HAZARD
Chrome-Plated Sockets should never be used with an impact driver! These non-impact rated sockets can break, causing sharp, metallic debris to hit the face, eyes, hands, neck, upper body, and arms.
- Basically, this means that the person using the tool, and other people in the area, are the target of a damaged socket that has effectively become flying shrapnel!
- When the injured person is working from a ladder the impact may cause the person to fall from the ladder, resulting in additional injuries!
- Prior to cracking, the outer coating of these sockets will flake off causing eye injury even when the user is wearing safety glasses!
Due to the brittleness of the material, a normal socket will crack or break when used with an impact tool. Contrary to common belief, it’s not the torque applied to the socket that causes the biggest issue. Instead, it is the momentary shock of each impact that the tool imparts on the socket that does the most damage. The location of most socket failures is at the location of minimum thickness, which is at the corners of the socket. This is where the socket is the weakest.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
Use only impact-rated sockets for impact drills, and impact-rated sockets or nut drivers for smaller cordless impact drivers. These sockets are specially hardened and much less likely to shatter during use.
Impact rated sockets are black or dark gray in color with thick ½” metal.
Follow the coupling manufactures recommendations when tightening bolts with impact tools.
The use of impact drills when tightening coupling bolts must only be done by a skilled, trained person. The drill, socket, and drive must be inspected by the user before each use. Safety glasses must always be worn when operating an impact tool. Follow all manufacturer safe uses.
OSHA Standard cited for this violation:
1926.300(a) Condition of Tools.
All hand and power tools and similar equipment, whether furnished by the employer or the employee, shall be maintained in a safe condition.