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Alabama Retail is committed to partnering with our
members to create and keep safe workplaces.
Be sure to check out all of the training tools that are available in our Safety
Library.This training tool is brought to you byThis training tool is brought to you by
Hand Tool Safety
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Learning ObjectivesYou will be able to:• Identify the hazards of hand tools• Take precautions against injury• Understand common safety practices for
specific types of tools
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Types of Hand Tools• Hand tools include anything from axes to
wrenches • Other common examples include
screwdrivers, hammers, punches, handsaws, chisels, files, snips, axes, knives, box cutters, wrenches, pry bars, hooks, and pliers
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Hand Tool HazardsGreatest hazards of hand tools result from misuse and improper maintenance• Using a screwdriver as a chisel and the tip
breaks•Wooden handle is damaged and the head of
the hammer flies off•Wrench, with jaws sprung, slips and your
hand strikes another object• Impact tool, such as a chisel, with a
mushroomed head shatters into fragments
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Hand Tool Hazards (cont.)
• Cut from a knife or saw blade• Struck by flying debris• Puncture with a sharp
tool• Abrasions and
contusions• Musculoskeletal
disorders (MSDs) from repetitive misuse of a tool
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Hand Tool Hazards—Any Questions?• Any questions about
the hazards of using hand tools?
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Selecting the Right Tool• Consider the shape, size, and grip of the
tool• Consider the quality of the tool• Use spark-resistant tools when working near
flammable materials• Use insulated tools when working near
electricity
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Consider Tool Ergonomics• Handles with no sharp edges or finger
grooves• Handles coated with soft material• Handles with non-slip surfaces• Tools with angle for working with straight
wrist• Tools designed to work in either hand• Spring-loaded to return to open position
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Carrying Tools• Toolbox, belt, or pouch• Never carry sharp tools
in your pocket• Hold sharp edges or
points away from body• Don’t carry tools in your
hand when climbing ladders• Keep tools out of
walkways and edges• Hand tools to others, do
not throw them
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Maintaining and Repairing Your Tools• Purchase quality tools• Inspect for damaged edges and handles• Keep edges and tips sharp• Replace damaged handles• Report broken or damaged tools • Tag damaged tools “Do Not Use”
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General Hand Tool Safety Practices• Make sure observers
are at a safe distance• Clear the immediate
work area• Keep floors clean and
dry• Secure work with a
vise, clamp, or other support• Examine tools before
each use
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General Hand Tool Safety Practices (cont.)
•Wear PPE appropriate for the work• Keep cutting tools sharp and in good
condition• Do not wear loose clothes or jewelry•Mark damaged tools clearly and notify your
supervisor• Do not work with oily or greasy hands
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General Hand Tool Safety Practices (cont.)
• Use the right size and type of tool for the job• Do not use tools that are loose or cracked• Do not put tools on the edge of tables • After using a tool, clean it and put it back in
its proper place
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Hand Tool Hazards—Any Questions?• Any questions
regarding selecting hand tools?• Any questions
regarding the inspection and maintenance of hand tools?• Any questions
regarding general hand tool safe practices?
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Screwdriver Safety• Choose flat head or
Phillips• Use correct size head• Power grip handle
should be 1-1/4” to 2” diameter• Precision grip handles
should be 1/4” to 1/2” diameter• Do not use as a pry bar
or chisel
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Hammer Safety• Inspect the handle for
damage
• Make sure hammer head is firmly attached to handle
• Hold with a power grip
• Keep other hand away
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Punch Safety• Inspect the point
• Inspect the impact head
• Hold punch straight up
• Strike the head squarely with hammer
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Chisel Safety• Inspect the blade
• Inspect the handle
• Do not use if impact head is mushroomed
• Point blade away from your body
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File Safety• Make sure blades are
clean and sharp
• Inspect the handle
• File with a motion away from your body
• Do not try to pry or hammer with a file
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Hand Snips Safety• Blades are sharp
• Handle grips are in good condition
• Spring-loaded handles return to open position
•Wear cut-resistant gloves
• Cut away from your body
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Axe Safety• Inspect handle for
damage
• Axe head is firmly attached to handle
• Use power grip
• Keep other hand away
• Use 2-handed axe properly
• Swinging motion will not strike your body
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Knife Safety• Inspect the blade• Check the handle• Carry knife safely• Cut away from your
body• Wear cut-resistant
gloves• Secure object you are
cutting
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Box Cutter Safety• Inspect the blade
• Check the handle
• Close the blade when not in use
• Cut away from your body
• Wear cut-resistant gloves
• Secure object you are cutting
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Wrench Safety• Inspect wrench jaws
• Select non-slip, soft-coated handles
• Turn wrenches toward your body
• Clear area around wrench work
• Do not use a “cheater bar” for leverage
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Crow and Pry Bar Safety• Inspect for signs of
damage
• Wear work gloves
• Do not hammer into place unless designed for it
• Pull in a smooth motion; do not jerk
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Handsaw Safety• Make sure the blade is
sharp
• Inspect the handle
• Secure the object in a vise or clamps
• Cut in a smooth motion
• Wear cut-resistant gloves
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Plier Safety• Inspect for damage
• Use pliers with soft, non-slip grips
• Use locking pliers when continuous force is needed
• Select pliers that can be used in either hand
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Hand Tool Safety—Any Questions?• Any questions about safety procedures for
particular tools?
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Key Points to Remember•Maintain tools• Use the right tool for the job• Examine each tool for damage before use• Operate tools in accordance with
manufacturer’s instructions• Use the proper PPE