Safe Use Of Manual Handling Tools And Equipment At Workplace

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Chapter : Tools Safety

Safe Use Of Manual Handling Tools And Equipment At Workplace 

Accidents arising out of manual handling tools can be attributed to any of the following reasons:

• 
  Using the wrong tools
• Using the tools which are in poor condition
• Using the tool in a wrong way or ignorance on part of user of particular tools
• Keeping tools in unsafe places

If the above four conditions are taken care of, we can eliminate all the hand tool accidents.

Using the wrong tools

The weight, size and type of tool should be selected to suit the job being carried out. Using pliers or wrenches as hammer, using screw drivers as chisels, using screw spanners in place of ring spanners, using pipe wrenches as spanners are a few examples of using wrong tools.

Using tools in poor condition

• Tools provided with wooden handle should always be used with the handles intact. 
• The handles should be tightened with wedges whenever necessary. 
• Split or broken handles should be replaced immediately. 
• Pipes or rods shall not be used as handles.
• Sharp tools improve accuracy and are safer than dull tools. 
• Accumulated dirt or grease should be wiped off immediately to avoid slippage. 
• Shovel and pick handles should be free from splinters, splints and cracks. 
• Insulated and non‐conducting tools should be tested frequently for their electrical resistance.
•  Mushroomed chisel is a serious source of hazard.

Using tools in wrong ways

• Wrench should always be placed on nuts with jaw opening facing the direction in which the wrench is to be rotated. 
• Wrench should not be pushed but be pulled.
• Chisels should be held with steady but relaxed grip. 
• Chisels being stuck by others should be held by tongs or other holding devices. 
• Always chip away from yourself and protect others by screening. 
• Use goggles while chipping. 
• While usings crewdriver, the object should not be held in hand or thigh.
• Blades of hack saw should always point forward and the entire length of the blade should be used in the forward cutting stroke. 
• The stroke should be steady and firm to avoid jumping of blade.

Keeping tools in work places

Hand tools should not be allowed to lie on workbenches, scaffoldings etc. where they can be tipped down. They should be stored properly after the work is over. 

• Sharp tools like screwdriver, etc. should not be kept in pockets. 
• Hand tools shall not be held in hand while climbing up or down through a ladder. 
• Tools should never be thrown up or down. 
• Tools should be cleaned properly after the work and before start of the work.

Various Tools Usage Instruction :- 

Jacks

• Select jacks heavy enough to raise and hold the load safely. 
• Jacks should rest on firm level foundation adequate to support the load. 
• Jacks of same capacity and type should be used while using the number of jacks. 
• Simultaneously be sure that the jack cannot tip and is in line with vertical movement of load.
•  Wooden block should be given over the jack also to avoid metal‐to‐metal contact. 
• Load must rest on firm packing before releasing the jack or before allowing persons to work below the raised load.
• Inspect frequently and use only the proper grade and clean oil. 
• It is advisable to shore up any load that must remain in a raised position for any length of time.

Portable electric tools

• Maintenance of electric tools should be systematic
• Safety guards provided in the tools should not be tampered.
• The operator should wear gloves, safety shoes, goggles etc. wherever necessary.
• Only experienced and authorized personnel should be permitted to operate power tools.
• For all electric power tools, a running earth must be maintained and the supply cable should be handled carefully.
• Electric supply should be disconnected before attempting any repair or servicing.
• Even a change of wheel in the grinding machine requires the supply to be disconnected.

Drilling machine

• A prick punch or pilot hole should be provided to guide the drill bit.
• Suitable drill bit should be selected for the material being drilled.
• If bit is long enough to pass through the object, care should be taken to avoid
• damage or injury on the far side.
• If the object is small, it should be secured to prevent spinning.
• Care should be taken to prevent sleeves and other clothing from being wound around the grill

Portable grinder

• Hood guard provided in the machine should be maintained in place always
• Wheels of proper rpm rating should be used. 
• Date of expiry of wheels should always be checked before mounting. 
• If in doubt, a tap test may be conducted to check the minor cracks and the machine be allowed to run under no load in a safe place for some time.
• The grinding wheel shall be stored and handled properly. It shall never be allowed to be dropped and stored in damp place.
• Mounting blotter should be used when provided on the machine. The spindle nut should not be over tightened.
• Only experienced and skilled grinders shall be engaged.
• The grinding machine shall not be allowed to be kept on the ground when the wheel is in rotating condition.
• The face shield, safety goggles and hand gloves should be used.

Bench grinder

• It should be provided with a proper earthing.
• Eye shield and hood guard should be provided and maintained.
• Wheels of proper rpm should be used and they should be carefully inspected to check for cracks. 
• The object should not be forced on the grinding wheel.
• Tools rest should be in place adjusted to a maximum gap of 3 mm from the wheel.

Pneumatic tools

• Air hoses of pneumatic tools should be protected against whipping. They should also be protected against damage by vehicles.
• The air lines should be de‐Pressurized before opening any joint.
• Compressed air should not be directed against self or others. It should not be used for removing dirt from the clothes etc.
• Air hoses taken overhead or vertically should be sufficiently supported.