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TOOLBOX TALK 28/60
TOPIC: HAND TOOLS
OBJECTIVE: TO ENSURE THE SAFE USE OF HAND TOOLS

Some things to know before you give your talk

As a supervisor, you know how important tools are to get the job done. Remind your team that each tool is designed to perform its own special function and using a tool for any other job may result in something breaking or someone getting injured. A good example is a screw driver – how many times has your team used a screwdriver when they should have used a pry-bar, or a punch or even a chisel?

USE THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB

Here are some examples of accidents that happen because someone used the wrong hand tool or because the tool was damaged:

  • A worker uses a wrench to hammer a bolt: the head of the wrench could glance off the end of the bolt and injure them.
  • Someone uses a hammer with a loose head: the head could fly off and strike someone or some equipment nearby.
  • A worker uses a pick with a damaged handle: they could get splinters from the handle.
  • Someone strikes two hardened steel tools together, like 2 hammers, or a hammer and an axe: pieces of the tools could chip off and injure someone.

Tool rules

  • Use the right tool for the job
  • Take care of your tools
  • Turn in any damaged tools
  • Use PPE

Questions you can use to get them talking: 

  • Find a damaged tool that has been used for the wrong job and show it to the team
  • Check the toolbox for damaged tools
  • Has anyone in the team ever had an accident – or know of someone who did – when they used the wrong tool?

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