Remote Services

Tool Box Talks

Choose a tool box talk. Fill in the appropriate details and submit. 

Toolbox Talk - Working at Height (Ireland)

TOOLBOX TALK - WORKING AT HEIGHT (IRELAND)

What you need to know  

Falls from height are the biggest cause of workplace deaths and one of the biggest causes of major  injury. The heights involved do not always appear to be very significant, but many serious injuries  result from falls of only a meter or so.  

The most common incidents involve over-reaching, over-balancing, equipment failure, misuse of  equipment, unexpected movement (particularly where ladders are involved) and the failure of a  fragile surface.  

What you need to do  

Working at height means any height from which people could fall and injure themselves.  Safety, Health and Welfare Act 2005 & General Application Regulations 2007  place a duty on employers and contractors to ensure that all work at  height is:  

Properly planned and organised - including planning for emergencies and rescue 

Assessed for risks using a hierarchy of control measures  

Appropriately supervised  

Done in a way that is - as far as is reasonably practical - safe  

Always done by competent people, including managers and supervisors, who are appropriately  trained and supervised  

Done using appropriate equipment that is regularly inspected and maintained. 

Keeping up to date with HSE and industry guidance will help you meet your duties under the  Work at Height Regulations.  

Hierarchy of control measures  

For every task that needs to be done at height you need to assess the risk and put appropriate  control measures in place. There is a hierarchy of control measures that you need to follow. You only  move up the hierarchy when you decide that the control is not practicable.  

Avoid the need to work at height, for example by using extending equipment from the ground 

Prevent falls using appropriate access equipment such as work platforms or rope access 

Reduce the distance and consequences of a fall should one occur.  

If the system allows a fall, but stops you hitting the ground e.g. harness or safety net, a rescue  method must be available and understood by all involved.  

You should choose collective measures to prevent falls (such as mobile elevating work platforms -  MEWPs) before other measures that may only mitigate the distance and consequences of a fall (such  as fall protection systems) or which may only provide personal protection from a fall.  

If a MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) is provided, they must only be operated by trained,  authorised persons, using the appropriate fall protection. There must always be someone on the  ground, trained in the use of the ground controls, in the event that a rescue is needed.  

Follow the safe system of work – It is there for your safety  

Use guardrails correctly - Where guardrails are provided, do not store materials  against them where they may fall through. Do not climb over the guardrails.  

Use harnesses correctly - If you need to use a harness, make sure you know how to  put it on, visually inspect it before use, and attach the lanyard to the correct anchorage points.

  Use ladders correctly – they should be in god condition and only be used for light,  short duration where 3 points of contact can be maintained (Make sure they are tied or footed  and placed at an angle of 1 in 4.)  

Report all concerns – inform your line manager/supervisor if you think the system of  work is not safe  

TOOLBOX ATTENDEES SIGN BELOW

Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Toolbox Talk - Working at Height (UK)

TOOLBOX TALK - WORKING AT HEIGHT (UK)

What you need to know  

Falls from height are the biggest cause of workplace deaths and one of the biggest causes of major  injury. The heights involved do not always appear to be very significant, but many serious injuries  result from falls of only a meter or so.  

The most common incidents involve over-reaching, over-balancing, equipment failure, misuse of  equipment, unexpected movement (particularly where ladders are involved) and the failure of a  fragile surface.  

What you need to do  

Working at height means any height from which people could fall and injure themselves.  Work at Height Regulations 2005 place a duty on employers and contractors to ensure that all work at  height is:  

Properly planned and organised - including planning for emergencies and rescue 

Assessed for risks using a hierarchy of control measures  

Appropriately supervised  

Done in a way that is - as far as is reasonably practical - safe  

Always done by competent people, including managers and supervisors, who are appropriately  trained and supervised  

Done using appropriate equipment that is regularly inspected and maintained. 

Keeping up to date with HSE and industry guidance will help you meet your duties under the  Work at Height Regulations.  

