HAND TOOLS

HAND TOOLS

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Hand tools, in this context, refer to those tools for which the hand provides the motive force, ie picks, shovels, axes, crowbars, wrenches, saws, chisels, hammers, screwdrivers, etc. These tools, by themselves, are incapable of causing accidents, although some poorly designed tools may be inherently dangerous, Therefore, accidents with them tend to arise from human failing; carelessness, lack of common sense, not knowing the correct tool for the job, ignorance of sensible safety precautions, or failure to maintain the tools in good working order, eg File Handles

HAZARDS

• Personal injury due to incorrect use of tool
• Poor condition of tools
• Sparking near flammable substances this can be avoided using tools made of non-ferrous metals

HEALTH AND SAFETY POINTS

• Use the right size spanner for the nut. Where adjustable spanners are used take extra care as these slip more easily
• Files must be fitted with handles to prevent hand injury
• Chisels and punches with mushroomed heads must be replaced or repaired by a competent person
• Keep hammer heads firmly wedged on their shafts
• Replace split or damaged wooden handles, do not wire or tape up
• Keep the edges of cutting tools sharp
• Do not use screwdrivers on work held in the hand
• Do not use a screwdriver as a chisel, the handle may fracture
• Keep tools on racks or in boxes when not in use
• Protect sharp edges of tools that are to be stored or carried. Retractable blades are recommended
• Scrap tools when they become worn or damaged beyond repair
• Always use the correct tool for the job. Do not improvise ie by using a tube to extend a spanner, as the extra leverage may open the jaws and allow it to slip

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QUSTIONS

• What would you do with a muchroomed headed punch to make it safe?
• What is the disadvantage of an adjustable spanner?
• Your hammer head has become loose, what should you do?

SAFETY REMINDER

Buying cheap tools is false economy, They do not last and may cause personal injury through shattering, chipping etc. Cheap blades soon loose their edge.