The International

Injuries to
Fingers & Hands
Pocketbook ·
International English I 4th Edition
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This pocketbook is designed to give guidance on procedures aimed at reducing the risk
of injuries to fingers and hands.

It is intended to form part of a safety training program and to be used as a handy ready
reference guide. It is not intended as a fully comprehensive manual on health and safety
nor as a substitute for formal training.

The information contained in this pocketbook is intended to comply with and reflect the
guidance given in UK health and safety legislation current at the time of publication. The
information is likely to be relevant worldwide, however, as wherever in the world accidents
occur the causes are often common and the precautions to prevent them remain the
same. The user must always satisfy himself, however, as to the relevant health and safety
legislation affecting the work site.

It must be borne in mind that certain jobs and certain work sites entail risk. While following
the procedures and recommendations laid down in this book should reduce the risk of
injury it will seldom be possible to eradicate risk completely.

This book contains general recommendations only. The user will require to satisfy themselves
that these recommendations are suitable for their particular circumstances. Examples of
the most common accidents and their causes have been given but clearly the book cannot
cover every eventuality,

All statements, technical information, diagrams and recommendations contained in this book
are believed to be correct but no guarantee is given as to their accuracy or completeness.
In particular but without prejudice o ihe ·oregoing generality no guarantee is given regarding
information which has been sourced from third parties. To the fullest extent permissible by
law North Sea Lifting Limited shall have no liability whatsoever for any loss, claim or damage
arising as a result of anything contained in or omitted from this book.

© North Sea Lifting Limited 1996 (Revised 2011)

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form
or by any means, including photocopying and recording, without the written permission
of the copyright holder, application for which should be addressed to the company. Such
written permission must also be obtained before any part of this publication is stored in a
retrieval system of any nature.

2 I IONSL1995-Rev2011 J www.nsl-aberdeen.com
HANDS AND FINGERS

If you want to know about your future safety, you can try reading palms .

... but if you'd rather ensure your hands' future safety, try reading this pocketbook!

The International Injuries to Fingers & Hands Pocketbook I 3

 Receipt Document
POCKETBOOK ISSUE AND CONTROL
This sheet is optional and may be used for documentationcontrol.

In the pursuance of improved working practices and to help you avoid injuries
to fingers and hands, you have been issued with this Injuriesto Fingers
and Hands pocketbook. It is intended to give you guidance on how best
to avoid such injuries when working with tools and machinery or handling
N.SL
NSL Communieating Safety
The International
Injuries to Fingers & Hands
Pocketbook
I
equipment during your normal working duties.
Ensure you are familiar with any Regulations which may give further guidance
on the use of personal protective equipment, especially when dealing with
chemical and corrosive substances. t:> Personnel Details: :
You will be expected to refer to the relevant sections of this pocketbook for
guidance. The various sections outline policies on Safety and describe good
practices to be employed to minimise, if not eliminate, any risk of injury.
The document on the facing page must be completed on receipt of this
pocketbook. Employer: _
Once you have completed the page opposite, return it to the issuing department
who will retain it in your personal file.
Occupation: _

Employee No: _
-n.
-, I
, I

/\_~emember Date Received: _

!::« Your wellbeing depends on your ability to
do your job safely!
t:> Declaration: .

I confirm that I have been issued with the InternationalInjuriesto Fingers

& Hands Pocketbook and will refer to the relevant sections when involved
in work where my fingers and hands may be at risk.

Signature:--------------------

Date: _

(Complete, tear out and returnto the issuing department)

4 I C NSL 1995 - Rev 2011 I www.nsl-aberdeen.com The International Injuries to Fingers & Hands Pocketbook I 5
DO YOU KNOW?

... That your hands and fingers have morenerve endings per square centimetre
than any other part of your body?
... That there are two kinds of nerves? You have Sensory nerves, which
provide information from the fingers to the brain, e.g. what your fingers are
doing, where they are in relation to each other and what they are touching.

fig 1

... You also have Motor nerves which convey messages from the brain to
the muscles in your hands and fingers, controlling their movements.

fig 2

The International Injuries to Fingers & Hands Pocketbook I 7

DO YOU KNOW?

