Drills Tool Safety

Summary

This video covers essential safety guidelines and best practices for using drills in various trades. It highlights the importance of selecting the right drill for the task, inspecting tools for defects, and ensuring proper body posture and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) like eye protection, respirators, and hearing protection. The video also emphasizes risk assessments, avoiding asbestos-containing materials, and maintaining drill attachments. Users are advised to follow safe operating procedures to reduce the hazards associated with portable and fixed drills, ensuring effective and safe tool usage.

Takeaways

• 🔧 Drills are versatile tools used across many trades, powered by mains or batteries, with fixed or variable speeds.
• ⚠️ Safety hazards include drilling into yourself, flying debris, particle inhalation, cutting through utilities, and asbestos exposure.
• 📝 A thorough risk assessment, such as a site inspection or job safety analysis (JSA), should be conducted before starting work.
• 👷‍♂️ Only trained and competent individuals should operate a drill following a safe operating procedure.
• 🔍 Inspect the drill for any defects, ensuring the casing, power cords, and attachments are in good condition before use.
• 🔑 Ensure the drill bit is sharp, securely attached, and the chuck is tightened properly before starting.
• 👓 Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as eye protection, respirators, and hearing protection may be necessary depending on the task.
• ❌ Avoid wearing gloves, loose clothing, or unsecured hair to prevent entanglement in the drill bit.
• 🔨 Use proper body posture, steady pressure, and the correct speed when operating a portable drill or drill press.
• 🛠️ Regular maintenance, proper storage, and timely repair or replacement of drill bits and attachments are essential for safe operation.

Q & A

What are the different power sources for drills?

Drills can be powered by mains electricity or batteries.

What are the main functions of a drill?

Drills can be used to cut holes, attach or remove fastenings, and some models have a hammer function to increase their impact on surfaces.

What are the common safety concerns when using a drill?

Safety concerns include the risk of drilling into oneself, entanglement, flying debris, inhaling particles, damaging utility services, and drilling into asbestos-containing materials.

What precautions should be taken before starting work with a drill?

A thorough risk assessment should be done, which may include a site inspection, job safety analysis (JSA), or a pre-start check (Take 5).

Who is allowed to operate a drill?

Only individuals who have been instructed and deemed competent by a qualified person can operate a drill.

What should be checked before using a drill?

Inspect the casing and attachments for defects, check the power cord for damage, ensure the bit is secure, and confirm that any emergency stop button is working.

What personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn when using a drill?

Eye protection, a respirator (if drilling overhead), and hearing protection (depending on noise levels) are essential. Gloves should not be worn as they can get caught in the drill bit.

What should be done if you suspect the material you're drilling into contains asbestos?

Seek advice from a competent person before drilling. If in doubt, do not drill into the material.

How should drills and their attachments be maintained?

Drill bits and attachments should be maintained in good condition, stored properly, and replaced or repaired if damaged.

What is the recommended technique for using a portable drill?

Ensure good body posture, firm grip, and balance, applying smooth and steady pressure at the correct speed, while keeping hands clear of the drill bit.

Outlines

00:00

🔧 Introduction to Drills

Drills are versatile tools widely used across many trades. They can be powered by mains electricity or batteries, offering variable or fixed speeds. Drills are primarily used for cutting holes or attaching and removing fastenings. Some drills have a hammer function to enhance their impact on surfaces, and they operate at high speeds. However, using drills presents several hazards, such as accidental self-injury, entanglement, flying debris, inhalation of dust, and risks of drilling into utilities or asbestos. A thorough risk assessment, including site inspection and a Job Safety Analysis (JSA), is crucial before starting any drilling task.

👷 Competency and Instruction

It is essential that anyone using a drill must have been trained by a competent person and must demonstrate the ability to operate the drill safely. This should be in line with the safe operating procedures before beginning the task. Proper training ensures the correct handling of the tool and minimizes risks associated with its use.

🛠️ Selecting the Right Drill

Choosing the appropriate drill and attachments is crucial for both efficiency and safety. Before using a drill, inspect the tool’s casing and attachments for any defects, especially if it is corded, to ensure the power cord is intact and tested. The drill bit should be secured tightly, and any damaged components must be tagged and taken out of service. In fixed drills, the emergency stop must be functional. The workspace should also be cleared of obstructions and flammable materials before drilling begins.

