
other parts of the body.
2. While using the tool, the operator should adopt a comfortable posture whilst maintaining secure footing and avoiding awkward or
off-balanced postures. The operator should change posture during extended tasks which may help avoid discomfort and fatigue.
3. If the operator experiences symptoms such as persistent or recurring discomfort, pain, throbbing, aching, tingling, numbness, burning
sensation, or stiffness, these warnings should not be ignored. The operator should tell the employer and consult a qualified health
professional.
Safety precautions for accessory hazards
1. Disconnect the tool from the energy supply before fitting or changing the inserted tool or accessory.
2. Only use sizes and types of accessories and consumables that are recommended by the tool manufacturer.
3. Avoid direct contact with the inserted tool during and after use as it can be hot or sharp.
Safety precautions for workplace hazards
1. Slips, trips and falls are major causes of workplace injury. Be aware of slippery surfaces caused by use of the tool and also of trip hazards
caused by the air line or hydraulic hose.
2. Proceed with care in unfamiliar surroundings. Hidden hazards may exist, such as electricity or other utility lines.
3. The tool is not intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and is not insulated from coming into contact with electric power.
4. Make sure there are no electrical cables, gas pipes etc. that could cause a hazard if damaged by use of the tool.
Safety precautions for dust and fume hazards
1. Dusts and fumes generated when using the tool can cause ill health (for example: cancer, birth defects, asthma and/or dermatitis); risk
assessment of these hazards and implementation of appropriate controls of is essential.
2. Risk assessment should include dust created by the use of the tool and the potential for disturbing existing dust.
3. Operate and maintain the tool as recommended in these instructions, to minimise dust or fume emissions
4. Direct the exhaust so as to minimise disturbance of dust in a dust filled environment
5. Where dusts or fumes are created, the priority shall be to control them at the point of emission.
6. All integral features or accessories for the collection, extraction or suppression of airborne dust or fumes should be correctly used and
maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Select, maintain and replace the consumable/inserted tool as recommended in these instructions, to prevent an unnecessary increase in
dust or fumes.
8. Use respiratory protection as instructed by your employer and as required by occupational health and safety regulations.
Safety precautions for noise hazards
1. Unprotected exposure to high noise levels can cause permanent, disabling, hearing loss and other problems such as tinnitus (ringing,
buzzing, whistling or humming in the ears);
2. Risk assessment of these hazards and implementation of appropriate controls of is essential.
3. Appropriate controls to reduce the risk may include actions such as damping materials to prevent workpieces from ‘ringing’
4. Use hearing protection as instructed by your employer and as required by occupational health and safety regulations;
5. Operate and maintain the circular, oscillating or reciprocating saw as recommended in these instructions, to prevent an unnecessary
increase in noise levels
6. Select, maintain and replace the consumable/inserted tool as recommended in these instructions, to prevent an unnecessary increase in
noise
7. If the tool has a silencer, always ensure it is in place and in good working order when the tool is operating;
Safety precautions for vibration hazards
1. Exposure to vibration can cause disabling damage to the nerves and blood supply of the hands and arms.
2. Wear warm clothing when working in cold conditions and keep your hands warm and dry;
3. If you experience numbness, tingling, pain or whitening of the skin in your fingers or hands, stop using the circular, oscillating or
reciprocating saw, tell your employer and consult a physician.
4. Operate and maintain the tool as recommended in these instructions, to prevent an unnecessary increase in vibration levels.
5. Select, maintain and replace the consumable/inserted tool as recommended in these instructions, to prevent an unnecessary increase in
vibration levels.
6. Support the weight of the tool in a stand, tensioner or balancer if possible.
7. Hold the tool with a light, but safe, grip taking account of the required hand reaction forces, because the risk from vibration is generally
greater when the grip force is higher.
Additional safety instructions for pneumatic power tools
1. Air under pressure can cause severe injury.
2. Always shut off air supply, drain hose of air pressure and disconnect tool from air supply when not in use, before changing accessories or
when making repairs.
3. Never direct air at yourself or anyone else.
4. Whipping hoses can cause severe injury. Always check for damaged or loose hoses and fittings.
5. Whenever universal twist couplings (claw couplings) are used, lock pins shall be installed and whipcheck safety cables shall be used to
safeguard against possible hose-to-tool and hose-and-hose connection failure.
6. Do not exceed the maximum air pressure stated on the tool.
7. Never carry an air tool by the hose.
Specific safety instructions
Warnings shall be given about any specific or unusual hazards associated with the use of the tool. Such warnings shall indicate the nature of