Hierarchy of control measures  

For every task that needs to be done at height you need to assess the risk and put appropriate  control measures in place. There is a hierarchy of control measures that you need to follow. You only  move up the hierarchy when you decide that the control is not practicable.  

Avoid the need to work at height, for example by using extending equipment from the ground 

Prevent falls using appropriate access equipment such as work platforms or rope access 

Reduce the distance and consequences of a fall should one occur.  

If the system allows a fall, but stops you hitting the ground e.g. harness or safety net, a rescue  method must be available and understood by all involved.  

You should choose collective measures to prevent falls (such as mobile elevating work platforms -  MEWPs) before other measures that may only mitigate the distance and consequences of a fall (such  as fall protection systems) or which may only provide personal protection from a fall.  

If a MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) is provided, they must only be operated by trained,  authorised persons, using the appropriate fall protection. There must always be someone on the  ground, trained in the use of the ground controls, in the event that a rescue is needed.  

Follow the safe system of work – It is there for your safety  

Use guardrails correctly - Where guardrails are provided, do not store materials  against them where they may fall through. Do not climb over the guardrails.  

Use harnesses correctly - If you need to use a harness, make sure you know how to  put it on, visually inspect it before use, and attach the lanyard to the correct anchorage points.

  Use ladders correctly – they should be in god condition and only be used for light,  short duration where 3 points of contact can be maintained (Make sure they are tied or footed  and placed at an angle of 1 in 4.)  

Report all concerns – inform your line manager/supervisor if you think the system of  work is not safe  

TOOLBOX ATTENDEES SIGN BELOW

Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Toolbox Talk - Window Cleaning Polework

TOOLBOX TALK - WINDOW CLEANING POLEWORK

What you need to know

Window cleaning has its own unique challenges along with the more common risks involved in most other types of work. Injuries occur through slips trips and falls, poor manual handling and electric shock in the work place.  Most of these injuries are easily preventable with a little care.  

 

Hazards associated with the use of water-fed poles:

  • Trip hazards to general public presented by trailing hoses.
  • Slip hazard presented from wet pathways.
  • Slip hazard for operator while concentrating on work.
  • Falls from height when working from flat roofs.
  • Electrocution from pole coming into contact with overhead power source.
  • Injury to others from falling poles or fabric of the building that may be dislodged.
  • Injury to others from falling poles caused by incorrect handling or failure of pole.
  • Injury through incorrect manual handling of poles and other equipment.
  • Spread of legionella disease through poor maintenance of the system.
  • Hazards from carrying tanks, systems and equipment that are overloaded, unstable, unsecured or incorrectly installed within a vehicle.

 

Slips, trips and falls:

 

  • Poor housekeeping
  • People not looking where they are going
  • People being distracted
  • Working at height without the proper equipment and control measures in place

 

Poor housekeeping includes:

 

  • Items left on the ground, such as coiled cables, hand tools; these will eventually trip someone if not moved to a safe position.
  • Spilt substances, such as oils and greases will form a slip hazard if not immediately cleaned up.
  • Wet floors following spillage or cleaning
  • Trailing cables from equipment.

 

What you need to do

Keep access equipment clean, mud left on the rungs of a ladder by the previous user may be a slip hazard for the next person.

Reduced levels of natural light, during winter afternoons for example, may increase the trip hazard if adequate access / task lighting is not provided.  Tools, equipment, slight changes in elevation and materials which are visible in full daylight might be hidden in semi darkness.

