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.