⚠️ Avoiding Asbestos Exposure

Before drilling, it is important to confirm that the material does not contain asbestos. Never drill into any material suspected of containing asbestos without consulting a competent person. If there is uncertainty about the material, avoid drilling into it altogether to prevent hazardous exposure.

👁️ PPE and Safety Precautions

Using proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential when drilling. Eye protection must be worn to guard against dust and debris. When drilling overhead, use a respirator and face shield to prevent inhalation and protect the face. Gloves should not be worn, as they could get caught in the drill bit. Wear tight-fitting clothes and secure long hair to avoid entanglement. Hearing protection may be required depending on the noise level of the drill or the surface being drilled.

📦 Safe Use of Portable Drills

Portable drills are primarily used for flexibility in site work. Maintaining proper body posture and balance is key when using them. Ensure a firm grip on the drill and apply smooth, steady pressure while drilling. Always keep hands away from the drill bit to avoid injury.

🔩 Using a Drill Press Safely

When operating a drill press, it is important to secure the material being drilled and maintain a firm grip on the drill handle. A smooth and steady drilling motion is necessary, and hands should always be kept clear of rotating parts to prevent accidents.

🛡️ Maintaining Drill Attachments

Drill bits and other attachments should be regularly maintained, stored, and transported in good condition. Damaged components must be replaced or repaired promptly. While drills are essential tools, their hazards should not be underestimated, so it's critical to assess risks, choose the right tool, and always use the correct PPE.

Keywords

💡Drills

A drill is a tool used in many trades to create holes or fasten materials by driving screws or other fasteners. Drills can be powered by electricity (corded) or batteries (cordless), and may feature variable speeds and functions like hammer action for different materials. The video emphasizes their versatility in tasks such as cutting holes or attaching fastenings.

💡Hammer function

The hammer function in drills increases their impact on a surface by adding a hammering motion while the drill spins, which is particularly useful for harder materials like concrete. In the video, it is highlighted as an important feature for enhancing the tool’s effectiveness depending on the material being worked on.

💡Risk assessment

A risk assessment involves evaluating the potential hazards associated with a task before starting work, including identifying risks like drilling into asbestos or utility services. The video stresses the need for thorough risk assessments, which can include a site inspection or a job safety analysis, to ensure a safe working environment.

💡Competent person

A competent person refers to someone who has been properly trained and deemed capable of safely operating tools such as drills. The video underscores the importance of users receiving proper instruction from a competent person to avoid mishandling the equipment, which could lead to accidents.

💡Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment, or PPE, includes items like eye protection, respirators, and face shields to safeguard against hazards like flying debris or inhalation of particles. The video advises wearing appropriate PPE, such as eye protection when drilling overhead, to prevent injuries.

💡Asbestos

Asbestos is a harmful material that may be present in older buildings. The video stresses the importance of avoiding drilling into materials that might contain asbestos, and if unsure, seeking advice from a competent person. Drilling into asbestos could release dangerous fibers, posing health risks.

💡Chuck

The chuck is the part of a drill that holds the drill bit in place. Before operating a drill, the video advises ensuring that the chuck is tightened and the drill bit is secure to prevent accidents during use. A loose bit could lead to loss of control or tool malfunction.

💡Tagging out

Tagging out refers to marking defective tools to indicate they should not be used. The video explains that if a drill or power lead is damaged, it must be tagged out and taken out of service to avoid accidents. This is a critical safety procedure in any work environment.

💡Ventilation

Ventilation is the provision of fresh air in the workspace, particularly when using tools like drills that may produce dust or fumes. The video mentions that proper ventilation is crucial to prevent inhalation of particles, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas, as part of the pre-work safety considerations.

💡Emergency stop

The emergency stop is a safety mechanism found on fixed drills to halt the machine in case of an accident or malfunction. The video emphasizes that workers should always check the emergency stop is functioning properly before using any fixed drill to ensure they can quickly stop the machine if needed.

