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Push and Pull in the Right Direction
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Hand Tool Safety
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Hand
Tool Safety
What are hand tools? Hand tools are a part of our work and
personal lives that have potential to cause injuries. Hand tools
can be described as any device placed in the hand to help make a
task easier, more efficient and/or safer. Hand tools can include
hammers, power tools, scissors, shovels, brooms, tweezers, or
pliers. Proper evaluation of a hand tool may include
characteristics such as the task, tool, workstation, and
end-user. Important considerations for optimizing hand tool
safety include identifying engineering controls such as
designing tools with ease in adjustability, identifying and
eliminating risks before using hand tools, and involving end
users in the design and planning stage of new products and
re-design.
Optimal hand tool characteristics include the following:
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Multiple sizes
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Used with both hands simultaneously
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Spring loaded or low tension
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Suspend/ counterbalance if power tool is greater than
five pounds and precision tool is greater than one pound
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Adjustable
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Trigger activated by multiple fingers
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Ambidextrous
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Handle bent so wrist can be straight
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Optimal hand tool handle characteristics include the
following:
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Length 4-5 inches +add 0.5 if glove is used
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Shape circular or oval
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Composed of non-conductive, non-porous, non-slip,
slightly compressible, good insulation, and some texture
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Handle span = 2.5-3.5 inches
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Size = For precision tasks 0.3-0.6 inches and for power
tasks1.2-2 inches
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Hand tool safety can depend on:
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positioning of your hand and body
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vibration exposure
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environment
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repetition of task
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tool type and design
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Simple ways to reduce risk factors associated with hand tool
use:
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enlarge or change handle
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use vibration dampening tools or tool wraps
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reduce contact pressure
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use padding
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reduce force
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change worksurface and tool
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use gloves
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alternate or change tasks
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Presentations
Coming soon.
Tomboys
offers hand tools specially designed for women www.tomboytools.com
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