Daily Tool Inspections

Here at Ideal we start every day in a group huddle to do our pre-task and stretch and flex as a team. After the morning group activity, we go to our job gang box and select the tools we are going to use for the day. It’s what we do after that tool selection that can make the difference in having a safe day or possibly setting yourself up for an accident. Just as we make it mandatory to do inspection on Aerial Lifts, Backhoes, and Cranes, we also need to inspect our hand tools and other equipment. Our hand tools, power tools, and fall protection equipment gets moved from one tool box to the next, and at times never get inspected. Every tool we use should be inspected before every use. Making sure the tools you use are in good condition is your responsibility. Too many times we want to blame someone else for an injury we received from a defective tool that we failed to inspect.

Here are a few tips for you to remember so that you don’t become a statistic:

• Choose the right tool for the job. Never use a makeshift.
• Use only tools in good condition – no cracked or broken handles, none with mushroomed or broken heads.
• Make sure all guards and handles are in place.
• Always use tools with sharp blades or bits.
• Check cords and power tools for broken plugs and cuts (do not tape)
• Wrenches and sockets are in good condition and not stripped out.
• Fall arrest equipment is free of cuts, good stitching, and connectors. Never store your fall arrest equipment in the bottom of the box.

If you inspect a tool and find it defective, immediately tag it and remove it from service. Safety should never find a bad hand tool in service if we all do our job.