Impact & Striking Tools

Welcome back, let's Build Smart & Build Safe! Yesterday, we covered the fundamental rule of using the right tool for the job. Today, we're focusing on some of the most common and powerful hand tools on the job site: impact and striking tools.

Hammers, chisels, and punches are designed to deliver a forceful blow. But if not used correctly, that force can lead to severe injury from a stray blow or a flying piece of metal.

The Three Rules for Impact Tools

1. Wear Your Safety Glasses: This is a non-negotiable rule. When striking metal, stone, or wood with a hammer or chisel, small chips and debris can fly off at high speeds. Your safety glasses are your primary defense against a life-changing eye injury.

2. Inspect for "Mushrooming": The head of a chisel or the face of a hammer can deform over time, creating a "mushroomed" edge. These deformed edges are brittle and can break off in small, sharp pieces when struck, turning the tool into a shrapnel generator. If a tool shows signs of mushrooming, it must be ground down or taken out of service immediately.

3. Know Your Target: Always be aware of what you are striking and what is around you. A glancing blow can send a hammer head or the material you are striking in an unpredictable direction. Always strike squarely and with a firm grip.

Proper Grip and Stance

• Hammer: Grip the hammer close to the end of the handle. This provides maximum leverage and control.

• Chisel: Use a proper chisel holder or hold the chisel firmly with a gloved hand, keeping it pointed away from your body. Make sure your hands and fingers are well out of the way of the striking zone.

A moment of inattention with a striking tool can lead to a serious injury. By following these rules, you can ensure that the tool is doing the work, not the damage.

Tomorrow, we'll cover the safe use of cutting and prying tools.

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-The Safety Man