... That your hands and fingers also have more pain receptors than any other
part of your body. These are provided by nature as a defence mechanism, to
get you to quickly remove your fingers from danger, that is if you can! You'll
probably know from experience that finger injuries are more painful than similar
injuries to other parts of the body (well, most other parts!) .

. . . That we are the only animals able to oppose our thumb and first finger to
make a precision grip, to hold a pen or a small screwdriver for example. Our
nearest relative, the chimpanzee has much shorter thumbs and can't hold
anything between finger and thumb.

fig 3

... It's our hands and the way we can use our fingers in a precision grip that
have allowed us to develop tools and do all of the things that we do.

8 Ie NSL 1995 - Rev 2011 I www.nsl-aberdeen.com

INTELLIGENCE... COMMON SENSE???

We're supposed to be more intelligent than the chimpanzee as well, but this is
arguable when you consider the risks we take with our fingers and hands.
You don't have to be a brain surgeon to appreciate how important your hands
and fingers are to you. If you've got any doubts as to how it would feel coping
with injured or damaged fingers, put on a pair of very thick gloves and try to
adjust your watch or even simply use the telephone.

I only tried to dial

for a pizza!!!

fig4

Toe Jnternalional Injuries to Fingers & Hands Pocketbook I 9

LOST TIME ACCIDENTS

Injuries to hands and fingersare the commonest causes of lost time accidents
in industry today. Many thousands happen every year.
The consequences of these injuries can vary from just a few minutes away
from the job for a clean up and a small dressing, to something that's for life,
e.g. the loss of a finger or thumb, or worse.
There are various ways in which your hands and fingers may be injured but
the use of Personal Protective Equipmentsuch as the right kind of gloves
or gauntlets can provide protection against many of these risks.

fig 5
How do you choose the right kind of glove?
There are European Standards for protective gloves. The type of protection
is indicated by a series of pictograms. These indicate:
Mechanical hazards. vi. Heat and fire.
ii. Static electricity. vii. Impact cut.
i i. Chemical hazards. viii. Ionising radiation and radioactive
iv. Micro-organism hazards. contamination.
v. Cold hazards.
To give yourself adequate protection, gloves should be appropriate for the
job. Just as importantly, they must be comfortable and must fit properly.
Wearing the right kind of gloves will protect you against the risks involved
when handling hot and cold materials, against electric shock and will provide
a barrier against contact with chemicals as indicated above.
Refer to the tables in the Appendixfor further guidance.

"10 Ie NSL 1995- Rev 2011 I www.nsl-aberdeen.com

GENERAL PURPOSE GLOVES

In the first instance, there are general purpose work gloves, often made
of cotton or some other knitted fabric and pimpled with rubber. These are
commonly known as "polka-dots".

fig 6

These give the minimum amount of protection against abrasion and general
wear and tear on your hands. (For other general or low risk uses, there are
rubber and plastic gloves).

SPECIALISED GLOVES

In manual handling, sharp or pointed objects may pierce your hands. Typical
examples would be a broken strand in a wire rope sling or a nail protruding
from a piece of wood. In the repeated handling of rough objects such as
bricks for example, your hands would be subject to abrasion.
To protect against all of the above, you would use gloves which have leather
palms and fingers, often known as "Riggers" gloves or "Candy Stripes" or
even better. the newer purpose-designed gloves with built-in resistance to
impacts.

fig 7

The International Injuries to Fingers & Hands Pocketbook [ 11

 Where high temperatures are involved, there are chromed leather gloves
which are heat resistant and fire retardant.

fig8

Where there is a danger from sharp knives or other tools, or when working
with glass, there are chain-mail gloves which specifically protect the main
blood vessels in the wrists.

fig9

12 I C NSL 1995 - Rev 2011 j www.nst-aberdeen.com

PROTECTION FROM CHEMICALS

There is a range of protective gloves for dealing with chemicals. There are
numerous chemicals listed under the regulations which control substances
hazardous to health. It is a legal requirement to wear the correct Personal
Protective Equipmentand obviously, this includesgloves. The composition
of these gloves varies depending on the nature of the chemical hazard. They
are made from a variety of rubber and rubber-like materials, for example,
from neoprene, butyl, PVA (polyvinyl acetate), and PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
The choice depends on the chemical being used, so you must read the
manufacturer's instructions before using them and check with the glove
manufacturer's tables.

fig 10

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!

