Using a Hammer Safely

A variety of hammers are used regularly when working in a workshop. Special hammers are available for use with different materials such as plastics, steels, woods and other groups of materials. Which ever hammer is selected they all need to be used with care.

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Ed the Handyman is irresponsible. He smashes two hammers together because he likes the noise. He is unaware of how dangerous this can be. The hammer heads are made from cast steel and they are specially hardened. When the hammer heads smash together they can spark and even smash breaking into many small dangerous pieces. The small pieces fly off at high speed and damage anything they hit.
Hammers should be stored carefully and used properly.

ed22

Ed the Handyman has started to use a hammer without considering safety. As he raises the hammer he hits himself in the face.  Keep Out The Line of Fire!

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Ed the Handyman tries a second time to use the hammer. Again he is careless. He holds the nail in his hand but misses with the hammer, hitting his hand with the full force.                        Keep Out The Line of Fire!

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Hammer heads are normally fixed to the handle by a wedge. If the wedge becomes loose this will eventually lead to the hammer head flying off when the hammer is used. The head will fly off at great speed which means that it will inevitably hit something or someone. If it hits a person it can cause serious injury. Always check the hammer head before using it and report damage immediately. Ed the Handyman thinks he knows best and his brother gets hurt as a result.

Always Check the condition of the Hammer prior to use!
See the “Safe use of Hammers” hand out HERE

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