  • Work in a tidy manner: do not leave tools, equipment or unused materials lying about on the floor.
  • If you are using substances which could possibly spill, ensure that you have, close by, a means of effectively clearing up the spillage. 
  • If you see a spillage, clean it up or make arrangements for it to be cleaned
  • As far as possible, route cables for power tools above head height.  If cables have to be routed at floor level, try to avoid crossing pedestrian walkways.
  • If the site is muddy, scrape mud off your boots before climbing ladders.  Don’t walk the mud off your footwear anywhere else where it may be a danger to others.
  • Be aware of the increased risk of tripping as the level of natural light fades; ensure that all tools equipment and materials are stored in a safe location.
  • Do not rush around, walk calmly
  • Don’t distract colleagues into sudden changes of direction
  • Look out for those around you, warning them of hazards they might not have yet seen.
  • Do not carry large items that block your view and prevent you seeing where you are walking
  • Hold the handrail when going up and down staircases
  • Report any damaged floors or floor coverings
  • Follow working at height control measures identified in the risk assessment / method statement

TOOLBOX ATTENDEES SIGN BELOW

Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Toolbox Talk - Window Cleaning Traditional

TOOLBOX TALK - WINDOW CLEANING TRADITIONAL

What you need to know

Window cleaning has its own unique challenges along with the more common risks involved in most other types of work. Injuries occur through slips trips and falls, poor manual handling and electric shock in the work place.  Most of these injuries are easily preventable with a little care.  

 

Hazards associated with the use of traditional window cleaning

  • Slip hazard presented from wet pathways.
  • Slip hazard for operator while concentrating on work.
  • Falls from height when working from flat roofs, ladders, steps etc.
  • Injury to others from falling poles or fabric of the building that may be dislodged.
  • Injury to others from falling poles caused by incorrect handling or failure of pole.
  • Injury through incorrect manual handling of poles and other equipment.

 

Slips, trips and falls

  • Poor housekeeping
  • People not looking where they are going
  • People being distracted
  • Working at height without the proper equipment and control measures in place

 

Poor housekeeping includes:

  • Items left on the ground, such as hand tools, extension poles
  • Spilt substances, such as water and detergents will form a slip hazard if not immediately cleaned up.
  • Wet floors following spillage or cleaning

 

Keep access equipment clean, mud or debris left on the rungs of a ladder by the previous user may be a slip hazard for the next person.

Varied levels of surfaces while window cleaning, may increase the trip hazard.

  

What you need to do

  • Work in a tidy manner: do not leave tools, equipment or unused materials lying about on the floor.
  • If you are using substances which could possibly spill, ensure that you have, close by, a means of effectively clearing up the spillage. 
  • If you see a spillage, clean it up or make arrangements for it to be cleaned
  • Make sure equipment, i.e., ladders/steps are clean before inside use. 
  • Be aware of the increased risk of tripping as the level of natural light fades; ensure that all tools equipment and materials are stored in a safe location.
  • Do not rush around, walk calmly
  • Do not distract colleagues into sudden changes of direction
  • Look out for those around you, warning them of hazards they might not have yet seen.
  • Do not carry large items that block your view and prevent you seeing where you are walking
  • Hold the handrail when going up and down stair cases
  • Report any damaged floors or floor coverings
  • Follow working at height control measures identified in the risk assessment / method statement

TOOLBOX ATTENDEES SIGN BELOW

Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Toolbox Talk - Slips, Trips & Falls

TOOLBOX TALK - SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS

What you need to know

Every year many injuries occur through slips trips and falls in the work place.  Most of these injuries are easily preventable with a little care.  

Most injuries from slips, trips and falls are due to:

  • Poor housekeeping
  • People not looking where they are going
  • People being distracted
  • Working at height without the proper equipment and control measures in place

 

Poor housekeeping includes:

  • Items left on the ground, such as coiled cables, hand tools, length of pipe or timber; these will eventually trip someone if not moved to a safe position.
  • Spilt substances, such as oils and greases will form a slip hazard if not immediately cleaned up.
  • Wet floors following spillage or cleaning
  • General debris such as brick and block fragments can quickly accumulate and form a tripping hazard if it is not cleaned up as it is created.  These also can cause any injury due to a trip to be more severe.
  • Trailing cables from equipment.

 

What you need to do

Keep access equipment clean, mud left on the rungs of a ladder by the previous user may be a slip hazard for the next person.

