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904 Oil and Gas Well Inspection
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Hand and Power Tools

Hand Tools

The purpose of this inspection is to ensure that hand tools are maintained and stored properly. For more information see: 29CFR1910.242- 3 and American Petroleum Institute (API) Recommended Practice 54.

Verify that all hand tools are kept in good condition.

Location and Type

List each area of the rig to be inspected where hand tools are stored. For each type of tool follow the instructions below marking the form for: no damage, clean or rust/corrosion, stored properly, properly serviced.

Hammers

The handles should be secure and show no signs of splitting or breaking. The hammer head should not be “mushroomed” or show signs of splitting that may cause splinters to break off during use. Damaged hammer heads should be replaced not repaired.

Do not attempt to trim up a mushroomed hammer head with a torch as this will affect the hardness of the metal and lead to more problems with splinters.

Welded on steel pipe handles should be avoided.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-1. Why should a worker not use a torch to trim a mushroomed hammer head?