10 Rules to Preserve Your 10 Fingers

10 Rules to Preserve Your 10 Fingers

1. Beware of pinch point. Train yourself to recognize pinch points and avoid placing your hands and fingers in such hazardous spots.
2. Expect the unexpected. When using wrenches, cheater bars, and other hand tools with which you expect resistance, anticipate tha tthe tool might slip or the object to which pressure is being applied may suddenly give way. Failure to anticipate such a move could result in painful and serious injuries to hands and fingers.
3. Inspect tools. Check to see if they are in good condition and safe to use. A wrench with worn or spread jaws, a mushroom-headed chisel, a worn screwdriver or a hanmmer with a cracked handle are examples of defective tools, which are frequently the cause of injuiries to hands and fingers.
4. Do not work on moving equipment unnecessarily. If the equipment can be stopped, do so. Working on moving equipment presents a real threat to hands and fingers.
5. Replace machine guards following repairs that require removal of guards. The presence of machine guards is an important factor in keeping hands and fingers out of dangerous areas.
6. Be mindful of equipment that starts automatically. Never work on such equipment without first de-energizing it and eliminating the possibility of automatic start-up. Upplug portable tools or fixed equipment before working on it.
7. Be mindful when closing doors and other hinged devices. Keep hands and fingers clear. It's a safe bet that each of us have caught a finger in a door at one time or another. Attention to hand placement can prevent this type of injury.
8. Avoid touching lines, equipment, or surfaces that may be hot. Every hot line or piece of equipment that is accessible and uncovered should be restricted, labeled, or otherwise isolated to minimize the possibility of inadvertent contact.
9. Use gloves to protect your hands during all work activities which involve handling of materials or tools. They are your last line of defense from edges, splinters, burns, chemical contacts, and a host of other injury sources.
10. Use a tool for the job instead of your hand. Whenever possible, a tool should be used to complete the task rather than your hand