Which tool requires manager approval and TA supervision before use?

• A. Dremmel Tool
• B. Spoke Shave
• C. Safety Goggles
• D. Large Belt Sander

Answer: (D)

High-risk power tools require extra controls because of the potential for serious injury. A large belt sander is a high-powered abrasive tool with a moving belt that can grab a workpiece, eject debris, and generate significant dust and noise. Before use, manager approval ensures the operator has the necessary authorization and baseline training, while a teaching assistant’s supervision helps ensure correct setup, safe feeding technique, proper clamping, belt tension, and that personal protective equipment and dust collection are in place. These checks help prevent injuries from kickback, contact with the belt, or improper use.

The other items are less risky in typical lab settings: a Dremel tool is a smaller, handheld rotary tool used with standard safety practices; a spoke shave is a manual hand tool with lower risk; safety goggles are PPE rather than a tool that requires supervision. Therefore, the tool that most clearly necessitates manager approval and TA supervision before use is the large belt sander.