• What are the ergonomic concerns for selecting powered hand tools?
• How can you reduce the ergonomic hazards of working with powered hand tools?

What are the ergonomic concerns for selecting powered hand tools?

• Select tools that can be used without bending the wrist. Hand tools should allow the operator to grasp, hold, and use the tool with the wrist held straight.

• Select the tool with the workplace layout and job design in mind. Sometimes a tool is correct for one operation and incorrect for another.

• Use the right tool for the job. Ensure it is the right size and has sufficient power to do the job safely. When there is a choice, select a tool of a low weight.
• Select low-vibrating tools.
• Choose tools with vibration-absorbing handles, like those covered with cork, rubber, plastic or plastic bonded to steel, to reduce hand-arm vibration.
• Choose hand tools that have the centre of gravity within or close to the handle.
• Select tools with rounded and smooth handles that you can grip easily.
• If they are available, choose hand tools with double handles to permit easier holding and better manipulation of the tool.

• Select tools with a trigger strip, rather than a trigger button. This strip will allow you to exert more force over a greater area of the hand that, in turn, will reduce muscle fatigue.
• Ensure that the trigger works easily to reduce the effort needed to operate it.

How can you reduce the ergonomic hazards of working with powered hand tools?

• Ensure that your tool is well maintained and in good repair.
• Frequently-used tools that weigh more than 0.5 kg (1 pound) should be counter-balanced.
• Hold the tool close to the body. Do not overreach.
• Keep good balance and proper footing at all times. This will help operators to control the tool better, especially in response to unexpected situations.
• Rest your hands by putting the tool down when you are not using it.
• Reduce power to the lowest setting that can complete the job safely. This action reduces tool vibration at the source.
• Consider wearing anti-vibration gloves. However, you should not wear thick or heavy gloves if operating the tool requires precise movements. The OSH Answers document Vibration - Measurement, Control and Standards has additional information on anti-vibration gloves.

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Document confirmed current on 2007 03 21

Document last updated on 1998 10 30

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