When you are using gloves, especially for chemical protection, make
sure that there isn't a gap between the glove and your sleeve, and
be careful not to touch other exposed parts of your body, or transfer
chemical contamination to tools or other equipment .
... .., ..,. .., .., .., .., .., .., .., .., .., ..,. .., .., ..,. .., .1111/11'..,.., ..

The International Injuries to Fingers & Hands Pocketbook 113

SKIN IRRITATION

You must remember that exposure to sophisticated chemicals is not the only
problem or risk area. Common everyday oil and grease can cause dermatitis.
This is a serious condition which can take months to clear up. Before you start
any job, use a barrier cream, even if you're going to be wearing gloves.

When working outside, if your hands get cold you'll lose your dexterity. This
can lead to accidents therefore you would require warm gloves which, more
often than not, would also have to be waterproof. Generally, gloves will keep
your hands clean and if you're working in contact with soil and dirt, they will
also provide protection against soil organisms which can infect small cuts
and scratches.

fig 12

141 ©NSL 1995-Rev2011 I www.nsl-aberdeen.com

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Gloves need to be used properly and need to be taken care of just like any
item of protective equipment. For general work gloves this is a matter of
common sense. Check them for wear, for holes or cuts and replace them
when they get worn or contaminated. Gloves used for working with or
handling chemicals will often need washing and/or cleaning. This being the
case, follow the manufacturer's instructions and remember, it is easier and
safer to do it while you're still wearing them. Finally, for gloves being used
for the handling of chemicals, it's vital to ensure that they don't leak!

?
•

fig 13

The International Injuries to Fingers & Hands Pocketbook I 15

PHYSICAL INJURIES

Hundreds of people are injured every year when they get their hands dragged
into moving machinery because the cuffs of their overalls or shirt sleeves get
caught. These injuries are usually severe ones, with fingers and hands being
seriously crushed. Amputation is often the result .... by a surgeon if they're
lucky .... by the machine if they're not!

Keep yourself neat and tidy. Don't be afraid to tell someone else if what they're
doing looks dangerous.

fig 14

In some flickering light conditions, high speed rotating machinery may appear
to be stationary because of the stroboscopic effect. Good lighting is important
for safety so if there is a faulty neon tube that's flickering, then get it changed.
Almost all moving machinery should be protected by a guard of some kind,
so make sure it is. Don't be tempted to remove any guard that's fitted. You
can't rely on a guard to give you full protection, so use a jig to hold something
you're working on, while drilling for example and use a push stick to guide a
piece of wood into a band or circular saw.

Don't cut cornersto save time

or you mightloose yourfingersfor all time!

16 I Q NSL 1995 Rev 2011 I www.nsl-abefd8€n.com

TYPICAL CAUSES OF INJURIES (I)

Handling and positioning heavy equipment often results in trapped/

crushed fingers or hands and it's no competition when steel meets flesh!

Never place your fingers between contact surfaces ...

... you'll know why if the rigging slips!

fig 15

The International Injuries to Fingers & Hands Pocketbook 117

TYPICAL CAUSES OF INJURIES (II)

Failing to isolate machinery before working on it. There is always the

danger that somebody will switch it on when your hands are right in amongst
the moving parts.

Always switch off the main power switch

and remove the fuses if possible ...

