Maintenance Tools
This Maintenance Tools procedure is applicable to SMI, subcontractors, vendors and all personnel performing work on the project.
Should be regularly checked and thoroughly examined before storage and, if worn or damaged, they should be properly repaired or discarded. When not in use, tools should be stored in boxes or cracked, cutting edges should be sheathed. Tools should be kept clear of walkways so as not to present a tripping hazard. iii
Selecting the Right Maintenance Tools:
Every Electric Maintenance Tools has its proper application. The correct type, size and weight of too should be selected for the job. To misuse a tool, or to use the wrong tool, is to invite personnel accident, damaged or injury.
Electrical Risks:
All metal tools are conductors of electricity. Where work takes place on, or near, electrical apparatus, only properly insulated and non-conductive tools should be used.
Insulation and, where appropriate, ground continuity, should be tested at regular intervals by a competent electrician. Current should be switched off if possible.
Sparking Risk:
For work near highly flammable materials or explosive gasses/dusts, special tools, made from non-ferrous metals, e, g,. Beryllium (copper alloy) is required, since a spark could cause fire or explosion. Spark-proof tools should be regularly inspected in case steel splinters have become embedded and need grinding out to ensure continuing safe usage.
Section Manager:
The Construction Manager is responsible for ensuring that;
- Monitoring and checking of the compliance of this procedure.
- All the machine and hand tools used on the site have been inspected and are safe to use.
- Manpower, equipment and funds are available to purchase and use and maintain the machine and hand Maintenance Tools .
HSE Manager:
The HSE Manager is responsible for ensuring that, all machines and power Maintenance Tools shall meet the international standard and personnel are fully trained and aware of the safe use.
- Proper training is conducted.
- Toolbox meeting is conducted.
- JSA system is applied.
- All identified necessary work and precautions are properly executed.
POWER TOOLS- GENERAL:
Many jobs CAN be done faster, more efficiently, even more accurately, and certainly more economically using power tools. Operative fatigue is reduced. It is essential, however, that these tools are only used for those jobs for which they were designed. It is the responsibility of management to provide the proper tool for the job and to see that it is properly used.
Manufacturers and/ or suppliers should always provide information concerning the safe use of tools.
The efficient and safe use of all powered tools can only come through proper training, proper maintenance and from adequate supervision on site. Too many accidents have occurred through the use of these tools by untrained unskilled labor. With the tore potentially dangerous equipment, e.g., portable saws cartridge tools and portable grinders, even qualified tradesmen should be given specific instruction
Power for this type of equipment can be supplied from:
- Compressed Air.
- Explosive Cartridge.
- Electricity.
- Internal Combustion Engines.
There may be little to choose between the efficiency of tools operated from any of these sources, but there are sometimes other considerations to be taken into account, e, g., the electric breaker is quieter in operation than its pneumatic counterpart because it has no exhaust noise. Such tools are therefore more suitable for use in some confined spaces where exhaust fumes and the noise level would otherwise become dangerously high. These advantages must be weighed against the dangers of using electrical tools in certain confined spaces, such as steel vessels.
The continuing efficiency of all portable powered tools, like all other mechanical equipment, depends on regular care and maintenance. Tools should be regularly checked on issue from, and return to their tool store.
All Maintenance Tools, which have exposed cutters should be switched off and held until they have stopped moving before being set down.
All tools with interchangeable parts must be isolated from the power source (unplugged) before any changes are made.
SAFETY CHECKLIST
| ENSURE THAT THE TOOL IS IN GOOD | DON’T USE A SUSPECT TOOL REPAIR |
| Ensure that you know the misfire procedure. | Don’t load a cartridge before you need it. |
| Hold the tool against the work surface for 30 seconds. | |
| Pull the trigger again. | |
| If the cartridge still does not fire, wait another 30 seconds. | |
| Eject the cartridge (strictly in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions) and return it to store for destruction by the manufacturer. | |
| Ensure that the tool is at right angles to the fixing surface. | Don’t point the tool at any person |
| Use the correct fixing/ piston cartridge combination. | Don’t fix less than 75mm from the edge of concrete or brick. |
| Change pistons when they are worn. | Don’t fix less than two and a half times the fastener’s shank diameter from the edge of steel. |
| Change stop rings when they damaged. | Don’t fix where another fixing has failed. |
| Wear the safety goggles provided | Don’t strip down the tool without checking. |
| Ensure that the tool is cleaned and lubricated after use. | Don’t press a tool against your hand. |
| Keep cartridges not being used in the tool box or container. | Don’t leave live cartridges lying about the job site. |
| Used ear protection, especially when fixing to steel or working in a confined area. | Don’t insert a cartridge until after the nail or stud is loaded. |
| . | Don’t attempt to use nails, studs or cartridges that have not been approved by the manufacturer. |
perators should not wear any items of loose clothing, which could become caught in moving parts of power Maintenance Tools.