Safety Procedures in Using Hand Tools and Equipment
The use of hand tools in accomplishing tasks and job orders greatly increase the productivity and accuracy of a worker. Although hand tools provide convenience and ease in completing any task, it may also cause injuries and infirmities if used incorrectly. Safety procedures must always be a priority in any workplace so that the security of all is assured.
Different types of tools can be utilized differently. Listed below are some of the ways to utilize these tools but also maintain safety in using them:
- Cutting tools such as cutters and saws must always be kept sharp. Dull tools often cause more injuries and malfunctions than a sharp one. It is also required that a worker cut away from his direction or his hands and fingers.
- Gripping tools such as pliers must maintain a strong grip. Handles must be slip-free, jaws have a strong grip and its blades well sharpened. To utilize this tool. A worker must firmly hold it by its handle and make sure the not too much stress is applied to the wrist or the arm.
- Driving tools must always be kept straight. Wrenches must be free from any substance that may cause slippage. The jaws must also have a strong grip. Screw drivers must maintain a straight body, a non-slip handle, and an undamaged tip. Proper grip and turning of the wrist will also increase efficiency.
- A striking tool’s handle must be well attached to its head to avoid it from flying away. To utilize this tool, a worker must hold it comfortably and firmly in his hand before swinging.
- Diagnostic tools such as a tester must always be calibrated before use. Only use the tools as recommended by the manufacturer.
Work space must also be observed properly. The possibility of harm and injuries is greatly increased by an unsafe workplace. One must always be aware of the hazards that are present in the work area. The space available in the workplace also influences the efficiency and accuracy of using a hand tool. Working in a tight space may require to use a different set of tools that would fit in the limited area.
Correct posture must be practiced when using hand tools. Awkward postures make more demands on your body. In some cases, the placement of the workpiece will affect your shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, or back posture. Whenever possible, choose an ergonomic tool that requires the least continuous force and can be used without awkward postures. The right tool will help you to minimize pain and fatigue by keeping your neck, shoulders, and back relaxed and your arms at your sides.
Use the proper personal protective equipment or PPE necessary to protect you from exposure to potential hazards. PPEs are specialized gear used to protect the worker from falling objects, loud noises, sharp edges, dust and particles, and hazardous chemicals. Wearing a PPE while working will greatly decrease the chances of injuries and discomforts.
REMEMBER:Occupational safety and health procedures are not the sole task of the management. Everyone in the workplace must be vigilant and smart so that accidents and unwanted damages will be avoided.
Procedures in Cleaning, Tightening, and Simple Repair of Hand Tools Equipment and Paraphernalia
Hand tools and equipment are subjected to different levels of abuse while in use. These abuses may result in the tools being dirty, loosely connected or even damaged. Before using any tool or equipment, it is a must that they be inspected properly to ensure that they are operational and safe.
One basic thing to remember to keep hand tools, equipment and paraphernalia clean is to make sure that the workplace is properly organized.
- The work area must always be kept neat and tidy.
- All tools and equipment must be placed in a clean and dry place.
- Clean tools and equipment work more efficiently. This lessens the effort needed to operate them and reduces the possibility of mishaps.
- Before cleaning any tool, be sure to wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Gloves, masks and goggles are usually worn when cleaning tools since most cleaning agents and solutions are harmful to the human body.
- Only use cleaning agents as prescribed by the tool or equipment’s manufacturer. Follow the cleaning procedures as well to make sure that no damage will be inflicted on the tools.
- Cleaning the tools after use is highly recommended.
- Tools with moving parts often suffer loosening of its parts. This is normal since these segments keep on moving. A tool with loose parts will not function properly and may cause injuries.
- Gripping tools such as a plier is an example that needs tightening. A plier’s rivet must be well tightened to be able to grip properly.
- Lubricants must also be applied after tightening to reduce the friction.
- Driving tools’ handles must also be tightened to reduce hand strain when turning. A loosely connected handle will make it almost impossible to use it.
In doing simple repair of tools, make sure that you are knowledgeable in doing so. Repairing tools without sufficient skills may result to further damage or inflict injuries to the fixer. Small repairs like tightening, sharpening and changing of handles may not require special skills to do. Power tools and specialized equipment on the other hand may require specialized skills in repairing. It is recommended that complicated tools and equipment be brought to the authorized service center. If a tool or equipment is beyond repair, it must be disposed properly.
REMEMBER: It is the responsibility of everyone to maintain the good operating condition of all the hand tools, equipment and paraphernalia in the workplace. Since these tools help in the completion of the different job requirements, keeping them well preserved will make work easier and more efficient.
