CHEMICAL/SOLVENT HAZARDS
When operating a power tool, give it your full
and undivided attention.
Exposure to chemical hazards may cause significant
Do not distract or in any way disturb another
health problems. Solvents are capable of damaging your
person while they are operating a power tool.
respiratory system in cases of prolonged inhalation.
Chemicals and solvents come in the form of gas, vapor,
Never try to clear a jammed power tool until it
mist, dust, or fumes. Materials ordinarily thought to be
is disconnected from the power source.
safe may be rendered hazardous under certain use
conditions by the uninformed user. As an HT, you will
After using a power tool, turn off the power,
i n e v i t a b l y come into contact with various
disconnect the power source, wait for all
chemicals/solvents. Most of these chemicals will have
movement of the tool to stop, and then remove
some type of hazard associated with them. Among these
all waste and scraps from the work area. Store
hazards are irritants, toxics, corrosives, and flammables.
the tool in its proper place.
Personnel engaged in the handling and use of
Do not allow power cords to come in contact
chemicals must always use appropriate protective
with sharp objects, nor should they kink or
equipment for the class of chemical being used.
come in contact with oil, grease, hot surfaces,
or chemicals.
Such protective equipment includes, but is not
limited to, the following items:
Never use a damaged cord. Replace it
immediately.
Rubber gloves, boots, and aprons
Check electrical cables and cords frequently for
Air masks, respirators, and filter masks
overheating. Use only approved extension
cords, if needed.
Eye protection, goggles, and face shields
Always connect the cord of a portable power
Protective skin creams, when sensitive or skin
tool into the extension cord before the
irritants are used
extension cord is inserted into a live receptacle.
Any other protective equipment that is
Always unplug the extension cord from the
necessary
receptacle before the cord of the portable power
tool is unplugged from the extension cord.
Following is a list of safety precautions that you
should observe when using and handling chemicals/
See that all cables and cords are positioned
solvents:
carefully so they do not become tripping
hazards.
--Review the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
for any chemical prior to using or handling it.
in the area of electrical tool operation, be
--Do not work alone in a poorly ventilated space.
extremely cautious and, if necessary, disconnect
the power tool.
--Do not apply solvents to warm or hot equipment,
The air pressure for any pneumatic tool must
making it more hazardous.
not exceed 90 psi.
--Never use a solvent in the presence of any open
Never point the air hose at another person.
flame.
When working with pneumatic tools, always
stand so you are properly balanced while
--Place a fire extinguisher close by, ready for use.
working so you will not slip and lose control of
the tool.
--Hold the nozzle close to the object being sprayed.
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