Tool safety

In honor of May’s designation as National Hand Tool Safety Month, the Hand Tools Institute offers you 30 safe hand tool practices. While most of these are common sense, check how many you abide by.

1) Use each tool only for the job in which it was designed.

2) Discard damaged or abused tools promptly.

3) Buy several versions or sizes of the same tool.

4) Inspect for distortion, cracks, chips, wear or mushrooming.

5) Keep all tools clean and in working order.

6) Be sure handles are fixed firmly to a tool’s working end.

7) Be sure tools and work mate properly to avoid slippage.

8) Handles are made for the tool; never use extensions.

9) Confine impact forces to striking and struck tools.

10) Hold work in a clamp or vise, not in your hand.

11) Start off slowly when engaging the tool and the work.

12) Shut current off before using a tool near electricity.

13) Make sure the handle sits securely in your hand.

14) Keep moving parts lightly lubed; avoid lube leakage.

15) Wear approved safety goggles when using hand tools.

16) Keep hands away from sharp edges.

17) Pull, don’t push, a wrench handle for more leverage.

18) Position your body securely while working with the tool.

19) Keep jaw teeth, cutters and blades sharp for better results.

20) Keep the tool’s moving parts properly cleaned and tightened.

21) Use steady pressure on jaws and cutters; don’t rock the tool.

22) Support long, overhanging work in a vise at the far end.

23) Use pads in the jaws to protect soft or crushable work.

24) Use a tool close to the vise or clamp.

25) Hold work in a clamp or vise with sufficient pressure.

26) Keep clamped assemblies away from vibration and bumping.

27) Discard a tool instead of repairing it by welding or brazing.

28) Keep tools from excessive heat.

29) For continuous work, use comfort grips or gloves.

This article appeared in the April/May 2005 issue of MRO Today magazine. Copyright 2005.

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