1. Hand Tools Safety Training
Welcome to the Hand Tool safety training program. This presentation emphasizes hazard identification, avoidance, and control – not regulatory standards. No attempt has been made to treat the topic exhaustively. Companies using this training program should augment the information based on their specific organizational needs and circumstance. This training presentation is not a substitute for any of the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 or for any standards issued by the U.S. Department of Labor.
RiskAnalytics, LLC, the developers of this training program, has not made and does not make any warranty of any kind, express or implied, with respect to this training program; and all implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are hereby disclaimed by RiskAnalytics, LLC. RiskAnalytics, LLC will not be liable to anyone with regard to any damages, loss or claim whatsoever, no matter how occasioned, in connection with the preparation of, access to, or use of this training program.
Hand Tools
Safety Training
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 2006 RiskAnalytics, LLC

2. Learning Objectives
At the end of this session the participant should be able to:
Identify the hazards associated with various types of hand tools
Understand the safety best practices that can prevent accidents and injuries when using hand tools
Know the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) that can protect workers against injuries
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3. Introduction Hand tools are used by virtually everyone
Hand tools include anything from axes to wrenches
Misuse accounts for the majority of accidents and injuries involving hand tools
7 - 8 percent of all compensable injuries each year in the construction industry
Improper maintenance is another leading cause of injuries
Even though the tool is powered by human inertia, these injuries often involve severe disabilities
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4. Common Hand Tool Hazards
Workers using hand tools may be exposed to a number of potentially serious hazards:
Falling objects
Objects that fly as a result of contact with tools
Objects that are abrasive, or splash
Harmful dusts, fumes, mists, vapors, and gases
Contact with electrical power sources
Hazards are usually caused by misuse and improper maintenance
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5. Common Hazards Lead to Serious Injuries
The following are typical hand tool injuries and some of the probable causes:
Loss of eye/vision - using a hammer without eye protection
Puncture wounds - using a screwdriver as a pry-bar
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.
Using a Hammer Without Eye Protection
Using a Screwdriver as a Pry-Bar
Sledgehammer Crushed Thumb
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6. Hazard Prevention: Inspect Tools Before Use
All hand tools must be inspected before they are used
Never use a tool if its handle has splinters, burrs, cracks, splits or if the head of the tool is loose
Never use impact tools such as hammers, chisels, punches or steel stakes that have mushroomed heads.
Tag worn, damaged or defective tools "Out of Service" and do not use them
Cracked Handle
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7. Hazard Prevention: Personal Protective Equipment
PPE must be used whenever a worker could come into contact with a hazard
With hand tools in a construction site, that means safety glasses, safety shoes, hard hat and gloves all the time!
Most hand tool injuries could be avoided with the proper use of PPE
PPE is designed for the work being performed - use the right equipment!
PPE must be maintained in good condition, kept clean and properly stored when not in use
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8. Basic Tool Safety Practices
Safety is a state of mind. Always think when using a tool:
Is it in good condition?
Is it sized right for the job?
Is it in the proper working condition - sharp, clean, oiled, dressed and not abused?
Only use a tool for the job in which it was designed
Chisels, screwdrivers or other pointed tools should never be carried in clothing pockets
Always use tool belts designed for carrying tools
Never wear sandals, open-toed or canvas shoes when working with tools
Avoid loose-fitting clothes that might become entangled in a tool
Always remove rings and other jewelry
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9. Basic Tool Safety Practices, continued
Make sure your grip and footing are secure when using large tools
Never carry tools up ladders - use a hoist or rope
Use extra caution when using tools at heights - a falling tool can kill a co-worker
Always pass a tool to another person by the handle - never toss it to them
Select ergonomic tools for your work task when movements are repetitive and forceful
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10. Safety Best Practice - Knives
Only use a knife with a blade that is fully sharpened
Always cut in the direction away from your body
Never use knives that have broken or loose handles
Never use knives as screwdrivers, pry bars, or can openers
Never pick up knives by their blades
Always carry knives with their tips pointed towards the floor
Never carry knives, scissors or other sharp tools in your pockets unless they are first placed in their sheath or holder
Never attempt to catch a falling knife
Store knives in sheaths after using them
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11. Safety Best Practice - Chisels
Only use chisels that have been fully sharpened
Never use chisels that have "mushroomed" striking heads
Whenever possible, hold a chisel by using a tool holder
Always clamp small work pieces in the vise and chip towards the stationary jaw of the vise
Always chip or cut away from yourself and be sure to keep both hands back of the cutting edge
Always wear safety glasses or a face shield
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12. Safety Best Practice - Hammers
Never use a hammer if your hands are oily, greasy or wet
Always check behind you before swinging a hammer
Use a claw hammer for pulling nails.
