MODULE 4

What hazards exist?

 Crushed by or drawn into equipment

 Struck by moving parts
 Struck by failed components or particles

2 ©2006 TEEX
 Key parts of machines

1. Point of operation: where work is performed on the material,

such as cutting, shaping, boring, or forming of stock.
2. Power Transmission Device: transmits energy to the part of
the machine performing the work
 Includes flywheels, pulleys, belts, connecting rods, couplings, cams,
spindles, chains, cranks, and gears.

3 ©2006 TEEX
 Key parts of machines

3. Operation Controls: Control mechanisms

4. Other moving parts: can include reciprocating,
rotating, and transverse moving parts, feed
mechanisms, and auxiliary parts of the machine

4 ©2006 TEEX
5 ©2006 TEEX
 Hazards to be Guarded

 Things to guard include

 In-running nip points
 Rotating equipment
 Flying chips or sparks
 Belts or gears
 Parts that impact or shear

6 ©2006 TEEX
 Rotating Parts

 Can grip hair or clothing

 Can force the body into a dangerous position
 Projecting pieces increase risk

7 ©2006 TEEX
 In-Running Nip Points

 Between 2 rotating parts

 Between rotating and tangential parts
 Between rotating and fixed parts which
shear, crush, or abrade

8 ©2006 TEEX
 Reciprocating Parts

 Risk of being struck between stationary

and moving part

9 ©2006 TEEX
 Transverse motion

 Continuous straight line motion

 Worker struck or caught in pinch or
shear point

10 ©2006 TEEX
 Cutting action

 Direct injury from cutting action

 Flying chips or sparks
 Saws, drills, lathes, mills

11 ©2006 TEEX
 Punching action

 Ram stamps materials

 Danger at point of operation

12 ©2006 TEEX
 Shearing action

 Powered blade that shears materials

 Hazard at point of operation

13 ©2006 TEEX
 Bending action

 Power applied to a slide to stamp/shape materials

 Hazard at point of operation

14 ©2006 TEEX
 Guarding Principles

 Prevent contact between hazardous moving parts and body or

clothing
 Secure guard: not easily removed
 Protect from objects falling into machinery
 No new hazards: sharp/rough edges
 No interference with job/comfort/speed
 Allow safe lubrication: without removing guards if possible

15 ©2006 TEEX
 Part Two: Safeguarding

There are many ways to safeguard machines!

Determine the appropriate safeguarding method.

Consider:
• the type of operation and material
• the size or shape of stock
• the method of handling
• the physical layout of the work area
• production requirements/limitations
 Part Two: Safeguarding
1. Guards
Fixed
Interlocked
Adjustable
Self-
adjusting
 Part Two: Safeguarding
2. Devices
Presence Sensing
Pullback
Restraint Safety
Controls Gates

Rockford Systems,
 Part Two: Safeguarding
3. Location/Distanc
e

4. Feeding/Ejection Methods
Automatic/Semi-Auto feed
Automatic/Semi-Auto
ejection Robotics
 Effective Safeguarding

• Must be in conformity with any

appropriate standards.
• Must not present a hazard in itself nor
create interference.
• Allows safe maintenance and
lubrication.
 Effective Safeguarding

• Must not allow product or objects to fall into moving

parts or onto people.
• Get Buy-in from Operators, PM Tech, Lube and
Maintenance Techs.
 First Safeguarding Strategy: Guards

Guards are barriers which prevent access to

danger areas.
 First Safeguarding Strategy: Guards

Fixed Guard Characteristics:

– A permanent part of the machine. Tools
are needed for removal.
– Not dependent upon moving parts to
perform its intended function.
– Constructed of sheet metal, screen, wire
cloth, bars, plastic, or substantial material.
– Usually preferable to all other types
because of its simplicity and permanence.
 Part Two: Safeguarding
As a general rule, power transmission apparatus
is best protected by f ixed guards that enclose
the danger areas.

