This week I would like to talk about basic hand tool safety, hand tool safety depends on the right tool for the job! Some people think that if you are at home working, you can get away with using tools improperly or substituting one tool for another. Our work makes rugged demands on our hand tools, so why cut corners at home. When you misuse a tool, or use the improper tool for the job, or use one in poor condition, it can result in an injury.

It is important that you choose the right tool for the job, at home and at work. Would you use a hammer to drive a screw? I would hope not! Or a Phillips screw driver to punch a hole? Not me. Why take a chance of injury? Get the right tool to do the job. Even if it takes a little more time to complete the job, you will not only prevent the possibility of injury, but you will also save your tool from damage. Once you use the improper tool for a job, and damage it, you never know what might happen. For instance, using a hammer that has a head on it that is loose or wiggles, you never know just when that head of the hammer might fly off, and hurt you or a co-worker – if the hammer is in question, replace it.

Here are just a few tips for using tools in a safer manner;

  • Always cut away from yourself, not towards yourself
  • Don’t use a chisel or screw driver as a pry bar
  • Don’t’ use a file without a handle
  • Use the full handle of a hammer, don’t choke up on it, you’ll lose control of it
  • Tools are not toys, if someone wants to borrow a tool, hand it to them, don’t throw it. It’s not a ball – it’s a tool!

Basic hand tool safety starts with you, just use some common sense, if you don’t know how to use a tool, or what tool to use, don’t be afraid to ask someone who does.

Len
Safety Director

Related posts:

  1. Preventing Back Injuries
  2. Hard Hats and Hard Hat Safety
  3. Safety Doesn’t End with the End of Your Work Day
  4. Common Sense Safety
  5. Preventing Electrical Shock on the Job

Tagged with: Electrical Job Safety • Safety At Work

Filed under: Electrical Job Safety

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