Reduced levels of natural light, during winter afternoons for example, may increase the trip hazard if adequate access / task lighting is not provided.  Tools, equipment, slight changes in elevation and materials which are visible in full daylight might be hidden in semi darkness.

  • Clear up waste as it is created.  Lightweight waste should be bagged or bundled and nails removed from timber.
  • Work in a tidy manner: do not leave tools, equipment or unused materials lying about on the floor.
  • If you are using substances which could possibly spill, ensure that you have, close by, a means of effectively clearing up the spillage. 
  • If you see a spillage, clean it up or make arrangements for it to be cleaned
  • As far as possible, route cables for power tools above head height.  If cables have to be routed at floor level, try to avoid crossing pedestrian walkways.
  • If the site is muddy, scrape mud off your boots before climbing ladders.  Don’t walk the mud off your footwear anywhere else where it may be a danger to others.
  • Be aware of the increased risk of tripping as the level of natural light fades; ensure that all tools equipment and materials are stored in a safe location.
  • Do not rush around, walk calmly
  • Do not distract colleagues into sudden changes of direction
  • Look out for those around you, warning them of hazards they might not have yet seen.
  • Do not carry large items that block your view and prevent you seeing where you are walking
  • Hold the handrail when going up and down stair cases
  • Report any damaged floors or floor coverings
  • Follow working at height control measures identified in the risk assessment / method statement

 

TOOLBOX ATTENDEES SIGN BELOW

Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Toolbox Talk - PPE (Ireland)

TOOLBOX TALK - PPE (Ireland)

What is PPE?

PPE is equipment that will protect the user against health or safety risks at work. It can include items such as safety helmets and hard hats, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses. 

Hearing protection and respiratory protective equipment provided for most work situations are not covered by these Regulations because there are other more specific regulations that apply to them. However, these items need to be compatible with any other PPE provided. 

 

What do the Regulations Require?

General Application Regulations 2007 requires employers to provide PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) wherever there are risks to health and safety that cannot be adequately controlled in other ways

The regulations require that PPE is:

  • Used as a last resort i.e. all steps have been taken to eliminate or reduce the severity of the risk
  • Properly assessed before use to ensure it is suitable, protects from the hazards, fits the wearer and works with other PPE being used
  • Maintained and stored properly
  • Provided with instructions on how to use it safely
  • Used correctly by employees
  • CE marked

 

Types of PPE

 

High visibility clothing

The main purpose is to make you more visible and thick coats can provide protection against the weather 
 

Foot protection

The selection of foot protection will depend primarily on the assessed risk and local requirement and must have steel toe cap and midsole protection. 
 

Head Protection

Head protection is used to prevent injury when there is a risk of falling or flying objects, where there is a risk of bumping your head or where there is a risk of hair entanglement.   


Should conform to BS EN 397 (with chin strap if likely to be dislodged)
 

Hand protection

Suitable gloves to be worn at all times.  The type of glove may vary depending upon the task being done – check with your risk / CoSHH assessment.
 

Eye protection

Protects your eyes from the risk of abrasion, cuts and punctures, impact and chemicals


Safety glasses (grade F as a minimum) or goggles, (grade B).

 

  • Do wear your PPE – Employees who wear PPE are less likely to suffer an injury at work, ensure it has a CE mark, if it hasn’t do not use it
  • Make sure the PPE is suitable for the task – If its not exchange it for some that is
  • Make sure you know how to use your PPE correctly – If you don’t ask your supervisor
  • Ensure your PPE fits correctly – If it doesn’t exchange it for some that does
  • Ensure PPE is compatible  – if you need to use more than 1 item of PPE make sure the use of one doesn’t hinder the safe operation of the other
  • Maintain your PPE in accordance with the instructions – eg examination, cleaning, disinfection, repair, testing etc
  • Store your PPE correctly  – This will help keep it in good working order and is less likely to become damaged
  • Follow local site rules with regards to PPE use
  • Do not use damaged PPE – report it to your supervisor and / or exchange the PPE

TOOLBOX ATTENDEES SIGN BELOW

Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Toolbox Talk - Needles

TOOLBOX TALK - Needles

What you need to know

It is possible that you will find a used hypodermic syringe or needle on or around the site at some time.  If you accidently prick your skin, you could become infected with a serious disease.

