Hand Tool and Power Tool Safety Tips
There a plethora of tools, from power tools to hand tools, and every tool requires safety. Improper usage of any given tool can lead to injury and the potential to lose a finger, eye or another body part in severe circumstances.
Tens of thousands of emergency room visits occur every year because of accidents involving hand and power tools.
Don’t become another statistic. Proper safety measures reduce the risk of injury and help jobs get done faster.
The first step in the equation is safety gear. Here we Fluke Bangladesh Safety expert engineers present the
1. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
PPE is a must, and while a person may not need equipment when using a manual wrench, there are equipment items recommended when using a drill, saw, hammer or a variety of other tools – powered and non-powered.
The PFE most recommended includes:
§ Thick industrial gloves designed to protect the hands.
§ Safety glasses designed to protect the eyes from projectiles.
§ Hard hats used to protect the wearer from the potential falling material.
§ Boots designed to protect the feet from injury.
Proper PPE can go a long way in ensuring the safety of the user. If safety gear is neglected, the risks of injury are exponentially higher.
2. READ THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Power tools come with an instruction manual because they can be very dangerous at times. Improper operation, even for a split second, can cause serious injury. Every manufacturer will provide an instruction manual on how to use the desired power tool.
Failure to read this manual is the user’s fault.
The manual will provide invaluable information designed to:
§ Demonstrate how to use the tool.
The manual may also provide in-depth instructions on what PPE is recommended when using a tool.
3. MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF THE TOOL
Quality tools need to be maintained and inspected, too. Always inspect the tool prior to usage to look for any:
§ Cracks.
Power tools that go on the fritz need to be properly maintained before usage. Routine maintenance and inspection can help prevent a silly injury from occurring,
4. REMAIN CAUTIOUS OF THE ENVIRONMENT
The work environment itself can be a major safety hazard. Whether using a skill saw, electric drill or a manual hammer, it’s vital to make the environment safe. The environment can include:
§ Workspace.
A common hazard is the use of power tools requiring an air compressor. The hose can pose a risk of tripping and fall for both the user and anyone else in the space. Keep the compressor hose clearly in view and warn others of the hose to reduce risks.
5. KNOW POWER TOOLS SAFETY 101
Using power tools comes with a lot of responsibility, and this means that the user must be cautious of every move he or she makes. The tips that are recommended for proper power tool usage are many, but the most important are:
§ Use the right tool for the job. The wrong tool presents a risk of injury or extending the length of the project.
§ Always point the tool away from the body and face when in use.
§ Never climb a ladder with the tool’s power attached.
§ Properly maintain the tool and follow appropriate procedures if the tool jams.
§ Wear the proper safety gear as advised in the instruction manual.
§ Seek training to use the tool properly, whether in the instruction manual or on YouTube.
§ Keep electrical tools away from combustible materials.
§ Use only attachments that are recommended for a tool and specifically fitted for the tool.
§ Use the tool with the dominant hand and never attempt operation with the weaker hand.
§ Maintain a tight grip on the tool to avoid potential dropping and injuries,
§ Use a manual tool if the area is out of reach or struggling to reach the area.
§ Remove all power sources when refilling or maintaining the tool.
§ Keep power tools in a safe location out of reach of kids and inexperienced users.
§ Never walk with the finger on the tool’s trigger.
§ Inspect the power cord for any potential breaks or damage prior to usage.
§ Only operate the tool on material that is secure and acceptable. These means do not use a skill saw to try cutting through a material that the blade isn’t rated to work on, such as diamond.
§ Never remove safety measures put in place by the manufacturer.
Common sense needs to be used when operating all types of power tools, too. This means keeping fingers and limbs out of the danger area. If another person is in the same area, they need to be made aware of the tool’s usage and also wear protective gear.
A sudden lapse in judgment can cause a serious injury to occur.
6. SCREWDRIVER SAFETY 101
Hand tools, such as a screwdriver need the proper operation to be safe, too. This means:
§ Avoid using a screwdriver as a prying device.
These basic tips allow a screwdriver to be used properly while minimizing the risk of injury.
7. HAMMER SAFETY 101
Striking tools, such as a hammer, can pose a serious risk of injury, too. These manual or powered tools need to be used properly to avoid risky injuries, especially to the fingers and hands.
The safety tips most recommended are:
§ Never strike a surface at an angle.
Always work to keep hands away from the striking zone of the hammer. Always make the first strike, when the nail is being held in place, with just enough force to drill the nail into the wood slightly.
8. PLIER SAFETY 101
Pliers may seem like an innocent tool, but they can also cause injury when in the wrong hands. Properly using pliers requires:
§ Choosing the appropriate size plier for the job.
Small-tipped pliers need to be used with proper eye safety gear in an effort to reduce the risk eye damage if the tip breaks.
9. WRENCH SAFETY 101
Wrenches come in a lot of varieties, from adjustable to socket wrenches. It’s vital to follow these tips to gain the most leverage when using a wrench while also remaining safe. Tips that can help include:
§ Choose the right wrench for the job.
FOLLOW THE SAFETY MEASURES
If the safety measures above are followed, a user will reduce their risk of injury when using hand or power tools.
Sources: https://www.toolsturf.com/
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