Safe Use of Clamps Through Proper Selection
The Hand Tools Institute
Like other hand tools, the safe use of clamps is very important.
True or False: Railroad spikes are best driven with a tack hammer?
The question may seem a bit absurd and the answer to it a resounding “FALSE!”, but it does point out two common attitudes that are responsible for many injuries related to using hand tools improperly.
The notions “one tool does all” or “any tool will do” result in wasted effort, poor quality work, damage to the misused tool, and exposing the user to possible injury, according to the Hand Tools Institute, an association of American manufacturers of quality hand tools.
As with hammers, pliers, wrenches and all other hand tools, design is a key element to the type of work a tool is intended to do properly and safely, says HTI.
Clamps are no exception and should be selected to conform to the work they are to perform.
Clamps are first cousins to vises and the most common relative is the C-clamp. Although C-clamps are extremely versatile, they will not, however, suffice for every job.
HTI suggests that C-clamps serve only as temporary devices for holding work securely in place. Clamps should be removed from the work as soon as the job has been finished.
Always select the proper clamps by determining the required opening, depth, strength and weight. The hindrance of a screw extending beyond the frame can be eliminated by selecting a clamp with a smaller screw.
Before each project, evaluate the type of clamp needed, whether it shall be a bar clamp, C-clamp, spring clamp, hand screw clamp, web clamp, miter clamp or any of the other varieties available.
The finest clamp, like any tool, can be damaged by rough handling, improper selection and overloading. Clamps should be kept in a rack to protect them from damage.
Some other suggestions for using clamps properly include:
– Use pads with C-clamps to avoid marring the work.
– Discard any clamp that has a bent spindle or frame.
– Before using, make sure the swivel end of the screw turns freely.
HTI also recommends wearing safety goggles at all times when using hand tools to guard against possible eye injuries.
Be choosy
The Hand Tools Institute suggests selecting the right type of clamp for the kind of work it is intended. Although there is a large selection of C-clamps available, opening size, depth, weight and strength are important criteria. C-clamps come in a variety of sizes and styles; there is even greater variety in the clamp family, from web clamps to bar and pipe clamps.
The Hand Tools Institute (HTI) is the trade association of North American manufacturers of non-powered hand tools and tool boxes. The objectives of the institute are to promote and further the interests of its members relative to manufacturing, safety, standardization, international trade and government relations.
Related Articles
For many organizations, these inspections are something they have to do to meet regulations. And, that’s important – those regulations are there to help provide a workplace that is safe for workers, the environment and the surrounding community. But, some companies are able to leverage those inspections to gain new insights into their operations and build additional efficiencies.
For many organizations, these inspections are something they have to do to meet regulations. And, that’s important – those regulations are there to help provide a workplace that is safe for workers, the environment and the surrounding community. But, some companies are able to leverage those inspections to gain new insights into their operations and build additional efficiencies.
See More
Psychological safety is crucial for building high-performance teams in all areas of business as it fosters an environment where team members feel safe to express themselves, take risks, share ideas, and collaborate effectively. With over 30 years in industry developing high performance teams, here are some of the benefits I have seen to growing psychological safety in the workplace.
Psychological safety is crucial for building high-performance teams in all areas of business as it fosters an environment where team members feel safe to express themselves, take risks, share ideas, and collaborate effectively. With over 30 years in industry developing high performance teams, here are some of the benefits I have seen to growing psychological safety in the workplace.
See More
With literally thousands of dangerous materials being used/transported/discarded every day, the process of choosing protective clothing has become increasingly complex for today's safety and hygiene professional. It is important to understand the distinction between three broad types of protective garments used today. Generally classified as disposable, reusable, and limited-use garments, these three general categories provide a basic framework for clothing decisions.
With literally thousands of dangerous materials being used/transported/discarded every day, the process of choosing protective clothing has become increasingly complex for today's safety and hygiene professional. It is important to understand the distinction between three broad types of protective garments used today. Generally classified as disposable, reusable, and limited-use garments, these three general categories provide a basic framework for clothing decisions.
See More
Unfired pressure vessel inspections - are they necessary? Absolutely. Pressure vessels must be regularly inspected and be maintained in a safe operating condition. The higher the risk, the more stringent the requirements for operating and inspecting the vessel.
Unfired pressure vessel inspections - are they necessary? Absolutely. Pressure vessels must be regularly inspected and be maintained in a safe operating condition. The higher the risk, the more stringent the requirements for operating and inspecting the vessel.
See More
Many explosions in the processing, manufacturing and bulk materials handling industries involve flammable gases or vapors and explosive dusts or fibers.  Such chemicals are known as hazardous materials.  The article provides a basic overview of the design requirements and maintenance practices for electrical equipment in hazardous areas. Â
Many explosions in the processing, manufacturing and bulk materials handling industries involve flammable gases or vapors and explosive dusts or fibers.  Such chemicals are known as hazardous materials.  The article provides a basic overview of the design requirements and maintenance practices for electrical equipment in hazardous areas. Â
See More
Most efforts to decrease the frequency and severity of injuries to miners have stressed miner training and work procedures, improved work environments and safety and environmental control equipment, improved personal protective equipment, improved equipment control and display design, enhanced lighting and visibility-related research, and organizational issues. However, the industry has paid much less attention to the design of the mining machine itself with respect to maintenance cost or safety for the maintainer.
Most efforts to decrease the frequency and severity of injuries to miners have stressed miner training and work procedures, improved work environments and safety and environmental control equipment, improved personal protective equipment, improved equipment control and display design, enhanced lighting and visibility-related research, and organizational issues. However, the industry has paid much less attention to the design of the mining machine itself with respect to maintenance cost or safety for the maintainer.
See More
There are three basic electrical hazards that cause injury and death: shock, arc-flash, and arc-blast. Following these safety principles can result in a safer work environment and prevent injuries or even death.
There are three basic electrical hazards that cause injury and death: shock, arc-flash, and arc-blast. Following these safety principles can result in a safer work environment and prevent injuries or even death.
See More