... it may take a minute or two,

but it could save you a lifetime of pain!

fig 16

181 ©NSL 1995-Rev2011 [ www.nsl-aberdeen.com

TYPICAL CAUSES OF INJURIES (111)

A very common practice when working with winches is to hold the wire as
it is being spooled onto the winch drum. This is highly dangerous and can
cause horrific injuries if a broken strand of wire catches your hand. The injuries
can vary from lacerations to the hand and fingers (minimum), to amputation
of fingers and hands (usual) or at worst, you could be pulled completely into
the winch whereby you could loose an arm where the injury could be fatal.

The wire will normally spool correctly without any help, but if you feel
you must guide the wire onto the drum ...

I/~ 11
( \\

... use a piece of wood to avoid this!

fig 17

The International Injuries to Fingers & Hands Pocketbook I 19

TYPICAL CAUSES OF INJURIES (IV)

Unguarded machinery. NEVER use unguarded machinery for obvious reasons.

The power of a vertical drill is enough to strip skin or break bones!

fig 18

If you come across unguarded machinery or damaged I broken guards, report

it immediately so it can be put right.

TYPICAL CAUSES OF INJURIES M

Using the wrong tools for the job (often caused by laziness, i.e. too lazy to
go and get the proper tools for the job) .

lki,. ·-·-·----
1 /

fig 19

... This will often resultin bruised knuckles or even brokenfingers.

20 j CNSL 1995-Rev2011 I www.nsl-aberdeen.com

HAZARDOUS WORKPLACE I HAZARDOUS TYPE OF JOB

Where you work and what your job is can increase the risk of hand and finger
injuries, e.g. on the Drill floor, working with heavy steel clamps such as tongs
which slam shut .

fig 20

... or using spinning chains, they are renowned for crushing fingers or remov-
ing fingers the hard way!

fig 21

Fortunately this practice is being phased out as technology advances.

The International Injuries to Fingers & Hands Pocketbook I 21

 Using elevators for lifting heavy tubulars out of the hole can also be very
hazardous if you get your hands or fingers in the wrong place!

fig 22

Anywhere where steel can come into contact with flesh and bone, you must
keep your wits about you.

fig 23

Even a simple task like placing the slips in the hole can get you injured if you
get complacent.

221 ONSL 1995-Rev2011 I www.nsl-aberdeen.com

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

The majority of companies have adopted the practice of painting their heavy
tools and equipment with hazard stripes but painting in GREEN, the safe
places to put your hands and fingers .

fig 24

As an alternative or in addition, some companies also post stickers about

the workplace to highlight typical "Pinch Points" to raise personnel's aware-
ness.

fig 25

Just use commonsense and be very wary where you put your hands.

The International Injuries to Fingers & Hands Pocketbook I 23

INJURIES INVOLVING TOOLS

Accidents involving tools account for 7% of all reported accidents. That

actually equates to tens of thousands of accidents, mostly to hands and
fingers. Perhaps not surprisingly, accidents with hammers, spanners and
knives are the most common.

Pre-use Checks:
The first line of defence is to check your tools thoroughly before you use
them and make sure they are not defective. Don't use a hammer which has
a split, damaged, or loose shaft... get it fixed or replaced. There's no need to
run the risk of serious injury when using a hammer and a tool like a chisel. It
may be one of the oldest slapstick jokes in the world, but getting a thumb or
finger in the way of a hammer is no joke for the injured party and remember,
your hammer should always have a non-slip handle.

fig 26

There are plenty of holding devices for particular tools, so take the time to
get one. If you haven't got one, at least hold the tool properly to minimise the
risk.

241 ©NSL 1995 Rev2011 I www.nsl-aberdeen.com

JEWELLERY

Thousands of people are injured every year when a ring, a bracelet or other
piece of jewellery gets caught in machinery. Think about it, if you're wearing
a ring on a finger that gets squashed, the ring wil stay out of shape, and will
add to the seriousness of the injury.

fig 27

Don't be sentimental about jewellery. Take it off when you're working and
there'll be a better chance you'll have something to put it back onto when
you're finished.
Finally, just because you've finished work, don't think your fingers are no longer
at risk. A common cause of fingers being ripped off duling leisure activities,
is men wearing wedding lings or similar, jumping up to hook the nets on to
goal posts. Their rings snag on the hooks and the whole body weight ends
up hanging from the ring finger. You can guess what the end result is.