Needles are discarded by drug users who as well as leaving them in the street sometimes hide them from view. Needles have been found in the ends of scaffold tubes and under furniture / fittings and on top of shelving etc. in derelict buildings.

What is a needle stick injury?

It is an accidental puncture of the skin by a hypodermic needle

 

What you need to do

If you find a needle:

  • It has possibly been used by a drug user and may be contaminated with infected blood.
  • Do not touch it or move it, unless the urgency of the situation at the time dictates otherwise.
  • Leave a responsible person to safeguard it whilst you report the matter to your supervisor.
  • If you have a site nurse she or he should be informed.
  • If you do not have a nurse on site, the local environmental health should be informed.
  • If you must move the syringe or needle:
  • Carry it with the needle pointing downwards.
  • Do not wrap it in paper or put it into a litter bin.
  • If available place it in a clear glass bottle or jar.
  • Dispose of it correctly through the site nurse, local police or environmental health.
  • Ensure you wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

 

If you prick your skin:

  • Do not panic.
  • Gently squeeze the area around the wound to encourage bleeding.
  • Do not suck the wound.
  • Wash the site of the injury thoroughly with soap and water at the first opportunity.
  • Obtain medical assistance as soon as possible from either the site nurse or the nearest hospital with an accident and emergency department.
  • If you can do so safely, take the syringe or needle with you.
  • If dealt with properly and promptly, the risks of a resulting health problem are minimal.
  • Think about the consequences of not acting promptly and possibly being off work for several weeks while you recover
  • If you suffer a needle stick injury and do not follow this guidance, you could be exposed to the HIV virus, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C – these are very nasty infections.
  • Try not to worry – statistics show that there is only a 1 in 100,000 chance of contracting an infection from a discarded needle.  Hep B, Hep C and HIV require fresh body fluid to survive for more than a short time and most needles contain little or none.  The injury would literally have to occur shortly after the needle was used and contaminated.

 

TOOLBOX ATTENDEES SIGN BELOW

Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Toolbox Talk - Manual Handling (Ireland)

TOOLBOX TALK - Manual Handling (Ireland)

What you need to know

Manual handling relates to the moving of items either by lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing or pulling. The weight of the item is an important factor, but many other factors can create a risk of injury, for example the number of times you have to pick up or carry an item, the distance you are carrying it, where you are picking it up from or putting it down (picking it up from the floor, putting it on a shelf above shoulder level) and any twisting, bending, stretching or other awkward posture you may adopt while doing a task.

Almost a quarter of all injuries at work are caused by accidents during manual handling.  Most of the injuries are to hands, feet, legs and back.  Some of the back injuries result in permanent disability.  

There is evidence that, as well as manual handling, heavy manual labour, awkward postures and a recent or existing injury are all risk factors in the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). 

 

What do the Regulations Require?

The General Application Regulations 2007  require employers to manage the risks to their employees. 

They must:

  • Avoid hazardous manual handling operations so far as is reasonably practicable, by redesigning the task to avoid moving the load or by automating or mechanising the process.
  • Make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk of injury from any hazardous manual handling operations that cannot be avoided.
  • Reduce the risk of injury from those operations so far as is reasonably practicable. Where possible, provide mechanical assistance, for example, a sack trolley or hoist. Where this is not reasonably practicable then explore changes to the task, the load and the working environment.

 

Hazards:

  • Damage to the spine (slipped disc, crushed vertebrae, etc.)
  • Pulled or torn muscles or ligaments.
  • Broken fingers or toes.
  • Severe cuts.

