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BOS-PRD-03.900906
The most common hand tool accidents are caused by the following:
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Failure to use the right tool;
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Failure to use a tool correctly;
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Failure to keep edged tools sharp;
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Failure to replace or repair a defective tool;
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Failure to store tools safely.
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mportant:
Use the right tool to complete a job safely, quickly, and efficiently. Follow these guidelines for
general hand tool safety:
Wear safety glasses whenever you hammer or cut, especially when working with surfaces that chip or
splinter:
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Do not use a screwdriver as a chisel. The tool can slip and cause a deep puncture wound;
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Do not use a chisel as a screwdriver. The tip of the chisel may break and cause an injury;
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Do not use a knife as a screwdriver. The blade can snap and injure an eye;
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Never carry a screwdriver or chisel in your pocket. If you fall, the tool could cause a serious injury.
Instead, use a tool belt holder;
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Replace loose, splintered, or cracked handles. Loose hammer, axe, or maul heads can fly off
defective handles;
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Use the proper wrench to tighten or loosen nuts. Pliers can chew the corners off a nut;
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When using a chisel, always chip or cut away from yourself. Use a soft-headed hammer or mallet to
strike a wooden chisel handle. A metal hammer or mallet may cause the handle to split;
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Do not use a wrench if the jaws are sprung;
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Do not use impact tools, such as chisels, wedges, or drift pins, if their heads are mushroom shaped.
The heads may shatter upon impact;
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Direct saw blades, knives, and other tools away from aisle areas and other employees;
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Keep knives and scissors sharp. Dull tools are more dangerous than sharp tools;
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Iron or steel hand tools may cause sparks and be hazardous around flammable substances. Use
spark-resistant tools made from brass, plastic, aluminium, or wood when working around flammable
hazards.
Improper tool storage is responsible for many shipboard accidents. Follow these guidelines to ensure proper
tool storage:
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Have a specific place for each tool;
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Do not place unguarded cutting tools in a drawer. Many hand injuries are caused by rummaging
through drawers that contain a jumbled assortment of sharp-edged tools;
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Store knives or chisels in their scabbards;
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Hang saws with the blades away from someone's reach;
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Provide sturdy hooks to hang most tools on;
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Rack heavy tools, such as axes and sledges, with the heavy end down.
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Asbestos, man-made mineral fibres, PVC, and urethane foam can be extreme respiratory hazards. To
protect yourself from these and other respiratory hazards, minimise your exposure to particulate matter from
insulation, fumes, dusts, and aerosols.
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Ladders can make many tasks easier, but they are also a continual safety hazard, especially on a moving
vessel at sea. Even the best ladder is not safe unless you are trained and proficient in using ladders. Each
year, many people suffer serious injuries from accidents involving ladders. Before you use a ladder, take a
moment to think about doing it safely.
Version 04. Original date: 25/05/2012. Version date: 31/12/2014. Valid version only on QMS site. Uncontrolled when printed.
Procedure prepared by: BOS Deputy QHSE Manager. Approved by: BOS QHSES Manager. Validated by: BOS Quality Representative
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