SAFETY PROCEDURES IN USING HAND TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

⧭ MAINTENANCE OF HAND TOOLS ⧭

a.)    Examine conditions of hand tools, whether they are well-constructed and free from defects. If             the worn out or damaged parts cannot be repaired, the whole tool should be discarded             .

        immediately.

b.)    Tools should be inspected every time before use. Special care should be paid to the cleanliness of tools. Blunt cutting edge or deformed working part should be redressed.

(c)    Hand tools should be systematically kept or stored at tool-rack or toolbox after use. Those having sharp corners or edges should be protected by sheaths before they are stored. 

(d)   Every hand tool should be kept in an orderly manner at a workroom or toolbox designated for the purpose. 

(e)   Hand tools that are broken or require repair should be kept separately and labelled with a                    warning notice "DANGER ! DO NOT USE FOR WORK !". 

(f)   Periodic examination, repair and

maintenance of hand tools should be carried out only by                    persons who are experienced and competent.

⧭ PROPER SELECTION OF HAND TOOLS ⧭

a)     Hand tools selected for the job should be suitable. The handle of a tool should fit the hand of an operator to avoid slipping out from the hand during use. 

(b)   Hand tools should not be used for purposes other than they are designed for. Their material   strength is always designed according to the nature of work to be performed. Tools being         misused may lead to fracture, causing danger to persons.

⧫Tips on how to select best tool

1. Know and understand in detail the scope of work to be accomplish.

2. Plan for the scope taking into account the sequence of task. 

⧭ SAFETY OPERATING PROCEDURES ⧭

(a)   Hand tools should only be carried to work area in a proper toolbox or with the use of a tool-belt.  

(b)   Special care should be taken to prevent other persons gaining access to the work area where long  handle tools are being operated. When necessary, the work area should be fenced off to prevent unauthorized entry. 

(c)  Before working, workpieces should be checked for protruding metal parts that may cause damage to hand tools. 

(d)  Precautions should be taken to prevent tools slipping out from hands while  working at height. 

(e)   Precautions should be taken when working on or near electrical conductors.

(f) Hand tools should be operated in correct posture and strength.

(g)  Proper steps and procedures should be followed when operating a hand tool, (e.g. the face of the         hammer head instead of the peen should be used for hammering nails) the handle of a spanner             should not be hammered or extended by tubes for applying greater strength in screwing of bolts           or nuts. 

(h)  When hand tools with sharp corners or edges are used, their direction of movement should be       away from the body. Suitable personal protective equipment such as helmets, aprons or gloves s          should be used when necessary. 

(i)  When flying fragments, particles or noise are generated during the operation of hand tools,              suitable personal protective equipment, e.g., goggles, masks or ear-muffs, that conform to safety standards should be worn.

(j)    The operator should use clamps to secure a workpiece that is liable to move into a stable                       position. 

(k)   One should concentrate on the job when using a hand tool. Playing with hand tools should be               strictly prohibited.

SOURCE : http://www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/os/SUHT.pdf
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