STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
SOP Hand Tools
DO NOT use hand tools you are not familiar with. See your
Supervisor for further instructions.
Safety Glasses must be worn at all times Protective gloves required
Protective gloves
Hi-Vis/ Protective Clothing required
(Cut Resistance Level 5/Level D)
Safety Boots required Face Shield (when projectiles are present)
PRE-OPERATIONAL SAFETY CHECKS
1. Select the correct tool for the task (if in doubt ask your Supervisor)
2. Check tools are in good condition and working order.
3. DO NOT USE if there is damage such as cracking, severe wear, distortion or any type of
modification.
4. When using tools at height and there is a risk of tools falling below, utilise tool lanyards to eliminate
falling objects risk.
OPERATIONAL SAFETY CHECKS
Wrenches:
1. Select a wrench that properly fits the fastener that is to be turned. This will
reduce the chances of wrench slippage.
2. Never use a length of pipe or other extension to improve the leverage of a wrench.
3. Use socket wrenches for hard-to-reach areas.
4. Always try to pull on a wrench (instead of pushing) in case the fastener suddenly
loosens.
5. Position you body in a comfortable position so that you are not overreaching.
6. Inspect wrenches periodically for damage such as cracking, severe wear, or distortion.
Hammers:
1. Do not use a hammer if the handle is damaged or loose.
2. Never weld, heat, or regrind a hammer head.
3. Remove from service any hammer exhibiting signs of excessive wear such as cracks,
chips, or a mushroomed head.
4. Match the proper type of hammer to the job it is designed to perform.
5. Look behind and above you before swinging the hammer.
6. Hold the hammer with your wrist straight and hand firmly wrapped around the handle.
7. Do not strike the surface at an angle. The hammer face should contact the striking
surface squarely. Glancing blows made with a hammer often lead to injury.
8. Keep your hands clear of the striking zone.
SOP Hand Tools Date of Issue: 30/10/20 Version: 4
Screwdrivers:
1. Never use a screwdriver as a pry bar, chisel, punch, stirrer, or scraper.
2. Always use a screwdriver tip that properly fits the slot of the screw.
3. Dispose of screwdrivers with broken or worn handles.
4. Use magnetic or screw-holding screwdrivers to start fasteners in tight areas.
5. Never use pliers on a screwdriver for extra leverage.
6. Do not hold the work piece in your hand in case the screwdriver slips.
7. Do not carry a screwdriver in your pocket.
Utility Knives/Blades:
1. Always use a sharp blade. Dull blades require more force and thus are more likely to
slip. Replace the blade when it starts to “tear” instead of cut.
2. Never leave a knife unattended with the blade exposed. Ensure the knife is covered with a sheath.
Use a retractable knife/blade.
3. Keep your free hand away from the line of the cut.
4. Don’t bend or apply side loads to blades by using them to open cans or pry loose
objects. Blades are brittle and can snap easily.
5. Wear cut proof gloves with a minimum level 5/level D cut resistant.
Pliers:
1. Do not increase the handle length of pliers to gain more leverage. Use a larger pair of
pliers or bolt cutters.
2. Do not substitute pliers for a wrench when turning nuts and bolts. Pliers cannot grip
these items properly and will slip.
3. Never use pliers as a hammer or hammer on the handles. Such abuse is likely to
result in cracks or breaks.
4. Cut hardened wire only with pliers designed for that purpose.
5. Always cut at right angles. Never rock from side to side or bend the wire back and
forth against the cutting edges.
Chisels/Chipping Hammer:
1. Ensure cutting edge is sharpened to the correct angle.
2. Do not use a chisel with a mushroom head – trim the sides regularly.
3. Direct work away from body.
4. Wear face shield in addition to you safety glasses as the use of chisels can produce projectiles.
5. Use chisels with a hand protector wherever possible or utilise a tool holder if possible as this will
offer greater protection to the hand holding the chisel.
6. Ensure handle on chipping hammers are in tack.
SOP Hand Tools Date of Issue: 30/10/20 Version: 4
Files:
1. When using a file, grasp the handle in one hand and the toe of the file in the other.
2. Never use a file as a lever.
3. Ensure the file always has a handle fitted and is secure.
Hand Saw:
1. If using an adjustable blade saw always ensure the blade is taut.
2. Do not use a saw that has a dull blade.
3. Do not use a saw with a broken handle or if the blade is bent, broken or missing blade teeth.
4. Do not carry a saw by the blade.
5. Check the material for knots, metal pieces, nails or screws as this can cause buckling of the hand
saw and cause injury.
6. Never test the sharpness of a saw with your hands.
7. Ensure the work piece is held and secured firmly.
8. Start off sawing slowly to prevent buckling and rebound.
9. During each stroke, run hand saw along the full length of its blade. Direct the tool away from your
body and maintain a safe, comfortable distance.
Tin Snips & Cutters:
1. Select correct type of snips or cutting tool for the task.
2. Grip the handle firmly and only use snips and cutters that are in good condition.
3. Squeeze handles together with just enough force to produce a short, accurate cut line.
4. Avoid pinching your hand with the end of the handles when the snips close completely.
5. Never run your fingers along a recently cut piece of sheet metal.
6. Tim snip blades are designed to sheer thin metal only. Do not attempt to cut wire or nails.
7. Bolt cutter blades or jaws are designed to sever through round wire, rod and bolts.
8. Wear cut proof gloves with a minimum level 5/level D cut resistant when handling sheet metal.
ALWAYS USE NON-SPARKING TOOLS IN THE PRESENCE OF FLAMMABLE VAPOURS OR DUSTS.
INSULATED TOOLS WITH APPROPIATE RATINGS MUST BE USED FOR ELECTRICAL WORK
HOUSEKEEPING
1. Ensure work area is clear of debris, other tools, and trip and slip hazards.
2. Return tools to correct storage location once their use is no longer required.
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
▪ Projectiles ▪ Pinch Points ▪ Crush Zone ▪ Trip Hazard
▪ Slip Hazard ▪ Falling Object ▪ Electrical ▪ Noise
▪ Wastes ▪ Manual Handling ▪ Cuts/ Abrasions ▪ Sparks
REFERENCED MATERIAL
✓ Safe use of hand tools – Bury Metro Safety
CONSULTATION & REVIEW
Description Originator Reviewed Approval
Review of version 3, update requirements G Clarke G Hildred D McMahon
for cut resistance level 5 & D gloves, falling
objects, inclusion of tin snips (sheet metal
work), and update into current template.
SOP Hand Tools Date of Issue: 30/10/20 Version: 4
I confirm I have read, fully understand and will abide by the contents of this SOP
Name Occupation Signature Date Name Occupation Signature Date
SOP Hand Tools Date of Issue: 30/10/20 Version: 4