Industrial Tools and Equipment

Course Description

ETI 1000 – Industrial Tools and Equipment is a 3-credit-hour introductory course in the Engineering Technologies / Industrial Systems Technology program area. This course provides students with foundational knowledge and hands-on skills in the identification, selection, safe operation, and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring instruments commonly used in industrial and manufacturing environments. Emphasis is placed on workplace safety, OSHA standards, and proper tool care to prepare students for entry-level positions in industrial, manufacturing, and maintenance settings.

This course is classified at the first-year (1000) level under the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS) prefix ETI (Engineering Technology – Industrial) and is offered at multiple Florida College System institutions.

Learning Outcomes

Required Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify and describe the function of common hand tools used in industrial and manufacturing settings, including wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, and cutting tools.
• Identify and safely operate common portable and stationary power tools, including drills, grinders, saws, and sanders.
• Apply workplace safety standards, including OSHA regulations and lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, to prevent injury and equipment damage.
• Select and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for given tool operations and hazardous conditions.
• Use precision measuring instruments — such as micrometers, calipers, and dial indicators — to perform accurate measurements to industry tolerances.
• Interpret technical diagrams, blueprints, and equipment schematics relevant to tool and equipment use.
• Demonstrate proper tool inspection, maintenance, and storage practices to extend equipment service life.
• Apply appropriate fastening techniques using bolts, screws, rivets, and adhesives per industry specifications.

Optional Learning Outcomes

Depending on institutional offerings, the following outcomes may also be addressed:

• Demonstrate foundational skills in basic welding processes (e.g., MIG, TIG, or oxy-acetylene) and identify welding equipment components.
• Identify and use fluid power tools and equipment, including pneumatic and hydraulic hand tools.
• Perform basic electrical safety checks and identify electrically powered industrial equipment and its hazards.
• Demonstrate use of rigging and material-handling equipment such as hoists, slings, and jacks in a safe manner.
• Utilize digital and computer-aided tools for equipment documentation or inventory management.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Industrial Workplace Safety – OSHA General Industry Standards (29 CFR 1910), hazard identification, lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, fire safety, and emergency response protocols.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Types, selection criteria, proper use, inspection, and limitations of PPE (eye, ear, hand, foot, and respiratory protection).
• Hand Tools – Classification, nomenclature, selection, safe use, and maintenance of striking tools, turning tools, cutting tools, clamping tools, and layout tools.
• Portable Power Tools – Safe operation and maintenance of electric and battery-powered drills, circular saws, reciprocating saws, angle grinders, and sanders.
• Stationary Power Equipment – Identification and safe use of bench grinders, drill presses, band saws, and lathes in a shop environment.
• Precision Measurement – Reading and use of steel rules, tape measures, micrometers, Vernier and digital calipers, squares, and dial indicators; understanding of tolerances and fit classifications.
• Fasteners and Fastening Systems – Types of threaded and non-threaded fasteners (bolts, nuts, screws, rivets, pins); torque specifications; adhesives and sealants used in industrial assembly.
• Blueprint and Technical Drawing Interpretation – Reading orthographic projections, assembly drawings, and engineering symbols relevant to tool and equipment use.
• Tool and Equipment Inspection and Maintenance – Preventive maintenance schedules, inspection checklists, lubrication, sharpening, and storage best practices.

Optional Topics

• Introduction to Welding Processes – Overview of MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), and oxy-fuel welding; identification of welding equipment and consumables; basic weld safety.
• Pneumatic and Hydraulic Hand Tools – Operation of air-powered impact wrenches, ratchets, nailers, and hydraulic jacks; basic fluid power safety.
• Rigging and Material Handling – Safe use of cranes, hoists, chain falls, slings, and forklifts; load calculations and rigging signals.
• Basic Electrical Safety and Electrically Powered Equipment – Arc flash awareness, safe work practices around electrical equipment, and overview of NFPA 70E standards.
• Cutting Fluids and Abrasives – Selection and application of cutting fluids, lubricants, and abrasive materials for machining and grinding operations.
• Introduction to Metrology and Quality Control – Basic concepts of measurement uncertainty, calibration, and quality inspection using gauges and fixtures.

Resources & Tools

• OSHA General Industry Standards (29 CFR 1910) – U.S. Department of Labor, available at osha.gov
• Machinery's Handbook (Industrial Press) – Standard reference for machinists and industrial technicians covering tools, fasteners, and measurements
• Manufacturing Engineering & Technology (Kalpakjian & Schmid) – Commonly used supplementary textbook for manufacturing processes
• NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace – National Fire Protection Association
• Shop/Lab Equipment – Drill press, bench grinder, band saw, and hand tool sets available in college industrial technology labs
• Digital Calipers and Micrometers – Precision measurement instruments used in laboratory sessions
• Online Resources – OSHA eTools (osha.gov/etools), NIMS (nims-skills.org), and ToolingU-SME online modules

Career Pathways

Successful completion of ETI 1000 prepares students for further coursework in the Industrial Systems Technology A.S. degree and related certificate programs, as well as entry-level employment in a variety of industrial sectors.

• Industrial Maintenance Technician – Performs routine and preventive maintenance on manufacturing equipment and machinery.
• Manufacturing Technician – Supports production operations in factories, assembly plants, and fabrication facilities.
• Tool Room Attendant / Tool Crib Technician – Manages industrial tool inventory, inspects tools, and supports shop floor operations.
• Maintenance Helper / General Maintenance Worker – Entry-level maintenance support in commercial, industrial, or institutional facilities.
• Quality Control Inspector – Uses precision measurement instruments to verify product conformance to specifications.
• Apprentice in Skilled Trades – Foundational preparation for registered apprenticeships in machining, welding, millwright, and pipefitting trades.

Special Information

Certification Preparation: The content of this course aligns with industry-recognized credentials that students may pursue concurrently or upon completion:

• OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Card – Students who complete supplemental OSHA 10 training (often embedded in or offered alongside this course) are eligible to receive the OSHA 10 General Industry card from the U.S. Department of Labor.
• NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills) – Foundational content in measurement, materials, and safety aligns with NIMS Level 1 credentialing in Measurement, Materials & Safety.
• SME Manufacturing Technologist Credentials – Course competencies support preparation for the SME-endorsed manufacturing technician pathway.

Lab/Shop Component: This course typically includes a significant hands-on laboratory component conducted in a college industrial technology shop or lab facility. Students are expected to wear appropriate PPE at all times during lab sessions. Closed-toe shoes and safety glasses are required as a minimum when entering the shop area.

Florida Program Context: ETI 1000 is commonly a foundation course in Industrial Systems Technology and related A.S. degree or Technical Certificate programs at Florida College System institutions. It is aligned with Florida's workforce development goals in advanced manufacturing and industrial maintenance.