Level Two - Engineering - Hydraulics Tools

Hydraulics Tools 

What are hydraulic tools? How do they work?

Hydraulic tools are tools that are powered by hydraulic fluid. They operate by pumping pressurized liquid. The liquid is then forced through the motor and is soon controlled by the valves within which next is distributed through the hoses and tubes. With the hydraulic fluid going through the system of the machine it transfers energy throughout it which makes it operate. The hydraulic fluid also has other purposes such as lubricating the components in use. 

What safety precautions do you need to take when using hydraulic tools?

1. - Check each component before setting up every tool, making sure there are no cracks or damage, including the hydraulic hose.
2. - Before doing anything with any tool, check the safety manual and instructions and ensure you are knowledgeable on the tool you are using.
3. - Whatever tool you are using, make sure it is the right tool for the job and withstand the procedure your using it for.
4. - When cleaning the hydraulic tools, check that you're using the correct type of cleaning equipment such as fiber brushes to avoid scoring any part of the metal which can create a place for dirt which could then migrate into the hydraulic fluid.
5. - When operating any tools always wear safety goggles and protective wear to protect yourself.
6. - If a jack or ram is in use or has been used with any material, confirm that the material is stable and is supported by a solid foundation.

How do you maintain them?

To guarantee long-lasting use, use the correct preventive maintenance equipment such as a fiber brush to avoid scoring the metal and creating a place for dirt and a clean rag or cloth to clean away all connections before using inserting them into anything. Other maintenance procedures include checking that all hydraulic using components are cleaned properly.

Give 3 examples of hydraulic tools in a workshop:

Rotary impact hammer drills, Reaction arms, Hydraulic crimping tool 

Level Two - Engineering - Mains Powered Tools

SAFE USE OF MAINS POWERED TOOLS AND EXTENSION CORDS 

What is a mains powered power tool?

Mains-powered devices are tools that have cords attached to them that plug into something instead of being cordless and powered by battery packs. An advantage for mains powered is that they can start immediately, unlike if you were to use an air tool, etc. 

Where are you likely to use it? 

Mains-powered tools are now most likely used in industries, but you will only see a few around due to battery-powered tools that are introduced to the industry and are more accessible for tasks and are less hassle. 

Give 3 examples of a mains power tool you may have already used. 

Drill

Grinder

Power saw 

Describe/explain the task you use it for.

A drill is used to cut a hole into the material. It drills holes into materials as well as screwing in screws. 

A grinder is used for either cutting, grinding, finishing, and polishing metal materials. 

A power saw is used for cutting through large sheets of material. 

General safety around electricity include:

• Keep liquids away from any live wire 
• Avoid overloading any outlets 
• Ensure the electric cords are not nicked or sliced in any part to which bare wires are exposed
• Disconnect cords that are not in use
• Use equipment that has a non-conducting handle when working with electrical devices
• Never wear jewelry or anything metal that could risk any harm
• When handling anything electric, check that everything is dry especially your hands and your workspace, and wear non-conductive gloves
• Avoid high electric activity where there is condensation or dense moisture
• Take note if there is any sparking coming from any part of an electricity source and unplug any source of electricity flowing through to repair the problem
• Keep any flammable liquids away from the all-electric source

What do I do if something is wrong? ( Fault Reporting )

If something goes wrong in a workshop, it is important to either service, replace and report the damage that took place. 

General hazards and dangers of mains powered power tool

• Keeping the cord out of the way of anyone way
• Never carry a tool by the cord
• Keep all cords away from heating, any liquids, or sharp edges
• Follow the proper instructions for the tool in use 
• Treat all tools as if they're plugged in
• Check there are no splits in the rubber casing for the cord which creates a safety hazard due to bare wires. 
• Check that the outer covers of the tool are not damaged

What is meant by “RCD” Why is it important

An RCD (Residual current device) is a device that is designed to prevent you from any electric shock if you touch a bare live wire. The RCD works by constantly monitoring the electric current flowing through then it will switch off the electricity automatically if it senses a fault. 

What is meant by “Double Insulation” Why is it important

A double insulated RCD ensures greater protection because it consists of an extra layer of insulation over the basic insulation.

Safety checks and safe working practices when using a mains-powered tool

• Ensure that the connections with tools are correctly in place
• Inspect the tool for any damaging 
• After the use of a device, ensure that it is switched off and the is no power going through 
• Make sure that other workers are aware of where the tool is sourced so they don't trip or unplug it
• Be aware of your surroundings that could potentially cause you to harm yourself or knock something over

Hazards and dangers of extension cords

• Tripping hazard - Check that the cord is not looped up or in the way. 
• Visibility - Ensure that the electric cord is visible for others to see and isn't running into anyone way
• Too much power - Make sure that there aren't too many power tools plugged into an outlet that cannot handle the high wattage 
• Plugging in - Make sure the plugs are the prongs of the cord isn't exposed if it is plugged into an outlet

General PPE when using mains-powered tools

Level Two - Engineering - Air Compressor Info

Air Compressor - Tools - Safety

What are Pneumatic tools/air compressors? 

