Hand Tool Hazards
Sometimes, big hazards come in small packages. While hammers and saws may not be the largest pieces of equipment used in the workplace, improper use of these and other hand tools is a common cause of ...
December 1, 2007 | By MRO Magazine
Sometimes, big hazards come in small packages. While hammers and saws may not be the largest pieces of equipment used in the workplace, improper use of these and other hand tools is a common cause of injury. Below are a few tips that will make the task easier and keep you safe.
Tool maintenance is important. Keep tools in good condition. Inspect them for defects before use, and replace or repair any defective tools or parts, such as worn jaws on wrenches, pipe tools and pliers. Make sure that the handles on axes, hammers or other tools fit tightly. Keep cutting tools sharp. Keep all tools clean and dry, and store them properly after each use.
Know when to discard a tool. For example, a hammer with a mushroomed or chipped face, or with cracks in the claw or eye sections, is a hazard that should be thrown out.
Choose the right tool. It’s always important to select the right tool for the job, according to manufacturers’ directions. Substitutes increase the chance of having an accident. It would be unsafe and ineffective, for example, to use a slot screwdriver as a chisel, or to use a wrench as a hammer.
Ergonomically, a good general rule is to use tools designed to allow the wrist to stay straight. Avoid using hand tools with your wrist bent. A saw handle, for example, should keep the wrist in a natural position in the horizontal plane.
Wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Wear safety glasses, goggles or a face shield and well-fitting gloves appropriate for the hazards to which you may be exposed on the job.
Practice good housekeeping. Clutter causes accidents. Keep the work environment clean and tidy.
Know the safe way to handle tools. Anyone who uses hand tools should be properly trained in which tools to use for which application, and how to use tools safely.
Tool Techniques
Here are some safe work practices to apply when using tools.
Do not carry tools in a way that interferes with using both hands on a ladder, while climbing on a structure, or when doing any hazardous work. If working on a ladder or scaffold, tools should be raised and lowered using a bucket and hand line.
Pull on a wrench or pliers. Never push unless you hold the tool with your palm open.
Point sharp tools (e.g., saws, chisels or knives) laying on benches away from aisles and remember that tool handles should not extend over the edge of the bench top.
When using a saw, make sure the teeth and blades are properly set. Apply pressure on the downstroke only. Hold the stock being cut firmly in place. Use a helper, a supporting bench or a vise to support long stock if required.
When using a hammer, look behind and above you before swinging. Watch the object you are hitting, and strike the blow squarely with the striking face parallel to the surface being struck. Always avoid glancing blows and over- and under-strikes. Hammers with bevelled faces are less likely to chip or spall.
Use a heavy belt or apron and hang tools at your sides, not behind your back.
Do not cut towards yourself when using cutting tools.
Do not hold the stock in the palm of your hand when using a cutting tool or a screwdriver.
Do not wear bulky gloves to operate hand tools.
Do not throw tools. Hand them, handle first, directly to other workers.
Do not carry a sharp tool in your pocket.
This article is adapted from material provided by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety. For more information, visit www.ccohs.ca.
Reducing ergonomic hazards
Frequently-used tools that weigh more than 0.5 kg (1 lb) should be counter-balanced.
Hold the tool close to the body. Do not overreach.
Keep good balance and proper footing at all times. This will help operators to control the tool better, especially in response to unexpected situations.
Rest your hands by putting the tool down when you are not using it.
Reduce power to the lowest setting that can complete the job safely. This action reduces tool vibration at the source.
Consider wearing anti-vibration gloves. However, you should not wear thick or heavy gloves if operating the tool requires precise movements.
Ergonomic concerns for selecting powered hand tools
Select tools that can be used without bending the wrist. Hand tools should allow the operator to grasp, hold, and use the tool with the wrist held straight.
Select the tool with the workplace layout and job design in mind. Sometimes a tool is correct for one operation and incorrect for another.
Use the right tool for the job. Ensure it is the right size and has sufficient power to do the job safely. When there is a choice, select a tool of a low weight.
Select low-vibrating tools.
Choose tools with vibration-absorbing handles, like those covered with cork, rubber, plastic or plastic bonded to steel, to reduce hand-arm vibration.
Choose hand tools that have the centre of gravity within or close to the handle.
Select tools with rounded and smooth handles that you can grip easily.
If they are available, choose hand tools with double handles to permit easier holding and better manipulation of the tool.
Select tools with a trigger strip, rather than a trigger button. This strip will allow you to exert more force over a greater area of the hand and that, in turn, will reduce muscle fatigue.
Ensure that the trigger works easily to reduce the effort needed to operate it.