomic features. The
following guidelines apply to all tools and equipment, and to their operation.

Cutting tools must be kept sharp. It is the responsibility of the employee using the
tool to keep the tool sharp. Exercise caution when using sharp cutting instruments,
especially when encountering resistance. When possible, cut away from the body.

Hammers and other tools having separable handles must have the handle securely
fastened to the tool.

Wrenches having jaw openings at right angels or less than 180 degrees to the handle
must be placed on the nut with the jaw opening in the direction the handle is to move.
Use the correct size wrench and test for slippage on the nut before exerting pressure.
Do not use a piece of pipe or a cheater to extend the handle for leverage; use a
larger wrench. Be aware of equipment torque specifications. Wrenches with cracked
or spreading jaws must not be used. Damaged wrenches must be removed from
service or repaired according to the manufacturers specifications.

The tips of screwdriver blades must be sharpened and properly dressed to fit screw
slots. A screwdriver must not be used as a cutting tool.

Tools with heads that have mushroomed from repeated hammering must not be
used. Remove such tools from service.

Powder/Fuel Actuated Tools- No employee may operate a power or fuel actuated
tool without a valid operators license (where required) and training.
Anticipate the path that a utility knife might take and place your hands and body in
a safe position before starting. Injuries can be avoided by cutting away from yourself
and others.


2.2 Insulation and Electrical Work

Handles of tools, such as pliers and screwdrivers may be covered with insulation to
improve grip or to avoid unexpected electrical shorts, but this covering must not be
relied on for insulation or protection against personal injury on voltages above 250
volts.

Screwdrivers having metal shanks extending through the handles must not be used
for electrical work.

Metallic tapes or metallic rules must not be used near electrical equipment. Cloth
tapes with metal reinforcing will be considered metallic tapes.

2.3 Tool Storage

Tools temporarily stored or laid aside on the job must be placed so as not to create a
stumbling or falling hazard. They may not be left on ladders or in traffic areas. Tools with
sharp edges must be covered or stored in such a way as to guard against a cutting hazard.
Particular care must be used when working in an elevated position. Tools must not be left
unsecured, but should be kept in containers.
Tools must be stored in such a manner as to prevent them from becoming damaged.

3.0 Electrical Powered Tools and Equipment

Electric power-operated tools must either be of the approved double-insulated type or be
grounded.
Portable ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) must be installed in wet locations when there
are new or remodel construction projects.
The use of electric cords for hoisting or lowering tools is not permitted.

3.1 Extension Cords and Trouble Lights

Extension cords used for lighting supply must have conductors enclosed in common rubber
sheaths and must be waterproofed for their entire length except at terminals. Ordinary twisted
lamp cords and metallic sockets do not meet these requirements. Lamps for trouble lights
must be enclosed in guards.
Lamp guards on trouble lights must be gas-proof when used in potentially explosive
atmospheres. Lamp guards on trouble lights used in locations with exposed electrical contact
points must be of non-conducting material.

3.2 Electrical Power Cords

All power cords must be of the three-conductor type with proper ground plug (UL
approved) enclosed in common rubber waterproof sheaths.

All power tools must be insulated and grounded with three-conductor type cords
and ground plug.

The ground connection on the power plug must not be cut off or removed at any
time.
Extension cords that are frayed, worn or that have missing ground prongs must be
removed from service. Extension cords must have sufficient capacity rated in amps or
volts for the rating on the portable power electric tool to be used.


The use of cheater plugs also known ground-lifters, is prohibited. If a work location
does not have a three-wire grounded receptacle available, replacement of the
receptacle by an electrician should be requested.

3.3 Portable Electric Tools

Electric cords supplying portable power tools must be rubber sheathed with
adequate terminal connections, and must include a ground wire attached to the tool
casing and to an outlet ground or other low resistance ground.

Portable electric power tools must be grounded. If double insulated tools are used,
they must be distinctively marked.

The user must thoroughly inspect portable electric power tools and cords before
use. Extension cords must not be used in place of fixed wiring.

Employees using portable electric power tools should first assure themselves of a
firm stance, and secure the piece being worked on in such a way as to prevent
unexpected turning or other movement.

Portable electric power tools with frayed or worn cords, missing ground prongs, or
with loose or worn parts must be removed from service.


4.0 Assured Equipment Grounding Program (296-155-447)

The purpose of this program is to establish procedures to test, identify hazards, and maintain (in
safe operating condition), all cords, cord sets, plugs, electrical equipment connected by a cord.
A copy of this program, including the specific procedures adopted by the University must be
available at the job site for inspection. Sub contractors are also responsible for implementing and
supervising all elements of this program including the required testing and inspections


4.1 GFCIs In Place of Assured Equipment Grounding Program

Cord sets equipped with GFCIs do not need to be checked as a part of an assured equipment-
grounding program. Departments or employees who wish to avoid the process of having to
inspect cord sets may do so by replacing them with GFCI equipped cord sets.
All 120 volt single phase 15 and 20 ampere receptacle outlets on a particular site, which are
not part of the permanent wiring of the building or structure and which are in use by
employees, shall have approved ground fault circuit interrupters for personal protection.
Receptacles on a two wire single phase portable or vehicle mounted generator rated not more
than 5 kW, when the circuit conductors are insulated from the generator frame and all other
grounded surfaces, need not be protected with ground fault circuit interrupters.

4.2 Daily Inspections

The employee using the equipment will visually inspect each cord set, attachment cap, plug
of cord sets, and any equipment connected by cord and plug, except cord sets and receptacles
which are fixed and not exposed to damage before each days use. The employee will look for external defects, such as deformed or missing pins or insulation damage, and for indications
of possible internal damage. Equipment found damaged or defective must be removed from
service and repaired or destroyed.


4.3 Test Procedures

The following three tests shall be performed on cord sets or receptacles that are not a part of
the permanent wiring of the building or structure and cord-connected and plug-connected
equipment that is required to be grounded:

All equipment grounding conductors shall be tested for continuity and shall be
electrically continuous.

Each receptacle and attachment cap or plug shall be tested for correct attachment
of the equipment-grounding conductor. The equipment-grounding conductor shall be
connected to its proper terminal.

Each outlet receptacle or power source shall be tested to ensure proper polarity.


5.0 Accident Prevention Tags

Do not use any machinery, tool, material, or equipment that is not in safe operating
condition.

Unsafe machines, tools, materials, or equipment must be identified as unsafe by tagging
or locking the controls (if applicable) and notifying the supervisor.

The tag should indicate th