Your hands are precious, look after them!

With their 27 bones, 33 muscles and 22 joints, hands are the most complicated and at the same time the most useful parts of the body. Without them, we would not be able to grip things between our fingers, pick them up, turn them, lift them, hold them or handle them. Due to this very usefulness, however, they are more prone to injury than any other part of the body. This year, over 30% of CERN's industrial accidents involved hand injuries. Many of these accidents could have been avoided if the people concerned had worn suitable gloves or, quite simply, made proper use of tools adapted to the work they were doing.

1. Mechanically sustained injuries
Most hand injuries are mechanically sustained.
- Cuts and pricks often occur during the use or handling of sharp objects and tools. The Medical Service has treated many patients with cuts received when handling iron plates or when using cutters without taking adequate precautions. Such injuries range from superficial cuts to deep wounds with severed tendons or blood vessels, which may result in a certain loss of mobility.
- Hands often sustain blows or are crushed during the handling of heavy objects. Injuries range from tearing of the skin to broken or even severed fingers.
Means of prevention
The best means of avoiding mechanically sustained injuries is common sense. The use of the correct tools for the job prevents unnecessary risks. For example, a screwdriver should never be used for leverage. In many cases, such as heavy handling, the use of adequate gloves is essential. In addition, rings and bracelets must be removed as they can cause serious injuries or burns if they come into contact with
electricity.

2. Thermal and chemical injuries
Our hands are designed for work at 15 - 45° C. At temperatures above 65° C or below -3° C, there is a risk of burns, as in the case of exposure to corrosive chemicals. Certain toxic or harmful chemicals can also irritate the skin or, more seriously, enter the blood stream through the skin and lead to poisoning.
Means of prevention
The most effective means of preventing thermal and chemical injuries is the use of suitable gloves. Product instructions should be consulted for advice on the appropriate type of gloves to be worn and for information on the chemical hazard in question. It is also important to check that gloves have not exceeded their expiry date. In the event of a thermal or chemical burn, the first reflex should be to put your hand under lukewarm running water for at least 15 minutes.

3. Further information
For information on mechanical hazards, contact safety-general@cern.ch
For information on cryogenic hazards, contact safety-cryogeny@cern.ch
For information on chemical injuries, contact the Chemistry, Gas and Industrial Hygiene Section of TIS Division, safety-chemistry@cern.ch

N.B. another useful address: http://www.2mains.ch

4. Hand Safety Day
Between 12 noon and 2.00 p.m. on 3rd December, experts will be on hand in the Main Building to answer questions. Come and exchange information with them and try out "your" gloves.