9.2 Hand-Held Tools

General considerations when selecting hand-held tools

Hand and power tools are a common part of everyday life and are present in almost every industry. They let us do tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. Even so, these simple tools can be hazardous and can cause severe injury when used or maintained improperly. Special attention to hand and power tool safety is needed to reduce or remove the hazards.

Hand tools may be manual or powered. Power tools create greater risk than manual hand tools because:

• the forces they generate are far greater, so severe injury or even death is possible
• they have additional hazards that simple hand tools do not:
  • electricity, which may cause electric shock, burns, arcing or fire
  • fuel, usually petrol, which creates a risk of fire and explosion
  • noise, which may cause hearing loss
  • vibration, which may cause hand-arm vibration syndrome
  • dust, which is harmful if inhaled
  • ejection of material or parts of the tool
  • trip hazards from power cables

Consider the following when selecting a hand tool:

• the working conditions and the risks to health and safety in the premises where it will be used
• its initial integrity and conformity with product supply requirements
• where it will be used
• who will use it, meaning the training and competence needed
• the purpose for which it will be used
• the task and environment, including any explosive atmosphere. A non-sparking label does not guarantee no ignition; avoid the atmosphere where possible and select equipment for the assessed ignition risks
• whether it is comfortable to hold and use, and does not put localised pressure on muscles and joints in the palm and fingers
• the need for inspection and maintenance

Hazards and controls of portable tools (manual)

Manually operated portable tools, also called hand tools, need no power source. They are often smaller and lighter than power tools, which makes them easier to manoeuvre and use for long periods, and they are usually cheaper. On the downside, hand tools can be slower and more labour-intensive than power tools. Common examples:

• hand saws: for cutting wood, metal or other materials
• hammers: for driving nails or other fasteners into wood or other materials
• screwdrivers: for driving screws into wood or other materials
• wrenches: for tightening or loosening nuts and bolts
• spanners: for gripping and turning objects, for example to loosen or tighten nuts and bolts, available in many types from closed-end to open-end and adjustable
• wire cutters (hand pliers): for gripping or cutting the work piece
• files: for making smooth edges or giving a new shape or profile, or for removing extra material from plastic, wood or metal

Basic tips for using hand tools:

• Make sure employees are properly trained in the safe use of hand tools. Always train them in how to choose the right tool for the job, how to use each tool correctly and how to tell when tools need repair.
• Select the right tool for the job. Substitutes increase the chance of an accident.
• Use tools designed to let the wrist stay straight. Avoid using hand tools with the wrist bent.
• Use good-quality tools and keep them in good condition at all times.
• Inspect tools for defects before use, and replace or repair defective tools.
• Keep cutting tools sharp, and cover sharp edges with a suitable covering to protect the tool and prevent injury from unintended contact.
• Replace cracked, splintered or broken handles on files, hammers, screwdrivers and sledges.
• Make sure the handles of tools such as hammers and axes fit tightly into the head.
• Replace worn jaws on wrenches, pipe tools and pliers.
• Withdraw striking tools with damaged or mushroomed heads and prevent reuse until competent repair or replacement. Do not improvise grinding or reshaping as an operator-level fix.
• Pull on a wrench or pliers. Never push unless you hold the tool with your palm open.
• Point sharp tools such as saws, chisels and knives lying on benches away from aisles, and do not let handles extend over the edge of the bench top.
• Maintain tools carefully. Keep them clean and dry, and store them properly after each use.
• Carry tools in a sturdy tool box to and from the worksite.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield with safety glasses or goggles, and well-fitting gloves suited to the hazards of the task.
• Keep the work environment clean and tidy to avoid clutter that may cause accidents.
• Use a heavy belt or apron, and hang tools pointing down at your sides, not behind your back.
• Do not hold the stock in the palm of your hand when using a cutting tool or screwdriver. Always lay it on a workbench or hold it in a vice.
• Do not throw tools. Hand them, handle first, directly to other workers.
• Do not carry a sharp tool in your pocket.
• Do not use tools for electrical work unless they are designed for it, for example properly insulated.
• Do not leave tools lying around on elevated structures such as a platform or scaffold, where they may be bumped and fall.
• Keep the work space tidy and store tools properly when not in use.

Summary notes for Element 9 · Cheat sheet · Glossary. A study aid, not published or endorsed by NEBOSH.