Toolbox Talk - Equipment Maintenance and Care
Loading modules to complete a module swap on a roof in Flowood, Mississippi.
Earlier in September, we held a toolbox talk about equipment maintenance and care.
Construction tools and equipment take a beating every day. When they fail, the impact is both dangerous and expensive.
Here's what we covered:
Inspect equipment before every use. Pre-shift inspections are everyone's responsibility and not just the operator's. Whether it's a hand tool, a power tool, a ladder, or a vehicle, never begin work without a thorough check. Skimming the checklist is how important defects get missed. If equipment is damaged, do not use it. Report it to a supervisor.
Follow a regular maintenance schedule. Breakdowns mid-project are avoidable. Dust and dirt that build up inside vehicles cause abrasion, corrosion, and overheating. These circumstances lead to reduced efficiency, increased wear, and eventual failure.
Use proper lockout/tagout procedures. Before maintaining, cleaning, or repairing any equipment, all hazardous energy sources must be controlled. This is not optional. Unexpected start-up during maintenance is one of the most serious hazards in construction.
Do not use damaged equipment. This is simple and worth repeating. A worn saw blade, a frayed cord, a cracked ladder rung, and heavy equipment with a damaged tire are all examples. These are not things to work around. They are things to report and replace.
Overall, our message - well-maintained equipment protects the crew and protects the job.