Sledge Hammers (Download)
Sledge Hammers What are Sledge Hammers? Sledge hammers consist of a handle and a heavy head that is widely used for breaking up or demolishing structural components or moving heavy items small distances Origins First use was in the ship building industry. Ships were built on large wooden sledges held by chocks. When the ships were ready to launch large hammers were used to remove the sledges. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoist_(device) An expedition’s shipwrights building a brigantine, 1541 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipbuilding Specifications Usually weigh from 8-20 lbs Handle: Wood or Fiberglass Usually 3 feet long Head: Forged Steel, rubber, or wood Two parts: the cheek (side) face (hammering ends) Finish: Lacquered or Painted Grips: Rubber, Taped or None Lightweight: specialty sledge hammers Have a chisel or spike to cut or penetrate while hammering Heavyweight: typical sledge hammers found in construction http://artofmanliness.com/2009/09/29/how-to-use-a-hammer/ Industry Uses Home Improvement Demolition, driving, or dislodging Driving objects: posts, large nails or pins. Demolition: breaking through walls Masonry Walls Gypsum Board Walls Drywalls Dislodging: remove stuck objects http://www.diylife.com/category/living-rooms/page/6/ web.dcp.ufl.edu/hinze/AA-srPPT-2008/ Sledgehammers -27.ppt People who use Sledge Hammers Most Construction Trades: Electrician Site Work Mechanical Masonry Demolition Shell Contractors Steel/Iron Workers http://www.bradfitzpatrick.com/weblog/169/strength-illustration-friday/ Sledge Hammer Maintenance Hazards posed by hand tools result from misuse and improper maintenance Always clean before storage Make sure the hammer is being used for the right job Do not leave hammer in the sun Wood can become cracked and dry Do not use: A hammer with a cracked or loose handle A hammer with a chipped or cracked face A hammer with a damaged or mushroomed head Safety Concerns & Precautions Concerns: Most common injuries: Broken bones & Hand injuries Struck by: Debris in eyes and ears Metal shards Muscle pulls/Back problems Losing balance from weight of sledge hammer Precautions Stretch well and do not wear loose-fit clothing Use appropriately sized hammer Inspect equipment Cracked or chipped handles or heads Inspect Work Area Check for hazards http://www.hammernet.com/safety.htm Nature of Accidents Most injuries directly related to hammers and sledges are minor and in almost all cases are not life threatening. Deaths related to hammers and sledges are usually not actually caused by the hammer or sledge itself, but by other objects collapsing or breaking after being struck by a hammer or sledge. Statistics on Fatalities There were 38 deaths related to sledges. ( Extracted from OSHA from 199`0 to 2009.) Fatality with a Sledge Hammer A worker was trying to straighten out a bent rear section of a dump truck. He propped open the tailgate with a piece of wood and was hitting the metal with a sledge hammer. The piece of wood became dislodged and the heavy metal tailgate closed on the worker, crushing him between the truck and the tailgate, resulting in his death. Source: Extracted from OSHA Accident Investigation Data 1990-2009 Fatality with a Sledge Hammer A man was preparing to repair a water well when he was using a sledge hammer to pound a steel stake into the ground. A small fragment of steel from the hammer broke away and penetrated his chest. In spite of rescue efforts, he died at the scene. OSHA1926.301 General Requirements (a) Condition of Tools. All hand and power tools and similar equipment, whether furnished by the employer or the employee, shall be maintained in a safe condition. (c) Personal protective equipment. Employees using hand and power tools and exposed to the hazard of falling, flying, abrasive, and splashing objects… shall be provided with the particular personal protective equipment necessary. web.dcp.ufl.edu/hinze/AA-srPPT-2008/ Sledgehammers -27.ppt OSHA1926.301 Hand Tools (a) Employers shall not issue or permit the use of unsafe hand tools. (c) Impact tools, such as drift pins, wedges, and chisels shall be kept free of mushroomed heads. (d) The wooden handles of tools shall be kept free of splinters or cracks and shall be kept tight in the tool. web.dcp.ufl.edu/hinze/AA-srPPT-2008/ Sledgehammers -27.ppt OSHA Regulations The wooden handles of hammers should be kept free of splinters and shall be kept tight in the head of the hammer. Impact tools, such as sledge hammers, are considered unsafe if they have mushroomed or have chipped heads. The heads could shatter on impact, sending sharp fragments flying into the air. Safety Procedures A clear work area free of obstruction while swinging. The stability of the handle and head should be checked before each use. Most importantly, always be aware of the site surroundings and possible hazards when using hammers and sledges. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-sledgehammer.htm How to Use a Sledge Hammer Use both hands when swinging the entire torso. Proper use: hit the target square and level. Keep a clear work area free of obstruction while swinging Use the proper P.P.E. Wear heavy duty gloves. Always wear safety glasses. Wear steal-toed shoes. To avoid injury: Keep feet spread shoulder-width apart Swing hammer level (whether downward to drive a pin or laterally for demolition) Alternate shoulder to reduce wear and tear on muscles and joints http://www.rd.com/sledge-hammer/article12945.html Think Safety Work Safely