Enclosed
shaft end
Enclosed chain &
sprocket
 First Safeguarding Strategy: Guards

Interlocked Guard Characteristics:

When this type of guard is opened/removed:
– The tripping mechanism and/or
power automatically shuts off or
disengages.
– The machine cannot cycle or be
started until the guard is back in
place.
 First Safeguarding Strategy: Guards

Interlocked Guard Characteristics (continued):

– They may use electrical, mechanical,
hydraulic, or pneumatic power or any
combination of these.
– Replacing the guard must not
automatically restart the machine.
– PM is important because sometimes
they fail and sometimes they are
sabotaged!
Interlocked
guarding
can be
defeated!
This was
taped down.
Good
opportunity
for RCA.
 First Safeguarding Strategy: Guards
Adjustable Guards
– These guards allow f lexibility in
accommodating various sizes of stock
 First Safeguarding Strategy: Guards

Self-Adjusting Guards
The openings of these guards are
determined by the movement of the stock.
– As the operator moves the stock into
the danger area, the guard is pushed
away, providing an opening which is
only large enough to admit the stock.
– After the stock is removed, the
guard returns to the rest position.
 Second Safeguarding Strategy: Devices

A safety device may perform one of several

functions.

Rockford Systems,
Second Safeguarding Strategy: Devices
• Presence-Sensing Devices
Photoelectric (optical)
– Uses a system of light sources and
controls which can interrupt the
machine's operating cycle.
Radiofrequency (capacitance)
– Uses a radio beam that is part of the
machine control circuit.
– When the capacitance f ield is broken, the
machine will stop or will not activate.
Second Safeguarding Strategy: Devices
It may stop the machine if a hand or
any part of the body is inadvertently
placed in the danger area.

Equipment Resale,
Inc
Second Safeguarding Strategy: Devices

• Restraint
– The restraint (holdout) device utilizes
cables or straps that are attached to the
operator's hands at a fixed point
– The cables or straps must be adjusted to
let the operator's hands travel within a
predetermined safe area - there is no
extending or retracting action involved
Second Safeguarding Strategy: Devices
Second Safeguarding Strategy: Devices
• Pullback
– Pullback devices utilize a series of cables
attached to the operator's hands, wrists,
and/or arms
– This type of device is primarily used on
machines with stroking action
– When the slide/ram is up between cycles,
the operator is allowed access to the
point of operation
Identify the Action
Second Safeguarding Strategy: Devices

• Two Hand Controls

– Requires constant, concurrent pressure by
the operator to activate the machine
– With this type of device, the operator’s
hands are required to be at
a safe location (on the control buttons)
and at a safe distance from the danger
area
Second Safeguarding Strategy: Devices

Rockford Systems,
Second Safeguarding Strategy: Devices
• Two Hand Trips
– This device requires concurrent
application of both the operator’s control
buttons to activate the machine cycle,
after which the hands are free.
– Must be far enough away to prevent
intentional contact.
Second Safeguarding Strategy: Devices
• Gates
• Provide a barrier which is synchronized with
the operating cycle of the machine in order to
prevent entry to the danger area during the
hazardous part of the cycle

Rockford Systems,
 First Safeguarding Strategy: Guards
Interlocked guards:
– Vertical balers built to ANSI Z245.2
American National Standard for Refuse
Collection, Processing, and Disposal
Equipment-Stationary Compactors-Safety
Requirements do not comply with Title 8
CCR 4353(h).
 Another Safeguarding Strategy

• Guarding by Location/Distance
– The machine or its dangerous moving
parts are positioned so that hazardous
areas are not accessible or do not present
a hazard during normal operation
– walls or other barricades (fences)
– height (above worker)
– size of stock (single end feeding,
punching)
Is this adequate guarding by location?
 Another Safeguarding Strategy

• Auto/Semi-auto Feeding and Ejection

– Automatic and Semi-automatic Feeding
 Another Safeguarding Strategy

Feeding and Ejection

– Automatic Ejection
 Another Safeguarding Strategy

Feeding and Ejection

– Semiautomatic Ejection
 Another Safeguarding Strategy???

• Robotics
– Machines that load and unload stock,
assemble parts, transfer objects, and
perform other tasks
– They perform work otherwise done by the
operator
– Best used in high production processes
requiring repeated routines
Robotics
 Miscellaneous Aids

