Your Hand Tool Safety Checklist
Do you work in utilities, waterworks, or construction? If you do, then make sure you practice these 25 tips for basic hand tool safety!
- ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION.
- Wear the RIGHT SAFETY EQUIPMENT for the job.
- Use tools that are the RIGHT SIZE & RIGHT TYPE for your job.
- Follow the correct procedure for using EVERY tool.
- Keep your cutting tools SHARP and in good condition.
- DON’T work with OILY or GREASY hands.
- Handle SHARP-EDGED and POINTED TOOLS with care.
- Always carry pointed tools with the points and heavy ends DOWN.
- SECURE all small work and short work with a vise or clamp.
- NEVER carry tools in your pockets.
- DON’T use tools that are LOOSE or CRACKED.
- KEEP your punches & chisels in good condition. Mushroomed heads can chip & cause injuries.
- DON’T use a file without a HANDLE.
- DON’T pry or hammer with a FILE. It may shatter.
- DON’T use screwdrivers as chisels or pry bars.
- DON’T try to increase your leverage by using a “cheater” with a wrench. Wrenches need the right strength for their size and length.
- AFTER USING A TOOL — clean it and return it to its proper storage place.
- If anything breaks or malfunctions — report it to your supervisor AT ONCE.
- Use the RIGHT TYPE of tools for the job.
- NEVER place tools and materials where they hang on the edge of a bench.
- Don’t use tools for jobs they aren’t supposed to handle.
- Store tools and materials vertically, with the points and heavy end down.
- Cut away from yourself when you use chisels and other edged tools.
- DON’T FORCE screws; make sure you use the correct screw for the job.
- Only use OFFICIAL, TESTED repair kits for your tools.
Understand Your Job Risks
Utility work presents countless risks. Heights, electricity, and power tools all pose serious utility worker safety hazards on a daily basis. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported 4,674 U.S. worker deaths in 2017. The construction industry was by far the most dangerous, though utility work fell into many of the same pitfalls. Employees specializing in electrical and waterworks maintenance were the most affected.
Follow our blog to learn more about properly maintainingyour hand tools.
Looking for high-quality highline tools? Read our product guide for utility workers.
Your #1 Source for Hand Tool Safety
Lowell Corporation offers the best hand tools in the industry. Whether you need a strap wrench or a socket wrench set, you’ll want the right balance between cost and efficiency. Our custom hand tools make tough jobs easier for waterworks engineers and highline workers.
We’ve been increasing construction, maintenance, and manufacturing productivity since 1869. So let our American wrench head sets simplify your workload. With our essential highline tools, you get the backing of the most trusted name in the industrial tools industry.
Lowell Corporation is proud to manufacture all of our lineman tools right here in the USA in the heart of New England. All Lowell lineman speed wrenches are 100% guaranteed with our one-year manufacturer warrantyagainst defects in material and craft for one year from delivery.
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FAQs
Disconnect tools when not using them, before servicing and cleaning them, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits, and cutters. Keep all people not involved with the work at a safe distance from the work area. Secure work with clamps or a vise, freeing both hands to operate the tool.
What are the safety tips for hand and power tools? ›
Disconnect tools when not using them, before servicing and cleaning them, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits, and cutters. Keep all people not involved with the work at a safe distance from the work area. Secure work with clamps or a vise, freeing both hands to operate the tool.
What are the 10 basic guidelines for tools safety? ›
10 Basic Safety Rules For Using Hand Tools
- Inspect regularly. Regularly inspect your tools to make sure that they are in good condition.
- Wear gloves. ...
- Carry with care. ...
- Don't pocket sharp objects. ...
- Be aware of your surroundings. ...
- Use the right tools. ...
- Follow instructions. ...
- Clean and return.
Never use bent, broken, or warped blades or cutters. Never overreach when using a power tool. Stay firmly planted on both feet. Never rush what you are doing.
What are the 5 safety procedures in maintaining hand tools and equipment? ›
These five hand tool safety rules will help keep all workers safe.
- 1: Reserve a Specific Area Where Workers Use Hand Tools. ...
- 2: Keep PPE and Hand Tools in Good Working Order. ...
- 3: Provide Appropriate PPE. ...
