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Power Tools and Ancillary Equipment

References:  R Record keeping requirement | E An engineering/certification requirement | P A permit to work requirement | S A safe work method statement (SWMS) / written plan


Hazards


Potential hazards include, but are not limited to

  • Air injection (compressed air)
  • Entanglement
  • Electrocution
  • Excessive noise
  • Fire
  • Projectiles.
  • Airborne contaminants


Operational


All tools, power tools and explosive power tools and other ancillary equipment must be maintained in a serviceable condition in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and inspected by the operator prior to use.


R Users of tools, power tools, explosive power tools and ancillary equipment must be appropriately trained in there use and maintenance, in some cases specific certificates of competency are required, where this applies a certificate of competency/record of training must be copied on site, refer to:


All safety features such as guards must be serviceable, tools / equipment with inoperable safety features must be tagged out and removed from site.

  • Guards must be securely fixed in position on moving parts of powered equipment
  • Guards if removed for repair or maintenance work must be replaced on completion of repair or maintenance.


Operators of noise emitting equipment must verify that they do not exceed the maximum exposure level of 140 dB at any time or 85 dB for more than eight (8) hours unless the appropriate hearing protection is used.


Operators of tools, power tools, explosive power tools and ancillary equipment must wear appropriate PPE in accordance with the applicable SWMS.


On-tool dust suppression/extraction systems must be used and maintained where the work involves cutting, drilling or grinding materials containing crystalline silica, refer to:


Chainsaws


Chainsaws may not be used unless all other options have been considered and proven not to be practical. Prior to the use of chainsaws the subcontractor must seek permission from MPX.


Where chainsaw use is permitted:


S A SWMS must be developed and implemented


R Persons using chain saws must be formally trained in use, refer to:


Chainsaws may only be used for the specific tasks for which they have been given approval


Suitable PPE must be worn


The chainsaw must be serviceable and have a current maintenance records.


Compressed Air Equipment


Hoses, gauges and fittings must be serviceable & inspected prior to use, compressor hose connections must be fitted with a safety clips, hoses must be protected from mechanical damage.


Eye protection must be worn when using compressed air.


All moving parts must be guarded.


If a compressor can start automatically, then it must be signed indicating such.


Compressed air must not be used to blow/clean dust off people or their clothing: general horse play, practical jokes with compressed air is prohibited.


Concrete Coring, Cutting, Drilling Equipment


Refer to Section: Concrete Coring, Cutting and Drilling.


Demolition Equipment


Refer to Section: Demolition.


Electrically Energised Equipment


Refer to Section: Electrical.


Gas and Explosive Power Tools (EPT)


S WA, VIC and QLD - A SWMS must be developed and implemented.


S NSW - A Safe Operating Procedure must be developed and implemented.


R Operators of EPT must be inducted into the applicable SWMS or SOP and hold valid records of competency/ training, evidence must be retained on site:


Prior to operation the type of EPT: the material to be fastened and the charge must be verified as compatible.


Prior to firing the substrate must be verified as not to contain services, or other embedded objects in close proximity.


Loaded EPT must never be pointed towards the operator or other people.

Signage must be displayed at the entrance/s to the area indicating the use of an explosive power tool.


Appropriate PPE must be worn at all times.


EPTs must be secured in a lockable container when not in use: explosive charges must be secured at all times.


Spent and unspent explosive chargers must be kept in a secure container while on site.


WA - Post use, work areas must be inspected for unexploded charges: these must be removed and placed in a secure container and not placed in general waste bins or skips.


Grinders


As per section – Power Tools and Ancillary Equipment - Operational


Grinders must be fitted with:

  • A constant pressure switch
  • Serviceable guard
  • Electrical inspection tag.


Discs must be the correct size and type for the grinder and the material, be in good condition and not be excessively worn.


P A Hot work Permit must be implemented (where required).


Nine (9) Inch Grinders


WA - Prior to the use of a nine (9) inch grinder the subcontractor must seek permission from MPX and in consideration of other tools to complete the task.


NSW - MPX workers may only use a seven (7) inch or less angle grinder.


Where permitted:

  • S WA, and QLD - A SWMS must be developed and implemented
  • S NSW - A Safe Operating Procedure must be developed and implemented
  • R Persons using the nine inch grinder must be inducted into the SWMS
  • Suitable PPE must be worn e.g. eye / face protection
  • As above for grinders.
  • Do not use the grinder in an area where flammables are present
  • Do not place the grinder down while the disk is still spinning.


Petrol Powered Equipment


Petrol powered tools and equipment (including generators) are only permitted to be used in well ventilated areas


A fire extinguisher must be available where petrol fuelled equipment is being used.


Quick Cut / Demolition Saws


Quick cut saws may not be used unless all other options have been considered and proven not to be practical.


WA - Prior to the use of a quick cut saw the subcontractor must seek permission from MPX


S A SWMS must be developed and implemented.


R Persons using quick cut saws must be trained.


Where their use is permitted, these saws may only be used for the specific tasks for which they have been given approval.


Welding Equipment


Legal and Other Requirements

  • AS1873 Power actuated (PA) hand held fastening tools
  • AS 1873.1 Power-actuated Hand-held Fastening Tools – Selection, Operation and Maintenance


Document Control


Version 1 August 2019 – New Standard


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