It hurtsjust thinkingabout it!

The International Injuries to Fingers & Hands Pocketbook I 25

 When it comes to spanners, don't use one if it shows any sign of damage,
wear or splayed jaws. Make sure you're using one the right size. If a spanner
slips off a nut when you've got a lot of weight behind it, you'll be lucky if you
only sustain a painful bruise or cut. More likely, it will be a broken finger or
hand and weeks in plaster. If it's a power tool that slips, it could easily break
your wrist.
Some other points. When using a file, it must have the proper handle otherwise
the metal tang could easily puncture your wrist or palm.
Wood cutting chisels are very sharp so treat them with care. When you're
not using them, keep them in a proper pouch, not loose in a tool box.
Damaged tools, tools with burrs or other sharp snags that can catch your
hand or fingers, cause numerous injuries everyyear.They're usuallythought of
as minor injuries but there's nothing minor about the pain they can cause.
Not all hand injuries end up with blood dripping onto the floor. If you're
involved in repetitive handling, making the same movement over and over
again, especiallyin an awkward position, then it can lead to hand problems,
repetitive strain injury as it's now called.

I•

fig 28

You can prevent this by varying the job, moving from one task to another or
by taking frequent breaks for rest and recovery.

26 I © NSL 1995 - Rev 2011 I www.nsl-aberdeen.com

Another latent health problem is "vibration white finger", which is caused by
excessive use of vibrating hand tools, such as needle guns, disc sanders,
grinders and even jackhammers I pneumatic drills.

fig 29

There are special gloves available which reduce the harmful effects of vibration
by absorbing some of the energy. But even with these you must take frequent
breaks to allow your blood circulation to recover.

The International Injuries to Fingers & Hands Pocketbook I 27

 Although we think.of minor accidents to hands and fingers as just a part of
the job, there is a well established close relationship between the number of
these minor accidents and the number of more serious accidents or even
fatalities at work.
If we can reduce the number of hand and finger incidents by improving our
safe working practices and building a safety culture at the work place, we'll
also reduce the number of more serious accidents.
If you do get a cut or scratch, then take the time to treat it properly, get it seen
to. That means cleaning it properly, applying an antiseptic if necessary and
a suitable dressing. Use a waterproof one while you're working and change
it to a breathable one when you finish.
If you do develop a rash on your hands or fingers then get your doctor to have
a look at it. It might be the start of something serious, so catch it early.
Everyone you work with, and you yourself, will at some stage in life have
experienced a hand or finger injury. They're part of life, a finger caught in a
door, a splinter from a rough piece of wood, there are a thousand ways to
hurt yourself. If you're lucky, it mightjust be a
minor injurythat only
affectsyou for just a few weeksor months. If you'reunlucky, it might
affect your careerfor the rest of your life.
And it's not just work - whateveryou do, drivingthe car, enjoying
your sportor hobby, taking a shower,eating a meal, puttingon your
clothes... just imaginetrying to do it with one hand. To give yourself
an idea of what that might be like, try putting one hand in your pocket and
leaving it there tor an hour or so while you try to do simple everyday things!
Don't spend the rest of your life regretting some stupid little thing you did to
save a minutes's worth of time, or because you couldn't be bothered to do
a job properly.

Bear in mind...
Almostall hand and fingerinjuriescan be prevented. By using common
sense, by usingthe righttooland the rightequipment,by thinkingabout
what you're doing, and by not cuttingcorners and taking risks.

28 j (Cl NSL 1995 - Rev 2011 j www.nSl-aberdeen.com

PROTECTIVE GLOVES

Legislation
EuropeanRegulations require employeesto wear protectiveglovesin hazardous
situations.

TypicalHazards
Abrasion, Impact, Heat & Cold, Vibration, Skin Irritation & Dermatitis, Cuts &
Punctures, Chemicals, Product contamination, Shock, Radiation.

