Key risks

• Finger pinches and cuts when tightening, loosening, or bringing parts together.
• Tool slippage and knuckle knocks due to damaged heads or using an unsuitable spanner.
• Poorly secured parts that move or are ejected if tightening is insufficient or uneven.
• Cross-threading or stripped threads due to misalignment or excessive force, with possible screw breakage.
• Loosening due to vibration, impacts or thermal changes that reduce clamping force.
• Metal burrs and swarf that can cause cuts or eye irritation.
• Seizing and corrosion that weaken the assembly and make disassembly difficult.
• Electrical hazard when working near energised parts with metal screws and tools.

Safe use

• Always choose a diameter, length and thread pitch compatible with the female thread or the clamping accessory.
• Check that the head and thread are clean and undamaged; replace parts that are bent, cracked or have a rounded head.
• Start threading by hand with the screw aligned to avoid cross-threading; use the correct tool in good condition.
• Tighten progressively and in a controlled manner; avoid over-tightening. If you notice creaking, deformation or free-spinning, stop.
• Where helpful, use washers or bearing surfaces to distribute the load and protect components.
• Keep fingers away from pinch points or jaws while tightening and loosening.
• For assemblies subject to vibration, check re-tightening regularly or use anti-loosening solutions compatible with the assembly.
• Wear eye protection and work gloves when there is a risk of swarf, burrs or slippage.
• If working near electrical installations, isolate and lock off the power before starting work.

Storage and maintenance

• Clean the threads after use to remove dust, filings and debris that could damage the threading.
• Store screws sorted by size and pitch in closed containers, in a dry, ventilated place.
• Protect surfaces and threads with a light anti-corrosion lubricant where appropriate; avoid prolonged contact with moisture and chemicals.
• Carefully remove burrs and discard screws with stripped threads, deformed heads or signs of cracking.
• Before loosening, release or reduce the load on the joint to prevent ejection or thread damage.
• Periodically check tightness during prolonged use or where temperature changes occur.
• Keep tightening tools (spanners, screwdrivers, Allen keys) in good condition to avoid damaging heads.

Restrictions on use

• Do not use clamping screws as lifting, suspension or structural anchorage points.
• Do not use impact or high-torque tools if the screw or the assembly is not designed for them.
• Do not force threading if there is abnormal resistance: verify size and pitch; do not improvise adaptors.
• Do not modify, heat or file screws to 'make them fit'; replace with the correct model.
• Do not work with equipment in motion or near energised parts; lock off and disconnect before working.
• Do not use at extreme temperatures or in aggressive chemical environments unless the assembly is specifically designed for it.
• Keep out of the reach of children and ensure appropriate supervision in workshops and learning environments.