Hazards of Hand tools - Toolbox Talk
Hand tools are tools that are powered manually. Hand tools include anything from axes to wrenches. The greatest hazards posed by hand tools result from misuse and improper maintenance.
Some examples include the following :-
- Use the correct tool for the job. Never use a spanner as a hammer.
- If a screwdriver is used as a chisel, the tip of the screwdriver may break and fly off, hitting the user or other people.
- If a wooden handle on a tool ,such as a hammer or an axe, is loose , splintered, or cracked, the head of the tool may fly off and strike the user or others.
- If the jaws of a wrench are sprung, the wrench might slip.
- If impact tools such as chisels, wedges or drift pins have mushroomed heads, the head might shatter on impact, sending sharp fragments flying towards user or others.
- Iron or Steel hand tools may produce sparks that can be an ignition source.
- Blunt edged tools cause more injuries than sharp tools.
- Always keep unsheathed knives, and other sharp tools in a safe place, not in your pocket.
- Never use a file without a handle. File shanks are dangerous.
