29 CFR 1926.302: Power-operated hand tools
The official text is on the eCFR. This page maps how the section is organized, quotes the paragraphs our CHST practice questions are built on, and gives free questions you can try. Text below is quoted from the eCFR, current as of 2026-10-14; the section was last amended 2016-09-01.
How 29 CFR 1926.302 is organized
- (a) Electric power-operated tools2 paragraphs
- (b) Pneumatic power tools10 paragraphs
- (c) Fuel powered tools2 paragraphs
- (d) Hydraulic power tools2 paragraphs
- (e) Powder-actuated tools12 paragraphs
Paragraphs our practice questions cite most
Counted across the 6 live PassCited questions built on this section. This reflects our question bank, not the real exam.
“(6) The use of hoses for hoisting or lowering tools shall not be permitted.”
“(3) Any tool found not in proper working order, or that develops a defect during use, shall be immediately removed from service and not used until properly repaired.”
“(9) No fastener shall be driven into a spalled area caused by an unsatisfactory fastening.”
Free practice questions on 29 CFR 1926.302
Question 1
A carpenter is fastening furring strips to a concrete wall with a powder-actuated tool. Partway through the shift, the tool begins to misfire intermittently and the barrel assembly feels loose. What must the competent person direct?
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Answer: B. Remove the tool from service immediately and do not use it again until it has been properly repaired
The standard requires any tool that develops a defect during use to be removed from service immediately and not used until properly repaired. Added PPE or reduced loads do not substitute for removal, and finishing the shift is not permitted.
Answer B rests on
29 CFR 1926.302(e)(3)(opens ecfr.gov in a new tab)“Any tool found not in proper working order, or that develops a defect during use, shall be immediately removed from service and not used until properly repaired.”
Question 2
A crew needs to move a pneumatic chipping hammer from the ground to a second-floor deck. The hammer is positively secured to its air whip with a proper retainer, and the hose is rated well above the supply pressure. To save time, a worker shuts off the air, ties off the hose, and hauls the tool up by pulling on the hose. How should the safety technician evaluate this?
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Answer: D. A violation, because hoses may not be used for hoisting or lowering tools, whatever the tool connection or pressure rating
The standard prohibits using hoses for hoisting or lowering tools. The secure tool connection and the pressure rating address other requirements and do not make this practice acceptable. Shutting off the air also does not create an exception, and the hose-size rule concerns pressure relief on failure, not hoisting.
Answer D rests on
29 CFR 1926.302(b)(6)(opens ecfr.gov in a new tab)“(6) The use of hoses for hoisting or lowering tools shall not be permitted.”
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This is a study aid, not legal advice or an official interpretation. Always check the current eCFR text. Original practice questions, not real exam items. PassCited is not affiliated with or endorsed by BCSP.