An air compressor is a pneumatic device that converts power, using an electric motor, diesel, or gasoline, into potential energy, then reserved in pressurized air. All air compressors do the same job. They force air into the reservoir (Tank), which is where the air is then pressurized. Once the pressure has reached the max amount, it then starts to disband the compressed air into tools such as an impact driver, air ratchet, air dust gun, air riveter, and a grinder. 

Photo cred

Safety around an air compressor:

• When removing the air hose, ensure that no one is around and take precautions of where you will release it.

• Check the air hose and electrical wire from damage and punctures.

• Keep clear from the motor if there is no safety casing over it to reduce the risk of getting burnt. 

• Keep away from exposed pipes that could produce heat. 

• Make sure if you're using a belt-driven air compressor, check that the guard is in place covering the belt when it is operating to ensure no one will get injured. 

• Watch out for the air hose and keep it out of the way for other's safety.

• When an air compressor is in service, wearing safety equipment is compulsory. The safety gear includes ear protection, eye protection, suitable covered clothing, etc. 

• Never point any nozzles or spraying tools towards a body part of a person or towards yourself.
• Inspect the air compressor for holes or damage on the tank or motor etc.
• Drain the tank after every use to release moisture. 

Here is an example of a direct-driven air compressor.

Here is an example of a belt-driven compressor.

Here is another example of a different air compressor, it is called a commercial air compressor and is mostly found in larger buildings that operate air tools for longer.

PPE when using air tools - general 

When using these tools, there's a range of PPE gear mandatory to wear for your safety and a range of safety actions that keep others in the workshop safe. PPE gear for tools such as the air ratchet, impact driver, air duster, and grinder requires the essential equipment listed as ear protection, respiratory protection, safety glasses, and/ or a face shield. Safety rules that are specific to the tools themselves include: examining their safety manual, checking there are no leaks or damage, ensuring that the connections are correctly lubricated and clean, and you are using the proper tools that are advised for the job and other implements that are involved. Another procedure that you should take into consideration would be to make sure there is no sticking in the trigger of each tool, and check they are all clear and no parts are blocked. 

Air tools - Use - Safety

Impact Driver

An impact driver can either be cordless or mains powered. This device is mostly for situations when dealing with stubborn nuts and bolts. It can work on various materials such as concrete, wood, steel, drywall, plastic, and more. It has interchangeable sockets for it to be able to fit several sized nuts. Extra care is a high priority due to the simple risk of over-tightening. Models of these tools may have the option to change the torque settings to detect that it has tightened enough and will stop.

 

Pneumatic Ratchet

Air ratchets are a power wrench, rather than hand forced it operates by compressed air. The function of this tool works the same as a hand ratchet. Once it is attached to the compressor's airline hose, and the trigger is enclosed, it will begin to rotate. This tool is handy for loosening/tightening different bolts within the range of low to medium torque. When using the switch located at the top, it will change the direction of rotation. PPE gear such as earmuffs is ideal when operating this tool. 

Air dust Gun

An air dust gun pretty much lives up to its name. It's a gun-shaped device that disperses pressurized air from the nozzle when activated. It hooks up to the air compressor's airline hose and discharges the circulating air from inside the tank. This can cause extreme damage to the skin if it is in close proximity to it. 

Pneumatic air rivet

A pneumatic riveter is a tool that was made for fastening two pieces of material together. It works by putting a rivet through the nozzle hole and then the corresponding hole in the material. Once it is all in place, the pressure is applied to the tool's trigger causing compressed air to drive the rivet into the hole, causing the mandrel (Tail) to deform into place, fastening all the pieces together. This tool can be hazardous if used carelessly. To reduce this risk the following should be advised, keeping the device away from any body part, wear ear protection from high noises, and checking the tool itself isn't damaged. 

Pneumatic angle grinder

The angle grinder is a heavy-duty, versatile tool that can grind metal, cut tile, pavers, and can polish, sand, or sharpen different materials. It has a grinding head-mounted outwards to allow the abrasive disc to spin freely. When using this device: ensure the disc's safety guards are in line to avoid sparks and other material from spitting out. It is also essential that there is balanced pressure using the side handle to reduce any sudden spinouts or sliding.