Toolbox talk · Tools
Power tool safety
We use power tools on every job, every day. Saws, grinders, drills and nail guns can cut, crush or blind you in a split second. A few quick checks before you pull the trigger keep everyone working with all their fingers and eyes.
Published 2026-10-23
Key points
- 1Inspect the tool before you use it. Look for cracked housings, damaged cords, missing ground pins and loose parts. If it's damaged, tag it out and turn it in.
- 2Keep guards in place and working. Never pin back or remove the guard on a saw or grinder.
- 3Unplug the tool or pull the battery before changing blades, bits or discs, and before clearing a jam.
- 4Use the right blade or wheel for the tool and the material, and check that the wheel is rated for the tool's speed.
- 5Never carry a tool by its cord or hose, and never yank the cord to unplug it. Keep cords out of walkways, water and sharp edges.
- 6With nail guns, keep your hand away from the firing line and never point the tool at anyone. Disconnect the air before you walk away or clear a jam.
- 7Wear safety glasses every time, plus a face shield, hearing protection and gloves when the task calls for it. Secure your work with clamps so both hands control the tool.
Talk it over
- Which tool on this site do you think is the most dangerous, and why?
- Have you seen a guard tied back or a damaged cord still in use here? What should we do about it?
- Where are cords and hoses creating trip hazards on our site right now?
Remember
Check it, guard it, unplug it before you touch the blade.
Also in the other language: Seguridad con herramientas eléctricas
Official sources
- 29 CFR 1926.300 — Hand and power tools — general requirements
- 29 CFR 1926.302 — Power-operated hand tools
Print it with a sign-in sheet
Pro prints every talk on your letterhead with an attendance sheet, records who attended, and emails your foremen this week's talk every Monday.
See plans and pricingGeneral information, not legal advice. Templates and examples should be reviewed by a competent person before use. HardHat Binder is not affiliated with or endorsed by OSHA.