People behind safetyFor SafetyHand tool selectionSome things to consider when choosing a hand tool are: where the tool is to be used; the force needed to hold or use the tool; the direction of the force;the weight and the construction of the tool; and the number of repetitive actions needed.

People behind safety Accidents caused by storing and carrying tools incorrectlyStoring accidents: leaving the cutting edge of knives, or saw blades, exposed in tool boxes; small tools falling out of pockets as you bend over; chisels and other sharp tools not stored away; heavy tools stored overhead; round shaped tools left on the ground; and tool boxes that are too full.. leaving tools on vehicles during testing; screwdrivers carried in pockets; hitting others with heavy loads when turning around; andCarrying accidents: not telling your co-workers what you are doing.

People behind safetyKnivesTo reduce risk of injury when using a knife, you should: always cut away from your body; keep knives sharp; never use knives with damaged or loose handles; wear a protective glove on your free hand; wear safety glasses; wash knives separately; and store knives in sheaths or blade protectors.

People behind safety Common causes of injury from a screwdriverDamaged handles.Bent blades.Damaged or worn tips.Using the incorrect type.Holding an object in your hand while driving home a screw.Using the wrong size screwdriver for the screw being driven.Using uninsulated screwdrivers for electrical installations.

People behind safetyHammersThe basic rules when using a hammer are: always wear eye protection; strike the item or tool squarely; ensure the hammer face is larger then the tool being struck; select the correctly weighted hammer for the job; never strike two hammers together; never use a hammer with a loose or damaged handle; and discard the hammer if the head is damaged, cracked or chipped.

People behind safetyPunches, chisels and driftsThe basic safety rules to follow when using these tools include: select the correct tool for the job; hold the tool correctly; wear eye protection; wear hand protection; and be aware of the sharpness and angle of the cutting edge.

People behind safetyCommon causes of injury when using spannersThe bolt or fastener coming off.The spanner slipping.The bolt breaking.The spanner breaking.The basic rules:Dont overload the spanner by using a pipe as an extension bar.Always pull towards you.Select the correct size - dont grind or shim the spanner to fit.Dont hit spanners with a hammer.When using adjustable wrenches, keep the jaw towards you.

People behind safety FilesYou can ensure the safe use of files by: never using a file without a handle; never hitting a file; securing the object to be worked on in a vice or clamp. never using a file as a lever; and never modifying a file for other uses.