Common Malfunction in Hand Tools, Equipment and Paraphernalia
The proper use of tools, equipment and paraphernalia will greatly increase efficiency and occupational safety in a workplace. Having the proper knowledge and skills in using such tools is needed in order to operate and use them effectively. But more often than not, problems and malfunctions may arise while using these tools. These malfunctions can be minimized by exercising careful usage of the tools.
Malfunctions and other unplanned and unusual event may not be totally eliminated, but it can surely be minimized.
Listed below are some of the malfunctions and unplanned events when using the different tools in completing a job requirement:
- When using a driving tool, screws may slip the tip of the screw driver. This happens when the screw driver is not properly aligned with drive of the screw’s head. This can be minimized by making sure that the tip of the screw driver is well secured in the drive of the screw’s head. Using a screw driver with a magnetized tip can also help minimize this type of malfunction.
- Small objects tend to fall down when being held by a gripping tool like pliers. This usually happens when the jaws of the pliers are blunt, thus making it hard to hold on things. This can be prevented by making sure that gripping tools have well maintained jaws that can grasp objects properly.
Listed below are some of the malfunctions and unplanned events when using the different tools in completing a job requirement (continued):
- The use of striking tools also imposes a great threat if there will be a malfunction. Common hazards are heads separating away from the handle. This could cause severe injuries to anyone. To avoid this type of accident, the handle of a striking tool must be tightly attached to its head.
- Mishaps in using cutting tools is also dangerous. Malfunctions may arise from slippage of the material to be cut. This may also happen if a cutting tool is not sharp enough. These unplanned events will cause laceration and wounds to the user. To avoid this, cutting tools must always be kept sharp.
- Power tools also impose danger during mishaps. Common problems are electrical short circuiting or mechanical problems. Malfunctioning power tools may cause electrocution and even decapitation of the limbs. These accidents can be avoided by making sure that all power tools are well maintained and are in fit operating condition.
- Diagnostic tools may not impose a threat to the well-being of a worker but inaccurate reading may compromise the completion of a job requirement. Inaccurate reading may occur if a diagnostic tool is not properly calibrated. To avoid this, a regular calibration to all diagnostic tools must be done.
REMEMBER:
- There is certainly no absolute way to avoid any unforeseen malfunctions.
- The only way to minimize them is to have the appropriate knowledge in using the different tools.
- Proper inspection and assessment of tools must also be practiced to ensure the safety of the worker and the accurate completion of a job requirement.
- Having a first aid kit in the work area is also necessary so that quick response and cure can be applied in case of any injuries.
sources: Source: https://school.quipper.com/en-PH/index.html
- Cutting tools such as cutters and saws must always be kept sharp. Dull tools often cause more injuries and malfunctions than a sharp one. It is also required that a worker cut away from his direction or his hands and fingers.
- Gripping tools such as pliers must maintain a strong grip. Handles must be slip-free, jaws have a strong grip and its blades well sharpened. To utilize this tool. A worker must firmly hold it by its handle and make sure the not too much stress is applied to the wrist or the arm.
- Driving tools must always be kept straight. Wrenches must be free from any substance that may cause slippage. The jaws must also have a strong grip. Screw drivers must maintain a straight body, a non-slip handle, and an undamaged tip. Proper grip and turning of the wrist will also increase efficiency.
- A striking tool’s handle must be well attached to its head to avoid it from flying away. To utilize this tool, a worker must hold it comfortably and firmly in his hand before swinging.
- Diagnostic tools such as a tester must always be calibrated before use. Only use the tools as recommended by the manufacturer.
Work space must also be observed properly. The possibility of harm and injuries is greatly increased by an unsafe workplace. One must always be aware of the hazards that are present in the work area. The space available in the workplace also influences the efficiency and accuracy of using a hand tool. Working in a tight space may require to use a different set of tools that would fit in the limited area.
Correct posture must be practiced when using hand tools. Awkward postures make more demands on your body. In some cases, the placement of the workpiece will affect your shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, or back posture. Whenever possible, choose an ergonomic tool that requires the least continuous force and can be used without awkward postures. The right tool will help you to minimize pain and fatigue by keeping your neck, shoulders, and back relaxed and your arms at your sides.
Use the proper personal protective equipment or PPE necessary to protect you from exposure to potential hazards. PPEs are specialized gear used to protect the worker from falling objects, loud noises, sharp edges, dust and particles, and hazardous chemicals. Wearing a PPE while working will greatly decrease the chances of injuries and discomforts.
REMEMBER:Occupational safety and health procedures are not the sole task of the management. Everyone in the workplace must be vigilant and smart so that accidents and unwanted damages will be avoided.
