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810 Hand and Power Tool Safety
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Selecting the Right Tool for the Job

Over time, exposure to awkward postures or harmful contact pressures can contribute to an injury. You can reduce your risk of injury if you select hand tools that fit your hand and the job you are doing.

The worker in foreground using wrong tool.

Let's discuss some tips from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Single-Handle Tools

These are tube-like tools measured by handle length and diameter. The diameter is the length of a straight line through the center of the handle.

Precision tasks: For small task requiring precision, select a tool with a handle diameter of 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. See Example

Forceful Exertion: For single-handle tools used for tasks requiring forceful exertion, select a tool that feels comfortable with a handle diameter in the range of 1-1/4 inches to 2 inches. You can increase the diameter of the tool handles by adding a sleeve to the handle. See Example

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

2-3. What should the diameter of a tool handle be when performing a task requiring forceful exertion?