While a very basic tool, hammers can cause serious injury when not used properly. In fact, a misplace hammer alone can break a bone in your wrist, hand or fingers, as well as cause minor scrapes, cuts and bruising to any part of your body. Here are basic and very important guidelines in using a hammer safely:

• Always keep your work area free of debris and other objects that may cause trip or slip hazards.

• Before using a hammer, ensure that its handle is not loose, cracked or splintered. Make sure, too, the handle fits securely.

• Use hammers or mallets with electrically insulated handles for work on or around exposed energized parts.

• Wear appropriate eye protection since flying debris from shattered materials can injure your eyes.

• Make sure you have enough clearance from fellow workers when performing work with a hammer or mallet.

• Choose a hammer with a cushioned handle to protect you from vibration, impact and squeezing pressure.

• Select a hammer with a weight appropriate to your size and capacity, as well as the job at hand.

• Ensure that you have secure footing and good balance while using a hammer.

• You can use clamps or a vise to secure the piece you are striking with a hammer.

• Use only a hammer when driving nails into an object or material. Never use a rock, brick or other tools for this purpose or risk getting injured.

• Avoid using hammers with sharp edges as they can cut off circulation in your finger after long periods of use.

• When pulling nails or prying material apart, ensure that the claw of the hammer is in the proper position and the right leverage is applied.

• Avoid awkward positions when using the hammer to prevent strains and other kinds of stress.

• While working on a ladder, never hammer by extending your torso outside the side rails of the ladder.

• Keep hammers and other tools organized by placing them in tool chests or tool boxes.

• Never leave hammers and other tool strewn about in your work area.

• Use pegboards for larger tools so that you can hang them securely and save space at the same time.

• Make sure to immediately repair damaged or defected hammers and other tools. Only qualified personnel must perform repairs.

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