Hand Tool Safety

Hand tools are hand operated implements, which call for a certain degree of safety, while using them. Given hereunder is a list of Do's and Don'ts, courtesy the Hand Tools Institute (USA), that one must consider while working with hand tools.

Do's :

	Always wear safety goggles when using hand tools.
	Always wear appropriate clothing when working with hand tools.
	Treat/handle all hand tool instruments with care.
	Be knowledgeable as to the proper hand tools to use for various jobs.

Don'ts :

	Don't use torque wrenches to pry apart components.
	Don't use leverage extension on a wrench handle.
	Never pull on a loosely adjusted wrench.
	Be certain wrench fits nut tightly.
	Don't hammer on a wrench.
	Wrenches are to be used with muscle power only.
	Pipe wrenches are for turning and holding.
	Don't use them for lifting or bending. Never expose pliers to excessive heat.
	Don't hammer with pliers.
	Never cock or tilt an open-end wrench.
	Don't bend stiff wire with pliers tip.
	Don't bend heavy bars on light duty vises.
	Don't use pliers on round shank or handle of screwdrivers for aged turning power.
	Don't use sheet metal cutting snips to cut heavy wire.
	There are tools for this purpose.
	Don't use screwdrivers to pry anything apart.
	Don't use a tool box, chest or cabinet as an anvil or for a similar purpose.
	Don't use a screwdriver as a punch or chisel.
	Don't use a screwdriver to test for current.
	Never use a striking or struck tool with a loose or damaged handle.
	Replace or secure properly.
	Never use any struck tool with a mushroomed, chipped or damaged head.
	Never strike chisels or other hard objects with a nail hammer, as the hammer may chip and cause eye or other bodily injury.
	Never strike one hammer with another or with a hatchet.
	Never use a hot chisel for cutting stone, concrete or cold metal.
	Never strike a metal object with the striking face of an axe.
	The axe striking face should only be used to drive soft objects such as wood or plastic stakes.
	Never use a bricklayer's hammer to strike metal or other tools.
	Don't use brick chisels on metal.
	They are strictly for masonry.
	Never drive one maul by striking with another maul, sledge or other striking tool.
	Never use a drift pin as a punch.

Hand Tool Safety

Hand tools are used by every shop in Facilities Management. The misuse of hand tools in industry is the cause of about seven to eight percent of all compensable injuries each year. These injuries often involve severe disabilities. The following are examples of hand tool injury and some probable causes:

Loss of eye/vision - using striking tools without eye protection.
Puncture wounds - using a screwdriver with a loose handle which causes the hand to slip.
Severed fingers, tendons and arteries - using a dull knife requires so much force that your hand may slip down the blade.
Broken bones - using the wrong hammer for the job and smashing a finger.
Contusions - using a small wrench for a big job and bruising a knuckle.

Basic Rules for Hand tool Safety

Safety is a state of mind. Always think when using a tool:
1. Is it in good condition?
2. Is it sized right for the job?
3. Is it in the proper working condition?
Every tool was designed to do a certain job. Use it for its intended purpose.
Keep your tools in good condition: sharp, clean, oiled, dressed and not abused.
Worn tools are dangerous. For example the teeth in a pipe wrench can slip if worn smooth, an adjustable wrench will slip if its jaws are sprung and hammer heads can fly off loose handles.
Tools subject to impact (chisels, star drill, punches, etc.) tend to "mushroom". Keep them dressed (sharpened) to avoid flying spalls. Use tool holders.
Do not force tools beyond their capacity or use "cheaters" to increase their capacity.
Secure your work in a vise whenever possible. Never hold small work in your hand when using a screwdriver.
Chisels, screwdrivers or other pointed tools should never be carried in clothing pockets. Use tool belts designed for carrying tools.
Hammers should have heads ground properly. Should not have broken claws or handles. Check for loose handles. Always use proper size and weight for the job.
Cutting tools should be kept sharp to ensure good smooth cutting. Always use proper handles.
Drill Bits should be kept sharp, not dull, chipped, rounded, or tapered.
Screwdriver points should not be badly worn and handles should be in good condition. Use the proper size and type of screwdriver for the job.
Wrenches, if adjustable, must work freely and adjust properly. Gripping teeth or smooth jaws should not be worn. Always use the proper size for the job.
Always wear the PPE required for the job. Protect your eyes, hands, ears and other body parts. Keep clothing out of your work.

Send mail to with questions or comments about this web site. Copyright © 2007 Yew Aik Hung (Pte) Ltd for Elora Hand Tools Last modified: 10/15/08

Send mail to with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2007 Yew Aik Hung (Pte) Ltd for Elora Hand Tools
Last modified: 10/15/08