How to use your hand tools more safely

当你有工作要做时，你可能会习惯性地伸手去拿手工工具, but don't shortchange safety when you use it. Hand tools cause bruises, 穿刺, 伤口, broken bones and far more serious injuries each year. Hand tools and power tools cause thousands of visits to the emergency room 每年都有一些伤害导致长期残疾甚至死亡. 在开始下一个项目之前，请查看这些工具安全提示:

Select the right hand tool

Choose the right tool for your next DIY job. 您可能认为使用相同的工具处理不同的任务可以节省时间, but you could increase your chances for injury. 只将工具用于其预期目的是很重要的.

每个手工工具都有不同的尺寸、风格和设计，适合特定的任务或功能. 例如, 长柄工具最适合需要更多杠杆的工作, and insulated tools are appropriate for electrical work. 因为反复使用手工工具可能会伤害你的关节, muscles and nerves, consider the ergonomics of the tool:

• Choose a tool that fits your hand. 例如，确保把手不要太长，握着的时候不会感到尴尬.
• Look for friction on tool handles to enhance your grip.
• 选择更安全的全手握把，而不是手指握把.
• 避免使用可能割伤或挤压双手的工具.

Use the right gloves

确保你选择了适合你可能面临的危险的手套. 防护手套大致可分为以下几类:

• Fabric or coated fabric gloves protect hands from dirt and abrasions, 涂有塑料的织物手套可以防止物品从手中滑落.
• Leather and canvas gloves 保护你的手免受轻微的割伤、擦伤、碎片和烧伤.
• Metal mesh Kevlar gloves protect against cuts and 穿刺 from sharp objects.
• Aluminized and aramid fiber gloves protect against extreme temperatures.
• Chemical-resistant gloves protect against chemical hazards.
• Insulated rubber gloves help protect against electrical shock.

使用手套时，请遵循以下简单规则，以提供最大程度的保护:

• Select the right type of glove for the hazard. 例如，提供良好抓地力的手套可以帮助保护你的手免受割伤和水泡.
• Make sure the gloves fit your hands properly.
• Inspect gloves before each use for damage, and replace them if they have tears, holes or other minor defects.
• Make sure gloves are the right length for the job.
• 不要用织物或皮革手套接触液体化学品，因为材料会吸收化学品.
• 安全脱下被有害物质污染的手套，并按指示处置.
• Clean reusable gloves regularly.

Use tools correctly

Even the right tool can harm you if you use it incorrectly. 使用工具前请阅读制造商的安全说明. In addition, follow these suggestions:

• 以90度角切割材料，以避免削碎刀片边缘.
• 切割时，刀片要远离你的身体和其他人.
• Hold your wrist straight when using the tool.
• 使用较重的工具时，保持肘部低放并微微弯曲.
• Use vises to secure your project.
• 避免以可能伤害背部的尴尬姿势工作.
• 不要把你的工具暴露在极热的环境中——那会使它们变脆.

Maintain your tools

每次使用前，请检查工具是否有损坏或潜在危险. Look for deficiencies such as cracks in handles, "mushroomed"heads on impact tools and worn-out springs. If any part of your tool is damaged, consider replacing it. Fixing or modifying your tools could prove dangerous.

使用完工具后，要清洗干净，存放在干燥的地方，以保持工具的最佳使用寿命. Learn more tips for maintaining your tools properly.

Protect your body

在你穿上合适的防护装备之前，不要开始你的项目. The essentials include safety glasses or safety goggles and closed or steel-toe shoes or boots.

Practice caution with kids

最好等到孩子12岁或更大的时候再让他们进入工作室，并且只帮助你使用手工工具. 总是和你的孩子呆在一起，不用工具的时候把它们锁起来. It's also a good idea to equip your workspace with a first-aid kit.

Other hand tool safety tips

• Avoid carrying sharp tools in your pocket.
• 当你使用手动或电动工具时，一定要注意周围的人.
• 上山时用水桶或容器装工具 梯.
• 当你的手很滑(由于油或油脂)时不要使用工具。.

Learn more hand and power tool safety tips from the Occupational 安全 and 健康 Administration.