Does not give complete protection from

machine hazards, but may provide the operator
with an extra margin of safety.
Examples:
•Awareness barriers
•Shields
•Holding tools
•Push sticks or blocks
 *Mechanical Power
Presses
 Mechanical Power Presses are machines that
transmit force to cut, form, or assemble metal or
other materials through tools or dies attached to
or operated by slides.
 3 types of Mechanical Power Presses
o Mechanical
o Hydraulic
o Pneumatic
 A Mechanical Press is a machine that exerts
pressure to form or shape or cut materials or
extract liquids or compress solids.
 A Press is a mechanically powered machine
that punches, shears, forms or assembles
metal or other materials by means of cutting,
shaping or combination of dies attached to
slides or rams.
 A Press consists of a stationary bed ( or anvi
l ), and a slide ( or slides ) having a controlled
reciprocating motion toward and away from
the bed surface, the slide being guided in a
defined path by the frame of the press.
 Major components of a Mechanical Press
are;
o The Frame
o Motor
o Flywheel
o Crankshaft
o Clutch
o Brake
 Main Hazard
o AMPUTAIONS
 Placing hand into point of operations
 Unguarded or inadequately guarded presses
 Deactivating or over-riding safeguards
 Safeguards most commonly used:
o Barrier guards attached to fixed surfaces
o Presence-Sensing devices
 Radio Frequency Sensors
 Light Curtains
 Pullback Devices
 Fixed Guards
*Safety in Turning
Safety Precautions When Dealing With Boring

• Handling boring mills is a complex job that requires specialist

precaution aimed at protecting yourself, your colleagues, and
your staff from bodily injuries.
• Use the right tool for the right job
One of the primary causes of industrial injuries is broken
drilling heads. By having the right tooling edge matched with
the right operational spindle speed for the right work piece,
the chances of industrial accidents are greatly reduced
• Always have protective clothing
There is a need to have the right protective gear on. This
minimizes the chances of industrial accidents, since your
body is always covered in the right clothing.
For a safer operational environment, the clothing used should
be tight enough to protect you from having loose hangings
that can be easily trapped in the revolving mill parts.
Protective optical ware should also be used at all times to
protect your eyes from exposure to work piece off-cuts.
• Know your machine
Having proper technical knowhow about your machine gives
you a competitive edge in increasing your safety.
In fact, less experienced boring machine users have been
proven to be thrice as likely as their experienced peers to
cause machine-related accidents.
Therefore, only personnel with the right skills should be
granted the green light to work with the boring mills.
• Service your machines regularly
Regular repairing and servicing of your boring tools give them
a precise way of delivering on your expectations.
It also safeguards your company from technical breakdowns
resulting from poorly maintained boring tools.
*Safety in Milling
*Safety in Grinding Machines
*Safety in Gas Welding
* Most farms and small shops have some type of equipment for welding
and cutting metals.

* Acetylene is the most commonly used fuel gas. Acetylene is very

flammable and hazardous, and can ignite at a wide range of concentrations.

* Oxygen won’t burn or explode, but it helps other objects burn at greater
rates.

* Gases are stored in cylinders which can rupture. A cylinder containing

compressed gas can shoot through the air like a rocket if its valve is

damaged or broken.
 *Storage and Handling
• Keep cylinders away from physical damage, heat, and tampering.
• Securely chain equipment to prevent falling.
• Store away from flammable and combustible materials.
• Store extra gas and oxygen cylinders separately.
• Store in an upright position.
• Close cylinder valves before moving.
• Protective caps or regulators should be kept in place.
• Roll cylinders on bottom edges to move—Do not drag.
• Allow very little movement when transporting.
 *General Gas Welding Safety
Tips
• Inspect equipment for leaks at all connections using approved leak-test solution.
• Inspect hoses for leaks and worn places.
• Replace bad hoses.
• Protect hoses and cylinders from sparks, flames, and hot metal.
• Use a flint lighter to ignite the flame.
• Stand to the side (away from the regulators) when opening cylinder valves.
• Open cylinder valves very slowly to keep sudden high pressures from exploding the
regulators.
• Only open the acetylene cylinder valve ¼-¾ turn; leave wrench in place so the cylinder
can be quickly closed in an emergency.
• Open and light acetylene first, then open and adjust oxygen to a neutral flame.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for shutting off the torch. If the guidelines
are not readily available, the commonly accepted practice is to close the oxygen valve
first.
• When f inished, close cylinder valves, bleed the lines to take pressure off regulators,
neatly coil hoses, and replace equipment.
• Have a fire extinguisher easily accessible at the welding site.
 *Personal Protective Equipment
• Infrared radiation is a cause of retinal burning and cataracts. Protect your eyes
with safety glasses.
• Protect your body from welding spatter and optical radiation hazards with
protective clothing. Such as:
• Woolen or heavy cotton clothing
• Flame-proof apron
• Welding gloves
• Properly fitted clothing that is not frayed or worn
• Shirts should have long sleeves
• Pants should be straight legged and covering shoes when arc welding
• Fire-resistant welder’s cap or shoulder covers are needed for overhead work
• Check protective clothing equipment before each use to make sure it is in
good condition.
• Keep clothes free of grease and oil.
 *Proper Ventilation
* Be sure there is adequate ventilation available when welding in confined areas or
where there are barriers to air movement. Natural drafts, fans, and positioning of the
head can help keep fumes away from the welder’s face.
* VENTILATION IS SUFFICIENT IF**:
• The room or welding area contains at least 10,000 cubic feet for each welder.
• The ceiling height is not less than 16 feet.
• Cross ventilation is not blocked by partitions, equipment, or other structural
barriers.
• Welding is not done in a confined space.
* **If these space requirements are not met then the area needs to be equipped with
mechanical ventilating equipment that exhausts at least 2000 cfm of air for each
welder, except where local exhaust hoods or booths, or air-line respirators are used.
*Safety in Arc Welding
 What is Arc Welding?

