There are specific requirements in the (Regulation for Industrial Establishments Reg. 851) and (Regulation for Construction Projects O. Reg. 213/91) made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act that apply to many of the hazards mentioned in this guideline (e.g. machine guarding and lockout).

General precautions

  1. Be aware of and follow all Municipal, Provincial and Federal codes, legislation and regulations.
  2. Inspect all equipment before using.
  3. Keep all equipment in good repair.
  4. Do not remove safety shields/devices.
  5. Wear/use approved protective equipment at all times.
  6. Remove rings, watches and loose clothing; suitably confine long hair.
  7. Inspect work area for unsafe conditions, and remedy before beginning work.
  8. Keep work areas in a clean and safe condition.
  9. Follow all lockout/tag-out procedures as required.

Hand tools

  1. Keep all hand tools clean, sharp and in good repair.
  2. Use all hand tools for the purpose for which they were intended (i.e. a screwdriver is not a chisel and vice-versa).
  3. Do not carry sharp/pointed objects in pockets.

Power tools

  1. Make all adjustments and tighten all locking devices before attaching tool to power supply.
  2. Make sure tool is switched off before connecting to power supply.
  3. Use a grounded outlet, grounded extension cords, and/or a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.
  4. Operate all tools with all safety guards in place.
  5. Use fence/guide, push-stick, appropriately.
  6. Maintain appropriate safety margin between cutting edge and hands.
  7. Keep blades/bits, etc. sharp.
  8. Keep the tool and surrounding work area in a clean and safe condition.
  9. Follow Manufacturer's maintenance instructions.
  10. Handle all air-actuated devices with extreme caution.
  11. Never carry a tool by the cord or hose.
  12. Never yank the cord or the hose to disconnect it from the receptacle.
  13. Keep cords and hoses away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
  14. Disconnect tools when not using them, before servicing and cleaning them, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits, and cutters.
  15. Secure work with clamps or a vise, freeing both hands to operate the tool.
  16. Avoid accidental starting. Do not hold fingers on the switch button while carrying a plugged-in tool.
  17. Be sure to keep good footing and maintain good balance when operating power tools.

Explosive-actuated fastening tools

The (Regulations for Industrial Establishments Reg. 851) in sections 36 and 37 and the (Regulation for Construction Projects O. Reg. 213/91) in sections 117-121 specify safe operating procedures for explosive-actuated fastening tools.

  1. One of the important factors in achieving safe, satisfactory use of explosive-actuated fastening systems is operator training. Only trained and competent operators shall use explosive-actuated tools.
  2. All operators shall wear appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) (i.e. eye and ear protection and/or face shields).
  3. CSA Z166.1 (Power Actuated Tools – Performance Requirements) and CSA Z166.2 (Power Actuated Tools – Use and Handling) contain useful information about safe operation and maintenance of explosive-actuated tools.
  4. Do not use a tool in an explosive or flammable atmosphere.
  5. Inspect the tool before using it to determine that it is clean, that all moving parts operate freely, and that the barrel is free from obstructions and has the proper shield, guard, and attachments recommended by the manufacturer.
  6. Do not load the tool unless it is to be used immediately.
  7. Do not leave a loaded tool unattended, especially where it would be available to unauthorized persons.
  8. Keep hands clear of the barrel end.
  9. Never point the tool at anyone.