#  Power Tools 

 



## Summary

How to manage and work with hand and portable power tools, including how to conduct pre-use inspections.

## Who is this for?

Staff who manage or work with power tools.



 

 

##  Power tool pre-use inspections 

Hand and portable power tools are dangerous if you do not use and maintain them appropriately.

Inspect power tools before you start work by reviewing this information or using a [power tool pre-use inspection form](/resource/power-tool-pre-use-inspection-form "Power Tool Pre-Use Inspection Form").

 

 



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###    Hand tool pre-use inspections  expand\_more  

Before using hand tools, ensure each tool meets these criteria:

- Tool is in generally good condition.
- Exterior is free of grease, oil, or accumulated foreign matter.
- Jaws and handles are not visibly cracked.
- Blades and bits are undamaged and uncracked.
- Handles on tools like hammers, axes, and mauls are not cracked, damaged, or loose from the heads.
- Tips of tools like screwdrivers and chisels do not show excessive wear.
- Gripping surfaces of tools like pliers and wrenches are not worn.
- Tools like chisels and punches do not have mushroomed heads.
- Cutting tools like chisels and axes are sharp.

 

 



###    Portable power tool pre-use inspections  expand\_more  

Before using portable power tools, ensure each tool meets these criteria:

- Tool is in generally good condition.
- Exterior is free of grease, oil, or accumulated foreign matter.
- Power source (such as cord, air line, or battery) is not visibly damaged. If applicable, the electrical cord’s ground (third prong) is intact.
- Tool is double-insulated and its housing is not damaged.
- All shields, guards, or attachments required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or manufacturer are present.
- Rotating or moving parts are guarded to prevent physical contact.
- Tool is not leaking fluid, such as gasoline or oil.
- Blades or bits are not damaged, cracked, or excessively worn.
- Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is available.

You must inspect some portable power tools more thoroughly. Check the manufacturer’s inspection recommendations for more advanced power tools.

 

 



 

 

 

 

##  Related resources 

Find documents and online tools to manage and use power tools.

 

 



  [### Construction EHS Exhibit: Equipment Safety

 ](/resource/construction-ehs-exhibit-equipment-safety)Construction tool and equipment safety requirements



 

 

   [### Power Tool Pre-Use Inspection Form

 ](/resource/power-tool-pre-use-inspection-form)Form to conduct an inspection before using hand or portable power tools



 

 

   [### Toolbox Talks

 ](/resource/toolbox-talks)Informal discussion guides about occupational safety topics



 

 

  

 

 

 

 

##  EHS support 

[Contact EHS](/contact-us "Contact Us") for more information about hand and portable power tools, including:

- Hand and portable power tools program.
- Pneumatic tools.
- Safety awareness.



 

 

 See also:- [ All Students, Faculty, and Staff ](/audience/all-students-faculty-and-staff)
- [ Building and Operations Managers ](/audience/building-and-operations-managers)
- [ Building and Operations Management ](/topic-areas/building-and-operations-management)
- [ Power Tools ](/topic-areas/power-tools)