Highlights

Drills are commonly used tools in almost every trade and can be mains or battery-powered.

They can cut holes or attach or remove fastenings, and some drills use a hammer function for increased impact.

Several safety concerns exist, including the risk of self-injury, entanglement, flying debris, and inhaling particles.

A thorough risk assessment should be done before using a drill, including a site inspection or job safety analysis.

Only competent individuals, trained on the tool, should use a drill in accordance with safe operating procedures.

Inspect the drill and attachments to ensure they are in good condition before starting the task.

Check the power cord for damage and ensure the drill is within test state if using a corded drill.

Drill bits must be sharp and secure in the chuck before use, and additional fittings must also be in good condition.

Ensure the emergency stop works for fixed drills, and tag out any damaged tools or leads.

Before starting, ensure good ventilation, remove obstructions, and avoid drilling into asbestos-containing material.

Always wear eye protection, avoid gloves, and use respirators or face shields when necessary, especially when drilling overhead.

Clothing should be fitted, hair secured, and hearing protection used depending on noise levels.

Maintain a good body posture, firm grip, and steady pressure when using a portable drill.

When using a drill press, ensure the material is secured and keep hands clear of rotating parts.

Maintain drill bits and attachments in good condition and replace or repair any damaged items.

Transcripts

[Music]

drills are one of the most commonly used

tools in almost every trade they can be

mains or battery-powered and can be

fixed or variable speed they can cut

holes or attach or remove fastenings

some drills use a hammer function to

increase their impact on a surface as

the drill spins at a high speed

there are several safety issues in play

the possibility of drilling into

yourself or entanglement while

supporting the objects being drilled or

fastened the danger of flying debris

into the eyes or the inhalation of

particles the possibility of cutting

into or through utility services and the

risk of drilling into

asbestos-containing material due to

these potential hazards a thorough risk

assessment of the environment and the

task needs to take place before

commencing work this may include a site

inspection job safety analysis JSA or a

take 5 pre-start check

[Music]

any person using a tool must have been

instructed by a competent person and

deemed to be competent in accordance

with the safe operating procedure prior

to commencing the task

[Music]

[Applause]

the selection of a drill will depend on

the tasks to be performed using the

right drill and attachments will make

the job easier and safer inspect the

casing and attachments of the drill to

establish that it is in good condition

and free of defects if using a corded

drill check the power cord for damage

prior to use and examine the tag to

ensure it is within test state

ensure the bit is secure and the chuck

is tightened prior to use

drill bits must be sharp to be safe and

any additional fittings must be in good

condition and on any fixed drill ensure

the emergency stop is working if there

is any defect or damage to the tool or

power lead it must be tagged out and

taken out of service in any working

environment consideration of ventilation

and space needs to be made before work

can commence rubbish obstructions and

potentially flammable materials must be

removed to minimize risk under no

circumstances should you be drilling

into any material you suspect to contain

asbestos seek advice from a competent

person if you cannot confirm the makeup

of the material if in doubt don't drill

into it while using the drill it is

essential that you wear eye protection

to prevent dust and particles entering

your eyes if you are drilling overhead

you may need to use a respirator to

prevent inhalation of particles into

your nose and mouth and a face shield to

protect your eyes and skin it is also

essential you do not wear gloves as they

may be caught up in the spinning drill

bit clothing should be closed fitting

and hair secured to prevent entanglement

and there may be a need for hearing

protection depending on the noise of the

drill or the surface you are drilling

into

[Music]

portable drills are used primarily for

site work where flexibility is required

use a good body posture and balance

footing with a firm grip on the drill

use smooth and steady pressure and the

correct speed when drilling into

materials keeping your hands clear of

the drill bit

[Applause]

when using a drill press ensure that

piece you are drilling into is secured

have a firm grip on the drill handle and

use a steady smooth motion keep your

hands away from rotating parts and near

the material you are drilling into

[Applause]

drills bits and other attachments must

be maintained stored and transported in

good condition and replaced or repaired

if damaged in any way power drills are

an essential trade tool but their

hazards can be taken for granted ensure

you take the time to assess the risks

choose the right drill for the job and

use the correct PPE at all times

[Music]