Hand tool safety requirements

The employer must not provide or allow any hand tool that is unsafe to be used in the workplace. Employers must evaluate tools for defects (broken handles, sprung jaws, mushroomed heads, cracks, makeshift repairs, missing guards or grips) and remove or repair unsafe tools before employees use them (1926.301(a)).

• Inspect tools before issue or use and tag or remove defective tools from service.
• Keep a program or procedure so tools are maintained, repaired properly, or replaced.
• The employer remains responsible for ensuring tools are safe even if employees perform inspections or bring tools from home (1926.301(a)).

No — wrenches with jaws sprung so that slippage occurs must not be used. If the jaws are sprung to the point that the wrench slips on fasteners, the wrench is unsafe and must be repaired or replaced (1926.301(b)).

• If a wrench only fits loosely because of wear, stop using it and remove it from service.
• Do not rely on hammering or other makeshift fixes that could damage the tool or cause injury.

Impact tools with mushroomed heads must be kept free of the mushrooming condition — that is, they must be reconditioned or replaced before they are used again (1926.301(c)).

• Remove or reface mushroomed heads; if reconditioning is attempted by grinding, ensure the tool is restored safely (heat treatment or replacement may be required) rather than creating a weakened tool.
• Use appropriate eye and face protection and follow a hazard assessment before repairing tools (PPE hazard assessment interpretation).

Wooden handles must be kept free of splinters and cracks and must be tight in the tool — loose, cracked, or splintered handles must be repaired or replaced before use (1926.301(d)).

• Replace handles that are cracked, split, or have deep splinters; sand minor splinters only if the underlying wood is sound.
• Ensure wedges or other fastening methods secure the handle in the head so the head cannot fly off during use.

No — an employer may not permit the use of defective tools even if employees brought them from home; the employer must ensure that tools used on the job are safe (1926.301(a)).

• Employers should inspect personal tools before allowing them on site and prohibit unsafe personal tools.
• If personal tools are found defective, require repair or replacement before use.

No — temporary makeshift repairs that do not restore the tool to a safe condition are not acceptable; the employer must ensure tools are repaired or replaced so they are safe to use (1926.301(a)).

• Do not use tape or wire as a permanent repair for cracked or loose handles.
• If a short-term fix is unavoidable, remove the tool from service and replace or properly repair it as soon as possible; follow a hazard assessment when repairs involve additional hazards (PPE hazard assessment interpretation).

No — using a wrench as a hammer or applying a cheater bar that overstresses the jaws can create unsafe conditions (slippage or damaged jaws) and is not permitted if it makes the tool unsafe (1926.301(b)).

• Use the correct tool for the job (e.g., a sledge or hammer for striking, pipe wrench sized for the load).
• Misusing wrenches increases the chance of slippage and injury; replace or repair any wrench damaged by misuse.

You can reface or recondition a mushroomed head, but only if the technique restores the tool to a safe condition; otherwise the tool must be replaced (1926.301(c)).

• Grinding a mushroomed head may be acceptable if done by a competent person who ensures the tool's temper and strength are not compromised; if the temper is lost or the tool weakened, replace it.
• Perform a hazard assessment and provide required PPE (eye/face protection) when reconditioning tools (PPE hazard assessment interpretation).

Non-wood handles are allowed if they are safe and kept in good condition, but the general prohibition on issuing or permitting unsafe tools still applies (1926.301(a) and 1926.301(d)).

• Inspect non-wood handles for cracks, corrosion, or other damage and ensure they are tight in the tool.
• Replace any handle (wood or non-wood) that is damaged or insecure before allowing use.

OSHA does not set a specific inspection frequency in 1926.301, but employers must ensure tools are not unsafe before they are issued or used and should implement periodic inspections as part of their safety program (1926.301(a)).

• Establish inspection intervals based on tool type, frequency of use, and work conditions (daily pre-use checks for frequently used tools are common practice).
• Documented hazard assessments and inspection programs are good practice and align with OSHA guidance requiring workplace hazard assessments when PPE or other controls are needed (PPE hazard assessment interpretation).

The employer is responsible for ensuring unsafe hand tools are not issued or used and for establishing inspection and removal procedures, though employers may assign inspection tasks to trained employees (1926.301(a)).

• Employers should provide training and resources so designated employees can inspect tools effectively.
• Maintain records or tags to show when tools were inspected, repaired, or removed from service.

No — any wrench or socket that slips because of worn or damaged components is unsafe and must be repaired or taken out of service (1926.301(b)).

• Replace worn sockets or drives rather than using them, since slippage can cause tool failure and injury.
• Avoid makeshift repairs that might hide wear and create a false sense of security.

Improvised or homemade tools are not allowed if they are unsafe; the employer must ensure any tool used is safe and fit for purpose (1926.301(a)).

• If a homemade tool is engineered and tested to be safe, document its safe use; otherwise require use of properly manufactured tools.
• Do not accept improvised tools that bypass safety features or are structurally unsound.

No — using a screwdriver as a chisel or pry bar can create mushrooming, breakage, or slippage and is not permitted if it renders the tool unsafe (1926.301(a) and 1926.301(c)).

• Use the correct tool for the intended task to prevent damage to the tool and reduce the risk of injury.
• Replace any screwdriver or similar tool that shows impact damage before reuse.

Yes, employers must assess hazards and provide appropriate PPE when workers perform repairs or reconditioning of hand tools, as required by OSHA's PPE assessment guidance (PPE hazard assessment interpretation).

• For repair tasks, common PPE includes eye protection, face shields, gloves, and hearing protection as warranted by the hazard assessment.
• Conduct a written hazard assessment where PPE will be required and certify it per OSHA guidance referenced in the interpretation.

No — while employees should be trained to recognize defects and stop using unsafe tools, the employer has the duty to ensure unsafe tools are not issued or used and must implement inspection and control measures (1926.301(a)).

• Employers should provide training, written procedures, and supervision to ensure safe tools are used.
• Periodic employer-led audits and documented inspections help meet the employer's responsibility.

Even if a mushroomed head appears usable, the employer must have the tool reconditioned or replaced — mushrooming weakens the tool and can cause fragments to fly off during use (1926.301(c)).

• Remove the tool from service immediately and either reface/recondition by a competent person or replace it.
• Use appropriate PPE and follow a hazard assessment if the tool will be reconditioned on site (PPE hazard assessment interpretation).

Section 1926.301 specifically addresses hand tools; employers should consult the broader construction standards in 1926 and other applicable tool-specific requirements for power tools. The duty to not issue or permit unsafe tools still applies (1926.301(a) and general 1926).

• For power tools, follow manufacturer instructions and other OSHA standards covering power tools and equipment in construction.
• Ensure guards, switches, cords, and other safety features are in place and maintained.

"Kept tight in the tool" means the handle must be securely fastened in the head so the head cannot wobble or detach during use; loose handles must be tightened, repaired, or replaced immediately (1926.301(d)).

• Secure handles with proper wedges or fittings; do not rely on temporary stuffing or nails that can fail.
• Inspect handles and heads regularly and after impacts that could loosen the fit.