What are some safety tips to know when using a hammer?
Hammers and other striking tools are widely used and often abused. Hammers are made for specific purposes in various types and sizes and with striking surfaces of varying hardness. For example, hammers are used for general carpentry, framing, nail pulling, cabinet making, assembling furniture, upholstering, finishing, riveting, bending or shaping metal, striking masonry drills and steel chisels, and so on. Hammers are designed according to the intended purpose.
- requirement Select a hammer that is comfortable for you, and that is the proper size and weight for the job. Misuse can cause the striking face to chip, possibly causing a serious injury.
- requirement Choose a hammer with a striking face diameter approximately 12 mm (0.5 inches) larger than the face of the tool being struck (e.g., chisels, punches, wedges, etc.).
- requirement Choose a hammer with a cushioned handle to protect you from vibration, impact, and squeezing pressure.
- requirement Use hammers with electrically insulated handles for work on or around exposed energized parts. Always de-energize and lock out energized equipment when possible.
- requirement Ensure that the head of the hammer is firmly attached to the handle.
- requirement Replace loose, cracked or splintered handles.
- requirement Keep the work area clear of debris.
- ppe Discard any hammer with a mushroomed or chipped face or with cracks in the claw or eye sections.
- ppe Wear safety glasses or goggles or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles).
- requirement Strike a hammer blow squarely with the striking face parallel to the surface being struck. Always avoid glancing blows and over and under strikes. (Hammers with bevelled faces are less likely to chip or spall.)
- requirement Look behind and above you before swinging the hammer. Keep enough clearance from fellow workers.
- requirement Maintain a secure footing and keep a good balance while using a hammer.