ELEMENTARY Introducing Hand Tools

Safety Question: When introducing students to the safe use of hand tools what strategies should be implemented?

Generally people consider hand tools to be inherently safer than power tools and therefore assume that using hand tools involves a lesser degree of risk. While it’s true that any accident involving power tools is usually more severe than using hand tools, all tools have the same potential for difficulties if not used correctly.

Before allowing students to use any tools they must first be introduced to the General Rules for using tools safely. A checklist of such rules, should be completed prior to handling any tool and will always serve as a good reminder for all students. This should be easy to read, placed in a highly visible area immediately near the hands tool storage area. Students could complete this in written, verbal, self checking or monitored form depending on their level of maturity.