Job Hazard Analysis: General power tool use

A general example for this task. Your JHA should reflect your crew, equipment and site — review it with a competent person before work starts.

Steps, hazards and controls

1. 1. Inspect tools, cords, and guards before the shift

   • Electric shock from a damaged cord, cracked housing, or missing ground pinHigh
     • Check every cord and plug for cuts, exposed wire, and a missing ground pin before use.
     • Tag any damaged tool "DO NOT USE" and pull it from service right away. Do not tape over cord damage.
     • Use double-insulated or properly grounded tools only.
   • Cuts or kickback from a missing, wired-open, or sticking blade guardHigh
     • Make sure the lower guard on the circular saw snaps back closed on its own.
     • Never wedge or tie a guard open. Remove the tool from service if the guard is missing or broken.
     • Confirm the trigger works and the tool shuts off when released.

2. 2. Set up power, cords, and the work area

   • Electrocution from a ground fault on temporary power or a wet locationHigh
     • Plug every corded tool into a GFCI outlet or a portable GFCI. Push the test button before use.
     • Use heavy-duty 3-wire extension cords rated for the tool's amps. Keep cords and connections out of water.
     • Switch to cordless tools in wet areas when you can.
   • Trips and falls over cords and air hosesMedium
     • Route cords and hoses along walls or overhead, not across walkways or stairs.
     • Protect cords from vehicle and door traffic. Do not run them through doorways that can close on them.

3. 3. Secure the material and set up the cut or drill

   • Material shifting or binding the blade, causing kickbackHigh
     • Clamp the workpiece or support it on sawhorses so the cut-off piece falls free.
     • Never hold small pieces by hand or across your leg to cut or drill.
     • Set the circular saw blade depth no more than 1/4 in. below the material.
   • Cutting or drilling into hidden live wires, gas lines, or water pipesHigh
     • Check walls and floors with a stud and wire scanner before cutting into them.
     • Ask the supervisor to shut off and lock out circuits in the area when cutting into finished walls.
     • Hold tools by the insulated grip surfaces only.

4. 4. Operate saws, drills, and grinders

   • Lacerations or amputation from blade contact or kickbackHigh
     • Keep both hands on the tool and stand to the side of the blade line, never behind it.
     • Let the blade stop completely before setting the saw down. Never pull the guard back by hand.
     • Use the side handle on drills and grinders to control torque and bind-up.
     • Do not wear loose sleeves, gloves near rotating bits, or dangling jewelry.
   • Flying chips, sparks, and grinder disc fragments striking eyes or faceHigh
     • Use only discs rated for the grinder's RPM. Keep the grinder guard between you and the disc.
     • Point sparks away from people and from wood, cardboard, and fuel.
     • Wear safety glasses at all times. Add a face shield when grinding or cutting metal.
   • Silica dust from cutting or drilling concrete, block, brick, or stoneHigh
     • Use a saw or grinder with a water feed, or a dust shroud connected to a HEPA vacuum.
     • Never dry-sweep or use compressed air to clean silica dust.
     • Wear the respirator listed in the silica exposure control plan when required.
   • Hearing damage from saws, grinders, and compressorsMedium
     • Place the compressor away from the work area.
     • Wear earplugs or earmuffs whenever you have to raise your voice to talk at arm's length.

5. 5. Use pneumatic nailers and air tools

   • Nail puncture wounds from accidental firing or bump-fireHigh
     • Use nailers with a sequential (single-shot) trigger when available.
     • Keep your finger off the trigger when carrying the nailer. Never point it at anyone.
     • Keep your free hand at least 12 in. away from the nailing point.
   • Whipping air hose or blown fittingsMedium
     • Use hoses and fittings rated for the compressor pressure. Install a safety check or whip check on hoses over 1/2 in. inside diameter.
     • Never blow dust off your clothes or skin with compressed air.

6. 6. Change blades, bits, and discs

   • Accidental start while hands are on the blade or bitHigh
     • Unplug the tool, remove the battery, or disconnect the air hose before any change or adjustment.
     • Use the manufacturer's wrench and spindle lock. Remove chuck keys before restarting.
     • Wear cut-resistant gloves when handling sharp blades.
   • Burns from hot bits and discs right after useLow
     • Let bits and discs cool before touching them.

7. 7. Clean up and store tools

   • Slips and trips from scrap, sawdust, and loose fastenersMedium
     • Pick up scrap and offcuts as you go. Bend over or remove protruding nails.
     • Use a HEPA vacuum for dust instead of sweeping.
   • Damage to cords and tools left on the ground or in the weatherLow
     • Unplug, coil cords loosely, and store tools in cases or a dry gang box.
     • Report any damage found during cleanup to the foreman.