Introduction to "Basic Tools"

1. Concept

What does we mean by tools?

The concept of "basic tools" in this course and in general industry is commonly used to refer to any device or piece that aid a worker in accomplishing an individual task.

Fundamentally, a tool is a simple device that requires human effort to operate, while a machine is a more complex, often motorized or automated system that uses a power source to perform work

2. Importance

Improper selection or use of tools can lead to costly and "potentially" dangerous situations or tool damage, or injury and equipment damage with consequent waste of time.

3. Classification

Tools are generally classified into:

1. Hand tools which has human energy as power source. 
2. Powered tools which need non-human energy to operate like electrical energy, pressure energy (pneumatic - hydraulic) or fuel.

Check this picture and try to identify which tool is hand or power tool:

3.1. Other classifications

The tools can also be classified based on its function:

• Rigging/ fastening/ lifting tools like shackles, slings, ratchet, chain-block.
• Access tools like ladders, scaffolds, tripod and drywall stilts.
• Cutting/ abrasive/ penetration tools like grinders and drills.
• Personal protection tools like body harness, gloves, face shield, etc..
• Measuring and monitoring tools like laser measuring device, gas testing, voltmeter, etc. 

4. Hazards

What are the causes of accidents involving hand or powered tools?

Most hand and powered tools are made of solid metal or plastic material, this solid body may accidentally fall or be ejected or pushed against human body parts like hand, face or foot causing impact injuries.

Solid metal tools can create sparks when they strike another hard surface, causing fires if flammables are nearby.

"Electrically" powered tools that use either AC or DC power can cause unwanted ignition and fire or explosion if they used in classified area where flammable vapours at appropriate concentrations exist. 

AC powered tools have the potential to cause electrocution and shock if incorrectly handled or maintained. 

Many tools have sharp surface like saws, cutters and blades causing cut injuries.

In the same way, many tools have pointed head that can penetrate the body like screw driver, nail, needle nose pliers.

Try to identify some sharp and penetrating tools

4.1. Associated hazards

These are secondary hazards not directly caused by contact of the body with the tool itself but associated with the use of hand and power tools, these hazards are:

Dust

Fumes, eg welding tools

Sparks, eg. grinders

Harmful light like laser or ultraviolet light  

Noise, eg pneumatic guns, cartridge tool   

5. Your responsibility

Everybody is responsible for his own safety and the safety of others, but there're other responsibilities as well:

The job supervisor is responsible for the proper selection, care, maintenance and storage of his tools.

The technician is responsible for the check up, proper use, handling and storage of the tool, he should report any defects in the tool and remove it from service. 

The safety personnel are responsible to carry out regular inspections of tools in all worksites (every 3 or 6 months), tagging and colour coding the safe tools, perform random visits to worksites to monitor the safe use of tools.

The permit issuer or his representative is responsible for ensuring proper selection and use of tools for the job based on the potential hazards (eg fibreglass ladder instead of aluminium ladder for electrical jobs, pneumatic power tools instead of electrical power tools for potentially explosive atmospheres).