For the worker who uses hand and power tools: spot a tool that is unsafe to use, check guards and switches, use electric and air tools the right way, mount and use grinding wheels safely, and know the limits on powder-actuated tools.
Based on OSHA 29 CFR 1926.300–1926.304 (construction) and 29 CFR 1910.242–1910.243 (general industry) · about 6 min read
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On construction sites, all hand and power tools must be kept in a safe condition, whether your employer furnished them or you brought your own. In general industry, the employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools employees use, including ones employees furnish. On construction sites, employers must not issue or permit the use of unsafe hand tools.
Look for these before you use a tool
Sprung wrench jawsConstruction: do not use a wrench whose jaws are sprung to the point that it slips.
Mushroomed headsConstruction: chisels, wedges and drift pins must be kept free of mushroomed heads.
Bad wooden handlesConstruction: wooden handles must be free of splinters and cracks and tight in the tool.
Cracked saw bladesGeneral industry: all cracked saws must be removed from service.
Your move: if a tool fails your check, set it aside and report it, so it can be repaired or replaced.
On construction sites, if a power tool is designed to take a guard, it must have that guard on it when in use. A guard that is removed, wired open or broken means the tool is not ready to use.
Portable circular saws
Guards are required above and below the base plate or shoe. In general industry this applies to saws with a blade diameter greater than 2 inches.
When you pull the saw out of the cut, the lower guard must automatically and instantly return to cover the blade. If it sticks or is pinned back, do not use the saw.
Belt sanders
In general industry, belt sanders must have guards at each nip point where the belt runs onto a pulley, and the unused run of the sanding belt must be guarded against accidental contact.
On construction sites, switch rules depend on the tool type.
Circular saws, chain sawsNeed a constant pressure switch that shuts off the power when you release it.
Drills, grinders over 2 in., disc and belt sanders, reciprocating sawsNeed a momentary contact on-off control. A lock-on is allowed only if one motion of the same finger or fingers that turned it on also turns it off.
These switch rules do not apply to concrete vibrators, concrete breakers, powered tampers, jack hammers, rock drills and similar hand operated power tools.
Check before you cut: pull the trigger and release it. A circular saw that keeps running is not ready to use.
Air tools must be secured to the hose or whip by a positive means so they cannot accidentally disconnect.
Pneumatic impact tools need safety clips or retainers so attachments cannot be shot out.
Nailers and staplers with automatic feed that run at more than 100 p.s.i. at the tool must have a muzzle safety device, so the tool will not fire unless the muzzle is against the work surface.
Do not hoist or lower tools by the air hose.
Hoses exceeding 1/2-inch inside diameter must have a safety device at the source of supply or branch line to reduce pressure in case of hose failure.
In general industry, a tool retainer must be installed on each piece of air-powered equipment that could otherwise eject the tool.
Cleaning with compressed air
Compressed air may be used for cleaning only when reduced to less than 30 p.s.i., and then only with effective chip guarding and personal protective equipment. On construction sites, the 30 p.s.i. limit does not apply for concrete form, mill scale and similar cleaning.
These rules come from the construction standard, 29 CFR 1926.303. General industry has matching ring-test, spindle-fit and one-eighth-inch work rest rules in 29 CFR 1910.215.
Mounting a wheel
Closely inspect and ring-test all abrasive wheels before mounting, to make sure it is free of cracks or defects.
The wheel must fit freely on the spindle. Do not force it on. Tighten the spindle nut only enough to hold the wheel.
Bench and floor grinders
The work rest must be kept no more than one-eighth inch from the wheel.
Clamp the work rest securely after each adjustment, and do not adjust it while the wheel is moving.
Your eyes
Everyone using abrasive wheels must wear eye protection, except when adequate protection comes from eye shields permanently attached to the bench or floor stand.
A powder-actuated tool drives a fastener using a powder load. On construction sites (29 CFR 1926.302(e)), only employees trained on the particular tool in use may operate one. If you have not been trained on that tool, do not pick it up.
Rules for the trained operator
Test the tool each day before loading to see that the safety devices work, using the manufacturer's recommended testing procedure.
A tool not in proper working order, or that develops a defect during use, is removed from service immediately until properly repaired.
Load it only just before you intend to fire. Do not point a loaded or empty tool at anyone. Keep hands clear of the open barrel end.
Do not leave a loaded tool unattended.
Do not drive fasteners into very hard or brittle materials, for example cast iron, glazed tile, surface-hardened steel, glass block, live rock, face brick or hollow tile.
Do not use the tool in an explosive or flammable atmosphere.
Fact-checked against the regulation text on October 09, 2026. This certificate records completion of awareness training based on OSHA 29 CFR 1926.300, 1926.301, 1926.302, 1926.303 and 1926.304 (construction) and 29 CFR 1910.242 and 1910.243 (general industry). It is not an OSHA card or license, and it does not by itself meet the training requirement of 29 CFR 1926.302(e)(1). Your employer must still make sure that only employees who have been trained in the operation of the particular powder-actuated tool in use are allowed to operate it. The general industry sections taught (1910.242 and 1910.243) have no training requirement; there the employer remains responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees, including tools and equipment furnished by employees (1910.242(a)).
This guide explains the rule in plain words. Always read the regulation itself and your employer's site-specific procedures.