Avoiding Pinch Points and Kickback

Pinch points and kickback incidents are among the most common causes of hand and finger injuries offshore.

Even simple tasks like tightening bolts, aligning components, or holding a pipe can result in serious injury if hands are placed in unsafe areas.

This lesson teaches how to recognize, avoid, and control these hazards.

1. What Are Pinch Points?

A pinch point is any area where two objects move toward each other, or where one object moves toward a fixed surface, creating a crushing or trapping hazard.

Examples offshore include:

• Between wrench handles and equipment
• Between adjustable wrench jaws
• In pipe racks
• Between flanges during alignment
• Under suspended loads
• At hinge points

2. Common Pinch Point Hazards During Tool Use

• Wrenches slipping off bolts

Hand can slam into equipment or sharp edges.

• Pliers snapping shut unexpectedly

Pinches skin or crushes fingers.

• Components shifting suddenly

Such as pipes, hoses, brackets, or valves.

• Alignment tasks

Using hands instead of alignment bars increases risk.

3. How to Avoid Pinch Point Injuries

A. Keep Hands Out of Danger Zones

Always ask:

“If this moves suddenly, where do my hands go?”

Place hands behind the tool, not in front of it.

B. Use Tools to Hold, Not Hands

• Use pry bars or alignment tools
• Use clamps rather than fingers
• Use tool extensions to keep hands clear

C. Maintain Visual Control

Never place hands where you cannot see them.

If visibility is limited:

• Reposition
• Use lighting
• Stop the task until safe

D. Secure Components Before Working

Loose or unsupported components cause unexpected movement.

Use:

• Ratchet straps
• Wedges
• Alignment pins
• Secondary supports

4. Understanding Kickback

Kickback happens when a tool or component suddenly jerks backward due to:

• High torque release
• Slip of a wrench or screwdriver
• Bolt breaking free suddenly
• Uneven resistance on flanges or fittings

Kickback often results in:

• Struck knuckles
• Wrist injury
• Loss of balance
• Contact with sharp edges

5. Preventing Kickback

Use the Right Tool

• Closed-end wrenches for stubborn bolts
• Six-point sockets
• Proper screwdriver size
• Impact tools when needed

Apply Force Smoothly

• Avoid sudden jerks
• Increase torque slowly
• Maintain stable footing

Position Body Safely

• Keep face and torso away from slip path
• Pull instead of pushing
• Keep elbows tight to the body

6. Line-of-Fire Awareness

Never align your hand, arm, or body with the direction of potential kickback.

Good question to ask:

“If this slips, hits, or snaps — will it hit me?”

If yes → reposition immediately.

Key Takeaways

• Pinch points are everywhere offshore — awareness is critical
• Hands must stay out of danger zones
• Kickback is preventable with proper tool selection and force control
• Always maintain line-of-fire discipline