General Employer Requirements for Protecting Workers

Employers must ensure the following:

• All hand tools are maintained in good condition.
  • The use of unsafe hand tools is not permitted. Examples include wrenches with sprung jaws, mushroomed heads, handles with splinters or cracks, and tools with loose parts or heads.
• Saws are equipped with guards and have a constant pressure switch that will shut off the power when the pressure is released.
• Safety guards are on all abrasive wheel bench and stand grinders.
• Only trained workers are allowed to operate powder-actuated tools.
  • All powder-actuated tools are tested daily before use, and all defects discovered before or during use are corrected.
  • Powder-actuated tools are not loaded until immediately before use, and loaded tools are not left unattended.
• Compressed air used for cleaning purposes is reduced to less than 30 pounds per square inch (psi) and provide effective chip guarding and PPE.
• All materials stored in tiers are secured to prevent sliding, falling, or collapsing.
• Toeboards are erected along the edge of overhead walking and working surfaces.

To learn more about Focus Four Safety visit our Construction Focus Four Safety Online Training web page.