Learn practical ergonomics tips for selecting and using hand and power tools.
Tips for better power tool ergonomics
Use these workplace ergonomics tips to decrease the risk of developing a MSD from power tool use:
- Do not forcefully squeeze the handle of the power tool. Use enough force to maintain grip and control of the tool. Unnecessary grip force causes excessive fatigue and wear to small hand and wrist muscles.
- Do not exert unnecessary force when using power tools. The speed of the powered screwdriver is pre-set. Pushing down harder does not speed up the driver. Let the power tool do the work.
- Utilize tool balancers to take away the weight of the tool whenever possible. Do not set the tension of the tool balancer cable with too much tension that requires extra force to pull down.
- Torque arms can sometimes be used to absorb the torque “kick” when tool reaches set torque. If you feel a powered tool has excessive vibration or kick, let your supervisor know so the potential issue can be evaluated.
- Use a hand rest on the tool for leverage when pushing downward. This causes you to use the larger muscle groups of the shoulder that generate more force instead of the smaller arm muscles.
- To maintain a neutral wrist posture, pistol grip tools are to be used in a horizontal orientation. In-line or straight tools should be used in a vertical orientation.
Power tool ergonomics resources
Ergonomic Guidelines for Selecting Hand and Power Tools
Use this list of ergonomic design guidelines for tool characteristics to reduce ergonomic risk associated with hand tools.
Hand Tool Ergonomics — Tool Design
Tool design (weight, shape, fit to the user and the task), workstation design (size, shape and layout), and the way tasks are scheduled are all key factors in making hand tool use safe and risk-free. An effective prevention strategy must address all aspects at the same time.
Hand Tool Design
This resource from Cornell University Ergonomics Web offers helpful design guidelines for hand tools.
A Guide to Selecting Non-powered Hand Tools
This document contains an easy-to-use checklist for comparing tools against several design characteristics that have been shown to reduce physical stresses on the user. This checklist and the background material will be of practical use to all who wish to select tools that get the job done more safely, comfortably, and productively
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