22 Mar Hand Tools

Hand Tools

Hand tools are essential on nearly every construction project, but because they are used so frequently, their hazards are sometimes overlooked. Using the wrong tool, using a damaged tool, or using a tool improperly can result in cuts, punctures, crushed fingers, eye injuries, and other serious injuries.

Before beginning work, inspect your tools, select the correct tool for the task, and make sure you know how to use it safely.

Pre-Work Inspection

Chisels

Before using a chisel:

• Inspect it for cracks, chips, or other damage.
• Make sure the cutting edge is sharp and properly maintained.
• Never use a chisel with a mushroomed, cracked, or deformed striking head.
• Remove damaged chisels from service until properly repaired or replaced.
• Use the correct type and size of chisel for the material being worked.

Files

Files should:

• Be equipped with a properly fitted handle when the tang could create an injury hazard.
• Have clean, serviceable teeth appropriate for the work.
• Be free of cracks or other damage.
• Never be used as a pry bar, punch, or other tool for which they were not designed.

Never use a file with an exposed tang where it could puncture your hand.

Hammers

Before using a hammer:

• Make sure the head is securely attached to the handle.
• Inspect handles for cracks, splits, looseness, or other damage.
• Keep handles clean and free of oil or grease.
• Inspect the striking face for cracks, chips, excessive wear, or deformation.
• Use the correct type and size of hammer for the task.

Never strike one hammer against another or use the side of a hammer unless it was specifically designed for that purpose.

Screwdrivers

Inspect screwdrivers for:

• Cracked, split, or damaged handles.
• Bent shafts.
• Worn, rounded, chipped, or damaged tips.
• Oil or grease that could cause the tool to slip.

Use the correct type and size of screwdriver for the fastener. Never use a screwdriver as a chisel, punch, pry bar, or wedge.

Hand Saws

Before using a hand saw:

• Inspect the blade for damage.
• Keep the blade properly sharpened and maintained.
• Make sure the handle is securely attached and free from cracks, splinters, or other defects.
• Select the correct saw for the material being cut.
• Secure the material before cutting when necessary.
• Keep your free hand and other body parts away from the cutting path.

General Hand Tool Safety Rules

Follow these basic practices:

• Always use the right tool for the job.
• Inspect tools before use and remove defective tools from service.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and properly maintained.
• Never modify or improvise a tool for a task it was not designed to perform.
• Keep handles and gripping surfaces clean and dry.
• Position your body so a slipping tool will move away from you, not toward you.
• Keep hands and fingers out of cutting and striking paths.
• Maintain stable footing and a controlled grip while using tools.
• Never throw tools to another employee; pass them safely, preferably handle first.
• Store tools properly when they are not in use.
• Never leave tools where they could create a trip or falling-object hazard.
• Use a tool belt, pouch, bucket, or hand line when transporting tools while climbing or working at heights.
• Do not carry sharp or pointed tools loose in your pockets.

Eye and Face Protection

Hammering, chiseling, cutting, and similar operations can produce flying chips and fragments.

Wear safety glasses with side protection whenever flying particles are a hazard. When the operation creates significant flying debris, a face shield may also be required.

A face shield should be worn in addition to appropriate safety glasses or goggles, not as a substitute for required impact eye protection.

Remember

Every hand tool is designed for a particular purpose. Use the correct tool, inspect it before use, keep it properly maintained, and never improvise when the proper tool is available.