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GENERAL SAFETY RULES
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For multiple hazards, read and understand the safety
instructions before installing, operating, repairing,
maintaining, changing accessories on, or working
near, the non-rotary percussive power tool. Failure to
do so can result in serious bodily injury.
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Only qualified and trained operators should install,
adjust or use the non-rotary percussive power tool.
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Do not modify this non-rotary percussive power tool.
Modifications can reduce the effectiveness of safety
measures and increase the risks to the operator.
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Do not discard the safety instructions; give them to the
operator.
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Do not use the non-rotary percussive power tool if it
has been damaged.
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Tools shall be inspected periodically to verify that the
ratings and markings required by this part of ISO 11148
are legibly marked on the tool. The employer/user
shall contact the manufacturer to obtain replacement
marking labels when necessary.
PROJECTILE HAZARDS
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Disconnect the non-rotary percussive power tool from
the energy source when changing inserted tool or
accessories.
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Be aware that failure of the work piece, or accessories,
or even of the inserted tool itself can generate high
velocity projectiles.
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Always wear impact-resistant eye protection during
the operation of the non-rotary percussive power tool.
The grade of protection required should be assessed
for each use.
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For overhead work, wear a safety helmet.
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The risks to others should also be assessed at this
time.
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Ensure that the work piece is securely fixed.
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Never operate a tool unless the inserted tool is
retained in the tool with a proper retainer.
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To avoid injury, retainer parts shall be replaced when
they become worn, cracked or distorted.
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Hold the inserted tool firmly against the work surface
before starting the tool.
OPERATING HAZARDS
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Use of the tool can expose the operator’s hands to
hazards, including impacts, cuts and abrasions and
heat. Wear suitable gloves to protect the hands.
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Operators and maintenance personnel shall be
physically able to handle the bulk, weight and power
of the tool.
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Hold the tool correctly; be ready to counteract normal
or sudden movements and have both hands available.
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Maintain a balanced body position and secure footing.
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Release the start-and-stop device in the case of an
interruption of the energy supply.
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Use only lubricants recommended by the manufacturer.
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Avoid direct contact with the inserted tool during and
after use as it can become hot.
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Personal protective safety glasses shall be
used; suitable gloves and protective clothing are
recommended.
REPETITIVE MOTIONS HAZARDS
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When using a non-rotary percussive power tool to
perform work-related activities, the operator can
experience discomfort in the hands, arms, shoulders,
neck or other parts of the body.
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While using a non-rotary percussive power tool, the
operator should adopt a comfortable posture while
maintaining a secure footing and avoiding awkward
off-balanced postures. The operator should change
posture during extended tasks, which can help avoid
discomfort and fatigue.
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If the operator experiences symptoms, such as
persistent or recurring discomfort, pain, throbbing,
aching, tingling, numbness, burning sensations or
stiffness, these warning signs should not be ignored.
The operator should tell the employer and consult a
qualified health professional.
ACCESSORY HAZARDS
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Disconnect the non-rotary percussive power tool from
the energy supply before changing the inserted tool
or accessory.
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Use only sizes and types of accessories and
consumables that are recommended by the non-rotary
percussive power tool manufacturer; do not use other
types or sizes of accessories and consumables.
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For hammers, where appropriate, never use any chisel
as a hand-struck tool. They are specifically designed
and heat-treated for use only in non-rotary percussive
power tools.
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For hammers and breakers, where appropriate, never
use blunt chisels, as they require excessive pressure
and can break from fatigue. Blunt tool-pieces can
increase vibration and, therefore, sharp tools should
always be used.
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For hammers, where appropriate, never cool a hot
accessory in water. Brittleness and early failure can
result.
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For hammers, where appropriate, chisel breakage or
tool damage can result from misuse of using the tool
as a lever, e.g. prising. Take smaller “bites” to avoid
getting stuck.
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Avoid direct contact with the inserted tool during and
after use, as it can be hot or sharp.