Never strike nails or other objects with the "cheek" of the hammer
Do not strike a hardened steel surface, such as a cold chisel, with a claw hammer.
Never strike one hammer against another hammer
Never use a hammer as a wedge or a pry bar
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13. Safety Best Practice - Hand Saws
Always keep handsaws sharp and free of rust to prevent them from binding or jumping
Never carry a saw by the blade
Always hold the work piece firmly against a work table
Keep control of saws by releasing downward pressure at the end of the stroke.
Never use an adjustable blade saw such as a hacksaw, coping saw, keyhole saw or bow saw, if the blade is not taut.
Oil saw blades after each use
Never force the saw through the cut as this may cause the saw to buckle or fly out of the groove causing an injury
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14. Safety Best Practice - Screwdrivers
Never use a screwdriver if your hands are wet, oily or greasy
Always match the size and type of screwdriver blade to fit the head of the screw
Do not hold the work piece against your body while using a screwdriver
Never put your fingers near the blade of the screwdriver when tightening a screw
Never use a screwdriver to make a starting hole for screws
Never use a screwdriver as a chisel, pry bar or nail puller
When performing electrical work, always use an insulated screwdriver
Never use a screwdriver to test the charge of a battery
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15. Safety Best Practice - Wrenches
Never use wrenches that are bent, cracked or badly chipped or that have loose or broken handles
Discard any wrench that has spread or battered jaws, if the handle is bent, or if a wrench has broken or battered points
Never slip a pipe over a single head wrench handle for increased leverage.
Never use a shim to make a wrench fit
Pull on a wrench using a slow, steady pull -- do not use push force on a wrench - losing your balance is more likely if the wrench slips
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16. Safety Best Practice - Pliers
Never use pliers that are cracked, broken or sprung
Never use pliers as a wrench or a hammer
Do not attempt to force pliers by using a hammer on them
Never slip a pipe over the handles of pliers to increase leverage
When performing electrical work, always use insulated pliers
When using the diagonal cutting pliers, shield the loose pieces of cut material from flying into the air by using a cloth or your gloved hand
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17. Safety Best Practice - Snips
Never use snips as a hammer, screwdriver or pry bar
Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles when using snips to cut materials
Always wear your work gloves when cutting materials with snips
Keep the blade aligned by tightening the nut and bolt on the snips.
Never use straight cut snips to cut curves
Always use the locking clip on the snips after you have finished using them - never leave or store snips in the open position
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18. Safety Best Practice - Vise and Clamps
Never use a vise that has worn or broken jaw inserts, or has cracks or fractures in the body of the vise
Position the work piece in the vise so that the entire face of the jaw supports the work piece
When clamping a long work piece in a vise, support the far end of the work piece by using an adjustable pipe stand or saw horse
Never slip a pipe over the handle of a vise to gain extra leverage
Never use the C-clamp for hoisting materials
Never use the C-clamp as a permanent fastening device
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19. Safety Best Practice - Jacks
The manufacturer's rated capacity must be marked on all jacks and all jacks must have a stop indicator
Never exceed the capacity or the stop indicator
Jacks should be lubricated and inspected regularly
When setting up a jack, ensure:
The base is centered on a firm, level surface
The jack head is placed against a level surface
The lift force is applied evenly
Put a block under the base of the jack when the foundation is not firm
Place a block between the jack cap and load if the cap might slip
Immediately block the load after it is lifted
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20. Safety Best Practice - Tool Chests and Boxes
Always use the handle when opening and closing a drawer or door of a tool box or chest
Never stand on tool boxes, chests or cabinets to gain extra height
Always lock the wheels on tool boxes and chests
Never open more than one drawer at a time
Always push large chests and tool boxes; never pull them
Close and lock all drawers and doors before moving the tool chest to a new location
Never move a tool box or chest if it has loose tools or parts on the top
Do not use a tool box or chest as a workbench
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21. Summary Only use a tool for the job in which it was designed
Always inspect tools before using them
Never use tools that are loose or cracked
Tag worn, damaged or defective tools "Out of Service" and do not use them
Always keep tools sharp and in good condition
After using a tool, clean it and put it back in its proper place
Always wear PPE that is appropriate for the work
Never wear loose clothes or jewelry
Never work with oily or greasy hands
Remember: You are the key controlling influence that can minimize the hazard!
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