Safety at Workplace

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Different types of tools

 

Different types of tools

Many industrial accidents are caused by the use of tools and equipment. These include manual and power-driven tools. You can prevent accidents by using the right tools for the job. They should be of good quality and well maintained. Replace tools before they wear out.

Many industrial injuries result from the use of equipment not suited to the particular purpose, like adjustable spanners being used instead of ring or open-ended spanners to tighten nuts; tin snips or pliers with the handles bent toward each other at the ends; pipe wrenches with worn jaws; hammers with cracks in the handles, etc.

Impact tools like hammers, chisels, sledge-hammers, etc. should be made of iron of the correct hardness. Burrs, which can fly off and cause injury, should be removed.

Sharp-edged tools like knives, axes, saws, etc. should be kept sharp. The risk of injury is greater from blunt tools than from sharp ones. Tools which are carried around must be carried in such a way that they cannot cause injury.

Power-driven hand tools involve greater risks than hand-operated or stationary tools. Guards protecting saw blades and grinders must never be removed or swiveled out of the way.

Regular inspection

All tools and work equipment must be inspected regularly. The supervisor should be responsible for this continuous inspection. Inspections should be carried out according to the instructions from the supplier of the equipment. These can take the form of a check list.