Toolbox Talk: Hand Injury Prevention

“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