Safety Talk - Handtools

Hand tools are an essential part of our daily life. Without hand tools we would not accomplish many of the tasks that we take for granted.

Used correctly hand tools make our lives easier and safer. However, used incorrectly, misused or abused and hand tools can cause serious damage to equipment or serious injury to the users and those around them.

Care should be taken to select the correct hand tool for the job and to be sure that the user has sufficient knowledge to use the tool correctly and safely.

Always inspect hand tools for visible signs of damage before use.

You should inspect for:

- spalling, chipped, cracked or "mushroomed" striking surfaces
- broken, cracked or splintered handles
- damaged tools should be removed from service

Hazards of using damaged tools include:

• pieces of the tool breaking free and striking operator and
  
• tool breakage or slippage during use.

Use of "cheater bars" may increase potential of tool slipping from object and can also increase potential for strain/sprain related injuries

Modifications to a tool should only be performed with authorization and after careful consideration of the effect the modification will have on the tool

When using power tools, always inspect the power cord, plug and tool housing for signs of damage. Look for:

• cut, spliced or worn insulation
  
• broken or missing prongs
  
• cracked or damaged housing

What makes me qualified to tell you about saferty in the workplace?

I have been a Chartered Engineer for about 14 years and have over 20 years experience of working in a variety of industrial environments that have all included a range of high risk activities. These include Petrochem, Metal Manufacturing, Power Generation and Construction.

In that time I have promoted safe working to everybody.

For a number of years I was employed by a large American Corporation and was deemed to be the local Fall Prevention and Protection expert and introduced many new systems and methods of work.

I am now in a position where I would like to share some of the knowledge I have gained over the years.

The information in this lens is provided for information only and does not intend to replace any training that a user must receive. The author can accept no responsibility of any kind for any accident, injury, damage or loss resulting from a person or persons using this information.
This information must not be used to replace local standards, procedures and training.

Every job must be fully assessed for risk and method before any works are performed.