Tools, machinery and equipment policy

Machines will be equipped with safety guarding devices. Employees who operate tools, machinery and equipment will be trained. PEER Construction will provide procedures for operating all equipment and machinery on our sites.

Hand and power tools

• Use tools only for the purpose for which they are designed and within their capacity limits.
• Always seek instruction before using an unfamiliar tool or performing an unfamiliar procedure.
• When working with fasteners use only the correct type of tool and ensure it is a good fit. Use properly fitting screwdrivers. With nuts & bolts use spanners in the following order of priority: ring spanner, socket spanner, open end spanner, adjustable spanner (last resort). Always use washers.
• When using spanners try to pull on them rather than push, with arm at 90 degrees to the spanner.
• Look after tools, store them properly. Take extra care with measuring tools. Do not leave them lying about with general tools. Never sacrifice any tool for the sake of the job.
• Report any damaged tools to a supervisor and do not use until repaired or replaced.
• When using power tools ensure that the power tool has a current test tag fitted. Ensure that you wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Always wear safety glasses when operating power tools. If the machine makes a loud noise wear hearing protection. If it creates dust wear respiratory protection. Dust extraction may be necessary.
• Ensure that any safety features (such as safety guards) are fitted and used as intended.
• Exercise extreme caution with angle grinders, circular saws, or any other high speed power tool.
• Ensure rags or similar are kept well clear of rotating items such as drill bits, etc.

Portable hand and power tools

Employees should never use tools or equipment until they have been trained in the proper use, care and hazards of each tool and piece of equipment.

The following are recommended safety procedures and/or precautions in the use and care of power and hand tools:

• All tools should be kept in good repair, inspected before each use and be CSA approved.
• Defective or worn tools should be replaced.
• Tools should never be dropped from one level to another.
• Tools should not be left on shelves, scaffolds, platforms or other locations where a tripping or falling hazard is created.
• Cords of electrical tools should be inspected before each use. Tools should not be pulled by the cords. Electrical cords should be kept out of water, oil or chemicals. Cords placed across passageways need to be secured in place to lessen the likelihood of tripping.
• Sharp-edged tools must always be kept sharp.
• All extension cords must be insulated with a three-prong grounding plug.
• Do not remove or block safety guards installed by the manufacturer.
• Grinding wheels must be used within the RPM limit.
• Do not disconnect air lines on pneumatic tools until pressure is released.
• Secure air line hose connections with tie wire or other approved methods to prevent whipping action or accidental disconnection, should the connection fail under pressure.
• Electrical equipment and tools should be grounded.
• Power and hand tools are to be oiled and cleaned on a regular basis.
• Electrical power tools and portable electrical equipment when used outdoors or in a wet or damp location must be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter. Employees must not use tools, equipment, or machinery unless they are authorised to do so by the supervisor.

Employees shall not operate machinery unless they are wearing the protective equipment specified by the supervisor. Tools, equipment, and machinery must be inspected at regular intervals and maintained in safe working condition.

All portable power tools must be JSA approved.

Preventative maintenance will be scheduled in accordance with the manufacturer’s manual.

General requirements

The following general requirements cover hand and power tools as well as other equipment.