GENERAL DYNAMICS

Telecom Saudi Arabia

DATE : 29 July 2006

SUBJECT : 48th WEEKLY TOOLBOX MEETING ( WRENCH SAFETY )

INSTRUCTOR : REY G. BARRACA

Objective :
To introduce and orient the workers on how to choose and use the right wrench according to the job category.

Introduction :
There are a lot of ways you can skin your knuckles, but using the wrong wrench for the job, ranks as one of the
most painful means. There aren’t any statistics available to tell how many people a year are injured when
wrenches slip and send hands smashing into pipe or machine, but if it has ever happened to you or if you’ve
ever known someone it has happened to, you’ve got to believed it’s painful.

Safety Rules to follow when you use a wrench:

1. In choosing the right wrench, consider the type of job that has to be done. The location and number of
nuts and bolts will determine the type of wrench to use for the most efficient job, and the size of the nut
or screw head will determine the size of the wrench.
2. Never use a damaged wrench. Use only wrench that are in top condition, and if they become worn or
defective, take them out of service immediately.
3. Keep the wrench in a proper place on a rack or in a tool box when it is not being used, this will keep it
from becoming damaged by other tools and from becoming a tripping hazard on the floor.
4. When a wrench is to be stored for a considerable length of time, it should be kept in a dry place and
coated with rust-preventive compound, then; upon removal from storage, clean it with a solvent.
5. Once you have chosen the right wrench for the job, get a good solid footing before applying the tool,
this will help you keep your balance should the wrench slip or bolt thread break.
6. Make sure the wrench seats squarely and fits snugly around the nut or bolt. This precaution is
particularly important when it is necessary to pull hard on the wrench.
7. Experienced workers soon develop a feel for a wrench, they know when a bolt or nut is tight enough and
can avoid snapping it off or stripping threads. Train yourself to develop this skill and youcan avoid
some sticky problems.
8. Adjustable wrenches are not made for hard service, so set the adjusting knurl so the wrench fits the nuts
snugly. Failure to do this can cause injury and can shorten the life of the wrench.
9. When using an adjustable wrench, grip the nut or bolt so that the pulling force is applied to the
stationary jaw section, you have to note that pulling the wrench is recommended rather than pushing it.
10. Set a pipe wrench so the teeth will grip the round object with the center of the jaws.
Safety Reminder:
Use the right wrench for the job, and never use a tool that is defective:

For your reference, guidance and information;

Rey G. Barraca
Safety Manager

Cc: RRichardson
SFeigel
ASchneider
KBwye
GD & DSCO Staff
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