Section 296-155-360. Power-operated hand tools.

(1) Electric power-operated tools.

(a) Electric power operated tools must either be of the approved double-insulated type or grounded in accordance with Part I of this chapter.

(b) The use of electric cords for hoisting or lowering tools must not be permitted.

(2) Pneumatic power tools.

(a) Pneumatic power tools and hose sections must be secured by threaded couplings, quick disconnect couplings or by 100 pound tensile strength safety chain or equivalent across each connection to prevent the tool or hose connections from becoming accidentally disconnected.

(b) Safety clips or retainers must be securely installed and maintained on pneumatic impact (percussion) tools to prevent attachments from being accidentally expelled.

(c) All pneumatically driven nailers, staplers, and other similar equipment provided with automatic fastener feed, must have a safety device on the muzzle to prevent the tool from ejecting fasteners, unless the muzzle is in contact with the work surface.

EXCEPTION:	Pneumatic nailers or staplers utilizing "fine wire" brads or staples do not require a muzzle contact safety device, provided:
	1. The overall weight of the fastening device does not exceed the weight of standard 18 gauge wire, 1-1/2 inches long.
	2. The operator and any other person within 12 feet of the point of operation wear approved eye protection.

Note:	The normal maximum diameter tolerance for manufacturing standard 18 gauge wire is .045 inches.

(d) You must not use compressed air at the nozzle for cleaning purposes except where reduced to less than 30 p.s.i. and then only with effective chip guarding and personal protective equipment which meets the requirements of Part C of this chapter.

Note:

The above requirement does not apply to concrete form, mill scale and similar cleaning purposes. Concrete form, mill scale, and similar cleaning may be performed with air pressure exceeding 30 p.s.i. provided the nozzle and/or cleaning pipe is at least 3 feet long with a quick-closing (deadman) valve between the hose and the nozzle or pipe. The operator and all other employees within range of flying debris must be protected by eye or face protection as specified in WAC 296-155-215.

(e) You must not exceed the manufacturer's safe operating pressure for hoses, pipes, valves, filters, and other fittings.

(f) You must not permit the use of hoses for hoisting or lowering tools.

(g) All 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.

(h) Airless spray guns of the type which atomize paints and fluids at high pressures (1,000 pounds or more per square inch) must be equipped with automatic or visible manual safety devices which will prevent pulling of the trigger to prevent release of the paint or fluid until the safety device is manually released.

(i) In lieu of the above, a diffuser nut which will prevent high pressure, high velocity release, while the nozzle tip is removed, plus a nozzle tip guard which will prevent the tip from coming into contact with the operator, or other equivalent protection, must be provided.

(j) Abrasive blast cleaning nozzles. The blast cleaning nozzles must be equipped with an operating valve which must be held open manually. A support must be provided on which the nozzle may be mounted when it is not in use.

(3) Fuel powered tools.

(a) You must stop all fuel powered tools while being refueled, serviced, or maintained, and you must transport, handle, and store fuel in accordance with Part D of this chapter.

(b) When fuel powered tools are used in enclosed spaces, the applicable requirements for concentrations of toxic gases and use of personal protective equipment as outlined in Parts B and C of this chapter apply.

(4) Hydraulic power tools.

(a) The fluid used in hydraulic powered tools must be fire resistant fluid approved under schedule 30 of the Bureau of Mines, U.S. Department of the Interior, and must retain its operating characteristics at the most extreme temperatures to which it will be exposed.

(b) The manufacturer's safe operating pressures for hoses, valves, pipes, filters, and other fittings must not be exceeded.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 16-09-085, § 296-155-360, filed 4/19/16, effective 5/20/16. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-155-360, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. WSR 86-03-074 (Order 86-14), § 296-155-360, filed 1/21/86; Order 76-29, § 296-155-360, filed 9/30/76; Order 76-6, § 296-155-360, filed 3/1/76; Order 74-26, § 296-155-360, filed 5/7/74, effective 6/6/74.]

RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 16-09-085, § 296-155-360, filed 4/19/16, effective 5/20/16. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-155-360, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. WSR 86-03-074 (Order 86-14), § 296-155-360, filed 1/21/86; Order 76-29, § 296-155-360, filed 9/30/76; Order 76-6, § 296-155-360, filed 3/1/76; Order 74-26, § 296-155-360, filed 5/7/74, effective 6/6/74.

Rules

296-155-215,