NGFA Safety Tip: Hand Tool Safety

Reprinted from GRAIN JOURNAL January/February 2018 Issue

This article is one in a series of Safety Tips published by the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA), Washington, DC; 202-289-0873. To view more NGFA Safety Tips, go to www.nfga.org and click on Issues.

Tools are so commonplace in our lives that we often forget they may pose a risk when damaged or used differently than their intended design.

Employees should be trained in the proper use of all hand tools in their workplace. Workers should be able to recognize the hazards associated with several types of tools and the safety precautions necessary to mitigate exposure.

OSHA’s hand and portable powered tools and other hand-held equipment rules (29CFR 1910.243 Subpart P) require employees and employers to establish procedures and safeguards associated with hand and portable power tools.

Do not carry tools in a way that interferes with using both hands on a ladder, while climbing on a structure, or when doing any hazardous work.

Safety Rules

Five basic safety rules can help prevent hazards associated with the use of hand and power tools:

1. Keep all hand tools in good condition with routine maintenance.

2. Use the right tool for the job and within its intended purpose of design.

3. Examine each tool for damage prior to use, and never use it if damaged.

4. Operate tools within the manufacturer’s guidance.

5. Provide and use properly the correct personal protection equipment associated with the task.

Employers are responsible for hand and power tool safety in their facility.

The wide variety of hand and power tools on the market helps workers be more efficient and perform more tasks than ever before. When used incorrectly, however, they can cause injury and even death.

OSHA’s 29CFR 1910.242 provides general requirements for employers and employees. All hand and power tools, whether furnished by the employer or the employee, are to be maintained in a safe condition and inspected for any defects. Operating and maintenance instructions are to be made available and should be read by the operator.

Power Tools: Best Practices

Before using any power tool, it’s crucial to read and follow all safety precautions found in the owner’s manual for the tool. OSHA’s publication 3080 Hand and Power Tools (2002) provides these general guidelines for safe power tool use:

• Never carry a tool by the cord or hose.

• Never yank the cord or hose to disconnect it from the receptacle.

• Keep cords and hoses away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.

• Disconnect tools when not using them, before servicing and cleaning them, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits, and cutters.

• Keep all employees 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.

• Avoid accidental starting. Do not hold fingers on the switch button while carrying a plugged-in tool.

• Maintain tools with care; keep them sharp and clean for best performance.

The wide variety of hand and power tools on the market helps workers be more efficient and perform more tasks than ever before. When used incorrectly, however, they can cause injury and even death.

• Follow instructions in the user’s manual for lubricating and changing accessories.

• Be sure to keep good footing and maintain good balance when operating power tools.

• Remove all damaged portable electric tools from use and tag them: “Do Not Use.”

• Do not use tools for jobs for which they are not intended. For example, do not use a slot screw driver as a chisel, pry bar, wedge, or punch, or wrenches as hammers.

• Do not apply excessive force or pressure on tools.

• Do not cut toward yourself when using cutting tools.

• Do not hold the stock in the palm of your hand when using a cutting tool or a screwdriver. Always lay it on a workbench or in a vice.

• Do not wear bulky gloves to operate hand tools.

• Do not throw tools. Hand them, handle first, directly to other workers.

• Do not carry tools in a way that interferes with using both hands on a ladder, while climbing on a structure, or when doing any hazardous work. If working on a ladder or scaffold, tools should be raised and lowered using a bucket and hand line.

• Do not carry a sharp tool in your pocket.

• Do not use tools during electrical work, unless they are designed for electrical work (e.g., properly insulated).

• Do not leave tools lying around on elevated structures, such as a platform or scaffold, as they may be bumped and fall.