Main hazards

• Cuts and punctures from the punch tip and edges.
• Blows to hands and fingers when hammering or if the tool slips.
• Ejection of material swarf or fragments from the punch itself (mushroomed head), posing a risk to the eyes.
• Slippage while marking that can damage the workpiece or cause injury.
• Punch breakage due to wear, cracks or misuse.
• Noise and repeated impacts that can cause wrist and elbow strain.
• Sparks or hot swarf when working on metals near flammable materials.
• Unintended actuation of the mechanism on automatic punches.

Safe use

• Wear eye protection; close-fitting work gloves with good grip and, where continuous hammering is involved, hearing protection.
• Select the correct type and size for the task and material (centre, prick, pin, automatic, etc.).
• Inspect before use: no cracks, no flared/mushroomed head and the tip in good condition.
• Hold the workpiece on a stable, clear surface; secure with a vice or clamp where possible.
• Align the punch perpendicular to the surface and start with a light blow to seat the mark; keep fingers away from the impact area.
• Strike with an appropriate, well-maintained hammer, using controlled, straight blows; avoid side or glancing impacts.
• Remove burrs and swarf with a brush or magnet, never with your hand.
• Keep other people out of the line of fire and do not point the tip towards your body.
• For automatic punches, point the tip away from you and avoid pressing the plunger until correctly positioned.

Storage and maintenance

• Clean and dry after use; apply a light film of oil to prevent corrosion.
• Store punches in a pouch, case or rack, preferably with tip protectors.
• Periodically inspect tip and head; remove burrs and mushroomed heads with appropriate tools; discard those with cracks or deformation.
• Resharpen or dress the tip when necessary, avoiding overheating.
• Keep them in a dry and ventilated place, out of reach of children.
• For automatic punches, protect the mechanism and transport them so they cannot be actuated accidentally.

Restrictions of use

• Do not use the punch as a chisel, lever, screwdriver or pointer.
• Do not work on energised, pressurised or very hot parts, or near flammable substances.
• Do not use the punch on materials unsuitable for its type (e.g. toughened glass, fragile ceramic or stone, unless specified by the manufacturer).
• Do not strike punches that are damaged, bent or have a mushroomed head; remove them from service.
• Do not apply heat or modify the tool.
• Avoid loose clothing, dangling jewellery or loose gloves while hammering.
• Do not allow use by minors; inexperienced persons should receive basic instruction and, where appropriate, supervision.
• Do not work at height without securing tools and cordoning off the area below.