Tools are essential for many jobs and tasks, but using them safely is crucial to avoid accidents and injuries. Whether you’re working with hand tools or power tools, it’s important to be aware of the hazards and to take the necessary precautions to stay safe. Here are 10 practical tips for hand and power tool safety to help you avoid accidents and injuries on the job.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has found that approximately 400,000 individuals per year suffer hand and power tool-inflicted injuries so serious they require urgent medical attention. Improper use of tools or not following safety procedures were identified as major contributing factors in many of these incidents. To prevent injury and death in the workplace, it’s essential to ensure that all tools are used properly and safely.

Here are 10 practical tips to help you ensure that your tools are used safely and correctly, and to keep your employees safe on the job:

  1. Read the instructions and learn how to use the tool correctly: Before using any hand or power tool, it’s important to read the instructions and learn how to use the tool correctly. This will help you avoid mistakes and accidents, and ensure that you’re using the tool as safely and effectively as possible. It’s essential to understand the tool’s capabilities, limitations, and potential hazards. Not only it will help you prevent accidents but also prolong the life of the tool and make the job more efficient. Additionally, it’s important to also check for any warning labels or safety information that may be provided with the tool. These labels often provide important information about how to use the tool safely and what safety precautions to take. Moreover, it’s also a good idea to ask for help or guidance from an experienced worker if you are not familiar with the tool. By learning how to use the tool correctly, you’ll be better prepared to avoid accidents and injuries on the job.
  2. Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): When working with hand and power tools, it’s important to wear the appropriate PPE, such as goggles, gloves, and earplugs. This will help to protect your eyes, hands, and ears from flying debris, dust, and loud noises. Wearing PPE can help to prevent serious injuries, such as eye injuries, cuts, and hearing loss. It’s also important to wear appropriate clothing and shoes when working with tools. This includes wearing long pants, closed-toe shoes, and avoiding loose clothing or jewelry. Additionally, it’s also important to make sure that your PPE is in good condition and that it fits properly. Wearing PPE that is too large or small can make it difficult to use the tool properly, and can also make it difficult to move around safely on the job. By wearing the appropriate PPE, you’ll be better prepared to avoid accidents and injuries on the job.
  3. Inspect the tools before use: Before using any hand or power tool, it’s important to inspect it for any damage or wear. This includes checking for loose or missing parts, frayed cords, and any other signs of damage. If the tool is damaged, it should be repaired or replaced before use. This not only ensures the safety of the worker but also the longevity of the tool. A damaged tool can not only lead to accidents but can also cause damage to the work piece. Additionally, it’s also important to check the tool’s safety features such as guards and lock-out mechanisms, to ensure they are in proper working condition. Furthermore, it’s also a good practice to conduct a pre-use inspection before each use, to ensure that the tool is in good condition and ready for use. By inspecting the tools before use, you’ll be better prepared to avoid accidents and injuries on the job.
  4. Use the right tool for the job: It’s important to use the right tool for the job. Using the wrong tool can lead to mistakes and accidents, and can also damage the tool or the workpiece. Using the right tool for the job not only ensures the safety of the worker but also increases the efficiency of the task and prolongs the life of the tool. Additionally, it’s important to also use the tool in the way it was intended. This means using the tool for its intended purpose and not trying to force it to do something it was not designed to do. Furthermore, it’s also important to not use a tool if it’s not in good working condition or if it’s not the right tool for the job. By using the right tool for the job, you’ll be better prepared to avoid accidents and injuries on the job.
  5. Keep a firm grip on the tool: When using hand tools or power tools, it’s important to keep a firm grip on the tool to avoid losing control and causing accidents. A firm grip will help to prevent the tool from slipping out of your hand, which can cause serious injuries. A firm grip also helps to maintain control of the tool, especially when using power tools, which can be dangerous if not handled properly. Additionally, it’s also important to keep your fingers and hands away from moving parts, such as blades and drill bits. This will help to prevent injuries from cuts and amputations. Furthermore, it’s important to use safety grips or handles, if available, to help maintain control of the tool. By keeping a firm grip on the tool, you’ll be better prepared to avoid accidents and injuries on the job.
  6. Use a safe working position: When using hand or power tools, it’s important to use a safe working position. This includes maintaining good posture, keeping your fingers and hands away from moving parts, and avoiding awkward or tiring positions. A safe working position helps to maintain control of the tool, which can help to prevent injuries and accidents. Additionally, it’s important to also keep the work area clean and well-organized. This will help to prevent accidents caused by tripping or slipping. Furthermore, it’s also important to take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue and to maintain a safe working position. By using a safe working position, you’ll be better prepared to avoid accidents and injuries on the job.
  7. Disconnect power tools when not in use: When not in use, it’s important to disconnect power tools to avoid accidents. This includes unplugging the tool or turning off the power at the source. This ensures that the tool won’t accidentally turn on, which can cause serious injuries. Moreover, it also helps to prolong the life of the tool by preventing any accidental damage. Additionally, it’s also important to lock out or tag out power tools when they are being serviced or repaired. This helps to prevent accidental start-up and ensures that the tool is not used until it’s been properly repaired and tested. Furthermore, it’s important to never leave a power tool unattended when it’s plugged in or turned on. By disconnecting power tools when not in use, you’ll be better prepared to avoid accidents and injuries on the job.
  8. Use guards and safety devices as intended: Hand and power tools come with safety devices such as guards and switches, and it’s important to use them as intended to avoid accidents. Guards and safety devices are designed to protect the user from injuries such as cuts, amputations and other hazards. It is important to not remove or bypass these safety devices as it will defeat the purpose of them. Additionally, it’s important to also use power tools in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, which may include specific safety devices or procedures. Furthermore, it’s also important to check that guards and safety devices are in good working condition before use and to replace them if they are worn or damaged. By using guards and safety devices as intended, you’ll be better prepared to avoid accidents and injuries on the job.
  9. Don’t use tools in hazardous areas: It’s important to avoid using tools in hazardous areas, such as near flammable liquids, gases, or in wet or damp conditions. Using tools in hazardous areas can increase the risk of fire or explosion, which can cause serious injuries or death. Furthermore, using tools in wet or damp conditions can increase the risk of electric shock. Additionally, it’s important to also be aware of the potential hazards in the surrounding environment, such as overhead power lines or other sources of electrical energy. Furthermore, it’s also important to follow the proper procedures for working in hazardous areas, such as shutting off power and properly grounding equipment. By avoiding the use of tools in hazardous areas, you’ll be better prepared to avoid accidents and injuries on the job.
  10. Store tools safely and properly: After use, it’s important to store tools safely and properly. This includes keeping them in a dry, secure place, and cleaning them to remove any debris or contaminants. Proper storage of tools not only ensures the safety of the worker but also prolongs the life of the tool. Additionally, it’s important to also store tools in a way that makes them easily accessible, so that they can be quickly retrieved when needed. Furthermore, it’s also important to store tools so that they are protected from damage, such as by keeping them in a toolbox or tool cabinet. By storing tools safely and properly, you’ll be better prepared to avoid accidents and injuries on the job.

By following these 10 practical tips for hand and power tool safety, you’ll be better prepared to avoid accidents and injuries on the job. Remember, using tools safely is crucial to ensure that you stay safe and productive on the job. So, always be aware of the hazards and take the necessary precautions to stay safe when working with hand and power tools.

Reference:

  1. Marcy, Natalie, George Rutherford, and Alberta Mills. “Hazard Screening Report: Power Tools and Workshop Equipment (Product codes 800-819, 821-893).” June 2003. Link: https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/pdfs/2003h054.pdf