• Arc welding is most commonly used to join two pieces of metal

– The welder creates an electric arc that melts the base metals and filler
metal (consumable) together so that they all fuse into one solid piece of
metal

Steel Pipe – Tack Root Pass or Final weld after

Welded “Stringer Bead” several beads are
made
94
 Arc Welding Safety

• Protect yourself and others

from potential hazards
including:
– Fumes and Gases
– Electric Shock
– Arc Rays
– Fire and Explosion Hazards
– Noise
– Hot objects

95
 Fumes and Gases
• Fumes and gases can be
hazardous to your health
• Keep your head out of the
fumes
• Use enough ventilation,
exhaust at the arc, or both,
to keep fumes and gases
from your breathing zone
and the general area
• See product labeling and
MSDS for ventilation and
respirator requirements

96
 Electric Shock

• Electric shock can kill

• Do not touch live
electrical parts
– Primary Voltage –230, 460
volt input power
– Secondary Voltage – 6 to
100 volts for welding
• Insulate yourself from
work and ground
• Follow all warnings on Do not make repairs
yourself, alert your
welding equipment instructor immediately!

97
 Arc Rays

• Arc rays can injure eyes and

burn skin
• The welding arc is brighter
than the sun
• Precaution must be taken to
protect your eyes and skin
from UV radiation
• Wear correct eye and body
protection

98
 Fire and Explosion Hazards
• Welding sparks can cause
fires and explosions
• Sparks and spatter from the
welding arc can spray up to 35
feet from your work
• Flammable materials should
be removed from the welding
area or shielded from sparks
and spatter
• Have a fire extinguisher ready
• Inspect area for fires 30
minutes after welding

99
 Noise

• Loud noises can damage your hearing

• Keep loud noises at a safe level by using proper
hearing protection such as:
– Ear plugs
– Ear muffs

100
 Protective Clothing

Welders must wear protective

clothing for
– Protection from sparks, spatter and UV
radiation
– Insulation from electric shock

• Protective clothing includes …

– Fire-proof clothing without rolled sleeves,
cuffs or frays
– Work boots
– Welding gloves, jackets, bibs, and fire-proof
pants
– Welding cap, helmet and safety glasses
– Ear protection – ear plugs and muffs

101
Manual Handling

• Manual handling means using physical strength to move materials .

• This method increases the possibilities of injuries and adds to the cost of
product.
• To reduce the number of material handling injuries and increase the
efficiency, material handling to be minimized by combining and eliminating
operations or mechanization.
• Even after all elimination and mechanization there will be still objects to be
lifted manually for which the following factors are to be taken into
consideration for safe acts in materials handling.
 Mechanical Material Handling Safety

• Heavy materials which are not safe to handle manually must be handled by mechanical

means and this includes lifting, transporting, stacking, loading and unloading by means of

palletizer, chain pulley block, forklifts, conveyors or cranes and hoists.

• Mechanical material handling avoids a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders resulting from

manual material handling.

• Mechanical material handling helps increase levels of productivity in the workplace. There is

no doubt that machines can do many tasks more quickly and ef ficiently in less time which

human cannot do.

Hazards in Mechanical Material Handling

1. Use of equipment and machinery without valid OSHA inspection certificates.

2. Inadequate and wrong selection of handling tools and machines.

3. Mechanical damage and faulty equipment.

4. Congested space for operation.

5. Incompetent operator.

6. Overloading of machines, tools and equipment.

7. Loading and transporting unbalanced materials.

8. Poor rigging and lifting.

9. Over speeding and unauthorized operation

10. Use of machines without machine guard.

Risk in Mechanical material handling

1. Poorly maintained tools, equipment and machines are prone to accidents due to failure of electrical, mechanical, and

hydraulic systems that can cause serious injury to personnel and property damage.

