It’s no secret that hand and power tools can be dangerous. In fact, they account for 400,000 emergency room visits each year. But many of those visits result from misuse or tools not working safely. When used correctly and with the proper safety measures, you can significantly reduce your chances of having an accident. This article will discuss what hand and power tools safety is and how to create a comprehensive hand and power tools safety checklist. Follow these tips to help keep yourself safe while using power tools!
What are Hand and Power Tools?
Hand and power tools are two terms that refer to manual and electronic-powered tools, respectively. These options are designed to aid manual laborers like carpenters and construction workers in work performance. However, while hand and power tools offer a huge help, they also pose a considerable risk to the user when not handled or used properly.
How to Use Common Hand and Power Tools Safely
From general multipurpose tools to more specialized equipment, there are many hand and power tools to choose from. With that said, here are some of the most common hand and power tools and how to use them safely:
Hammer
A hammer is used in almost all carpentry and construction projects. Always keep the handle dry, clean, and free of oil or grease to use it safely. Hold it by the handle and strike the object you’re trying to hit squarely. Avoid using the side of the head as this can potentially damage the tool.
Power Drill
Power drills are used to drill holes through wood, plastic, thin metal, and more. They come with either a keyed or keyless chuck to hold the drill bit in place. When using a power drill, always use two hands: one to hold the drill and the other to guide it. Wear safety goggles when using a power drill, as flying debris can cause serious injury.
Circular Saw
Circular saws are power tools that are used to cut lumber and other materials like metal, tile, and concrete. They have a circular blade that spins at a high rate of speed. When operating a circular saw, always use two hands and keep your fingers away from the blade. Also, be extra careful when making cuts, as the blade can cause serious injury if you’re not careful.
Wire Cutters
Wire cutters are one of the most basic hand tools. They’re used to cut wires, nails, and small bolts. To use wire cutters safely, always grip the handles tightly and keep your fingers away from the cutting area. Also, make sure the cutting area is clear of debris before cutting.
Angle Grinder
An angle grinder is a powerful tool used to grind, sand, and cut materials like metal and stone. Always hold it with two hands and keep your fingers away from the spinning blade to use it safely. Also, be sure to wear safety goggles and a dust mask when using an angle grinder, as flying debris can cause injuries to the eyes.
Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers are one of the most basic hand tools and are used to drive screws into wood, plastic, and metal. To use them safely, always grip the handle tightly and keep your fingers away from the screwdriver’s tip. Be careful not to over-tighten screws as this can strip the head of the screw.
Chainsaw
A Chainsaw is a mechanical saw with shart cutter teeth run by a motor and a length of chain. While it’s popular for cutting wood and trees, some chainsaw variants can also cut through concrete, stone, and brick. When using a chainsaw, always wear protective clothing, including gloves, boots, chaps, a helmet with a face shield, or goggles. In addition, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using the saw.
Pliers
Pliers are hand tools that are used to grip, twist, or bend objects. Always grip the handles tightly and keep your fingers away from the cutting area to use them safely. Also, make sure the cutting area is clear of debris before cutting.
Basic Rules of Hand and Power Tools Safety
Every industry needs the help of both hand and power tools. However, workers and safety managers must consistently implement safety measures due to their inherent hazards during usage. Therefore, OSHA has formulated five basic safety rules to prevent hazards associated with using hand and power tools:
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is important to keep all tools in good working condition and safe to use. Inspect tools regularly to reduce the risk of injuries due to equipment malfunctioning and mitigate unexpected downtimes, which will negatively impact the efficiency of the operation.
Always Use the Right Tool
There are different types of hand and power tools for different applications and functioning. Select and use the appropriate tool for the job to avoid incidents and injuries. For example, do not use a chisel as a replacement for a screwdriver as it may cause the fragile tip to break and fly off, potentially causing injuries to you or other people within the worksite.
Avoid Using Damaged Tools
Do not use damaged power tools as they may malfunction and cause injuries. If a power tool is dropped, it should be inspected by a supervisor or the manufacturer to ensure that it is still safe to use before being put back into service.
Use a Tool According to the Manufacturers’ Instructions
Equipment manuals contain information on the proper usage of the power tool and safety precautions. It is crucial to read and follow these instructions to avoid injuries. So make sure workers read and comply with the manufacturers’ guidelines to avoid mishandling that can lead to accidents.
Wear Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and earplugs minimize workers’ exposure to potential injuries. Employers should provide these safety gear and ensure that their employees wear them while working.
Safety Precautions When Using Hand and Power Tools
A regular inspection ensures that all hand and power tools are good. In addition, companies should make it mandatory for employees to undergo training to gain adequate knowledge and experience handling these tools. Protective equipment will also serve as an additional layer of defense against tool hazards.
Here are ten safety precautions that handlers should follow when using hand and power tools:
- Never use power tools unless you have undergone proper training.
- Work in an open or spacious area and always be wary of the people working around you.
- When working at a certain level or height, use a bag or bucket to hoist tools from the ground.
- Report and replace damaged tools immediately.
- When carrying pointed tools, always use a toolbox instead of putting them in your pocket.
- Always check the weather conditions when working with electric tools outdoors.
- When using power tools, make sure not to carry them by their cables.
- Never play with hand and power tools.
- Avoid pointing compressed air guns at yourself or another person.
- Always unplug power tools after use.
- Clean and declutter your work area before leaving the workplace.
- Always double-insulated or ground electric power tools properly.
- Qualified personnel should be the only ones to repair broken electric tools.
Make a Hand and Power Tools Safety Checklist with DataMyte Digital Clipboard
The best method for implementing hand and power tools safety is to use a checklist. A hand and power tools safety checklist will help ensure that all employees follow the proper safety procedures when using power tools.
Creating a hand and power tools safety checklist is easy with the DataMyte Digital Clipboard, our workflow automation software. Using our smart forms and checklist builder, you can create comprehensive digital checklists that can be completed on any mobile device or computer.
A digital checklist will also allow you to track and manage tool usage to ensure that power tools are being properly maintained and replaced when needed. Power tool safety is important, but with the DataMyte Digital Clipboard, it’s easy to ensure that your workers are following the proper safety procedures.
Try DataMyte’s Digital Clipboard today and see the difference it can make in enforcing hand and power tools safety. Then, visit our website for more details!
Conclusion
Safety is absolutely essential when working with hand and power tools. By following the proper safety procedures, you can avoid accidents and injuries. Creating a hand and power tools safety checklist is also a great way to ensure that everyone in your workplace is following the proper safety procedures. And with DataMyte’s Digital Clipboard, you can easily create and manage digital checklists. Get started today!
