Proprietary and Confidential

HAND TOOL SAFETY

Safety Leadership Training Series

"Our loss control service is advisory only. We assume no responsibility for management or control of customer safety activities nor for implementation of recommended corrective measures. This presentation is based on information supplied by the customer and/or observations of conditions and practices at the time of the consultation.  We have not tried to

identify all hazards. We do not warrant that requirements of any federal, state, or local law, regulation or ordinance have or have not been met. ”

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Do’s

• Actively participate by contributing– Ask questions

– Share experiences

– Request explanations

• Be supportive of your co-workers

• Apply what you learn to your job

• Pass on the information

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Session Objectives

• Discuss importance of hand tool safety

• Review hand tool hazards and controls

• Identify unsafe tool conditions and mismatches

• Discuss developing a hand tool program

• Discuss current hand tool mismatches

• Develop a plan of action

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Hand Tool Hazards

• Slipping and striking against

• Carrying tool boxes

• Shoveling heavy materials

• Struck by

• Cuts

• Falling tools

• Struck-by-flying objects

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General Controls

• Training

• Inspection

• Enforcement

• PPE (gloves, etc.)

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Basic Safety Rules

• Keep tools in good condition

• Use the right tool

• Use the right tool in the right way

• Use proper protective equipment

• Store tools in a safe place

• Never depend on an insulated tool as protection from electricity

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Unsafe Hand Tools

• Do not issue or permit use of unsafe hand tools

• Do not use wrenches sprung to the point of slippage

• Heads on struck tools shall be maintained free of mushroomed heads

• Wooden handles– Free of splinters or cracks

– Kept tight in tool

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Electric Tools

• Double insulated or grounded

• Hoisting or lowering tool by cord not permitted

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Pneumatic Tools

• Require pin, wire or whip check bull connections

• Safety clips or retainers on impact tools – Prevent attachments from being expelled

• Nailers & similar equipment operating at more than 100 psi must have a muzzle safety device

• Follow manufacture’s safe operating pressure

• Do not use hoses for hoisting or lowering tools

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Cleaning with Compressed Air

• Do not use for cleaning purposes unless less than 30 psi and only with:– Effective chip guarding

– PPE

• Does not apply to:– Concrete form cleaning

– Mill scale cleaning

– Similar cleaning purposes

• Hoses >1/2 inch in diameter– Safety device required at supply or branch line to reduce

pressure in case of hose failure

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Powder-Actuated Tools

• Employee trained in operating procedures

• Tool not loaded until just prior to the intended firing time

• Do not leave loaded tools unattended

• Use appropriate PPE

• Meet other applicable requirements– ANSI A10.3-1970 Safety Requirements for Explosive-

Actuated Fastening Tools

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Powder-Actuated Tools

• Do not use in explosive or flammable atmospheres

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for:– Daily testing of safety devices

– Misfire

– Prohibited material to fire into

– Correct shield or guard

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Tool Containers

• Small vs. moderate tool boxes

• Tool cabinets vs. tool chests

• Tool belts

• Tool holders

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Tool Maintenance and Repair

• Tool quality

• What to look for

• Redressing and sharpening tools

• Handles

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Repetitive Motion Hazards

• Repetitive motion injury risk factors:

• Frequency

• High force

• Awkward postures

• Sharp surfaces

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Symptoms of Repetitive Motion Injuries

• Tingling

• Swelling in the joints

• Decreased ability to move

• Decreased grip strength

• Continual muscle fatigue

• Sore muscles

• Numbness

• Change in skin color of your hands / fingertips

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Hand Tool Selection

• Choosing the right tool to avoid awkward postures

• Choosing the right tool to reduce high forces

• Ensuring tools are sharp to reduce high forces

• Comfortable handles

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Different Types of Tools

• Wrenching & torquing

• Shovels

• Struck and striking tools

• Screwdrivers

• Pliers

• Knives

• Scissors & Snips

• Other cutting tools

• Material handling tools

• Vises

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Prioritize Hazards

• Slipping wrenches:– Muscle strains

– Struck by/against accidents

• Back strains while shoveling

• Eye injuries from flying objects caused by striking tools

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Develop a Hand Tool Safety Program

• Training

• Inspection - checklists

• Enforcement

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Identify mismatches

• List all mismatches

• Rank each in order of priority– Likelihood of injury

– Potential severity

• Determine a plan of action– Periodic reviews

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Session Summary

• Importance of hand tool safety

• Identify unsafe tool conditions and mismatches

• Develop a hand tool program for your facility

• List current hand tool mismatches

• Develop a plan of action needed