04 May What’s This In Our Tool Box?!

What’s This In Our Tool Box?!

A toolbox should contain equipment that helps us perform our jobs safely and efficiently—not damaged tools and defective PPE that create additional hazards. Before reaching into a toolbox, gang box, mechanic’s chest, truck box, or tool bag, consider what may be waiting inside.

Poor storage, damaged equipment, and neglected tools can turn an ordinary toolbox into a source of cuts, electrical shocks, eye injuries, and other preventable incidents.

Check What’s in Your Toolbox

Take a few minutes to inspect your tools and safety equipment before starting work. Look for conditions such as:

• Exposed blades and sharp edges – Retract utility knife blades and properly store sharp tools so they cannot cut someone reaching into the box.
• Damaged electrical cords – Inspect power-tool cords, plugs, and strain reliefs for cuts, fraying, exposed conductors, or other damage. Remove damaged equipment from service.
• Damaged safety glasses – Replace eye protection that is cracked, excessively scratched, or otherwise unable to provide adequate protection. Keep lenses clean and store glasses where they will not be damaged.
• Dirty or damaged respirators – Respirators should be properly cleaned, inspected, and stored to protect them from contamination, deformation, and damage. Never use a damaged or contaminated respirator.
• Misused tools – Screwdrivers are not chisels, wrenches are not hammers, and makeshift extensions or “cheater bars” should not be used unless specifically designed and approved for that purpose. Use each tool only as intended.
• Damaged hard hats – Inspect the shell and suspension system. Remove head protection from service when damage or other conditions make it unsuitable for continued use.
• Damaged protective footwear – Inspect boots and other protective footwear for cuts, punctures, excessive wear, or other damage that could reduce their protection.
• Nails, wire, and other sharp objects – Do not leave protruding nails, sharp wire, broken blades, or similar objects loose in a toolbox where someone can contact them.

Don’t Use Defective Equipment

Finding a damaged tool does not mean you should “make do” until the job is finished. A defective tool or piece of PPE may fail when you need it most.

If a tool or piece of equipment is unsafe:

• Stop using it.
• Remove it from service.
• Tag or otherwise identify it as defective when required.
• Report the condition to your supervisor.
• Have it repaired by an authorized or qualified person when appropriate.
• Replace PPE that can no longer provide the required protection.

Never return defective equipment to the toolbox where another employee might unknowingly use it.

Keep Tools Organized

Good housekeeping applies inside the toolbox too.

• Keep cutting tools and sharp objects properly protected.
• Store tools so they will not damage electrical cords, PPE, or other equipment.
• Keep clean PPE separate from dirty or contaminated tools when appropriate.
• Return tools to their proper locations after use.
• Keep the toolbox free of unnecessary debris, broken parts, and waste.
• Protect tools from water, chemicals, excessive heat, and other conditions that may cause deterioration.

An organized toolbox also makes it easier to find the correct tool, reducing the temptation to improvise with whatever happens to be available.

Inspect Before Use

Even when a tool was in good condition yesterday, inspect it before using it today. Tools can be dropped, damaged, improperly stored, or altered without your knowledge.

Check that the tool is appropriate for the job, in good condition, properly guarded when applicable, and safe to operate.

Remember

Professional workmanship starts with properly maintained equipment. Take care of your tools, inspect them before use, remove defective equipment from service, and keep your toolbox organized. A few minutes spent correcting a problem can prevent an injury and save much more time later.