28 Jul Hand Tool Safety

Hand Tool Safety

Hammers, wrenches, chisels, pliers, screwdrivers, knives, and other hand tools are used so routinely that their hazards can easily be overlooked. A damaged tool, the wrong tool, or a moment of inattention can result in cuts, punctures, crushed fingers, eye injuries, strains, or other serious injuries.

Most hand-tool injuries can be prevented by selecting the correct tool, inspecting it before use, using it as designed, and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.

Common Hand Tool Hazards

Hand tools can cause several types of injuries:

• Cuts and punctures: Knives, chisels, screwdrivers, saws, and other sharp or pointed tools can cause severe cuts or puncture wounds.
• Eye and face injuries: Chipping, striking, cutting, and similar operations can produce flying fragments of metal, wood, concrete, or other materials.
• Crushing and impact injuries: Hammers, wrenches, and other tools can slip or strike hands and fingers.
• Falling-object injuries: Tools dropped from ladders, scaffolds, platforms, or other elevated locations can seriously injure workers below.
• Musculoskeletal injuries: Repetitive movements, awkward wrist positions, excessive gripping force, and prolonged tool use can contribute to strains and other musculoskeletal disorders.
• Vibration exposure: Extended use of vibrating tools may contribute to numbness, tingling, discomfort, or circulation problems in the hands and arms.

Use the Right Tool

Always select a tool designed for the task.

• Never use a wrench as a hammer.
• Never use a screwdriver as a chisel or pry bar.
• Do not use pliers when the proper wrench is required.
• Use the correct size and type of tool for the fastener or material.
• Never modify a tool or use makeshift extensions or attachments unless specifically designed and approved for that purpose.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and established safe work practices.

Using the wrong tool can damage the tool, cause it to slip or break, and expose you or nearby workers to injury.

Inspect Tools Before Use

Inspect hand tools before each use. Look for:

• Cracked, split, loose, or damaged handles.
• Mushroomed or damaged striking surfaces.
• Dull, chipped, or damaged cutting edges.
• Bent or cracked tool bodies.
• Worn screwdriver tips.
• Sprung or damaged wrench jaws.
• Loose components.
• Oil, grease, or other substances that could interfere with your grip.

Do not use defective tools. Remove damaged tools from service and have them repaired or replaced.

Safe Work Practices

Follow these basic rules whenever using hand tools:

• Keep cutting tools sharp and in good condition. A dull tool may require excessive force and increase the chance of slipping.
• Cut away from your body and keep your free hand out of the cutting path.
• Maintain secure footing and a firm, controlled grip.
• Keep hands and fingers away from striking and cutting areas.
• Never throw tools to another employee. Pass tools handle first when practical.
• Never carry sharp or pointed tools loose in your pockets.
• Do not leave tools where they can create trip hazards or fall onto workers below.
• Keep tools clean, dry, and properly maintained.
• Store tools properly when work is complete.

Working at Heights

A dropped hand tool can become a serious falling-object hazard.

When working from ladders, scaffolds, aerial lifts, platforms, or other elevated locations:

• Secure tools when required by the work conditions or site procedures.
• Use tool belts, pouches, buckets, or other suitable means to carry tools.
• Maintain required points of contact when climbing ladders. Do not climb while carrying tools in your hands.
• Raise and lower tools using an appropriate hand line or other method when necessary.
• Never leave tools unsecured near an unprotected edge.
• Keep employees out of areas where falling tools or materials could strike them.

Personal Protective Equipment

Wear PPE appropriate for the task and identified hazards. Depending on the work, this may include:

• Safety glasses with side protection.
• Goggles or a face shield for operations producing significant flying particles.
• Appropriate work gloves.
• Safety footwear.
• Hard hats where falling-object hazards exist.
• Hearing protection when required.

Remember that PPE does not replace proper tool selection and safe work practices. Also, gloves should not be worn where they could create an entanglement hazard with rotating equipment.

Ergonomic Considerations

When hand tools are used frequently or repetitively:

• Select tools that fit your hand and the task.
• Maintain a neutral wrist position whenever practical.
• Avoid excessive gripping force.
• Use ergonomically designed tools when available.
• Change tasks or work positions periodically when practical.
• Report persistent pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or other symptoms before they become more serious.

Remember

Hand tools may be simple, but they can cause serious injuries when improperly selected, maintained, or used. Use the right tool for the job, inspect it before use, protect yourself from flying and falling objects, and never take shortcuts with damaged or makeshift tools.