| Humans have been using hand tools since | | | | debris and tripping or slipping hazards; |
| prehistoric times. The evolution from the primitive | | | | - Keep cutting tools sharp. |
| Stone Age tools to sophisticatedly engineered | | | | Power Tool Hazards and Precautions |
| tools has changed the way we perform work | | | | Power tools could be extremely hazardous when |
| today. Hand and power tools are used daily to | | | | used improperly. They must always be fitted with |
| help perform tasks that otherwise would be | | | | guards and safety switches. Here are some |
| difficult or impossible. However, the advances in | | | | precautions you should take while handling such |
| tools have also created new challenges for their | | | | tools: |
| users. Even simple tools pose great hazards, and | | | | - Remember to disconnect all tools when they are |
| can cause severe injuries if not used or | | | | not in use and also when their accessories are |
| maintained properly. In order to reduce or | | | | changed; |
| eliminate these hazards, OSHA recommends that | | | | - Before servicing and cleaning all tools must be |
| special attention should be paid toward hand and | | | | disconnected from the power source; |
| power tool safety. In this article, some basic | | | | - People that are not involved with the work |
| precautions are discussed that can prevent | | | | must be kept away from the work; |
| common injuries caused by hand and power tools. | | | | - Never hold the switch button while carrying a |
| Hand Tool Hazards and Protection | | | | plugged-in tool; |
| Usually, hand and power tool hazards are caused | | | | - Before starting to work, make sure both your |
| through misuse and improper maintenance. You | | | | hands are free to operate the tool. You can do |
| should remember the following when handling such | | | | this by securing your work with clamps or a vice; |
| tools: | | | | - Do not wear loose clothing and jewelry that can |
| - Do not use wrenches when their jaws are | | | | get caught in moving parts; |
| sprung; | | | | - Damaged electric tools must be removed and |
| - Never use impact tools, such as chisels and | | | | tagged with the words: "Do Not Use"; |
| wedges, when their heads have mushroomed; | | | | - Portable tools should never be carried by their |
| - Tools with loose, cracked or splintered handles | | | | cord; |
| should never be used; | | | | - Electric cords must not be used to hoist or |
| - You must never use a screwdriver as a chisel; | | | | lower tools; |
| - Tools with taped handles should be checked first | | | | - All cords and hoses must be kept away from |
| for any hidden cracks; | | | | oil, heat and sharp edges at all times. |
| - Use Personal Protective Equipment, such as | | | | Remember, it can only take one mistake! So be |
| safety goggles and gloves; | | | | sensible and stay safe. |
| - Keep floor surface where working free from | | | | |