Mitigate risks by spotting defective tools and improper practices with the help of a digital tools checklist that lets you conduct safety inspections effectively.
Lumiform enables you to conduct digital inspections via app easier than ever before.
Get a kickstart with one of our +12000 ready-made and free checklists
In any project or production, tools are instrumental to getting things done. They are meant to not only make the job easier but essentially get it done the best way possible. However, when tools are mishandled or not in their best condition, they can expose workers to hazards and even cause serious damage to their health.
That's why a tools checklist is essential to ensure that tools are in good condition and appropriate safety measures are taken by workers. All it takes is one loose part or lack of inappropriate protective gear for accidents to happen from flying or falling objects, and harmful dust or fumes from the use of hand and power tools. On top of this, electrical connections should be checked to ensure that they are suitable for the tools being used and that the working conditions are not exposing workers to fire hazards.
Most importantly, every tool and equipment should be inspected to protect workers from potential health and safety risks. One of the best practices to increase safety measures is conducting tools inspections daily or monthly for tools used regularly. This will ensure that hand and power tools are in optimal condition during use.
Using the tool inspection checklist during audits is the best way to guarantee that all necessary steps and findings are properly documented. During a site walkthrough, everything from assessing worker competencies to the appropriate use of proper protective equipment (PPE) should be included. Then, an inspection of individual tools (e.g. cracked blacked or loose parts) should be well-documented to keep a record of equipment condition at the time of the audit. This will serve as a helpful reference for future inspections and monitoring of corrective actions implemented.
1. The common hazards associated with tools
2. OSHA’s five basic safety rules
3. How to empower workers to take care of their tools
The use of hand and power tools should be supplemented by proper training and supervision to avoid any incidents. One of the best ways to do this is to go the extra mile and equip your workers with knowledge on the necessary safety practices they need to know when dealing with tools.
Here are some of the most common ones to get you started.
There’s no escaping the fact that industries need tools to get the job done. So, to guide employers on the proper safety measures, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released five basic safety rules in handling hand and power tools that should be included in a tool inspection checklist.
To avoid the possibility of malfunction and downtimes, regular inspection and maintenance should be done. This not only keeps equipment safe to use but helps spot problems before they cause work accidents.
Hand and power tools are made to serve a specific purpose and function. It's imperative that you use the right tool for the job to avoid accidents. One example is using a chisel in the place of a screwdriver can potentially cause the tip to break off and hit someone in the eye.
Employers are responsible for making sure that employees never use tools that are compromised and damaged. These can lead to abrasions, punctures, and even blindness or death when overlooked. So, checking tools before using them to make sure that no defective equipment is used is critical to the safety of your people and the reputation of your business.
Tools, especially power tools, always come with a guide on how to use them properly. Workers must be educated and made aware of the importance of adhering to these to avoid mishandling tools that can lead to preventable accidents.
Blindness, burns, and respiratory problems can be prevented with the right gear. So, employers must ensure that workers are provided the right PPE to reduce the hazards caused by using tools, especially when they are working around volatile liquids and flammable materials.
Improving workplace safety is a challenge, and failing to meet workplace safety standards can lead to work accidents and breakdowns that slow down the work process. With a digital inspection and corrective action solution that workers can learn in minutes, they can proactively ensure the overall safety of tools in any industrial environment.
Empower your workers to assess tool safety easily, immediately respond to safety issues or potential risks, and have confidence in their preventive measures from the start. With Lumiform's tool inspection and training app, they can take advantage of the following when you sign up for free today:
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