Hand and Power Tool Awareness Course

Hand and Power Tool Awareness provides participants with essential knowledge of how to select, inspect, operate, maintain and store hand tools and portable powered equipment safely. The course focuses on recognising tool-related hazards, applying appropriate controls, using suitable personal protective equipment and following safe work practices. Its purpose is to help prevent common workplace injuries, including cuts, punctures, electric shock, eye injuries, struck-by incidents and injuries caused by defective or incorrectly used tools.

This awareness course does not replace task-specific authorisation, manufacturer training or workplace procedures required for the use of specialised equipment.

Essential Information

Prerequisites: None Assessment: Theory test and practical exercises Certification: Maersk Training certificate issued upon successful completion

Target Audience

This course is designed for onboard, rig, offshore, construction and industrial personnel who use, supervise, maintain or may be exposed to hand tools and portable powered tools during their work activities. It is suitable for both new and experienced personnel who require an understanding of safe tool selection, inspection, use, maintenance and storage.

Course Content

1. Introduction to Hand and Power Tool Safety – Overview of the purpose of hand and power tool safety and the consequences of unsafe tool use.

2. OSHA Regulations and Employer/Employee Responsibilities – Relevant OSHA requirements, workplace responsibilities and expectations for safe tool use.

3. Common Tool-Related Hazards and Injury Prevention – Typical hazards, including cuts, punctures, flying particles, electric shock, struck-by incidents and noise exposure.

4. Tool Selection and Proper Use – Selecting the correct tool for the task and using it in accordance with its intended purpose.

5. Hand Tool Safety – Safe use of common hand tools, including hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers and cutting tools.

6. Portable Power Tool Safety – Safe use of electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, fuel-powered and powder-actuated tools, as applicable.

7. Pre-Use Inspections and Removal of Defective Tools from Service – Inspecting tools before use and identifying conditions requiring removal from service.

8. Electrical Safety, Grounding, Double-Insulated Tools and Extension Cord Safety – Safe use of electrical tools, including grounding requirements, double insulation and extension-cord controls.

9. Personal Protective Equipment Requirements – Selection and use of suitable PPE for different hand and power tool activities.

10. Safe Operating Practices and Manufacturer Instructions – Following safe work practices, operating instructions and manufacturer requirements.

11. Tool Guards, Safety Devices and Lockout Considerations – The purpose and correct use of guards, safety devices and isolation controls.

12. Safe Work Practices for Grinding, Drilling, Cutting and Fastening Operations – Key safety controls for common tool-related tasks.

13. Housekeeping, Tool Storage and Preventive Maintenance – Safe storage, handling, cleaning and maintenance of tools and equipment.

14. Reporting Hazards, Incident Prevention and Emergency Response – Reporting unsafe conditions, preventing incidents and responding appropriately to tool-related emergencies.

15. Practical Demonstration of Safe Tool Use – Practical application of safe tool selection, inspection, PPE use and operating practices, where applicable.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify common hazards associated with hand tools and portable powered tools.

2. Describe the relevant requirements of applicable OSHA regulations and workplace procedures for hand and power tool safety.

3. Select suitable hand and portable powered tools for a specified task.

4. Conduct pre-use inspections and identify tools that are damaged, defective or unsafe for use.

5. Demonstrate safe operating practices for common hand and portable powered tools.

6. Select appropriate personal protective equipment for tool-related work activities.

7. Explain safe working practices for electrical tools, including grounding, double-insulated tools and extension-cord use.

8. Describe the requirements for tool guards, safety devices, maintenance, storage and housekeeping.

9. Identify unsafe conditions and apply the appropriate process for removing defective tools from service and reporting hazards.