Safety Hand Tools- In the Workplace
Cutting tools are probably the most dangerous hand tool and knives in particular cause the most injuries of any safety hand tools. When you cut keep the sharp edge away from your body and when you are cutting sharp objects like wire don't cut them at an angle to avoid getting cut by the object. When storing your knife, keep it away from other tools.
Hammers, chisels and punches are also extremely dangerous. Personal protective equipment is especially important when working with these types of safety hand tools - always wear goggles or other eye wear.Using the appropriate safety hand tool for the job is imperative. A Nail Hammer for unhardened nails and a
Ball Peen Hammers are used with chisels, punches, masonry and metal. Screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers are used for jobs that need special positioning or force. Hand and power tool injuries are all too common in the workplace, but with a little safety and planning they can be avoided.
Protect Artists
A fundamental aspect of many art businesses and institutions is the safety hand tools. While indispensable to the artist, hand tools are also involved in many injuries to artists. According to Accident Facts, hand tools are involved in 6 percent of all compensated work injuries.
This figure increases to 14 percent for non-compensated work injuries. Average safety hand tools injury costs can run approximately $1250 - this is only counting the direct costs and not the indirect injury costs such as lost production.
Hand tool injuries can most often be traced to the improper use or maintenance of the safety hand tools. Ways to avoid non-powered hand tool injuries include: Examples of misuse of tools include using a wrench as a hammer, pliers as a wrench, knife as a saw, claw hammer as a ballpeen hammer, screwdriver as a chisel, etc.
Ensure you have the correct size safety hand tools. Individuals using safety hand tools should be trained in basic safety and proper use of the tool. Artists must keep their safety hand tools in good condition. Broken or worn tools should be repaired or discarded.
Razor blades and utility knife blades should be disposed of in a puncture-resistant container. Store tools in a safety hand tools place. Many accidents have been caused by tools falling from overhead, sharp tools carried in pockets, or tools left in toolboxes with the cutting edges exposed.
Safety hand tools such as chisels and punches must be reconditioned or replaced as necessary. Keep tool cutting edges sharp so the tool will move smoothly without binding or skipping. Dull tools can be more hazardous than sharp tools.
Wear other personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, respirators, appropriate shoes, and gloves. Consider ergonomically designed safety hand tools to fit the tool to the worker - especially those tools used frequently and repetitively during the day.
The work of many artists, such as potters, glassblowers weavers, involves repetitive motion. Repetitive motion disorders can be disabling if not treated early. To prevent these injuries, select appropriate safety hand tools and lay work out in more neutral positions while performing tasks. Back injuries often occur from lifting heavy objects such as sculptures and lithography stones.
