Safe work cannot be done without the correct tools and equipment, maintained in good operating condition. Incorrect selection of a hand tool can create as great a hazard as incorrect selection of drill rigs or heavy equipment. Additional risks are created when hand tools or heavy equipment are poorly maintained or of poor quality.
Correct selection of tools and equipment requires detailed knowledge of the task to be done. Planning is essential. Before embarking on a field trip, do an inventory of all necessary tools and their condition. With good planning, weight and space can be saved.
Hand tools
Hand tools are made to do a particular job and, if correctly used and maintained, to do that job safely.
Points to be considered for safe use of hand tools include the following:
• Select the correct tool and size of tool for the job. Too large a tool can cause damage to other equipment; too small a tool can cause overexertion.
• Inspect tools regularly for signs of damage or wear. Hammers with loose heads or damaged handles, bent spanners or crowbars, etc. should be repaired or replaced.
• Keep cutting tools such as axes, saws and chisels sharp. Blunt tools are difficult to control. Cutting tools must be stored properly to prevent damage and injury.
• Carefully check wooden handles for splits and splinters, and keep them smooth.
• Keep tools clean and lubricated.
• Use spanners in preference to wrenches.
• Establish a good footing and balance. Keep fingers away from where they can get crushed.
• Watch out for other people working nearby.
• Lock tools away when not in use.
• Properly label any lifting gear, which must be inspected and maintained and the details registered.
Use correct safety equipment when using power tools
Power tools and welding equipment
Electric, pneumatic and fuel-powered tools have particular hazards and must be handled with care. Hazards can arise from the power source or the connections as well as from the tools themselves. Power tools must only be used by people who have received appropriate training. Standard work procedures should be established for use of tools such as grinders, core saws, circular saws, chainsaws, brushcutters, oxy-acetylene welders and torches, and electric welders.
Points to be considered include the following:
• Shut down fuel-powered tools when refuelling. Keep naked lights and ignition sources away from the fuel and refuelling area.
• Make sure electrical tools are fitted with suitable earth protection and fuses. Check cables and connections frequently, and make sure leads are tagged with the appropriate inspection dates.
• Pneumatic tools must have a suitable check valve at the manifold outlet. All hoses must have suitable clips or fittings at the connections to prevent the hose from flailing should the connection fail.
• Inspect tools daily for correct operation. If defective, place an out-of-service tag on the tool, withdraw it from service and have it repaired or replaced.
• Take care when laying out cables and hoses to protect them from damage and prevent tripping hazards.
• Do not leave tools where they can fall or be pulled down.
• Keep guards securely in place at all times.
• Use correct and suitable personal protective equipment, particularly eye protection.
• Do not use electrical tools in rain, wet conditions or near flammable liquids and gases.
• Maintain tools in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications; have them serviced regularly by qualified service agents.
• Where pneumatic tools of any type are to be used, operators must be well trained and be aware of specific hazards of compressors, compressed air and use of compressed air.
• Maintain and store welding gear, including nozzles, hoses and gas bottles, in accordance with the relevant standards.