The Safety Concern with The Notorious Sledge Hammer

1. The Safety Concern with The Notorious Sledge Hammer

2. Overview What is a Sledge Hammer? Sledge Hammer Uses and Applications Sledge Hammer Safety Wooden Sledge Hammer Safety Who uses Sledge Hammers? Proper Sledge Hammer Form & Use Sledge Hammer Selection Applicable OSHA 1926.301- Hand Tools Sledge Hammer Substitutes Case Studies

3. What is a Sledge Hammer? Also known as a War Hammer or Maul Tool- consists of a large, flat head attached to a lever or handle. It can apply much more power, impulse than ordinary hammers due to its larger size. The distribution of force can be applied to a wide area.

4. Handle usually 1 meter to 3 meters in length. Head mass 1 to 3 kilograms in weight. Often used to break through drywall and masonry walls. Used for driving heavy spikes, stakes, or chisels into stone, brick, or earth.

5. Lightweight vs. Heavyweight Applications Lightweight sledgehammers used with a special kind of chisel to cut bricks or to clean out the mortar between bricks Larger, heavyweight sledgehammers are used primarily for demolition.

6. Other Sledge Hammer Uses Chipping Concrete Setting Concrete Forms Setting Steel Beams Lining Up Anchor Bolts and Structural Steel Columns. Any Type of Demolition!!!!!

7. Sledge Hammer Safety When using a Sledge Hammer: Wear heavy-duty work gloves. Never use a hammer with a chipped head. Replace broken handles. Always wear safety glasses or goggles during use.

8. Wooden Sledge Hammer Safety Wooden Sledge Hammers must be protected from extreme dampness and drying. Too much dampness can cause the wood to swell and eventually crack Too much dryness can cause shrinkage, and loosen the head.

9. If the head on a wooden handle becomes loose� Try driving additional wedges into the top. If that doesn't work, or if the handle shrinks, cracks, or breaks, replace the handle. 

10. Who uses Sledge Hammers? Most Construction Trades Electrician Site Work Mechanical Masonry Demolition Shell Contractors Steel/Iron Workers

11. Proper Sledge Hammer Form and Use The power of a sledge comes from getting the head in motion. Save your back and make it easy by bending your knees and bringing the weight close to your body to lift it. Straighten your knees a little at the top of the swing. Then let the hammer fall of its own weight. Check the hammer head often for looseness.

12. Sledge Hammer Selection Choose a hammer with a forged head. Avoid heads of cast steel These break more easily and can send dangerous metal chips flying. Select a tool that feels right for your strength and swing.

13. Applicable OSHA 1926.301- Hand Tools A. Employers shall not issue or permit the use of unsafe hand tools. D. The wooden handles of tools shall be kept free of splinters or cracks and shall be kept tight in the tool.

14. Sledge Hammer Substitutes Fence Post Drivers Can be a safe substitute for Sledge Hammers when driving posts.

15. Case Studies According to the Occupational Injuries among US Construction Workers Treated at the George Washington University Emergency Department 1990-1997 Out of 51 Injured Roofers and Water proofers 16% of injuries were Struck By/Against Object 1 injury was a struck by Sledge Hammer Injury 8% of injuries were Over exersion/Strenous Movement 1 injury was due to overexertion while using a Sledge Hammer

16. Case Studies In Alaska, the Owner of Logging Company Crushed and Killed by Root wad of Windfall Tree During Bucking Operation�Alaska Victim was in the process of cutting a 115 feet long, 26� diameter at the base, Hemlock tree with a chain saw. He was about 80% complete, when the chain saw went faulty. He used a wedge and sledge hammer to cut the remainder of the tree, when the tree broke lose, it rolled down slope engulfing and fatally crushing.

17. Case Studies cont. NIOSH researchers concluded that, to prevent similar occurrences, employers should: ensure that falters and buckers property evaluate felled trees and the area around the trees, so that potential hazards can be avoided during bucking ensure that all logging workers receive adequate training in safe work procedures designate a competent: person to conduct inspections to ensure that workers follow established safe falling and bucking procedures.

18. The End