How To Use Hand Tools Safely

Executive Summary about : Hand Tool by John Myre

Hand Tool

First Steps To A Quality Job

• Buy the best tool you can afford. Buy several versions or sizes of the same tool to assure you have the right tool for the right job.
• Use a hand tool for the job it was manufactured to perform.
• Inspect tools for cracks, chips, mushrooming, and wear. Discard damaged tools promptly.
• Be sure handles are fixed firmly into a tool’s working end.
• Organize the tools in a toolbox.
• Position your body securely while working with the tool. Wear eye protection.
• Concentrate! Striking And Struck Tools
• Wear safety goggles any time you’re using one of these tools.
• A hammer head should be at least 3/8″ larger in diameter than the striking surface of a chisel, punch, wedge or other struck tools.
• Strike a hammer with the face parallel to the surface being struck. * Use the right hammer for the job.
• Never use a striking tool with a loose or damaged handle.
• Sharpen struck tools before use. Screwdrivers
• The blade tip should fit a slotted screw, without hanging over.
• Do not strike a screwdriver handle with a hammer.
• Never use the handle as a striking tool.
• Screws are designed to be driven with the proper type of screwdriver. If you fail to take the time to match the screw with the screwdriver, the tool’s blade can slip out of the screw’s slot, resulting in an injury.
• Use insulated screwdrivers when working around electricity, but also turn off the power.
• Replace wrenches when the teeth become marred or worn.
• Do not substitute pliers for work a wrench should do.
• Never hammer with a wrench.
• Never put your face or head level with a wrench handle.
• Never use a handle extender while turning a wrench. Homemade handle extenders can slip off and break.
• Limit your use of adjustable wrenches.
• Read and thoroughly understand the instruction manual.

Hand Tool Safety Protects Artists from Injury

Executive Summary about : Hand Tool byAnn Knapp

A fundamental aspect of many art businesses and institutions is the hand tool. While indispensable to the artist, hand tools are also involved in many injuries to artists. According to Accident Facts, hand tools are involved in 6 percent of all compensated work injuries. Average hand tool injury costs can run approximately $1250 - this is only counting the direct costs and not the indirect injury costs such as lost production.

Hand tool injuries can most often be traced to the improper use or maintenance of the hand tool. Ways to avoid non-powered hand tool injuries include:

Ensure you have the correct size tool.
1. Individuals using tools should be trained in basic safety and proper use of the tool.
2. Artists must keep their tools in good condition. Broken or worn tools should be repaired or discarded. 8.

Store tools in a safe place. Many accidents have been caused by tools falling from overhead, sharp tools carried in pockets, or tools left in toolboxes with the cutting edges exposed. 10. Keep tool cutting edges sharp so the tool will move smoothly without binding or skipping. Dull tools can be more hazardous than sharp tools.

Consider ergonomically designed tools to fit the tool to the worker - especially those tools used frequently and repetitively during the day.
The work of many artists, such as potters, glassblowers weavers, involves repetitive motion. Repetitive motion disorders can be disabling if not treated early.

To prevent these injuries, select appropriate tools and lay work out in more neutral positions while performing tasks.