JACKHAMMER

1
JACKHAMMER

• A hand operated, percussive drill
• Powered by compressed air (85psi on avg.)
• Works by jabbing the hard surface, breaking it
  to pieces.
• Average Weight of 60 lbs

2
IMPORTANT PARTS FOR PROPER FUNCTION

• Air compressor

Undamaged Grip
Air Hoses
Drill Bit
AND.
Safety Gear!
3
JACKHAMMER HAZARDS

• OSHA 1991-2004 Data
• 16 Jackhammer related worker fatalities
• Most of these caused by underground electrical
  cable contact and resulting
• shock

• Others were caused by unstable
• surroundings
• ie Trench or wall collapse

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JACKHAMMER HAZARDS

• Numerous jackhammer injuries are possible due to
  its weight (50-100 lbs), noise emission, and
  vibrating motion

Tendonitis
Hearing loss
Lower back pain
Carpal tunnel
Arthritis
There are many other, repetitive motion injuries
which lead to discomfort
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JACKHAMMER HAZARDS

• Misuse injuries
• Falling jackhammer may break bones
• Refilling gasoline to a heated air compressor
  might result in burns or death
• Wait till it cools down
• The torque of the drill might cause trips or
  falls. Spread your weight evenly on both feet

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JACKHAMMER SAFETY

• OSHA Regulations
• 1926.416, Safety around electric lines
• 1926.302, Safe power tool handling

• Read all operating instructions before operating
  the hammer
• Sharpen the blade to specifications, for good
  performance
• Make sure unauthorized personnel are outside your
  work area

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JACKHAMMER SAFETY

• Proper attire
• Wear long pants and sleeve shirt, protect your
  skin
• A face shield protects your face from debris
• Grip gloves are a must, thick ones isolate the
  vibrations too!
• Steel toe boots will protect feet from drill
• A hard hat is a must!

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JACKHAMMER SAFETY

• Jackhammer noise safety
• Wear noise protection
• Best Alternative

Compressor Noise
A Jackhammer may produce up to 100 decibels, Not
including the compressor noise
Air exhaust Impact noise
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JACKHAMMER SAFETY

• Safe jackhammer operation
• Familiarize yourself with instruction manuals
• Wear the necessary gear
• Keep your legs spread apart, weight is evenly
  distributed
• To prevent injury and strain
• exercise daily
• take regular breaks throughout the day to stretch
  and relieve tired working muscles
• rotate repetitive activities with non-stressful,
  non-repetitive activities
• drink plenty of fluids throughout the day
• OBSERVE YOUR SURROUNDINGS (trenches, walls)
• MAKE SURE THEY WILL NOT FAIL DUE TO THE HAMMER
  IMPACT!

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PREVENT THE MOST COMMON JACKHAMMER FATALITY!

• Always check and double check that your drill
  will have no chance of hitting underground power
  cables
• MOST JACKHAMMER FATALITIES ARE DUE TO ELECTRICAL
  ENCOUNTERS

11
Reference Material

• http//www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Topics/ReduceHazards/
  ErgoBank/search.asp?txtControlsID506
• http//www.uihealthcare.com/topics/bonesjointsmusc
  les/bone4237.html