- 4: Choose the Safest Tools. ...
- 5: Regularly Teach Proper Hand Tool Safety. ...
- It's Easy to Stay Safe.
The muzzle end of the tool shall have a protective shield or guard at least 3 1⁄2 inches in diameter, mounted perpendicular to and concentric with the barrel, and designed to confine any flying fragments or particles that might otherwise create a hazard at the time of firing.
What's the most common hazard when using hand tools? ›
The two most common hazards associated with the use of hand tools are misuse and improper maintenance. Misuse occurs when a hand tool is used for something other than its intended purpose. (An example would be using a screwdriver as a chisel. This may cause the tip to break and strike someone).
What are 20 general safety rules? ›
20 most important safety rules in the workplace
- Follow the dress code. ...
- Wear safety gear. ...
- Maintain personal hygiene. ...
- Take responsibility for your personal safety. ...
- Maintain a clean workspace. ...
- Follow work procedures. ...
- Learn how to act in an emergency. ...
- Report accidents if they occur.
- 10 General Safety Rules You Should Teach Your Children.
- Safety Rule #1 Know Your Name, Number and Address: ...
- Safety Rule #2 Do NOT Eat Anything Given By A Stranger: ...
- Safety Rule #3 Do NOT Climb the Fence: ...
- Safety Rule #4 Do NOT Walk out of the Yard Alone: ...
- Safety Rule #5 Playing Or Experimenting with Fire Is NOT Allowed:
Posting of General Safety Rules
- Report all work injuries and illnesses immediately.
- Report all Unsafe Acts or Unsafe Conditions to your Supervisor.
- Use seat belts when on Company business in any vehicles.
- Firearms, weapons, or explosives are not permitted on Company Property.
1. Carry all sharp tools in sheath or holsters. 2. Tag worn, damaged or defective tools "Out of Service" and do not use them.
When using hand tools, what are some key rules to keep in mind? ›
Your Hand Tool Safety Checklist
- ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION.
- Wear the RIGHT SAFETY EQUIPMENT for the job.
- Use tools that are the RIGHT SIZE & RIGHT TYPE for your job.
- Follow the correct procedure for using EVERY tool.
- Keep your cutting tools SHARP and in good condition.
- DON'T work with OILY or GREASY hands.
What should you avoid when using powered tools?
- Do not wear gloves, loose clothing or jewelry while using revolving power tools. ...
- Do not use a tool unless you have been trained to use it safely and know its limitations and hazards.
- Avoid accidental starting by ensuring the tool is turned off before you plug it in.
Hand Tool Safety. Preventing accidents involving hand tools is a matter of proper instruction and adequate training. The following guidelines should be observed: The tools should be of good quality and adequate for the job at hand. All tools should be kept in good repair and maintained by qualified personnel.
What are the 5 steps in properly using hand tools? ›
5 Basic Rules for Hand & Power Tools
- Keep all hand tools in good condition with routine maintenance.
- Use the right tool for the job and within its intended purpose of design.
- Examine each tool for damage prior to use and never use if damaged.
- Operate tools within the manufacturer's guidance.
Keep fingers, hands, clothing and hair, etc. well clear of the rotating drill chuck, drill bit or driver bit. Beware of hot drill bits caused by friction or abrasion. Securely clamp your project to a stable work surface to avoid having hands and fingers close to the hot drill bit.
Which OSHA standards cover hand and power tool safety? ›
1910.242, Hand and portable powered tools and equipment, general. 1910.243, Guarding of portable powered tools. 1910.244, Other portable tools and equipment.
What are the safe operating procedures for hand power tools? ›
In general, the exposed moving parts of power tools need to be safeguarded. Keep hoses and cords away from heat, oil, and sharp edges. To protect the user from shock and burns, electric tools must have a cord with a grounded plug and be plugged into a grounded receptacle or be double-insulated.
What are three safety tip when using a hand saw? ›
Hand-Saw Precautions
Wear eye protection when using a hand saw. Do not test saw teeth on hands or fingers to determine whether a hand saw is sharp. Carry a hand saw by its handle with the saw end pointed down. Use the proper type of hand saw for the material to be cut or type of cut to be made.
