In the previous post we were talking about what are the basic rules of safety in the use of tools.

Today, we will delve deeper into the most common risks and accidents that exist when using this means, to further emphasize why it is so important to consider these basic safety rules.

What are the most common risks in the use of the industrial tool?

Among them are:

• Hitting your hands
• Falling or losing balance because the operator is performing a job in an unsafe position
• That pieces are detached from both the tools and the area where we are working
• Explosive environments
• Areas with large electromagnetic fields

We already saw in the post: Titanium tool: a safe means in environments with high magnetic fields, the problem of using a normal tool in an area where magnetic resonance scanners are installed.

In such a case, the speed that the tool takes when attracted by the electromagnetic field generated by the machine, if it hits a person, the impact it would receive would be equivalent to that of a tool that falls from six meters high (19ft and 8.2in). Something that is not trivial.

Therefore, it is clear why electromagnetic fields are a risk. And very big, besides.

What are the causes of hand tool accidents?

Given the risks, let us now go for the accidents.

One, and perhaps the most common, is the misuse and abuse of the tool during operation.

We distinguish these two terms by the following:

• Abuse of the tool: It would be, for example, to take a key and use an extension to be able to raise the torque we want to apply. That is, to use the tool for what it is made, but under much higher conditions than those for which it is designed.
• Misuse of the tool: There are several examples, such as:
  • Using a wrench as a hammer
  • Using a screwdriver to open lids
  • Use a screwdriver on a screw type or size for which it is not designed

Another cause of accidents in the use of industrial tools is to use the wrong tool, as is the case mentioned above of using a screwdriver to open lids.

The dangerous transport of tools is also another cause of accident in this field.

For example, leaving the tools in a van, and that there is no protection between the driver and the back of the vehicle.

In the event of an accident, inertia can cause these tools to become a hitting weapon, which can lead to the death of the driver.

Using low-quality or poorly designed tools (hence the importance of certifications and standards)

Forgetting tools in dangerous places, abandoning them, which can lead to trips and falls with them.

The use of poorly preserved tools:

• Tools that are rusty
• Tube wrenches that have worn teeth
• 1000V insulated tools that have their insulation layer damaged

We see, then, how serious the risks and accidents can be when working with industrial tools.

We do not want to leave the feeling that everything is problems, soon we will show what solutions we offer from the EGA Group for each of these problems.

Or you can write to us and we will give you technical advice you need.