Hand Tool Safety
5/24/2021
With the exception of site visits and oversight audits, hand tools are a vital part of our day-to-day operations in the field. And, as simple and even unassuming as many of these gadgets may be, when used improperly or without providing our full attention, a potential accident is never far away. Even such a simple device as scissors can cause a severe laceration, resulting in medical treatment. And if not properly treated, can exacerbate into serious complications.
Just so we’re all on the same page, hand tools are tools that are operated manually as well as powered by electricity, pneumatically as well as other power sources. These tools range from axes, wrenches and screwdrivers to chain saws and pneumatic nail guns. The greatest hazards posed by hand tools result from misuse, as when a chisel is used as a screwdriver. In this manner, there is a likelihood that the tip of the chisel can break off and become a projectile, becoming an eye and face hazard.
Power tools – most note ably saws – must be fitted with guards and safety switches. Thus, preventing unwanted start-up and to protect body parts such as hands from being exposed to fast, sharp moving parts. In addition, it is important that the user understand an instruments’ power source, be it electric, pneumatic, liquid fuel, hydraulic, and powder actuated.
Being proactive when working with hand tools is the first step for safety. Never carry a power tool by the cord or hose or yank the cord or the hose to disconnect it from the receptacle. Disconnect tools when not using them, before servicing and cleaning them, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits, and cutters. Of course, keep all people not involved with the work at a safe distance from the work area.
Wearing the right PPE is always a MUST and typically include eye/face protection, wearing work gloves and safety shoes. Meanwhile personnel need to keep loose clothing, such as ties, and jewelry away from moving parts. Such items can pull a worker into the point-of-operation, resulting in serious injury.
Employees using electric tools must be aware of several dangers. Among the most serious hazards are electrical burns and shocks. Electrical shocks, which can lead to injuries such as heart failure and burns, are among the major hazards associated with electric powered tools. Under certain conditions, even a small amount of electric current can result in fibrillation of the heart and death. An electric shock also can cause the user to fall off a ladder or other elevated work surface and be injured due to the fall. To protect the user from shock and burns, electric tools must have a three-wire cord with a ground and be plugged into a grounded receptacle, be double insulated, or be powered by a low voltage isolation transformer.
Three-wire cords contain two current carrying conductors and a grounding conductor. Any time an adapter is used to accommodate a two-hole receptacle, the adapter wire must be attached to a known ground. The third prong must never be removed from the plug. Double-insulated tools are available that provide protection against electrical shock without third-wire grounding. On double-insulated tools, an internal layer of protective insulation completely isolates the external housing of the tool.
Ground fault circuit interrupters – GCFIs – should be used when the tools are not double insulted.
When using pneumatic tools, a safety clip or retainer must be installed to prevent attachments, such as chisels on a chipping hammer, from being ejected during tool operation. Pneumatic tools that shoot nails, rivets, staples, or similar fasteners and operate at pressures more than 100 pounds per square inch must be equipped with a special device to keep fasteners from being ejected, unless the muzzle is pressed against the work surface. Airless spray guns that atomize paints and fluids at pressures of 1,000 pounds or more per square inch (6,890 kPa) must be equipped with automatic or visible manual safety devices that will prevent pulling the trigger until the safety device is manually released.
Because working with many hand tools is considered a “skill-of-the-craft” operation, formal training is not listed as a requirement. It would be like asking a carpenter if he/she was trained to use a hammer. Nevertheless, if we see someone using a hand tool incorrectly or it just appears someone is having trouble working with any tool, it is an obligation to speak up! Such a scenario could be an indication of physical or mental impairment; placing the worker as well as nearby personnel in danger.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration – OSHA – has regulations for both General Industry and Construction that address hand tools: 29 CFR 1910, Subpart P and 29 CFR 1926, Subpart I. Both sections are not extensive, consisting of 5 -6 pages, mainly providing “do’s and don’ts’ s” for a multitude of different tools. Meanwhile a significant responsibility for ensuring that tools are in good condition rests with the employer. Yet, similar to wearing appropriate PPE, it is always the user that suffers the consequences should any device or piece of clothing fail. This is the main reason why those of us in the field have the obligation – both to ourselves and our families – to check anything and everything prior to use.
This means that it is our responsibility to remove any piece of equipment from service if we see that it is unsafe to use. And, once removed, tag it out so no one else can use it. Attaching a tag or applying red tape with the words, “DO NOT USE” need to be included. Similarly, if we suspect that a piece of equipment is counterfeit, we need to place it aside and tag it, followed by notifying our supervisor. The problem with a counterfeit piece of equipment is that there is a high likelihood that it was manufactured with inferior materials and not constructed according to rigorous standards. Therefore, the equipment could fail during a work task for which it was normally designed to do, resulting in a serious injury to the user as well as others in the area.
Sometimes I lie awake at night, and ask, ‘Where have I gone wrong?’ Then a voice says to me, ‘This is going to take more than one night.’