Hammers, Mallets, and Impact Tools

Hammers and impact tools are used daily offshore for mechanical adjustments, freeing stuck components, and driving fasteners. They are also responsible for many hand, finger, and eye injuries when misused.

Understanding correct selection, striking technique, and inspection requirements is essential for safe operations.

1. Types of Impact Tools

• Ball Peen Hammer

Used for metalworking, shaping metal, and general mechanical tasks.

• Sledgehammer / Lump Hammer

Used for heavy striking tasks such as freeing seized bolts or aligning flanges.

• Rubber or Plastic Mallet

Used when a non-marring strike is needed, such as aligning soft materials.

• Dead-Blow Hammer

Reduces rebound and increases controlled impact — ideal for precise positioning.

2. Safe Striking Techniques

Correct Technique:

• Maintain a firm grip with both hands if needed
• Swing using controlled shoulder and elbow movement
• Ensure feet are firmly planted
• Keep your line-of-fire clear — especially hands and fingers

Avoid:

• Striking at awkward angles
• Overreaching
• Striking too close to your supporting hand
• Using excessive force instead of steady controlled strikes

3. Tool Inspection Before Use

Impact tools are high-risk when damaged.

Check for:

• Mushroomed striking surfaces (can cause metal fragments to fly)
• Cracks in the head or handle
• Loose heads on wooden or fiberglass handles
• Splintered or worn handles

If any defect is found → Tag Out Immediately.

No compromise.

4. Common Hazards

• Flying Metal Fragments

Occurs when striking with a mushroomed tool.

• Missed Strikes / Glancing Blows

Often due to poor grip or incorrect stance.

• Rebound Injuries

Especially with hammers that are not dead-blow types.

• Dropped Object Hazards

A major offshore concern, especially while working at height.

5. PPE Requirements

• Impact-resistant gloves
• Safety glasses or goggles
• Face shield for heavy striking
• Tool lanyards when working at height

6. Safe Use of Striking Tools on Offshore Installations

• Only strike tools designed for impact
• Never strike two hardened steel tools together
• Do not modify or grind hammer heads
• Use soft-faced mallets when needed to protect equipment

Key Takeaways

• Proper hammer selection is essential
• Controlled striking prevents accidents
• Tool inspection prevents catastrophic failures
• PPE is mandatory to prevent impact injuries