Powered Hand Tools

Powered tools must be handled with utmost care as because they can injure, and in exceptional cases, can cause death if they are incorrectly operated. Before using any powered machine/tool, personnel must make sure that:

• They have been properly trained and are currently authorised to use it
• All protective guards and fences are securely in place
• No part of the body or clothing can come into contact with moving parts
• Protective clothing is fastened and neck ties (if worn) are tucked in or removed
• All rings and other jewellery must be removed
• Safety glasses/goggles are worn wherever there is a debris risk
• Where necessary, the appropriate fire extinguisher is readily to hand
• A safety mat is available to stand on where electrical machinery is used
• Machinery is checked for any “Warning” notices indicating it is unsafe for use.

Possibly the most common method of powering tools is through the use of electricity, which is readily available from the AC mains supply and can also be provided from portable, DC batteries. However, because of the fire hazard, associated with the operation of electrically powered tools and where there is a possibility of flammable vapours being present, pneumatically powered hand tools are provided for aircraft maintenance tasks such as drilling, cutting, shaping, screw driving, riveting, nut running and setting. These pneumatic tools may be operated from a fixed air supply gallery in a workshop or hangar or from a mobile air compressor.