Page 98 - The City and Guilds Textbook: Plumbing Book 1 for the Level 3 Apprenticeship (9189), Level 2 Technical Certificate (8202) and Level 2 Diploma (6035)

The City & Guilds Textbook: Plumbing Book 1

Most accidents involving tools result from:

● using the wrong tool for the job
● using the tool incorrectly
● not wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)
● not following approved safety guidelines
● poor maintenance.
The most common tools involved in accidents are:
HEALTH AND SAFETY
l Hand tools are an ● chisels
important part of your ● saws
job. They must be ● screwdrivers
treated, cared for and ● files
used in a professional ● snips
manner. By following ● hammers
these safety rules,
many hand tool injuries ● wrenches, grips and pliers.
can be avoided. The safety rules to follow when using hand tools are as follows.
l Don’t forget that,
under the Health and ● Know the purpose of each tool in your toolbox, and use it for the task it was
Safety at Work etc. Act designed for.
1974, you have a duty ● Never use any tool unless you are trained to do so.
of care to yourself, ● Inspect tools before each use and replace or repair if they are worn or
your employer and
others who may be damaged.
affected by your acts ● Always clean your tools when you have finished using them.
or omissions. You can ● Always keep the cutting edges of chisels and saws sharp.
access this act at: ● Always keep any moving parts free from dirt and make sure they are well oiled.
www.legislation.gov. ● Select the right size tool for the job.
uk/ukpga/1974/37/ ● When working on ladders or scaffolding, be sure that you and your tools are
contents
secure. Falling tools could injure people working or passing below.
● Do not put sharp or pointed tools in your pockets. Use a sheath or holster
instead.
● Do not throw tools, as they are easily damaged.
● Do not use a tool if the handle is missing or has splinters, burrs or cracks, or
if the head of the tool is loose.
● Do not use cold chisels that have mushroomed heads.
● When using tools such as jig saws, chisels and drills, always wear PPE such as
safety goggles, face masks or gloves.
● Worn, damaged or defective tools should be taken out of service and not
used until they have been repaired or replaced.

HEALTH AND SAFETY Power tools
Power tools for use on-site Apart from the hand tools we have looked at, a plumber needs certain power
should be 110 V, which tools to help with installation processes. Here, we will take a brief look at the
is colour-coded yellow for essential power tools and accessories, including:
easy identification. You
should not use 230 V; ● power drill
110 V is a safer voltage. ● circular saw
● jig saw
● reciprocating saw

86

9781510416482.indb 86 29/03/19 8:51 PM