Guidelines for the Safe Handling of Hand Tools
1. Hand tools are devices that are powered manually. These include:
- Hammers
- Axes
- Chisels
- Wrenches
- Screwdrivers
- Knives
- Saws
2. Since hand tools can be found in just about any workplace and home, it’s easy to forget that they still pose a threat to your safety and require safe handling.
3. Some of the dangers associated with hand tools include being struck by the tools themselves or by flying fragments of other objects and suffering lacerations, fractures, and even amputations. Sparks produced by hand tools have resulted in fires. And wrong use of hand tools or over-exertion often causes ergonomic issues.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Injury
1. Here are some of the best ways you can minimize your risk of injury when using hand tools.
2. Select the right tool for the job. Such as, never use a chisel instead of a screwdriver. The chisel might not properly fit the groove and slip out, which may cause you or a nearby person
3. Select a tool that is properly designed for you and the job. Poorly designed tools can lead to injuries to the hand, wrist, forearm, shoulder, and neck. Select a tool/equipment with a steady, Non-Conductive (NC), and slightly compressible grip. Check that the handle size fits you and that the tool’s weight is appropriate for the task
4. If you are working in an area where there are flammable gases, highly volatile liquids, or near other explosive substances, ensure that you are using spark-resistant tools made of non-ferrous materials.
5. Inspect each tool for damage before using it. An un-sharp or dull saw is even more dangerous as compared to a sharp one.
6. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, work gloves, and steel-toed boots.
7. To protect others, use your tools so that they are directed away from aisle areas and away from co-workers.
8. Avoid awkward and repetitive motions. Adopt variations while working and take proper rest breaks to minimize your risk of ergonomic physical injury.
9. Where appropriate, ensure that the materials you are working on are secured with a vice.
10. Check your working conditions. Ensure that the floor is clean and dry to reduce the risk of an accidental slip.
11. Injuries sometimes occur when a tool slips from a worker’s hand or falls from a height. You can reduce the likelihood of these incidents by ensuring that your grip and footing are secure when using hand tools.
12. Carry your tools securely in a tool belt or a toolbox.
13. When moving to an elevated work surface, transport your tools via a hoist or rope.
14. Do not create a tripping hazard with your tools. Always store and keep your tools off the floor and particularly away from walking areas and passageways.
15. Maintain your tools. Clean, lubricate, and/or sharpen them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
16. If a tool is damaged, clearly label it as damaged and remove it from service.
Conclusion
It takes just a few minutes to accurately and properly select, use, and maintain hand tools. And those few minutes might prevent an injury that could last you a lifetime.
The information presented herein by QHSE Documents has been compiled from various sources believed to be reliable; however, it cannot be assumed that all acceptable health, safety, and environmental measures are contained in this article or that other additional measures may not be required under specific or remarkable circumstances. While every effort is made to make sure that HSE information, data, or other recommendations contained within this article are the best current opinions on the subject, no guarantee or warranty is made by Health Safety and You as to the absolute correctness or sufficiency of any representation having in this post or article herewith.
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