TOOL TYPE CHECKLISTS L AST REVIEWED 6/28/11

G EOGRAPHY ALL S OURCE :

HAND & POWER TOOL SAFETY CHECKLIST

BENEFITS
Portable hand and power tools pose a variety of hazards. OHS lawsand Best Practices--require that you
select and/or allow workers to use only power tools that are safely designed and constructed. Just as
importantly, you need to ensure those tools are properly operated, inspected and maintained each time theyre
used. This Self-Assessment Checklist is a useful device in helping achieve this goal.

HOW TO USE THIS TOOL

The Checklist includes general safety precautions for the basic kinds of portable hand and power tools found
at many workplaces. Youll need to adapt it to the equipment actually used at your workplace. Once you list
the key information, complete the Checklist to determine if youve taken all appropriate health and safety
measures. Keep completed checklists to document the safety precautions you took.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Community: Post a question in the discussion forum to identify other members who have dealt with this
issue.

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 HAND & POWER TOOL SAFETY SELF-ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST
REQUIREMENT YES NO COMMENTS
Is initial and annual review of tool procedures conducted and
documented?
Is appropriate PPE used with each tool?
Are all hand and power tools inspected prior to use?
Are all defective or damaged tools removed from service, repaired
or replaced prior to re-use?
Are all hand and power tools used in good condition?
Are employees instructed how to inspect their tools?
Are employees made aware of hazards of using faulty, broken or
defective equipment?
Are tool cutting edges kept sharp?
Are tools stored in dry, secure locations?
Is eye and face protection used when driving hardened or tempered
nails?
Are all power tools of approved double-insulated type or grounded
according to company procedure?
Are all employees qualified and authorized to use the power tools
they use?
Are employees trained to use the power tools they use safely?
Are all employees using power tools equipped with appropriate
PPE?
Are employees using that PPE right?
Are power tools being used with the correct shield, guard or
attachment recommended by the manufacturer?
Are rotating or moving parts of equipment guarded to prevent
contact?
Are portable circular saws equipped with guards above and below
the base shoe?
Are circular saws checked to assure guarding of the lower blade
portion?
Are pneumatic and hydraulic hoses on power operated tools
checked regularly for deterioration or damage?
Are employees trained not to use power-actuated fastening tools in
flammable or explosive atmospheres?
Are jacks kept lubricated?
Are portable fans equipped with full guards having openings of
inch or less?
Are effective guards in place over belts, pulleys and chains and
gears and sprockets on air compressors, cement mixers and similar
equipment?
Are pneumatic and hydraulic hoses on power-operated tools
checked regularly for deterioration and damage?
Are proper ground-fault circuit interrupters used?

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