“Hand Injury Prevention”

Hand Hazards
Insects, Chemicals, Piercing devices, Blood-borne pathogen, Rotating equipment, Extreme temperatures, Pinch points, Sharp devices, Vibrating equipment
Lines Of Defense
• Awareness of Hazards and Prevention Measures
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Good Hygiene
Screwdrivers 
• When using screwdrivers, place the object on a flat surface or in a clamp, don’t hold it in your hand!
• Don’t use screwdrivers as chisels or pry bars
• Use the correct size driver for the screw
• Don’t use screwdrivers with chipped tips
Knives
• Use safety knives whenever possible
• Keep knife blades sharp
• Cut away from your body
• Do not use knife blades as screwdrivers
• Avoid working on the same object when a coworker is using a knife
Hammers
• Never use a hammer with a splintered, cracked, or loose handle

• Don’t use hammers with rounded striking faces

• Use the correct hammer for the job

• Don’t strike a hammer face with another hammer

• Don’t use nail hammer claws as a pry bar Hand Saws
• Use moderate pressure on hack saws to prevent blade failure

• Spray saw blades lightly with lubricant prior to use

• Keep blades sharp
Chisels
• When possible use a safety chisel
• Don’t use chisels with mushroomed heads
• Use the correct chisel for the job
• Don’t use chisels as pry bars Safety Chisel
Wrenches
• Use the correct sized wrench for the job
• Don’t use pliers with worn grooves or crescent wrenches with worn or sprung jaws
• Don’t use pliers or crescent wrenches on over tight bolts and nuts
• Pull on wrenches rather than pushing them • Never use a cheater bar on a wrench
Portable Power Tools
• Disconnect power tools when not in use and before changing bits, blades, and other accessories
• If a power tool binds STOP! and reassess the job
• Wear anti-vibration gloves when using power tools that vibrate excessively
• Never remove guards!
• Ground power tools unless double insulated
• Don’t wear gloves if they can get caught on rotating parts
• Secure work in a clamp or on a bench – Don’t hold it in your hand!
Bench Grinders
• Don’t wear gloves when operating bench grinders
• Never remove guards!
• Maintain proper clearances on tool rests and tongue guards
• Use vice grips when grinding small parts
Extreme Temperatures
• Use tongs or high-temperature gloves to handle hot or cold parts and equipment
Bites and Stings
• Use caution when moving debris piles or equipment which has been sitting for a long time
• Don’t stick your hands in holes, crevasses and other secluded places, including work boots which have been sitting for awhile
• Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate (garbage cans, stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and areas where flowers are blooming)
Equipment Handling
• Use tag lines
• Wear leather gloves
• Never place your hand on top of the load or between the load and a fixed object
• Inspect hooks and chain slings before use
• Never hang load from the hook tip, unless it is designed for that

“You already know what you need to know. The challenge is to apply what you know.” Eric Allenbaug

Thanks for the share TO!