Page 290 - Safety Memo

equipment protected by an approved system of 3. The PAT must be provided with the following:
double insulation. Where such a system is a. An operating and service manual
employed, the equipment shall be distinctively
marked. b. A power load and fastener chart
» Double-insulated type power-operated tools are not c. An inspection and service record
required to be grounded.
d. Repair and servicing tools. 1687(b)
B. Guards required by the SOs must not be removed or
deactivated. 3942 4. Limitations on the use of PATs are as follows:
C. Control switches for powered hand tools are subject to the a. Workers must not leave the tool unattended. 1690(b)
regulations noted below: b. Workers must not use the tool:
1. The following tools must be equipped with a constant- 1. In an explosive environment. 1690(a)
contact (dead-man) on-off switch: 3557(a)
2. On hard or brittle material. 1690(c)
a. Drills
3. On easily penetrated or thin materials or materials
b. Tappers of questionable resistance unless backed. 1690(d)
c. Fastener drivers 4. Within a 1/2-inch of the edge of steel. 1690(e)
d. Grinders 5. Within 3 inches of the edge of masonry. 1690(f)
e. Disc and belt sanders 6. On thin concrete. 1690(g)
f. Reciprocating saws 7. On spalled areas. 1690(h)
g. Circular saws 8. On existing holes. 1690(i)
h. Chain saws 5. Requirements for operating PATs are as noted:
i. Concrete vibrators a. Eye or face protection is required for operators and
j. Concrete breakers assistants. 1691(b)
k. Concrete trowels b. Operators must inspect the tool before using it.
1691(c)
l. Powered tampers
c. Defective tools must not be used. 1691(d)
m. Jackhammers
d. Tools must not be loaded until ready for use. 1691(g)
n. Rock drills
e. Tools must be unloaded if work is interrupted. 1691(h)
o. Tools similar to those above f. Operators must never point a loaded tool or an empty
2. Hoisting or lowering electric tools by their cords is tool at anyone. 1691(i)
prohibited. 1707(a)
g. The tool must be held in place for 30 seconds on
D. Powder-actuated tools (PAT) shall be approved for their misfire. 1691(l)
intended use as defined in 1505, or have California approval
numbers. 1684(a)(1), (2) h. Different power loads must be kept in separate
compartments. 1691(m)
1. Only trained workers holding a valid operator’s card may
use a PAT. 1685(a)(1) i. Warning signs that say POWDER-ACTUATED TOOLS
IN USE must be conspicuously displayed within 50 ft.
2. Containers must be lockable and bear a label that says of a PAT operation. 1691(n)
POWDER-ACTUATED TOOL on the outside. The storage
container must be kept under lock and key. 1687(a) j. Misfires and skipped power charges must be stored

138 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2019 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2019 139