Power tools: types, uses, and safety considerations

Power Tools

Few products are truly necessary to the average consumer, and even fewer products become omnipresent. Examples of such products are automobiles, clothing, food, and shelter. Power tools are another such product. Any individual who has undertaken a home improvement project has most likely purchased and used power tools. While power tools range from the largely ordinary (i.e., drills) to the vastly complex (i.e., tools used on large-scale construction projects), it is clear that power tools have become an integral component in nearly every individual's life.

This paper analyzes and examines the multitude of issues related to power tools. Part II discusses statistics regarding power tools, companies and competition in the industry, government regulation, and health hazards. Lastly, this paper concludes with recommendations about whether the company should manufacture power tools in its excess plant space.

STATISTICS REGARDING POWER TOOLS, COMPANIES AND

COMPETITION IN THE INDUSTRY, GOVERNMENT REGULATION, AND

HEALTH HAZARDS

In order for the company to make a well-informed and researched determination of whether it should manufacture power tools in its excess plant space, various issues must be addressed. This section examines statistics regarding power tools, companies and competition in the industry, government regulation, and health hazards. By examining these various issues in depth, the company will be better equipped to determine whether it should manufacture power tools in its excess plant space.

Presently numerous companies manufacture and sell power tools and competition is healthy and robust.

Some of the more well-known companies involved in the manufacture and sale of power tools include Black and Decker, Bosch, DeWalt, Hitachi, Home Depot, Lowes, and Skil. Each of these companies presently generates annual sales of several million (and in some cases, billion) dollars, with a yearly growth rate of approximately 3-5%. Commonly purchased and used power tools include air compressors; band saws; circular saws; grinders; Jig saws; Miter saws; pneumatic tools; power drills; power nailers; rotary tools; routers; scroll saws; and table saws.

With respect to government regulation concerning power tools, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, also known as "OSHA," is the primary government agency responsible for developing and enforcing regulations concerning power tools.

In order to assist employers and employees in developing effective safety and health programs, OSHA publishes recommended Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines (Federal Register 54(18): 3908-3916. These voluntary guidelines apply to all places of employment covered by OSHA. According to OSHA, four general elements are critical to the development of a successful safety and health management program: (1) management commitment and employee involvement; (2) worksite analysis; (3) hazard prevention and control; and (4) safety and health training.

Like automobiles and chemicals, power tools pose several health hazards.

Power tools help individuals to easily perform tasks that otherwise would be difficult or impossible. However, power tools may be hazardous, and have the potential for causing severe injuries when used or maintained improperly. One of the health hazards commonly associated with power tools include exposure to abrasive, falling, flying, and splashing objects like metal and wood. Another health hazard frequently associated with power tools is exposure to harmful dusts, fumes, gases, mists, or vapors.

In order to reduce or eliminate these hazards, special attention toward power tool safety is vital. When using power tools, individuals should use the appropriate personal protective equipment (i.e., masks, suits, etc.). Likewise, all electrical connections for the power tools must be suitable for the type of power tool and conditions (i.e., dusty, flammable, vapors, wet). Finally, all power tools should be kept in good condition and regularly maintained.

CONCLUSION

Few products are truly necessary to the average consumer, and even fewer products become omnipresent. Power tools are one such product. Any individual who has undertaken a home improvement project has most likely purchased and used power tools. With the increasing popularity of stores like Home Depot and television shows such as "Home Improvement," it is clear that power tools have become an essential component in nearly every individual's life.