Risk Assessment
As with all Personal Protective Equipment, a comprehensiverisk assessment
is an essential prerequisite to ensure the correct protective glove is supplied
and used.

PerformanceLevels
Differing standards of performance are often indicated by the statement of
numbers, typically within the range 0-5. The lower the number, the lower
the performance level. For example, a glove for general use may show the
following levels of performance:

Abrasion Resistance: 2 This would be shown on the product

Blade Cut Resistance: 1 as follows:
Tear Resistance: 3
Puncture Resistance: 2 ~2132

CE Approvals
EN420: General Requirements
EN388: Mechanical Hazards
EN374: Micro Organisms
EN407: Heat & Fire
EN421: Radioactive Contamination
EN374: Chemical Hazards

The International Injuries to Fingers & Hands Pocketbook I 29

PICTOGRAM$

Mechanical Hazards - EN388

Performance Levels:
Oto4 Oto5 Oto4 Oto4

!
j l Puncture Resistance
Tear Resistance
Blade Cut Resistance
Abrasion Resistance
Chemical Hazards - EN374

Liquid-proof test
Permeation test

Micro Organisms - EN374

Liquid-proof according to the air leak test

Cold Hazards - EN511

Performance Levels:
Oto4 Oto4 Oto 1

Heat and Fire - EN407

l Water Permeability
Contact Cold Resistance
Convective Cold Resistance

Performance Levels:
Oto4 Oto4 Oto3 Oto4 O to4 Oto4
t

j l Resistance to large
quantities of molten metal
Resistance to small
drops of molten metal
Radiant Heat Resistance
Convective Heat Resistance
Contact Heat Resistance
Burning Behaviour
Hadioacttve Contamination - EN421

~
·w
~ Note:
Performance Level X:
Performance Level 0:
The test is not applicable, or the glove is not tested.
The minimum level is not reached.

30 I C NSL 1995 - Rev 2011 I www.nsl-aberdeen.com

~.,,,,
Length (cm) Interior&

~ ~, ~ ~ ~ @, Thickness
(mm)
Finish

... ·, . "
Technic

Flock Lined I
3111 v v 31 / 0.55 Embossed
Red

CE Certified
Ultranitril

Smooth/
~~ 3101 v v 32 / 0.30 Embossed
Green

CE Certified
Technicolor
405
Flock Lined I
2121 v v v 31 / 0.70 Embossed
\

CE Certified
Supported Neoprene and N1trde Gloves
Titan

39.t,,I Textile/
4121 v 31 / 1.SO Smooth, Fully
Coated

CE Certified

Textile I
4121 2511.00 Smooth, Palm
Coated

Textile I
3111 25 / 0.80 Smooth

CE Certified

The International Injuries to Fingers & Hands Pocketbook 131

 Length (cm) Interior &

~ ~ ~ ~ @ ~ Thickness
(mm)
Finish

... .. . .. ..
Kevlar on

~~ 4532 ., 25/ NS
palm and
index.
Cotton on
back I rough
CE Certified
Ultril

37,
4123 ., ., X1XXXX 38 / 1.30 Textile/
Smooth

CE Certified
Nectex

35,
2231 ., ., X1XXXX 38/ 1.15 Textile/
Smooth

CE Certified
Unsupported Latex and Vinyl Gloves

Powdered
24/ 0.1 /Smooth,
Rolled Cuff

1020 ., ., ., 31 / 0.40
Flock Lined
I Embossed
Yellow

CE Certified
Superfood

50,
X020 ., ., 31 / 0.45
Smooth,
Chlorinated
I Embossed,
Chlorinated
CE Certified

2120 ., ., 32 / 0.60
Flock Lined I
Embossed

32 I© NSL 1995 - Rev 2011 j www.nsl-aberdeen.com

 Length (cm) Interior&
Thickness Finish
(mm)

