Hand Tools and Equipment

• Are all tools and equipment (both company and employee owned) used by employees at their workplace in good condition?
• Are hand tools such as chisels and punches, which develop mushroomed heads during use, reconditioned or replaced as necessary?
• Are broken or fractured handles on hammers, axes and similar equipment replaced promptly?
• Are worn or bent wrenches replaced regularly?
• Are appropriate handles used on files and similar tools?
• Are employees made aware of the hazards caused by faulty or improperly used hand tools?
• Are appropriate safety glasses, face shields, etc. used while using hand tools or equipment which might produce flying materials or be subject to breakage?
• Are jacks checked periodically to ensure they are in good operating condition?
• Are tool handles wedged tightly in the head of all tools?
• Are tool cutting edges kept sharp so the tool will move smoothly without binding or skipping?
• Are tools stored in dry, secure location where they won't be tampered with?
• Is eye and face protection used when driving hardened or tempered spuds or nails?

Last reviewed October 2024