Main risks

• Accidental blows to hands and fingers due to slips or poor aim.
• Flying fragments or splinters from the struck material that may cause eye injuries.
• Head detachment or handle breakage if damaged or poorly fitted.
• Rebound when striking very hard surfaces, leading to loss of control of the tool.
• Slipping due to wet, greasy or resin-contaminated handles.
• Damage to delicate surfaces when using an unsuitable type of hammer or mallet.
• High noise levels during intensive work.
• Possible sparking when striking metal against metal in environments with flammable materials.

Safe use

• Choose the right hammer or mallet for the material and task; use soft faces when mark-free results are required.
• Inspect before each use: a firm head with no play, a handle free of cracks or splinters, and striking faces without cracks or deformation.
• Secure the workpiece with clamping aids and keep fingers away from the impact area.
• Adopt a stable stance, grip the handle firmly and deliver controlled blows without forcing the swing.
• Always wear safety glasses; use close-fitting work gloves and closed footwear where appropriate.
• Avoid striking very sharp edges or hardened materials that may shed fragments; use suitable intermediate tools where necessary.
• Keep the work area clear and other people at a safe distance from the swing radius.
• Do not use the tool if you notice unusual vibration, cracks or looseness; stop work and inspect.
• Do not use the hammer or mallet as a lever, chisel, punch, or to strike tools not designed for impact.
• For prolonged or very noisy tasks, consider hearing protection.
• Avoid working near concealed cables or pipes without checking their location.
• In environments with ignition risks, avoid metal-to-metal strikes or use tools appropriate for that environment.

Storage and maintenance

• Store the tool in a dry, tidy place, preferably hung up or on a tool board, to prevent falls.
• Clean after use to remove dust, resin or grease; dry thoroughly to prevent corrosion.
• Protect metal parts with a light anti-corrosion coating when necessary.
• Look after the handles: avoid prolonged moisture, extreme heat and contact with solvents that may degrade them.
• Remove from service heads with cracks, pronounced burrs, or mallets with severely worn coverings.
• Replace damaged handles or heads with compatible spares recommended by the manufacturer; do not improvise fixings.
• Periodically check the fit between head and handle; if there is any play, repair or replace before use.
• Store out of reach of children and pets.

Restrictions on use

• Not suitable for children; if minors are involved, only under competent adult supervision.
• Do not use for electrical work unless the tool is specifically rated for it.
• Do not use in potentially explosive atmospheres or where flammable vapours are present if striking could generate sparks.
• Do not throw the tool or leave it on edges or unstable surfaces from which it could fall.
• Do not strike accessories or parts that are not designed for impact.
• Do not modify, heat, weld or drill the tool; it may lose strength.
• Do not use at height without securing the tool against possible drops.
• Do not continue working if you are fatigued or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that reduces coordination.