3141 v' v' X1XXXX 31 / 1.10 Textile I

Rough

CE Certified
Harpon

3_,, 4131 v' v' X3XXXX 37 / 1.80 Textile/

Embossed

CE Certified
Jersetlite
307

2121 X1XXXX 31 / 0.80 Textile/

Rough

Endu.
330

2141 X2XXXX 24/ 1.80

Textile I
Embossed,
Palm Coated

CE Certified

The International Injuries to Fingers & Hands Pocketbook I 33

 Length(cm) Interior&

~ CD l§) ~ ~ ~ Thickness
{trim)
Finish

Textile I
4121 25 / 0.90 Rough,
Palm Coated

Te Ired

,.,,
201~
Textile/
4121 25/ 1.10 Rough,
Palm Coated

CE Certified

302
Textile I
4121 25 / 1.30 Supergrip

CE Certified

TextileI
4121 v' v' 27 / 1.50 Smooth

;~ 4121 27 I 0.90
Textile I
Rough

CE Certified

The gloves described in these tables are manufactured by

MAPA PROFESSIONNEL
and distributed by
Wenaas Scotland Limited

34 I© NSL 1995 - Rev 2011 j www.nsl-aberdeen.com

 Reducing Risks11
11

www.nsl-aberdeen.com
•P·iiifl
1. If you haven't removed jewellery, has it been taped up I taped
over so it doesn't snag?
Injuries to Fingers and Hands Self Assessment 2. If you haven't applied barrier cream, do you have other suitable
protection such as gloves?

•P·hil•
/
3. If the work includes handling toxic or corrosive chemicals,
you have the correct protective gloves?
do

4. If the work includes handling sharp or abrasive items, do you

•
have the correct protective gloves?
You neea A six to start
' ' 5. If the work includes handling extremely hot or extremely cold
(Six Basic Questions) items, do you have the correct protective gloves?
6. If working on machinery which hasn't been tagged / locked
out, have you made sure it cannot be started inadvertently (e.g.
1. Have you removed your JEWELLERY (rings, watches, removed fuses)?
bracelets, etc.)?
7. If the tools are not correct for the job, are suitable alternatives
2. If working among oils and grease, have you applied available?
BARRIER CREAM to your hands? 8. If you are not experienced in the safe use of the tools, is there
someone more experienced who can show you?
3. Can you confirm the task does not involve handling
TOXIC I CORROSIVE CHEMICALS, SHARP or 9. If the tools have been altered I adapted in any way, are they still
EXTREMELY HOT I C,?LD OBJECTS? in a safe condition?
10. If pinch points are still a hazard, is it feasible to use packing to
4. If working on machinery, has it been ISOLATED and prevent fingers and hands being trapped?
tagged I locked out?
11. If pinch points are still a hazard, have they been correctly
5. Have the correct TOOLS been selected for the job, are identified and highlighted (e.g. with high vis paint)?
you experienced with their safe use and are they in good 12. Have you reduced the risk of injury to as low as reasonably
condition? practicable?

--
6. Have you identified and made safe, all possible "PINCH If you can answer, ''YES" to all the above, proceed with the task. ;
POINTS"?
If you have answered "NO" or "DON'T KNOW", to any of the above,
check with your immediate supervisor who will advise you to:

STOP
Due to further precautions and I or risk assessment being
required.

PROCEED WITH CAUTION

Operation must be performed by more qualified personnel.

GO
Proceed with the task following the supervisor's guidance.

36 I C> NSL 1995 - Rev 2011 I www.nsl-aberdeen.com

The International Injuries to Fingers & Hands PocketbOok j 37
''
Reduced budgets need not mean reduced safety
standards in the workplace. NSL's Safety Awareness
Campaigns are an extremely efficient and cost-effective
way to train and learn.

You have the book, just add the Safety Awareness

eLearning Course of the same subject. Also availablein this
subject are our Safety Awareness DVD and Poster Set.

''
 The International
"ISL
CommunicatingSar.ty Injuries to
Fingers & Hands
Pocketbook

The contents of this book highlight the most common

causes of accidents involving fingers and hands and
addresses how best to avoid them. This pocketbook
should be used to enhance safety awareness .

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