Impact Wrenches (Download)
Impact Wrench Safety 1 Impact Wrenches A socket wrench power tool used to tighten nuts and bolts. Designed to deliver high torque output by storing energy in a rotating mass, then delivering it suddenly to the output shaft. 2 Power Sources for Impact Wrenches Compressed Air (most common) Electric Hydraulic Portable/Battery Powered 3 Types of Impact Wrenches Impact wrenches are made in a variety of shapes and sizes Shapes Inline Butterfly Pistol Grip Socket Drive Sizes From ¼” to over 3 ½” 4 Industry Uses Construction Automotive Heavy Equipment Maintenance Product Assembly 5 Industry Uses When used in construction, the primary use is in steel erection Extremely high torque is needed to tighten nuts and bolts to connect steel members 6 Typical Hazards Rupturing of oil or air lines used to power tool Oil under pressure easily punctures the skin, causing serious injury, gangrene or death. Flying oil or debris can easily damage eyes. Routing of pneumatic or hydraulic hoses or power extension cords to create trip hazards Sudden torque forces generated by the impact wrench can cause a worker to lose balance or to receive a wrist injury Damaged hoses or extension cords Source: http://65.36.183.19/greenlee/im/99924641rev05.pdf 7 Typical Hazards Dropping the impact wrench from elevation Heat Impact wrench generates heat Contact with hot surface of impact wrench can easily burn user. Moving Parts Fingers and clothing can get caught Noise Source: http://65.36.183.19/greenlee/im/99924641rev05.pdf 8 There Was One Worker Fatality Investigated B y OSHA Between 1990-2009 Source: Extracted from OSHA Accident Investigation Data 1990-2009 9 Fatality Example A worker was walking on a 1:12 pitch roof. He slid an impact wrench down to the edge on a 90 foot wide roof. He misjudged the roof condition (light frost on roof) and the impact wrench continued to slide down the roof. Fearing that it would go over the roof edge the worker began running after the wrench . The worker dove to stop it, but slid off the roof edge on his stomach and fell 23 feet on the asphalt driveway. He died from his injuries. Source: Extracted from OSHA Accident Investigation Data 1990-2009 10 OSHA Regulations There are no OSHA regulations pertaining specifically to impact wrenches. Source: Information extracted from OSHA Regulations (Standards – 29 CFR) 11 Safe Work Practices Personal Protective Equipment Gloves Slip Resistant Footwear Eye Protection Close Fitted Clothing Hearing Protection Head Protection 12 Safe Work Practices Keep work area clean Use the proper tools for the job i.e. – there are sockets designed specifically for use with impact wrenches Maintenance Service and maintenance should be performed regularly by qualified technician to ensure safety and performance. Check for damaged parts Tie tool off when working at elevations 13 Safe Work Practices Remove adjusting keys and wrenches that were used to make adjustments on the impact wrench Avoid unintentional starting Be sure switch is in the OFF position when not in use and before attaching power source. Disconnect from power source when not in use Store idle equipment in dry location to prevent rust Route hoses in a safe manner Prevent entanglement and tripping caused by hoses Check hoses/cords for damage, remove from service if damaged 14 Think Safety Work Safely 15