How can you organize regular, effective inspections of your tools?
Regular tool inspections are important for the life of your tools and the safety of your employees. By frequently inspecting your work equipment, you can detect any wear and tear more quickly. But how can you organize regular and effective tool inspections? Find out in this article.
Why do you need to inspect your tools regularly?
If you work in the construction or installation sector, you use a lot of hand-held tools. Many of these tools are simple, so the associated hazards are often overlooked. Yet they are the main cause of workplace accidents.
Even a simple screwdriver can cause painful cuts or blows if it slips because the tip is worn. Not to mention the risks of heavier, poorly maintained work equipment such as pneumatic hammers or spark-generating tools. So it's best to work with structured tool inspections.
How do you inspect your tool?
Not all tools require the same inspection. The nature of the inspection depends on the type of tool, its use and the conditions in which it is used.
Obviously, a screwdriver and a pneumatic hammer drill do not require the same inspection. In the former case, a visual check is sufficient, while in the latter it may be necessary to carry out an in-depth test and partially dismantle the tool.
Of course, tool inspection can vary:
- Quick visual checks before use (e.g. condition of power cables on hand tools, functional tests of electrical equipment)
- More advanced weekly checks (e.g. presence of shielding, operation of safety devices)
- More in-depth inspections, carried out every few months or more (e.g. general condition of a ladder, close examination of a safety harness, testing of portable equipment).
The benefits of recording tool inspections
Efficient and reliable tool inspections stand or fall with a clear record. It's crucial to record the result of the inspection, and to keep this record for the future. This gives you a good overview of your tool inspection history. This information ensures that your work equipment is ready. It may also be relevant to any insurance issues.
Recording tool inspections can be done in writing, but there are also practical tools that make recording very easy or even automatic.
TIP: Only use tools if you are sure that the necessary inspections have been carried out. Therefore, provide tools leaving your warehouse with an inspection report or, for smaller work equipment, some kind of labeling or color coding. This way, your employees know which tools are approved for use.
Efficient software for tool inspection
With the HeronTrack tool tracking system, you can not only know the location of your tools, but also keep track of all information on inspections carried out and planned. This way, you can be sure that your tools are serviced on time. And that's good for the lifespan of your work equipment and the safety of your employees.
Automatic inspection notification
With HeronTrack, it's easy to check or replace your tools at the right time. After all, the software automatically alerts you when it's time for an inspection. The system keeps a history of each device. By setting an alert for a predetermined recurrence, you know when it's time for an inspection.
Shall we start with the inspection of your tools?
A tool tracking system makes it easy to organize tool inspections. With HeronTrack, you can manage tools at all your sites remotely, keep track of inspection history and automatically plan future inspections. Your tools will last longer, operate more efficiently and you'll reduce your costs.