 

What you need to do

  • Avoid unnecessary handling - Ask yourself: is there a way of avoiding the operation?  Can mechanical aids be used to minimise the amount of Manual Handling?  If the answer is yes to either of these questions, then speak to your supervisor. Discuss how, heavy or awkward loads are to be lifted with your supervisor.
  • Ask for help – Ensure those who assist are trained and familiar with the activity, risk assessment and method statement
  • Know the weight of the item to be lifted - if you don’t know the weight then rock the load to assess the weight.
  • Know your limits - Do not attempt to lift any load that is too heavy, too large or awkward.  Get help! But remember when carrying out a two person lift it does not mean you can lift twice the weight. For a team lift choose one person to call the signals.
  • Know the route – ensure there are no obstructions/ it is clear of trip/slip hazards in the direction you will be going, do not carry a load that obscures your vision
  • Know how to lift correctly – Take up position, feet hip breadth apart, one foot slightly advance in the direction it is intended to move, bend your knees, relax your back, get a secure grip of the load then lift the load keeping your back as straight as possible, arms close to the body, leg muscles taking the strain 
  • Avoid sudden movements - When lifting avoid making sudden jerky movements as this puts increased strain on the muscles and ligaments. Avoid twisting the body as this puts unnecessary pressure on your back.
  • Wear the correct PPE - Gloves should be worn to protect against cuts, scratches or punctures. Wear safety footwear to protect toes from falling loads.
  • If in doubt – stop and seek guidance from your supervisor

 

Remember - Manual handling injuries can also occur when pushing, pulling, tugging and levering so the above rules apply in these situations.

Take Care of Yourself

Think the job through:

  • Can you handle the load yourself?
  • Is there a clear, properly lit, walkway to the work or stacking area?
  • Is there a safe stacking area?
  • Will timber packing be required between the articles when stacked?
  • Seek advice on height restrictions for stacks.  Remember, it is often more dangerous de-stacking than stacking.
  • Always check that the weight of the load is known before lifting.
  • Know the correct method of lifting before attempting a lift:
  • Stand reasonably close to the load, be sure footing is firm and feet are about 300mm apart
  • Squat down by bending the knees, keeping the back as straight as you can
  • Place hands where they will not slip and grip firmly.
  • Breathe in before lifting – inflating the lungs helps to support the spine. Use your legs, not your back

TOOLBOX ATTENDEES SIGN BELOW

Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Toolbox Talk - Jet Washing

TOOLBOX TALK - Jet Washing

What you need to know

High pressure water jetting has several applications in construction, maintenance, demolition and cleaning environments.  Although in several of these applications there are significant benefits in using high pressure water jetting, the use of this technique can be a dangerous activity if it is not carried out in a controlled manner.

 

The Hazards:

  • The water jet is usually at a pressure above 140 bar (over 2000 psi); a misdirected jet hitting a person may cause:
  • Fatality if the high-pressure jet punctures the skin and damages major organs;
  • Loss of sight if the water jet impacts on the eyes;
  • Amputation, depending on the pressure of water jet used;
  • Flying debris can also be a cause of injury.
  • Some chemical additives added to the water for façade cleaning purposes may be hazardous to health.
  • Vibration from the water lance equipment can also result in health problems for the operator.

 

What you need to do

  • Only trained and competent persons shall operate high pressure water jetting equipment. 
  • All high-pressure water jetting must be performed only after completing a specific risk assessment and within an access controlled area.
  • For most jetting operations, a team of at least two trained personnel should be used with an experienced supervisor overseeing the operation
  • Within the team, one operator shall be in control of the lance, gun or delivery hose.  The duty of this operator is to direct the jet stream and whilst jetting is in progress the operator takes the lead role. The second member of the team shall operate the pump unit, ensure that the first operator does not get into difficulty or show signs of fatigue and ensure that no unauthorised persons enter the exclusion zone. 
  • The second member should shut off the pressure in the event of a problem becoming realised.
  • Water jetting operations should be carried out in an exclusion zone to avoid injury to people not involved in the activity.
  • Exclusion can be achieved by erecting barriers and signs around the work area or ideally by removing the item to be jetted to a remote location.
  • Be aware that vibration from continued use of the equipment can lead to injuries.
  • In some circumstances, it may be necessary to work under a permit to work system.
  • The pressure of the water jet will try to push the person holding the nozzle backwards.  A secure footing is needed.
  • If working at height on a scaffold platform, ensure that you are safe.  It may be necessary to wear a safety harness and lanyard which is clipped to a secure, load bearing point.
  • Ensure that you have been issued with and wear appropriate PPE; including protection for:
  • Hearing; eyes; hands; body; feet
  • Observe the COSHH assessment control measures for any hazardous substances used.

