Chiseling Safety

A chisel is a tool with a characteristically shaped cutting edge of blade on its end for carving or cutting a hard material such as wood, stone or metal. When using, the chisel is forced into the material to cut it. The driving force may be manually applied or applied using a mallet or hammer. Chisels have a wide variety of uses. Different types of chisels are constructed quite differently in terms of blade width or length as well as shape and hardness of the blade. They may have wooden piece handle attached or may be made entirely of metal. Although chisels are small tools compared to other, the risk of getting hurt by using a chisel is high. Concentration is the key when working with chisels. In aerospace engineering workshop, chisels are used on metal pieces. So there is a strong possibility for the chisel to slip if not used with care. Students when working with chisels must ensure that he is comfortable with using the chisel and is not under any other disturbance.

The safety steps to consider when using chisels are as follows.

1) Never hold the work piece in your hand.

2) Make certain that the work piece is securely held in a vice or by a G cramp to a bench.

3) Always work away from you. Never push the chisel towards yourself.

4) Hold the chisel properly. Hands should be positioned accordingly when pairing horizontally and vertically.

5) If the chisel slips off the bench, do not try to catch it. It can hurt your hand.

6) Be careful as you carry a chisel across the workshop. Hold it with the cutting edge pointed on the floor.

7) When you have finished using the chisel, put it back in its rack or cupboard.