2. Risk of load failure due to inadequate and incorrect selection of handling tools and machinery.

3. There is a risk of collision with property or personnel due to congested operating space.

4. An untrained and unauthorized machine operator can cause serious accidents and injure other personnel.

5. Risk of material failure during handling due to overloading of machines, tools and equipment.

6. Equipment can fall due to improper loading and transportation, poor rigging and lifting, and over speeding by

unauthorized operation.

7. The use of machines without guards presents a high risk of serious injury.
Dos

1. Use lifting tools and hoists of adequate capacity.

2. Only authorized persons should use the equipment and machines.

3. The identification number and the safe working load must be marked on all tools and hoists.

4. Check the functioning of emergency switch, limit switches and over load alarm before actually starting the
operation of lifting machines.

5. Estimate the weight, distance, and hazards before lifting the load.

6. Store lifting tools and hoists in a designated location.

7. Use appropriate personal protective equipment

8. Keep the speed slow while approaching at destinated location.

9. Stay alert and maintain eye contact on load and nearby man movement.

10. Special care should be taken when using the forklift and other portable hydraulic equipment.

11. When lifting the load with slings, make sure that all sharp corners are padded with soft material.

12. Barricade the area where the lifting operation is performed.

13. Use appropriate plate clamps to lift metal plates.

14. Use beam clamps for lifting beams.

15. Use an appropriate guide rope while lifting and shifting the material.

16. Apply an appropriate protective coating to keep tools in good condition.

Don’ts
1. Don’t use faulty tools and tackles.

2. Don’t stand under a suspended load.

3. Don’t lift the metal plates by using web slings only.

4. Don’t use the equipment for any other purpose than intended.

5. Don’t allow personnel to move underneath lifted load.

6. Don’t load the machines and equipment above its safe working load.

7. Don’t use makeshift arrangement for lifting the material.

8. Don’t use equipment, tools, hoist and tackles with a missing label or tag.

9. Don’t drag chains, ropes or cables on the floor.

10. Don’t use chemical contaminated web slings, wire sling or belt without re-inspection.

11. Don’t use a hoist, slings, chains and other lifting tools and tackles that have lost more than 10% of
its breaking strength.
Manual Handling Risk Assessment
• A manual handling risk assessment is used to identify hazards that may cause musculoskeletal injuries to
workers when they perform manual handling.

• Similar to a regular risk assessment, a manual handling risk assessment is carried out to identify and evaluate
risk factors.

• Specifically activities of lifting, putting down, carrying, moving, and handling objects during work operations.

• It is primarily carried out by health and safety officers.

• Once a manual handling risk assessment is completed, health and safety workers work to develop processes and
preventive measures.

• Assessing manual handling risks is crucial to protect workers from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), increase
job satisfaction, and improve quality of work.
How do you carry out a manual handling
risk assessment?
• Determine the task – Ask the workers how the task is done. Establish
the scope of the manual handling activity and its important stages.
This helps pinpoint the exact moment an injury may happen.
• Retrieve essential information – This includes technical information
such as load factors of TILE. Load factors to consider are the weight,
size, and shape. Another essential information is knowing what
postures will the worker be in, size of the space, number of manual
handling tasks, and the employee’s technical knowledge.
• Determine the risk factors – Find out the hazards and risk factors.
Every factor needs evidence on why it’s a potential risk for the
manual handling activity.
• Identify potential improvements – Consult with the personnel
using the objective results of the manual handling risk
assessment. These improvements should reduce or prevent
injury due to manual handling activity. HSA suggests developing
a safe system of work plan and to use equipment when possible.
• Review the changes – A staff member should do regular
inspections to check the effectiveness of the implemented
improvements. Risk assessments are a continuous process that
should be updated regularly and revised when necessary.
4 Key Areas of Manual Handling
• When performing manual handling risk assessments, the
assessor mainly focuses on the 4 key areas of manual handling
which is often referred to as the acronym TILE (Task, Individual,
Load, and Environment)
• In some safety circles, “other factors” have been identif ied as
another key area for evaluating manual handling risks, turning
the assessment method into TILEO (Task, Individual, Load,
Environment, and Other factors).
• Task: Manual handling tasks that are too strenuous, involves long distances, and
availability of rest and recovery.