 

Equipment Maintenance

  • Due to the high pressures involved equipment must be maintained by a competent person and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 
  • Do not tamper with the equipment if you do not know what you are doing.
  • If any part of the equipment is assembled incorrectly, or is faulty, high pressure leaks could cause serious personal injury.
  • Daily pre-use equipment checks must be carried out by someone competent to do so.
  • Do not attempt to adjust the equipment whilst it is under pressure.
  • Ensure that you have a serviceable fire extinguisher of the correct type available when the equipment is running.

 

TOOLBOX ATTENDEES SIGN BELOW

Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Toolbox Talk - Electrical Safety

TOOLBOX TALK - ELECTRICAL SAFETY

What you need to know

Electricity cannot be seen, felt, smelt or heard and may only become apparent when somebody touches it.

There is a risk of electrocution from the following: 

  • Contactor arcing with live parts of an electrical distribution system
  • Contact or arcing with overhead power lines
  • Faulty electrical equipment, including hand tools

Faulty equipment may create heat or sparks leading to ignition of combustible material.

There are 4 main types of electrical injuries that we want o protect ourselves from:

  • Burns
  • Electric shocks  (this will jolt you, in some cases this can be life threatening)
  • Electrocution  (this is when the current enters your body and can cause your heart to stop)
  • Falls

 

Safe Electrical work practices

Working on or near live electrical circuits and equipment should only be carried out one the risk to safety has been assessed and control measures put in place.  Always visually inspect to check cable routes especially when working on aerial lifts.

Never use electrical tools and equipment close to water.

Make sure that extension cords and power strips you are working with or around are in good condition and safely out of the way when working.

Electrical tools and equipment should be selected that is safe and suitable for the use it is intended and the environment it is used in.  Always check it has a current PAT test.

Do not use any faulty electrical tools.  If you see any faulty tools or electrical equipment report it to your supervisor

Dealing with electric shock:

If the casualty is in contact with a potentially live source of electricity, switch off the power supply if possible and shout for help.  Do not touch the casualty with bare hands, but move them away from the electrical source using insulated material, such as a wooden broom handle.  Seek prompt help from a First Aider and call the emergency services to get qualified medical help.

TOOLBOX ATTENDEES SIGN BELOW

Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Toolbox Talk - First Aid

TOOLBOX TALK - Manual Handling (Ireland)

What you need to know

  • Ensure you know where the first-aid kit is kept.
  • Know who the first-aider and appointed persons are.
  • You must have a small travelling first-aid kit if you are working in a small group away from the main site or if you use potentially dangerous tools or machinery.
  • Know where the phone is and understand the procedure for calling the emergency services.   Included on RAMS is the name and phone number of first aiders and local hospitals.

What you need to do

  • Remove the hazard from the casualty if safe to do so.
  • Call for help, e.g. first-aider.
  • Send someone to phone for an ambulance if necessary.
  • Don’t move the casualty, unless in immediate danger.
  • Remain with the casualty and give reassurance.
  • Make the casualty as comfortable as possible.
  • Don’t give drinks or food to casualty, moisten lips only.
  • Don’t allow the casualty to smoke

 

REMEMBER: IF YOU KNOW FIRST AID YOU COULD SAVE A LIFE.

 

TOOL BOX ATTENDEES SIGN BELOW

Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Sign Here
Facebook Linkedin Whatsapp