A Guide to Selecting

Non-Powered Hand Tools

Ergonomics Design Guidelines to
prevent WMSDs
 Credits
The technical contents of this slide
show come from:
“Easy Ergonomics: A Guide to
Selecting Non-Powered Hand
Tools” Cal/OSHA and DHHS
(NIOSH) Publication 2004-164.

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2004-
164/default.html
Purpose:
To help you find non-powered hand tools that
are less likely to cause injury.

These tools require less force, less repeated

movement and less awkward positioning of
the body.
Non-powered hand tools are widely used in
many industries including: construction,
manufacturing and agriculture.
 Problem?
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can be
related to using hand tools at work. These
injuries can be costly and result in
unnecessary suffering and lost workdays.
The best tool is one that…
 Fits the job you are doing
 Fits the work space available
 Reduces the force you need to apply
 Fits your hand
 Can be used in a comfortable work position
 Is safe to use
 Be aware of MSD risk factors
Awkward postures
of the back, shoulders,
elbows or wrists.

Awkward postures may

involve: bending,
stooping, twisting and
reaching.
 Be aware of MSD risk factors

Contact pressure
Pressure from a hard
surface, point, or edge
on any part of the body.
 Be aware of MSD risk factors
Power Grip
The hand grip that
allows maximum hand
power for high force
tasks.

All the fingers wrap

around the handle.
 Be aware of MSD risk factors
Pinch Grip
The hand grip that
provides control for
precision and accuracy.
You can’t exert high
forces with a pinch grip.

The tool is gripped

between the thumb and
the fingertips.
Risk factors increase your risk for injury
These matter:
 Exposure duration time (how long)
 Exposure frequency (how often)
 Intensity or severity of the exposure
Guidelines to reduce your injury risk :
–
A. Know your job

–
B. Look at your work space

–
C. Improve your posture

–
D. Tips for Selecting Hand Tools
A. Know your job
Pick the right tool for the job:

Use a tool for its intended

purpose
A. Know your job
Pick the right tool for the job:

Do you need to a tool for power?

Do you need a tool for precision?

A. Know your job

Cutting, pinching
gripping tools:
– pliers
– snips
– cutters
A. Know your job

Striking tools
– Hammers
– Mallets
A. Know your job

Driving tools
– Screwdrivers
– Hand wrenches
– Nut drivers
– T-handle wrenches
A. Know your job

Struck or hammered
tools
– Punches
– Chisels
– Nail sets
B. Look at your work space
Pick a tool that works
best with the available
space.

You can apply more

force using a power grip
than a pinch. Try to use
a power grip when you
need more force.
B. Look at your work space
Awkward postures may
cause you to use more force.

If you work in a cramped

space it is better to use a
shorter tool that fits within the
work space.
C. Improve your posture

Awkward postures can

make your body work
harder.
 C. Improve your posture
By:
Changing the position of Bad posture Better posture
the work piece

OR

Changing Your position

–Sit down
–Stand up
 C Improve your posture
Choose a tool that
doesn’t require high
continuous force or
awkward postures.

The right tool won’t

cause pain and fatigue
because your body parts
will be relaxed.
Design guidelines

These guidelines were

developed by Cal/OSHA
and DHHS-NIOSH.
The more guidelines you
apply to hand tool
selection, the safer and
healthier for you and
your employees.
D. Select the tool
1. For single-handle
tools using a
POWER grip:

A comfortable handle
diameter is 1¼” - 2”.

You may increase the

diameter by adding a sleeve
to the handle
D. Select the tool
2. For single-handle
tools used in
PRECISION tasks:

A comfortable handle
diameter is ¼” - ½”..
D. Select the tool
3. For tools with 2
handles used with a
power grip:

– OPEN GRIP SPAN no

wider than 3½” when
fully open

– CLOSED GRIP SPAN

When continuous force is
no smaller than 2” required, consider using a
when fully closed clamp, a grip or locking pliers.
D. Select the tool
4. For tools with 2
handles used for
PRECISION tasks:

– OPEN GRIP SPAN

no wider than 3”

– CLOSED GRIP SPAN

no smaller than 1”
D. Select the tool
5. For pinching,
gripping or cutting
tools with 2 handles:

Look for spring-loaded

handles that return to the
open position.
D. Select the tool
6. Pick a tool without
sharp edges or
finger grooves on
the handle.
D. Select the tool
7. Pick a tool that is
coated with soft
material.

Adding a sleeve to the tool

handle pads the surface but
also increases the diameter of
the handle.
D. Select the tool
8. Pick a tool that
allows you to work
with a straight wrist.

Straight tool? Or bent tool?

D. Select the tool
8. Pick a tool that
allows you to work
with a straight wrist.

Straight tool? Or bent tool?

D. Select the tool
9. Pick a tool that can
be used with your
dominant hand or
one that can be
used with either
hand.
D. Select the tool
10. For HIGH FORCE
tasks:
Bad

The handle length

should be longer than Make sure the end of the
handle doesn’t press into
the widest part of your your palm.
hand.

Good
D. Select the tool
11. Pick a tool with
handles that have a
non-slip surface for
a better grip.

Adding a sleeve can improve

the surface texture of the
handle. Make sure the sleeve
fits snugly during use.
 The Checklist
 You can use a checklist to
compare similar tools.

http://www.dir.ca.gov/DOS
H/dosh_publications/handt
ools7.html

 The more “Yes” answers

the tool has, the better the
tool.
 Be aware of these signs and symptoms:

 Tingling  Continual muscle

fatigue
 Swelling in the joints
 Decreased ability to move  Sore muscles

 Decreased grip strength

 Numbness
 Pain from movement,
pressure or exposure to  Change in the skin
cold or vibration color of your hands
and fingertips