Hand Tool Safety 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 can cause many types of injuries: 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. Repetitive motion injuries....

Screwdrivers Screwdrivers are one of the most commonly misused hand tools. While it is designed to tighten or loosen screws, you can also find it being used as a pry bar, punch or chisel. When that happens, the screwdriver can slip.  When it slips, it can cause an injury or ruins the tool. Guide for Discussion Proper Care The handle should be tight, smooth and not slippery. The shank should be true and straight. The bit should be flat, with the end at a right angle with the shank. Keep the bit square edged. When sharpening, be use not to remove the bit...

Hand Tools Without the use of hand tools, the completion of a construction project would be nearly impossible. Yet, as vital as they are, they are often the cause of serious accidents. All too frequently, hand tools are used improperly or when they are defective. Since we use hand tools continually, it is important they be used properly.  We are going to briefly cover proper use today. Guide for Discussion Pre-Work Inspection Chisels Be sure the heads are safe-ended or dressed. Be sure the cutting edges are sharp and square. Files The tangs should be protected with handles. The teeth should be sharp and clean. Hammers Be sure the...