Hand Tool Safety
Languages: English
Media Editing: The video module(s) in this subject are editable under our Content Studio offering unless otherwise indicated. For more information about Content Studio, contact your CSM.
Description: Manual hand tools, like hammers, pliers, wrenches, and screwdrivers can be extremely helpful, but they pose a safety risk if they aren’t used ergonomically. It’s essential that employees are aware of the ergonomic principles that not only enhance the effectiveness of the tools, but also keep them safe from injury. In this subject, users will learn how to hold various hand tools and best practices for using them, so they avoid acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries. They can apply this knowledge while they’re using hand tools, and also share it with customers who are purchasing manual hand tools.
Languages: English
Media Editing: The video module(s) in this subject are editable under our Content Studio offering unless otherwise indicated. For more information about Content Studio, contact your CSM.
Description: Manual hand tools, like hammers, pliers, wrenches, and screwdrivers can be extremely helpful, but they pose a safety risk if they aren’t used ergonomically. It’s essential that employees are aware of the ergonomic principles that not only enhance the effectiveness of the tools, but also keep them safe from injury. In this subject, users will learn how to hold various hand tools and best practices for using them, so they avoid acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries. They can apply this knowledge while they’re using hand tools, and also share it with customers who are purchasing manual hand tools.
Languages: English
Media Editing: The video module(s) in this subject are editable under our Content Studio offering unless otherwise indicated. For more information about Content Studio, contact your CSM.
Description: Manual hand tools, like hammers, pliers, wrenches, and screwdrivers can be extremely helpful, but they pose a safety risk if they aren’t used ergonomically. It’s essential that employees are aware of the ergonomic principles that not only enhance the effectiveness of the tools, but also keep them safe from injury. In this subject, users will learn how to hold various hand tools and best practices for using them, so they avoid acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries. They can apply this knowledge while they’re using hand tools, and also share it with customers who are purchasing manual hand tools.
Topics
Ergonomic Hand Tool Techniques
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You should not only think ergonomically when using hand tools, but also remember safe techniques. Hand tools often have sharp edges that can cause damage to objects around you or injury to yourself. This topic will teach you various precautions to consider while using manual hand tools like a hammer, wrench, screwdriver, and pliers.
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Questions (level 1, 2, 3)
Video module
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This topic is currently available in English.
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When using a hammer, make sure the face of the hammer is the correct size relative to the object being struck. The diameter of the hammer face should be a half-inch to one inch bigger than the object being struck so it’s able to strike the object without damaging anything around it.
When hitting an object with a hammer, make sure the face of the hammer is flatly facing the object being struck. This helps avoid narrowly missing the object and ensures a clean hit, which is better for your wrist and the object.
Before swinging a hammer to hit an object, check your surroundings to make sure you will not hit anything or anyone nearby.
When you’re using a wrench, make sure its jaw or head is the correct size and shape for the object you’re twisting so you avoid slippage.
When you’re using a wrench, make sure that its jaw or head is fully around and in contact with the object you’re twisting, then pull slowly and steadily. Quick and inaccurate movements can result in damage or injury.
When you’re using a screwdriver, make sure the head of the screwdriver matches the size and shape of the object it’s being used on, so the screw doesn’t get damaged. (Example: flat, square, star-shaped)
If you are working in confined spaces, consider using a screw-holding screwdriver or an offset screwdriver instead of a handheld one since space is limited but you still need control of the screw.
When you’re using a screwdriver, only use as much force as is needed to stay in contact with the screw. If you push too hard, you could damage the screw and injure yourself.
Avoid using pliers to hold the handle of a screwdriver for additional turning power. This can cause the pliers to slip and injure you or damage the object you’re using it on.
When you’re using pliers to cut something, make sure you cut it at right angles (90 degrees). If you cut sideways or move them side to side, you could cause the object to slip and damage the pliers.
When you’re using pliers, make sure the ones you’re using are the correct size for the job, so you don’t need to use too much force, and keep the pliers parallel for a better grip.
When you’re using pliers, pull on the grips while cutting rather than pushing. If you push, you’re most likely to damage the object and cause injury to yourself.
Hand Tool Best Practices
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Using manual hand tools like a hammer or pliers can make many household and workplace jobs easier. However, using them for an extended period can result in injury. In this topic, you’ll learn how to use hand tools ergonomically so you can avoid serious short- and long-term injuries.
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Questions (level 1, 2, 3)
Video module
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This topic is currently available in English.
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Make sure your work area is clean and free of any debris or clutter that could cause you to trip or fall while handling hand tools.
When you’re finished using hand tools, store them in a safe location, like a toolbox, that is easily accessible but won’t get in your way when they’re not in use.
Hand tools are each designed for a specific purpose. Don’t use a hand tool for anything other than its intended purpose or else you could cause damage or injury since your wrist could twist in unintentional positions.
Inspect your hand tools before you use them. Don’t use a tool if it appears defective or damaged.
Maintain good posture during prolonged use of hand tools because being in awkward positions while doing so can cause serious long-term injuries.
When you’re using a hand tool, keep your wrist in a straight position since twisting it can cause musculoskeletal injuries.
When possible, switch the hand that you’re using to hold the hand tools throughout the day. Only using one hand can lead to fatigue and injury.
A power grip is when your whole hand grips and uses the hand tool. This grip provides maximum control and power for high-force tasks, like swinging a hammer or twisting a wrench.
A pinch grip is when only your thumb and fingertips are used to hold the hand tool, like small pliers or screwdrivers. This grip provides the most precision and uses less force than a power grip.
