Toolbox Talk - Tools of the Trade

Ye ole hand tool

Spanners, pliers, screwdrivers and other hand tools are often underrated as sources of potential danger. Hand tools may look harmless, but they are the cause of many injuries. 5-10% of all workplace injuries are caused by incidents associated with hand tools. These injuries can be serious, including loss of fingers or eyesight.

Food for thought:

If a hand tool is designed to cut or move metal and wood, remember what a single slip can do to fragile human flesh.
Using the same tool in the same way for several hours each day, day after day can stress human muscles and ligaments- carpal tunnel syndrome
Flying chips of wood or metal are a common hazard when using hand tools. These projectiles often cause needless and permanent blindness.

Avoiding injuries

Remember to follow these simple safety procedures:

• Use the right tool for the job- don’t use your spanner as a hammer, don’t use a screwdriver as a chisel, etc.
• Buy quality tools. Many tools, including cutters and hammers, should be made of steel and should be heat-treated
• Ensure hand tools are insulated if working near energized electrical parts
• Don’t use broken or damaged tools, dull cutting tools or screwdrivers with worn tips
• Do cut in a direction away from your body
• Keep close track of tools when working at heights- use a lanyard as a falling tool can kill
• Pass a tool to another person by the handle; never toss it to them
• Use the right personal protective equipment for the job- wear cut resistant gloves etc
• Never carry sharp or pointed tools in your pocket
• Store tools properly when not in use

Consider this......It's better to correct an unsafe friend than to bury one!

Remember team! Safety is just how we do things around here.