Sawhorse Advisory #49 – Hand Tool Safety

Hand Tool Safety Rules

Carry all sharp tools in sheath or holsters.
Tag worn, damaged or defective tools “Out of Service” and do not use them.
Do not use a tool if the handle surface has splinters, burrs, cracks or splits.
When handing a tool to another person, direct sharp points and cutting edges away from yourself and the other person.
Do not carry sharp or pointed hand tools such as probes or knives in your pocket unless the tool or your pocket is sheathed.
Do not perform “make-shift” repairs to tools.
Do not throw tools from one location to another or from one individual to another.
Transport hand tools only in tool boxes or tool belts.
When using hand tools always wear safety glasses and gloves.

Use a claw hammer for pulling nails and for driving nails.
Do not strike nails or other objects with the “cheek” of the hammer.
Do not strike one hammer against another hammer.
Do not use a hammer, screwdriver, file, etc., if your hands are oily, greasy or wet.

Use brushes or vacuum machinery to remove metal chips, shavings and other debris from the drill table. Do not use your bare hands.
Do not use dull, cracked or bent drill bits.

Keep control of saws by releasing downward pressure at the end of the stroke.
Do not use a saw that has a dull blade.
Oil saw blades after each use of the saw.
Keep your hands and fingers away from the saw blade while you are using the saw.
Do not carry a saw by the blade.

Do not use a file as a pry bar, hammer, screwdriver or chisel.
When using a file or a rasp, grasp the handle in one hand and the toe of the file in the other.
Do not hammer on a file.

Use a chisel that has been sharpened; do not use a chisel that has a dull cutting edge.
Hold a chisel by using a tool holder if possible.
Clamp small work pieces in the vise and chip towards the stationary jaw when you are working with a chisel.

Use the handle when opening and closing a drawer or door of a tool box, chest, or cabinet.
Tape over or file off sharp edges on tool boxes, chests or cabinets.
Do not stand on tool boxes, chests or cabinets to gain extra height.
Lock the wheels on large tool boxes, chests or cabinets to prevent them from rolling.
Push large chests, cabinets and tool boxes; do not pull them.
Do not open more than one drawer of a tool box at a time.
Close and lock all drawers and doors before moving the tool chest to a new location.
Do not use a tool box or chest as a workbench.
Do not move a tool box, chest or cabinet if it has loose tools or parts on the top.