Hand Tools

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SAFETY TALK

HAND TOOLS 

Hammers, wrenches, chisels, pliers, screwdrivers, and other hand tools are often underrated as sources of potential danger. Hand tools may look harmless, but they are the cause of many injuries. In fact, an estimated 8 percent of all workplace compensable injuries are caused by incidents associated with hand tools. These injuries can be serious, including loss of fingers or eyesight. 

Hand tools are tools that are powered manually. Hand tools include anything from axes to wrenches. The greatest hazards posed by hand tools result from misuse and improper maintenance

Hand tools can cause many types of injuries: 

1. Cuts, abrasions, amputations, and punctures. If hand tools are designed to cut or move metal and wood, remember what a single slip can do to fragile human flesh. 
2. Repetitive motion injuries. Using the same tool in the same way all day long, day after day, can stress human muscles and ligaments. Carpal tunnel syndrome (inflammation of the nerve sheath in the wrist) and injuries to muscles, joints and ligaments are increasingly common if the wrong tool is used, or the right tool is used improperly. Injury from continuous vibration can also cause numbness or poor circulation in hands and arms. 
3. Eye injuries. Flying chips of wood or metal are a common hazard, often causing needless and permanent blindness. 
4. Broken bones and bruises. Tools can slip, fall from heights, or even be thrown by careless employees, causing severe injuries. A hammer that falls from a ladder is a lethal weapon. 

To avoid such injuries, remember the following safety procedures: 

1. Use the right tool for the job. Don't use your wrench as a hammer. Don't use a screwdriver as a chisel, etc. Go back to the tool house and get the right tool in the right size for the job. 
2. Don't use broken or damaged tools, dull cutting tools, or screwdrivers with worn tips. 
3. Cut in a direction away from your body. 
4. Make sure your grip and footing are secure when using large tools. 
5. Carry tools securely in a tool belt or box. Don't carry tools up ladders. Use a hoist or rope. 
6. Keep close track of tools when working at heights. A falling tool can kill a co-worker. 
7. Pass a tool to another person by the handle; never toss it to them. 
8. Use the right personal protective equipment (PPE) for the job. Follow company instructions for selecting and using safety eyewear, steel toed shoes, gloves, hard hats, etc. 
9. Never carry sharp or pointed tools such as a screwdriver in your pocket. 
10. Select ergonomic tools for your work task when movements are repetitive and forceful. 
11. Be on the lookout for signs of repetitive stress. Early detection might prevent a serious injury. 
12. Always keep your tools in top condition. A dull blade or blunt point can lead to injury. 
13. Store tools properly when you stop work. By following these precautions, you can help prevent injuries and provide a better workplace for everyone. 

Some examples include the following :-

• Use the correct tool for the job. Never use a spanner as a hammer.
• If a screwdriver is used as a chisel, the tip of the screwdriver may break and fly off, hitting the user or other people.
• If a wooden handle on a tool ,such as a hammer or an axe, is loose , splintered, or cracked, the head of the tool may fly off and strike the user or others.
• If the jaws of a wrench are sprung, the wrench might slip.
• If impact tools such as chisels, wedges or drift pins have mushroomed heads, the head might shatter on impact, sending sharp fragments flying towards user or others.
• Iron or Steel hand tools may produce sparks that can be an ignition source.
• Blunt edged tools cause more injuries than sharp tools.
• Always keep unsheathed knives, and other sharp tools in a safe place, not in your pocket.
• Never use a file without a handle. File shanks are dangerous.

SAFE USAGE OF HAND TOOLS

1. Always use the correct tool for the job.
2. See that every file has a handle.
3. Chisels and punches with mushroomed heads should not be in use.
4. Keep hammer heads tightly wedged on their shafts.
5. Renew wooden handles that are split..
6. Keep the edges of cutting tools sharp.
7. Keep Hands behind the cutting edges when working.
8. Don’t use screwdrivers on work held in the hand.
9. Keep tools in boxes or racks when not in use.
10. Protect sharp edges of tools that are to be stored or carried.
11. Scrap tools that are worn or damaged beyond repair.
12. Use the right size spanner to fit the nut.

 

GOOD TOOLS MEAN FASTER AND SAFER WORKING