Hand Tools Checklist
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Hand Tools - LOHP
The Labor Occupational Health Program (LOHP) at UC Berkeley developed toolbox talks and forms for 28 subject areas. You can access the introduction and reference sections in the "More like this" area and the other subjects by searching on 'LOHP'.
Summary Statement
A checklist on hand tools, including items such as hazard identification, selection and inspection. Part of a collection. Click on the 'collection' button to access the other items.
1994
These tailgate/toolbox talks were developed for use under California OSHA regulations. The complete set is available from the Labor Occupational Health Program at UC Berkeley. For ordering information, visit the website (www.lohp.org) The American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has adapted these talks to apply to federal OSHA regulations. To contact ACGIH, visit its web site (www.acgih.org). |
Date Prepared:_________________________ | By:_______________________ |
Project Name/No.______________________ | Location:__________________ |
- Check the
box if the statement is true.
- Citations in brackets are from Title 8 of the California Administrative Code.
HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
- The company has a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) that meets all Cal/OSHA requirements. It includes identification of hazards on the site involving hand tools, as well as regular inspections, accident investigation, and correction of hazardous conditions. [1509]
SELECTION
- The right tool
is used for the job; tools are used within their design limitations.
[3556(b)]
- Tools are used
only their intended purpose. [3556(b)]
- Tools don't force
the hand or wrist into awkward positions.
- Tools are well-balanced.
- Tools fit the
hand comfortably.
- Tools are not
so heavy that they strain the arm and shoulder.
- Tools do not require
excessive force to use.
- Tool handles are
designed to minimize the grip force needed. (For example, they are not
slippery.)
- Handles have soft grips that don't cut into your hand.
- Only cutting tools are used to cut metal strapping or banding that secures cargo. [3330(b)]
- Come-alongs and extensions on wrenches, jacks, and hoists are designed for the equipment they are used with.
INSPECTION
- Tools are inspected daily before use and are kept clean and in good repair. They are checked for sharpness, chips, “mushrooming,” wear, and metal fatigue before use. Periodic checks are made for tightness of bolts, nuts, and screws. [1699(a)]
- Damaged, defective, or worn tools are tagged and removed from service until repaired. [1699(a), 3556(a), and 3556(c)]
WORK PRACTICES
- Workers use only tools with which they have experience, or on which they have been trained. [1510(b)]
- Tools are used
only on secure and stable work surfaces. Work is secured with a vise
or clamps if necessary.
- Workers using
tools stand on a clean, dry surface to prevent slipping. [1513 and 3273(a)]
- Work surfaces
are adjusted to minimize reaching, bending, and other awkward postures.
- Tasks are varied so the same tool isn't used all day, straining the hand.
- Work areas are well-lighted. [1523]
- Knives are directed away from the body during cutting. (Except draw knives.)
- Hard hammers are not used to strike hardened tools.
- Spark resistant tools are used where sources of ignition are prohibited due to the presence of flammable materials. [1534(b)]
- If necessary,
personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided by the company and worn
by workers. The types used are appropriate for the work and give adequate
protection. [1514]
- Workers using
tools always wear safety glasses with side shields or other eye/face
protection. Eye and face protection meets the requirements of American
National Standards Institute (ANSI)
Z 87.1 1989, American National Standard Practice for Occupational
and Educational Eye and Face Protection. [3382(d)(1)]
- When work with tools involves potential risk of cuts, burns, harmful physical or chemical agents, or radioactive material, workers use appropriate hand protection. (Exception: Not required if gloves might become caught in moving parts or machinery). [1520]
- If gloves are
used, tools can still be gripped easily. (Tools with larger handles
may be needed.)
- When using tools, workers potentially exposed to foot injuries from crushing or penetrating actions, hot surfaces, falling objects, or hazardous substances, or who work in abnormally wet locations, use appropriate foot protection such as steel-toed safety shoes and/or boots. [3385]
- Workers exposed to noise in excess of 90 dB use hearing protection. [1521(g) and 5096(b)]
STORAGE AND MAINTENANCE
- Tools are stored
in pouches or other appropriate containers when they are not being used.
Sharp edged or pointed tools (knives, etc.) are kept in sheaths, not
in workers’ pockets.
- Tools are not
left on ladders, scaffolds, or overhead work spaces. [1699(a)]
- Tool belts are
used, especially when workers are on ladders.
- Tools are protected
from contact with oil, hot surfaces, and chemicals that might damage
them.
- Tools are kept
clean.
- Sharp tools are kept sharp.
CAL/OSHA ERGONOMICS REGULATION
- If there has been
more than one ergonomic injury within a year to workers doing the same
task, the company has set up a program to identify and correct these
hazards and provide relevant training. [5110]