Tip for Pipeline Workers: Regularly Examine Power Tools
This is our third tip in this series of Safety For Pipeline Workers.
To ensure the safety of workers at the job site: examine the safety of power tools.
Even the simplest tools could cause accidents and even the smallest accidents could have devastating effects on a project. Make sure all tools at the site, whether fixed or portable, are working properly, especially tools that have not been used in a long time.
Aside from ensuring tools are working properly, employers must make sure workers who have to handle the tools have sufficient training in using them. It is also the employers’ responsibility to provide replacement tools.
Workers might choose to continue using defective tools, when they know replacement tools will not be given right away, just to make sure the job gets done and they do not become the cause of a project’s delay.
As for employees, they must make sure they follow safety procedures when using power tools. Here’s a very simple guideline: follow the manufacturers’ instructions.
Below are some general safety rules for power tools:
• Use only the appropriate tools for tasks- always use the right tool for the job to avoid accidents and to prevent destroying tools.
• Keep tools away from fire, sharp edges and other damaging elements- gadgets do not only get broken from constant use, they can also be damaged when exposed to elements such as fire.
• Take damaged tools out of service- make sure that they are repaired properly before putting them back in use. If a tool is damaged beyond repair, make sure you retire it.
• Follow safe fueling procedures for fuel-powered tools- aside from making sure you use the right fuel and add it according to the safety procedure and make sure that the room is properly ventilated to prevent fire or explosion.
• Do not carry or pull tools by their cords- always handle the tools with care and hold them properly. Carrying them by the cord may loosen the connection between the tool and cord.
• Disconnect tools from the power source before servicing them- make sure there is no risk of electrocution or of tools being accidentally turned on when fixing tools by disconnecting them from the power source.
• Make sure tools have proper markings- some of the switch labels or markings may fade in time, make sure that you re-label them so that people using the tools know what to press or turn.
• Keep instruction manuals- even after your staff have received proper training, make sure you keep all the instruction manuals on file.
Terry Smeader
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Tags: pipeline workers, Safety, tools
