HAND TOOL INSPECTIONS SAFETY TALK

We might get various minor or major physical injuries while using handheld tools in our daily work activities mostly in MEP and workshop jobs. Most of such critical and fatal injuries occur from unsafe actions, horseplaying and improper and careless use, on the contrary side some physical injuries are associated with a handheld tool that was destructed, broken, or damaged or requires proper repair work.

WHAT TYPE OF HANDHELD TOOL?

In this under discussion HEALTH AND SAFETY TOOLBOX TALKS, we will discuss basic handheld tools that are not power operated or pneumatic.

As we all are well aware of the fact that general handheld tools are frequently used and can be observed on almost every job at your worksite. Hand-held tools such as screwdrivers, hammers, chisels, and wrenches are also found on a small scale in every house worldwide, while we found some damages in our furniture, kitchen cabinets screw tightening, or other home appliance’s minor screw tightening work. The above-mentioned hand tools are not the final ones, but these are some of the most frequently used hand tools.

COMMON HAND TOOL INSPECTION ITEMS

Hammers

While using the hand tool, always make sure that the tool handle is without any damage or is not chipped. If you see that the hand tool’s handle is taped, more than likely it is damaged and required to be replaced with a secure one. Always remember that no insulation tape is recommended by the manufacturer of the tool for repair purposes, and it is also not recommended from any safety point of view. fix for a needed repair. Before starting to use a hammer, make sure that the head of the hammer is properly tight on the handle. Discard the hammer away if part of the claw is broken off or badly destructed.

Screwdrivers

Make sure the screwdriver handle is not cracked or damaged. Mostly, most of us use the screwdriver alternative to the chisel and hit the back end of the screwdriver with a hammer. Such type of unsafe action causes damage to the tool/screwdriver and will destroy the handle of the screwdriver. If the head of the screwdriver is cracked or worn down, discard the tool immediately and replace the screwdriver to avoid any critical hand or other physical injuries.

Chisels

Chisels are strong hand-used tools, but just like any other hand tools, they will start to break down over a specific period. Observe and examine the back of the chisel essentially. Sometimes, the back of the chisels will start to explode. When damages happen, the chisel either requires to be repaired essentially or replaced.

Wrenches

Observe and examine that the hand tool (wrench) is not bent. Immediately replace any wrench that is cracked or severely worn. Losing the grip of the wrenches on a bolt due to a broken tool/wrench can easily cause severe and critical hand injuries to the user.

HAND TOOLS BEST SAFE PRACTICES

Keep tools clean.
Dirty tools are harder to use safely and properly.
Do not modify hand tools.
Keep the manufacturer’s design intact.
Safeguard/secure all hand tools and store them away appropriately.
Tools left out are much more likely to get lost, stolen, or damaged.
Use tools how they are designed to be used.

DISCUSSION POINTS:

Are the hand tools you have on the work site safe to use?
Look at every hand tool in your work area today. Handover any tools to your site supervisor that are broken or required to be replaced.