• Individual: This involves the worker’s capabilities such as no training, lack of

experience, unfamiliar with the job, physical capabilities, and prior history of injuries.

• Load: This risk can be caused by objects that are too heavy, too large, dif ficult to
grasp or reach, obscures the worker’s view, and unbalanced, unstable or if its
contents can move.

• Environment: Hazards because of insuf ficient work space, uneven or slippery f loors,
unstable platforms, heat stress, and poor lighting.

• Other factors: monotonous tasks at a high pace and prolonged work without resting,
among others.
Use Proper Lifting Techniques
• Avoid lifting heavy items above chest height.
• Use the “big toe” test to test the weight of the object. If you can push
the item with your toe, it is safe to move it alone. If not, ask for help.
• When picking up a heavy item from the ground, stand close to the
load with your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Squat down, bending at your knees, keeping your back as straight as
possible.
• Make sure you have a firm grasp on the object before lifting. Use
handles, if available.
• If you are lifting with a partner, coordinate lifting time.
• Once the object is lifted off of the ground, carry it as close to your
body as possible to prevent the object from losing its center of
gravity and falling to the ground.
Solutions for Pulling
• Keep your feet hip-width apart.
• When bending forward to pull, drop your hips and bend your
knees. Concentrate on keeping your core muscles tight to
decrease pressure on your back.
• Always face the object you are pulling. Take small, backward
steps once you start to move.
Push Before Pulling
• It is safer to push rather than pull.
• Keep your back straight and bend your knees.
• Do not twist at your hips to push, but rather keep your core tight
and use your legs and body weight to move the object.
• Face the load squarely rather than at the top or bottom of the
object.
How to Maintain hooks
1. Before use, hooks must be inspected by an experienced rigger.
2.Remove a hook from service if any of the following are in evidence:
a. Cracks, nicks or gouges
b. Twist exceeding 10 degrees from plane of unbent hook
c. Damage or malfunction to the latch
d. Throat opening exceeding 15 percent
e. Wear exceeding 10 percent of original dimension
f. Damage from heat
g. Unauthorized repairs
3. Cracks, nicks and gouges should be removed by a qualif ied person. Grind lengthwise, following the contour
of the hook.
4. If removing the damaged area results in a loss of more than 10 percent of the original dimension, the hook
must be replaced.
5. Never repair, alter or reshape a hook by welding, heating, burning or bending, unless approved by the hook
manufacturer.
6. When lifting, ensure the hook, not the latch, supports the load. The sling or lifting device must always be
seated properly in the bowl of the hook.
7. Never side load, back load or point load a hook. All reduce hook strength and create an unsafe condition.
Point loading can reduce hook capacity as much as 60 percent.
CLAMP Maintenance

• Routine maintenance keeps your clamps in top condition so they can live their best – and
longest – lives.

• New Clamp Use:

 No matter what type of woodworking clamps you’re using, the maintenance process begins
the moment you unwrap your shiny new friends. If your clamp has a bar, it’s important to
properly prep it before use.
 Next, use a clean cloth that’s been lightly dipped into mineral spirits and wipe the bar down.
Do this until all adhesive is gone and the bar is dry, with no resin coming off of it. To keep
glue from sticking during future glue-ups, apply a coat of paste wax to the bar and buff
clean.
During clamp use
• Keeping your clamps clean will extend their life span and ensure your workspace (and f inal product) stays
free of marks or residue.
• The easiest way to prevent glue from adhering to your clamps is to use a protective layer – like painter’s
tape, packing tape, or parchment paper – between your project and your clamp

After clamp use

• Once a clamp’s job is finished, remove it from the workpiece immediately.
• After every use, wipe each part of the clamp with a dry cloth.
• Clearing any dust or debris will ensure there’s no buildup, and keeping clamps clean will help to avoid
slippage when working on your next project.
• Any dirt, dust, or debris has the potential to damage your clamp’s working ability and can even leave
marks or stains on the surface of your workpiece.
• You can also regularly buff your bar with paste wax, keeping all the moving parts of your clamp in top
condition and preventing rust development.
Clamp storage

 Always store clamps away from heat in a secure, safe, dry place.

 When possible, separate clamp heads to prevent them from sticking together.

 Consider investing in clamp racks or carts to keep clamps stored properly.