22 Hand Tool Safety
22 Hand Tool Safety
22 Hand Tool Safety
Objective
By the end of this session, personnel shall be able to:
Identify General Tool Safety Procedures
Identify hazards and state precautions taken when
using hand tools
Explain safety tips that should be utilized when using
hand tools.
Describe general safety practices to be used when
setting up a work area, selection of personal protective
equipment, and utilizing tools at the work site.
Notes
Background
Notes
Notes
Tools (continued)
Make sure that you are well balanced when operating a tool.
Sometimes, a kickback from a tool can throw the operator off
balance, causing injury.
Dont work in an awkward position. You may not have
complete control of the tool or the material you are working on.
Never lock a tool in the ON position if you are working under
conditions that require you to stop the tool quickly.
Guarding is one of the best ways to minimize a hazard. Make
sure that machine guards are in place on large and small
equipment.
When cutting materials, try to cut along the grain. This will
reduce the chance of kickback or shattering of the material.
Maintaining and Repairing Tools
Install or repair equipment only if you are qualified. A faulty
job could cause serious injuries from mechanical failure, fire, or
shock.
Maintain tools in proper working condition. Regularly inspect
tools, cords and accessories. Repair or replace problem
equipment immediately. Keep tools sharp, well oiled and stored
in a dry place.
Never alter a tool in a manner that reduces its effectiveness or
safety.
Hand Tools
Hand tools are non-powered. They include anything from axes
to wrenches. The greatest hazards posed by hand tools result
from misuse and improper maintenance. The employer is
responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by
employees, but employees have the responsibility for properly
using and maintaining tools.
When you are using hand tools, such as hammers, chisels,
wrenches, etc., there are individual practices that apply to
particular tools. References on hand tools and manufacturer
publications give particular practices. Below are some general
user and safety practices you should be aware of:
Select the right tool for the job. Every hand tool has a
purpose and proper selection will prevent misuse.
Do not wear jewelry.
Notes
Some general user and safety practices you should be aware of:
(continued)
Know the hazards of the tool. For example, the tip of a
screwdriver is hardened, and when it is used for
chiseling or prying, it can fragment easily, whereas the
struck end of a chisel is intentionally soft so that it will
not fragment easily.
Use tools correctly. Always wear eye protection when
using any manual or powered tool. Leather work
gloves may also be appropriate.
Maintain tools. Inspect tools regularly to be sure that
they are in good condition and repair or discard
broken, worn or damaged tools. Broken handles on
hammers may cause the head to fly off and hit
someone.
Injuries from hand tools are often caused by misuse. Workers
often assume that they know how to use a common hand tool.
Like all tools, hand tools must be maintained properly for
effective use and safety. This section describes general safety
guidelines for the three major categories of hand tools: cutting
tools, torsion tools, and impact tools.
Cutting Tools
The main hazard associated with cutting tools is tool slippage. A
dull tool or poor tool technique can cause a slip, which can
redirect the cutting part of the tool toward the body. In addition,
a sudden release or change in the force applied to a tool can
throw the user off balance, possibly falling into another object
which may cause injury. To prevent slippage, tools shall be kept
sharp and handled in such a way that, if a slip occurs, the
direction of force will be away from the body. In addition,
cutting along the grain of a material can help prevent changes in
the pressure applied to the tool, thereby preventing slippage.
Torsion Tools
Torsion tools are used to grip, fasten, and turn. These include
wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, vises, and clamps. There are a
variety of each type of these tools. Selection is very important.
Notes
Notes
Some general user and safety practices you should be aware of:
(continued)
Know the hazards of the tool. For example, the tip of a
screwdriver is hardened, and when it is used for
chiseling or prying, it can fragment easily, whereas the
struck end of a chisel is intentionally soft so that it will
not fragment easily.
Use tools correctly. Always wear eye protection when
using any manual or powered tool. Leather work
gloves may also be appropriate.
Maintain tools. Inspect tools regularly to be sure that
they are in good condition and repair or discard
broken, worn or damaged tools. Broken handles on
hammers may cause the head to fly off and hit
someone.
Injuries from hand tools are often caused by misuse. Workers
often assume that they know how to use a common hand tool.
Like all tools, hand tools must be maintained properly for
effective use and safety. This section describes general safety
guidelines for the three major categories of hand tools: cutting
tools, torsion tools, and impact tools.
Cutting Tools
The main hazard associated with cutting tools is tool slippage. A
dull tool or poor tool technique can cause a slip, which can
redirect the cutting part of the tool toward the body. In addition,
a sudden release or change in the force applied to a tool can
throw the user off balance, possibly falling into another object
which may cause injury. To prevent slippage, tools shall be kept
sharp and handled in such a way that, if a slip occurs, the
direction of force will be away from the body. In addition,
cutting along the grain of a material can help prevent changes in
the pressure applied to the tool, thereby preventing slippage.
Torsion Tools
Torsion tools are used to grip, fasten, and turn. These include
wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, vises, and clamps. There are a
variety of each type of these tools. Selection is very important.
Notes
To properly drive a nail, hold the hammer near the end of the
handle and start off with a light blow. Increase power after the
nail is set.
To avoid chipping or spalling of the hammer head, use the
lightest swing possible, hammer straight and not on an angle.
Inspect the head of the hammer for potential chipping and
spalling.
General Hand Tool Safety
Always keep your tools clean. Oil can cause the tool to slip off
an object or out of your hands. Dirt and grime can impair the
movement of the tool, requiring more pressure. This can lead to
injury. In addition, wherever possible clamp the object you are
working on rather than holding it in your hand. Many workers
hands have been injured from slippage of tools like screwdrivers.
Closure
Here are three practices that minimize accidents:
Train workers to select the right tools for each job.
Train and supervise workers in the correct use of tools.
Set up regular tool inspection procedures, and provide good tool
repair procedures insuring that tools are being maintained in safe
condition.
Notes