This lesson covers safe tool use and two kinds of hazard: being struck by something, such as a dropped tool or a moving forklift, and being caught in or between the moving parts of equipment.
Hand tools
- Keep tools clean and dry, and store them properly after each use.
- Don't wear bulky gloves to operate hand tools.
- Don't cut towards yourself, and don't hold the work in your palm when using a cutting tool or screwdriver; use a bench or vice.
- Don't throw tools. Hand them over, handle first.
- Don't carry sharp tools in your pocket.
- Only use tools on electrical work if they're designed for it (properly insulated).
Struck-by hazards
- Don't leave tools or materials lying on scaffolds, platforms or other elevated surfaces, where they can be bumped and fall.
- On a ladder or scaffold, raise and lower tools with a bucket and hand-line.
- Wear head protection when working below a scaffold.
- Forklift operators should keep pedestrians away and yield the right of way to them. Stay clear of operating forklifts, and only operate one if you're trained and authorized.
Caught-in and caught-between hazards
- Machines have guards and other safety devices to protect you during normal operation. Don't remove or bypass them.
- During maintenance or repairs, guards may have to be removed. That's when hazardous energy control, such as lockout, is needed to prevent unexpected start-up or motion (see the lockout lesson).
Key takeaways
- Hand tools over, handle first; never throw them.
- Don't leave tools or materials on elevated surfaces.
- Never remove or bypass machine guards during normal work.
- Hazardous energy must be controlled before guards come off for maintenance.