RJ Sullivan

Hand and Power Tool Safety - The Never List

Hand and power tool safety is imperative in a safe workplace environment.  Industrial and manufacturing workers come in contact with these tools everyday and their safe interaction with them will decrease injuries and even death in the workplace.

Hand and power tools are integral to the efficiency of our workplaces but they are also extremely dangerous and account for hundreds of thousands of injuries every year. Safe use of these tools is imperative for a healthy and productive workplace. Here is a list of things never to do with a hand or power tool.

Never start work without scanning your work area for possible hazards. Make sure that the cord won't get caught on any materials and that the work area is clean. A clean and organized work area is the first step to efficiency and safety.

Never work without personal protective equipment. Goggles, gloves and other PPE save many eyes and hands every year. Never work without them!

Never forget to secure the materials you are working on especially with power tools. Kick-back is when a power tool sends its energy away from cutting or punching and either violently into the material or back towards the tool. Either way it can cause serious injury.

Never use a power tool with one hand. Kick-back and slipping will occur eventually and could cause serious injury.

Never use a hammer or screwdriver without first "seating" the nail or screw. Tap the nail or screw in with a hammer and get your hand away from the nail or screw. Never use full force with your hand still in the area.

Never use a screwdriver that has a blade that is too big or small for the job. Always fit the blade to the screw. It will decrease your chances for injury exponentially.

Never use a hammer to turn a wrench or pliers. Inevitably the hammer will bounce off and hit you or someone else.

Never forget to sharpen your blades. Hand knives and power saws are safer when they are sharp. It reduces kick-back and makes every operation go smoother.

Hand and Power tool injuries are all too common in the workplace, but with a little safety and planning they can be avoided. These are just a few things never to do. Get as much training as possible and add other rules to this list. You may avoid a serious injury some day.

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