Hand Tools Safety

Hammers

• Keep clean – and free from oil which might cause the handle to slip or the face to glance from the object being struck.
• Make sure the head is wedged securely and that the head and handle are    not chipped or broken.
• Grasp handle firmly near the end & keep your eye on the point to be  struck.
• Reduce the strain when pulling nails by placing a piece of wood under the hammer to increase leverage

Chisels

• Never use a chisel with a mushroomed head, or a hammer with a damaged face.
• Wear eye protection.
• See diagram for safe way to hold a cold  chisel.

Wrenches

• Use a wrench that is the right size and type for the job.
• Never use a piece of pipe on the handle to get leverage.
• Keep jaws clean and sharp.
• Place the wrench so that the pull on the handle tends to   
• force the jaws further into the nut (lower jaw leads).
• Pulling on a wrench is safer than pushing.
• Do not weaken wrenches by using a hammer.

Information provided by Workplace Services