WAC 296-807-11005   Make sure switches are safe.  

     You must:

     (1) Make sure the operating switch is located in a position that makes it difficult to accidentally operate the tool.

     (2) Use the correct operating switch.

     • Make sure hand-held gasoline-powered chain saws have a constant pressure throttle control that will shut off power to the chain when the pressure is released.

     • Use a constant pressure switch that will shut off the power when the switch is released to turn on or operate any hand-held power tool.

     Exemptions:

    
• Some tools can use a lock-on feature with the constant pressure switch if the lock-on feature can be turned off with a single motion of the same finger(s) that turned it on. You can use a lock-on feature with these hand-held tools:

     – Drills

     – Tappers

     – Fastener drivers

     – Grinders using a wheel greater than two inches in diameter

     – Disc sanders

     – Belt sanders

     – Reciprocating saws

     – Saber, scroll and jig saws using a blade with a shank width greater than one-quarter inch

     – Other similarly operating powered tools.

     • You can use a positive "on-off" switch with these hand-held tools:

     – Platen sanders

     – Grinders using a wheel two inches or less in diameter

     – Routers

     – Planers

     – Laminate trimmers

     – Nibblers

     – Shears

     – Saber, scroll and jig saws using a blade with a shank width of one-quarter inch (± .05 inch) or less.

Note: The shank width of saber, scroll and jig saw blades is measured at the narrowest point on the blade shank.




[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040,[49.17].050 , and [49.17].060. 03-09-009, § 296-807-11005, filed 4/4/03, effective 8/1/03.]