Model
Railroad Health & Safety:
Introduction:
Portable electric power tools are just what their name implies,
power tools. Because they're powerful workers need to be aware
of their limitations and potential hazards.
Because power tools are so common in model railroad
construction, hobbyists are constantly exposed to a variety of
hazards. The very tool that makes their job easy and efficient
may one day be the cause of a tragic accident. It is good to be
reminded of some common-sense safety practices.
Some Power Tool Tips:
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Never carry a power tool by the electrical cord.
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Never yank the cord from the electrical socket.
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Keep cords away from heat, oil, chemicals, sharp edges
(including cutting surfaces of the power tools such as a saw
or drill).
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Disconnect power tools when not in use, prior to servicing
and changing blades or accessories such as saw blades and
drill bits.
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Avoid accidental starting. Do not hold fingers on the switch
button while carrying a plugged-in tool. Use appropriate
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses,
hearing protection, gloves and safety footwear when using
electric tools.
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Clean electric tools after use and store clean in a dry
place when not in use.
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Do not use electric tools in damp or wet locations unless
they are approved for that purpose.
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Keep work areas well lighted and ventilated when operating
electric tools.
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Ensure that cords from electric tools do not present a
tripping hazard.
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Remove all damaged portable electric tools from use and tag
them: "Do Not Use."
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Use Double-Insulated Tools.
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Always connect a Residual Current Device (RCD) to prevent
electrocution. These are available at your local
electronics or hardware stores for less than $100.00. (How
much is your life worth?)
-
Test your RCD on a regular basis.
Personal Protection Equipment:
Wear proper clothing and personal protective equipment when
working with power tools. Loose clothing or jewelry that can get
caught in moving parts. Keep others out of the plane of rotation
so they won't be hit by flying particles.
Use appropriate safety equipment, such as goggles, earplugs and
dust masks. Do not wear gloves when working with most tools.
Always wear eye protection when working with metal. Do not wear
sandals, open-toed or canvas shoes when working with tools.
Avoid loose-fitting clothes that might become entangled in a
power tool. Remove rings and other jewellery.
Do not operate power tools when you are ill, taking strong
medications, fatigued or consuming alcoholic drinks. Do not
smoke while working with tools.
Before Using Power Tools:
When buying power tools to be used on the farm, take into
consideration the weight, shape, size and use of the tool. Hold
the power tool, as it would be used and think about problems and
accidents that could arise. Note the hand and wrist positions
and forces or effort required to use the tool. Ask if the tool
can be used in either hand. Consider the handle position,
balance and center of gravity, along with the weight of the
tool. Make sure all guards, automatic brakes and safety devices
are in place.
Read the owner’s manual before using any tool. Never use a tool
unless trained to do so. Inspect it before each use and replace
or repair if parts are worn or damaged. Repair tools only if you
are trained to do so. Inspect screws, nuts, bolts and movable
parts to make sure they are tightened. Make sure the cord will
not become caught or tangled. The cord should be flexible, but
not easy to knot. Clean the cord regularly and inspect the
rounding connections. Use a ground fault circuit interrupter
when working with power tools.
Use the correct tools for the job. Do not use a tool or
attachment for something it was not designed to do. Select the
correct bit, cutter or grinding wheel for the material with
which you are working. This saves time and improves the quality
of work and reduces the risk of mishap. If necessary, consult
the instruction or shop manual, or call a dealer or an expert on
tool use.
Maintaining Power Tools:
Use and maintain tools with care. Keep them sharp and clean for
their best and safest performance. Follow the manufacturer's
instructions for lubricating and changing tool accessories. Use
the right tool for the job. Don't force a small tool or
attachment to do the job of a heavy-duty tool. It overstrains
the tool and overloads the motor. Keep guards in place and
follow lockout/ tag-out procedures. Unless it's designed for it,
never use a portable electric tool where there are flammable
vapors or gases present.
Repairing and Cleaning Power Tools:
Always turn off and unplug a power tool before: (1) adjusting,
oiling, cleaning or repairing it; (2) attaching an accessory; or
(3) changing bits, blades or grinding wheels. Unplug or lockout
tools when not in use. Unplug tools by pulling directly on the
plug. Jerking on the cord can cause damage to the tool. Do not
leave tools, hardware and other materials out when not in use.
This is especially important if youngsters are in the home.
Work Areas:
Keeping workshop and storage spaces clean and dry can help
prevent many accidents. Sparks can ignite scraps, sawdust and
solvents. Water can conduct electricity. Do not stand in water,
on damp floors or in the rain when working with electrical
tools. Keep hands and tools dry.
