How to Use Hand Tools Safely
Humanity has thrived for millennia thanks to our natural ability to use hand tools.
It might seem like a very small thing, but these hand tools are what enabled our ancestors to venture out into the unknown and rise from becoming primitive caveman into technologically advanced creatures capable of space travel.
But getting back to its practical sense, it makes perfect sense for us to know how to use hand tools safely. This way, we can utilize their different functions and purpose, and in the process, make our lives easier for us thanks to the many benefits hand tools can give us.
In this article, we are going to know more about how you can use hand tools in the safest way possible. We will also dive deeper into their use so you will have a better understanding on the proper usage of hand tools.
Have a specific area for hand tool use
The very first thing you need to do is that you should have your own designated area where you are going to use the hand tools. This is very important especially if you are dealing with sharp cutting tools.
What is nice about having to go to a designated and specific place to use the tools is going to make it easier for workers to focus more the task, thereby making it safer for them and for everyone around.
Also, this means that other people or visitors is going to be aware and conscious that the area is a place where hazardous tools are being used. This area should also be a place where people will become more vigilant about their safety.
Aside from that, this helps improve the overall operations and make things more organized. A good example of this is having all of the tools like PPE, cutting mats, and other hand tools be placed in one place.
This makes it easier for you because you don’t have to search for them in different places. Workers will find it easier to comply to the safety protocols if it is easy to stay safe.
Have designated areas where people can use hand tools so that inventory tracking can also be easier.
Proper hand tool maintenance
Make sure that the hand tools are working well and are in proper shape. An example of this is the blade, which should work pretty well.
Dull blades aren’t safe because you will need to give out more force just to cut something. This then increases the chances of the hand tool slipping from your grasp and possible inflicting injuries.
See to it that the blades are free of chips and clean at all times. They should also not have any rust if they are made from metal.
Note that it is important for dull blades to be replaced as soon as possible because this puts serious safety risks on the user. There should also be no loose parts if you want to finish the work in one piece.
The handles should also be cleaned regularly. It is important to note that the hands are very effective in spreading bacteria and germs.
And knowing the the tool handles are the only part of the tools that you gain contact with, it makes perfect sense to have them sanitized all the time. Also, make sure to clean the tools after you used them.
Use required PPE
Another important thing you need to consider if you want to know how to use hand tools safely is that you should wear the correct and required PPE.
This should not have any tears and holes and should be in proper condition. The PPE should also work well, such as the gloves providing enough grip and protection as well as coverage on your hands. You should also be capable of having free movement.
Having the right gloves is vital to one’s safety because not having any kind of hand protection is one of the most common causes of injuries.
The PPE should always be cleaned especially if there are other people who are going to share wearing them. It is all about maintaining proper hygiene.
Choose safe tools
It makes perfect sense for you to only use safe tools. This means that you should get hand tools that can last longer for years.
Never go for cheap brands because there is a good chance that they are flimsy and can cause accidents. We recommend that you choose hand tools that have an ergonomic shape as this will make it easier for you to know how to use hand tools safely.
The surface of the handles should make it easy for you to grip it. This also lowers the chances of the hand tool from slipping.
See to it that the tool is also correctly weighted so that you can easily control it. If you are choosing one, you should take note of how you will be protected from the tool’s blade.
This is very important because you should keep a safe distance from the blade. In simpler words, your cutting tool should be finger-friendly.
Educate proper hand tool safety
Educate other people on how to properly use hand tools. This is very important because one of the leading factors that contribute to hand injuries are the improper use of tools.
Even though how nice your hand tools are, it will just be useless if you do not know the proper way of using them. Improper hand tool usage is a very common reason why people get injured.
It would be better if there are photos and video tutorials handed out to workers to make sure that they know the right way on how to use hand tools safely.
Conclusion
Concluding all of this, you can clearly see how important it is to know the right way on how to use hand tools safely.
This way, you can avoid any unpleasant accidents that might can minor and major injuries not only to your hand, but also to your whole body, and that to other people as well.
Make sure you follow our tips on how to use hand tools safely and you’ll surely have a great time using your hand tools.