OSHA #511 Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry course

What is a requirement for all power tools used in the workplace?

1. They must have bright colors

2. They must be fitted with a guard and a safety switch

3. They can be used without guards if supervised

4. They must be older models only

The correct answer is: They must be fitted with a guard and a safety switch

The requirement for all power tools used in the workplace to be fitted with a guard and a safety switch is rooted in the commitment to ensuring safety and minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries. Guards are designed to prevent access to moving parts, reducing the likelihood of entanglement or contact with sharp or hot surfaces. A safety switch, often implemented as a trigger or lock mechanism, helps to prevent unintentional start-up of the tool, further enhancing user protection. These safety features are mandated by OSHA regulations and industry standards to create a safer working environment. This requirement reflects a broader principle in occupational safety that emphasizes the importance of built-in safety measures in tools and equipment to protect workers from hazards that could lead to serious injuries. Utilizing power tools without appropriate safety measures, like guards or safety switches, significantly increases the risk of accidents, which is why such options are not considered safe practices within compliant workplaces.