Procedures in Cleaning, Tightening, and Simple Repair of Hand Tools Equipment and Paraphernalia
Hand tools and equipment are subjected to different levels of abuse while in use. These abuses may result in the tools being dirty, loosely connected or even damaged. Before using any tool or equipment, it is a must that they be inspected properly to ensure that they are operational and safe.
One basic thing to remember to keep hand tools, equipment and paraphernalia clean is to make sure that the workplace is properly organized.
- The work area must always be kept neat and tidy.
- All tools and equipment must be placed in a clean and dry place.
- Clean tools and equipment work more efficiently. This lessens the effort needed to operate them and reduces the possibility of mishaps.
- Before cleaning any tool, be sure to wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Gloves, masks and goggles are usually worn when cleaning tools since most cleaning agents and solutions are harmful to the human body.
- Only use cleaning agents as prescribed by the tool or equipment’s manufacturer. Follow the cleaning procedures as well to make sure that no damage will be inflicted on the tools.
- Cleaning the tools after use is highly recommended.
- Tools with moving parts often suffer loosening of its parts. This is normal since these segments keep on moving. A tool with loose parts will not function properly and may cause injuries.
- Gripping tools such as a plier is an example that needs tightening. A plier’s rivet must be well tightened to be able to grip properly.
- Lubricants must also be applied after tightening to reduce the friction.
- Driving tools’ handles must also be tightened to reduce hand strain when turning. A loosely connected handle will make it almost impossible to use it.
In doing simple repair of tools, make sure that you are knowledgeable in doing so. Repairing tools without sufficient skills may result to further damage or inflict injuries to the fixer. Small repairs like tightening, sharpening and changing of handles may not require special skills to do. Power tools and specialized equipment on the other hand may require specialized skills in repairing. It is recommended that complicated tools and equipment be brought to the authorized service center. If a tool or equipment is beyond repair, it must be disposed properly.
REMEMBER: It is the responsibility of everyone to maintain the good operating condition of all the hand tools, equipment and paraphernalia in the workplace. Since these tools help in the completion of the different job requirements, keeping them well preserved will make work easier and more efficient.
Common Malfunction in Hand Tools, Equipment and Paraphernalia
The proper use of tools, equipment and paraphernalia will greatly increase efficiency and occupational safety in a workplace. Having the proper knowledge and skills in using such tools is needed in order to operate and use them effectively. But more often than not, problems and malfunctions may arise while using these tools. These malfunctions can be minimized by exercising careful usage of the tools.
Malfunctions and other unplanned and unusual event may not be totally eliminated, but it can surely be minimized.
Listed below are some of the malfunctions and unplanned events when using the different tools in completing a job requirement:
- When using a driving tool, screws may slip the tip of the screw driver. This happens when the screw driver is not properly aligned with drive of the screw’s head. This can be minimized by making sure that the tip of the screw driver is well secured in the drive of the screw’s head. Using a screw driver with a magnetized tip can also help minimize this type of malfunction.
- Small objects tend to fall down when being held by a gripping tool like pliers. This usually happens when the jaws of the pliers are blunt, thus making it hard to hold on things. This can be prevented by making sure that gripping tools have well maintained jaws that can grasp objects properly.
Listed below are some of the malfunctions and unplanned events when using the different tools in completing a job requirement (continued):
- The use of striking tools also imposes a great threat if there will be a malfunction. Common hazards are heads separating away from the handle. This could cause severe injuries to anyone. To avoid this type of accident, the handle of a striking tool must be tightly attached to its head.
- Mishaps in using cutting tools is also dangerous. Malfunctions may arise from slippage of the material to be cut. This may also happen if a cutting tool is not sharp enough. These unplanned events will cause laceration and wounds to the user. To avoid this, cutting tools must always be kept sharp.
- Power tools also impose danger during mishaps. Common problems are electrical short circuiting or mechanical problems. Malfunctioning power tools may cause electrocution and even decapitation of the limbs. These accidents can be avoided by making sure that all power tools are well maintained and are in fit operating condition.
- Diagnostic tools may not impose a threat to the well-being of a worker but inaccurate reading may compromise the completion of a job requirement. Inaccurate reading may occur if a diagnostic tool is not properly calibrated. To avoid this, a regular calibration to all diagnostic tools must be done.
REMEMBER:
- There is certainly no absolute way to avoid any unforeseen malfunctions.
- The only way to minimize them is to have the appropriate knowledge in using the different tools.
- Proper inspection and assessment of tools must also be practiced to ensure the safety of the worker and the accurate completion of a job requirement.
- Having a first aid kit in the work area is also necessary so that quick response and cure can be applied in case of any injuries.
sources: Source: https://school.quipper.com/en-PH/index.html