Make sure workshops and storage areas have the proper electrical
wiring and outlets needed to run power tools. Install adequate
wiring to handle the electrical load required. All outlets
should have three pronged plugs or be double-insulated. Any
outlets that may come in contact with water should have ground
fault circuit interrupters. Never use indoor tools outside. Use
only approved outdoor extension cords. Use one long extension
cord instead of several short ones. Do not damage or cut
extension cords.
When working on ladders or scaffolding rest power tools on a
flat surface or in a bin secured to the ladder itself. A falling
tool can seriously injure a co-worker or bystander. Never carry
heavy power tools up and down ladders.
Stop working and turn off the power tool you are working with if
distracted by something or someone. Never look away from your
work when operating a power tool.
Cutting tools can be particularly dangerous. If one stalls,
switch off the power and unplug the tool before trying to
restart it. When using a power saw, let the saw reach full speed
before cutting and support the work firmly so it won’t shift.
Never use your hands to clear scraps from a sawing worktable.
Use a long stick instead.
When working with metal, secure the metal material with clamps
or in a machinist’s vise to keep it from moving.
Take extra care when working with hazardous materials. Handle
fiberglass with care. Its particles can irritate the skin, eyes
and respiratory system. When soldering, remember that lead
solder is toxic. The work area should be ventilated and
flammable material properly stored.
Working Safely:
If your workshop is set up in the basement, garage or any other
room, keep a first aid kit at hand, and if possible, a telephone
with a list of emergency numbers. Install an all-purpose fire
extinguisher and smoke alarms in the area where tools are used.
Rags:
Used rags, especially oily and greasy ones, should be kept in a
covered metal container. Rags should be a safe distance from the
welder.
Safety for Specific Power Tools:
Drills: Use non-powered drills in muddy or wet locations
if possible. If not, stand on something dry and avoid contact
with a grounded object. Use double-insulated or properly
grounded drills. Use only good quality bits. Select the proper
size and type of bit for the job. Make sure it is sharp and not
damaged. Do not over-force the drill into hard material as the
bit might break. If the speed can be varied, operate the drill
at the correct speed, and do not lock the switch of a hand-held
drill in the on position.
Table / Mitre Saws:
Adjust the table saw blade to project about 1/8 inch above the
wood. Make certain the work piece is out of contact with the
blade when starting or stopping the saw. Keep your body out of
the way. Use a push stick when ripping narrow strips. Lower the
saw blade below the tabletop when work is finished.
Radial Arm Saws: When cross-cutting wood, lay the stock
solidly on the table and against the back guide. The saw blade
should rotate downward as viewed by the operator. Pull the saw
with one hand while the stock is held with the other hand. Never
reach across the line of cut. When making miter cuts, secure the
locking devices to prevent the saw from changing angles or
digging in. Return the saw to the rear position after completing
a cut.
Band Saws: Keep the saw blade set evenly and with the
correct tension. Push the stock through the blade with the hands
on both sides of the line of cut.
Hand-Held Circular Saws: Do not work in wet areas unless
standing on a dry surface and the saw is properly grounded. Do
not clamp or wedge the guard in the open position. Keep your
finger off the trigger when carrying the saw. Do not cut the
power cord. Wait until the blade stops before laying down the
saw. When finished, unplug the saw and put it out of the reach
of children.
Saber Saws: Select the proper blade for the job. Make
sure it is sharp, undamaged and securely tightened in place. Do
not turn on the saw when the blade is in contact with the work
piece. Hold the saw firmly with one hand and steady the work
with the other. Keep your hand and other objects clear of the
blade.
Grinders:
Never operate grinders without protecting your eyes with safety
glasses, goggles, or a face shield. If the material being worked
on will produce a lot of dust or other particles, wear a dust
mask or filter respirator. Make sure the grinder has guard
housing. Place the tool rest 1/8 inch from the wheel on
bench-mounted units. Before starting a portable grinder, look to
see where the sparks might fall. Allow the wheel to reach full
speed before stepping into the grinding position. Grind on the
face of the wheel unless otherwise designed. Use a vise-grip
pliers or clamp to hold small pieces. Move the work pieces
slowly across the wheel face. Allow the wheel to stop naturally
when turning it off. Periodically check for soundness of
grinding wheels. Replace badly worn, cracked or out-of-round
wheels.
Conclusion:
The above evaluations and/or recommendations are for general
guidance only and should not be relied upon for legal compliance
purposes. They are based solely on the information provided to
us and relate only to those conditions specifically discussed.
We do not make any warranty, expressed or implied, that your
workplace is safe or that it complies with all applicable laws,
regulations or standards.