Generic Risk Assessment No 7 Hand Held Power Tools

Task/ equipment/ Activity: Hand held power and battery tools hand drills, sanders, hedge trimmers etc.
see additional Risk Assessment for lawnmowers and strimmers, etc.
Date of Assessment:
Hazard
Use of powered tools
- Cuts, puncture
wounds, abrasions
from blade
Entanglements
with drill bits
- Ejection or contact
with work piece
Contact with eye
from work pieces
- Dust
- Noise
- Vibration
- Heat
- Electricity
- Trailing cables
- Fire

Who may be Harmed and

How
Staff, clients and volunteers
undertaking work using hand
held power tools

Risk
Evaluation

Controls required
-

High

Any other person in the work

area who may be unaware of
activities
It should be noted that in
some cases clients may be
unfamiliar with equipment
used and a higher degree of
supervision is required
-

Muscular strain from

using heavy
equipment for
prolonged periods
Wounds
Burns
Hearing and / or sight
loss
Vibration white finger
Electric shock
Respiratory distress
and occupational
respiratory conditions

Ensure that the correct tools are

available and used for the job. Do not
improvise
Visually inspect equipment before
use. Look for signs of damage to
equipment casing, lead and plug. If
damaged do not use and remove
from use.
Ensure all guards are present, in good
condition and used
Work-pieces are held securely in
place with vices, fixtures and clamps
All equipment to be well maintained,
clean, greased where appropriate in
accordance with manufacturers
requirements
Only equipment purchased by Hafal
to be used. No equipment is to be
brought from home/other projects
Where conversation is difficult with
noise levels at a distance of 1m ear
defenders to be provided and worn. If
conversation is impossible noise
levels are too high try using less tools
at any one time to reduce levels
To control risks from noise and
vibration only use tools for short

Risk
Evaluation

Low/
Medium

Action by whom and when

Generic Risk Assessment No 7 Hand Held Power Tools

-

Death
-

periods not exceeding 15-20 mins at

any one time
With the processes involved excessive
dust should not be produced. Where
wood is cut/sanded the dust must be
extracted at source. Dust masks must
be worn. When cleaning down dust
that has fallen damp down and sweep
wet dust up into bin and remove
See also Carpentry assessment No 24
Appropriate personal protective
equipment to be worn impact
resistant goggles, ear defenders and
for handling materials thick gloves
Trailing leads are routed away from
walkways or covered to reduce trip
hazards
All portable electrical equipment to
be tested at identified intervals
Electrical tools to be 110v and RCD
protected
Lone working not permitted in
workshops
First aid kit readily available and
easily accessible
No food and drink to be consumed
whilst using tools
All users to have been shown the
correct use of and control measures
identified by this assessment and
records of training kept

Generic Risk Assessment No 7 Hand Held Power Tools

Hazard

Who may be Harmed and

How

Risk
Evaluation

Controls required

If undertaking any work which

damages the fabric of the building
then Head Office to be notified in
order that the asbestos register can
be checked and confirmation given
that it is safe to proceed. See
Asbestos No 42
If working at height is required see
Work at Heights No 43
Power supply to be disconnected
when changing drill bits or
attachments
Attachments and bits will be removed
before transporting
Do not wear gloves, loose clothing or
jewellery while using revolving power
tools. Tie back long hair or wear
appropriate hair protection to
prevent hair from getting caught in
moving parts of equipment.
Avoid accidental starting by ensuring
the tool is turned off before you plug
it in. Also do not walk around with a
plugged-in tool with your finger
touching the switch.
Do not disconnect the power supply
of the tool by pulling or jerking the
cord from the outlet. Do not leave a
running tool unattended. Do not
leave it until it has been turned off,
has stopped running completely, and

Risk
Evaluation

Action by whom and when

Generic Risk Assessment No 7 Hand Held Power Tools

has been unplugged.

Signed:

Date:

Review Date: