Ergonomic
Hand and power tools
Cuts, kickback, flying debris, and shocks from tools that are damaged, unguarded, or used for the wrong job. Subpart I requires all hand and power tools, whether the employer or the worker owns them, to be kept in safe condition.
Where it shows up
- Grinders with missing guards
- Circular saws with pinned guards
- Nail guns with contact triggers
- Damaged cords and mushroomed chisels
Controls, most effective first
Work down the list. Rely on PPE only for the risk the controls above it cannot remove.
| Level | Control |
|---|---|
| Engineering | Guards in place and working |
| Double-insulated or grounded tools on GFCI-protected power | |
| Sequential-trip nail guns where available | |
| Administrative | Inspect tools before use, and tag out anything damaged |
| Use the right tool for the job | |
| Unplug or remove the battery before changing blades or bits | |
| PPE | Safety glasses |
| Face shield for grinding | |
| Hearing protection |
PPE to list on the JHA
Safety glasses with side protection1926.102Face shield1926.102Hearing protection1926.101Work gloves
OSHA standards
| Citation | Title |
|---|---|
| 29 CFR 1926.300 | General requirements (tools) |
| 29 CFR 1926.301 | Hand tools |
| 29 CFR 1926.302 | Power-operated hand tools |
Federal OSHA construction standards. State plans can be stricter, and owners or contracts can add requirements. This page is general information. Check the full standard for your work.