A sheet metal shear is one of the must-have industrial tools in use today. These shearing machines allow the worker to cut through hard metals with diverse widths without using lasers or any high-tech equipment. Although metal shears aren’t as evolved as other precise metal cutting tools like plasma cutters, they pose a potential danger to the workers if not handled correctly.
Hence, some basic safety tips should be followed by them while using such sharp tools. Would you like to know how to use metal shears and what safety tips to follow when using sheet metal shearing tools? This post answers the same.
5 Safety Tips for Handling Sheet Metal Shearing Tools Safely
The following steps can be employed when using sheet metal shearing tools:
- Provide Appropriate Training to the Workers: This is the first and utmost important step while using any metal cutting tool. A proper training session regarding the equipment, working conditions, and occupational hazards should be given trained and experienced professionals in the concerned organization. In addition to this, personnel should be trained in safety protocols to prevent workplace accidents.
- Conduct Regular Tool Inspection: This is one significant step before using metal shears. The tool should be inspected and checked for malfunctioning to ensure their good working condition. This is because sheet metal operators use various types of hard materials. If there are shears with blunt edges, then workers may experience a hard time with them.
- Schedule Routine Maintenance and Repair: Oil and metal shavings can get caught in shears, which is prone to wear and tear after a specific time. These wear down the effectiveness of the tool. To avoid this, it is important to perform maintenance and repair at least once a week if not possible after every use. This will ensure the tool is free of debris, and help prevent accidents and damage.
- Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Sheet metal shears are sharp; thus operators should always wear personal protective equipment such as durable hand gloves, spark resistance glasses, protective headgear, and so on. With PPE, it is possible to reduce the chance of an accident. It’s an employer’s responsibility to offer top-of-line PPE to their staff while they are on the job. Additionally, proper dressing also plays a key role as inappropriate or loose clothing can cause accidents. Also, the operator must avoid wearing heavy or fancy jewelry while handling the tool as the work environment can expose them to high temperatures.
- Maintain Safe Working Distance: An obvious yet essential safety tip for shearing tools is to hold it by the handle while maintaining a safe distance. Make sure you do not carry the metal shear by the power cord or sharp blades. There are chances that you can experience an electric shock if you hold it by the power cord or get sharp cuts because of the blades.
Final Thoughts
To avoid such workplace accidents and other damages, it is important to employ a reliable, industry-leading supplier for metal-working equipment. With over 50 years of vast experience, Woodward Fab enthusiastically delivers high-quality sheet metal shearing tools including Throatless Hand Shear, 52″ Foot Shear, Throatless Rotary Shear and more.
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