Say this

  1. Check the tool before you use it. Look at the casing, the switch, the lead and the plug. A damaged tool gets tagged 'Do not use' and taken out of service (US OSHA).
  2. The law says electrical equipment must be free from defects and kept safe to use (WSH (General Provisions) Regs, reg 14). That covers the tool and its lead.
  3. Guards stay on. Never tie back or remove a blade guard to make the job faster.
  4. Unplug or remove the battery before you change a blade, bit or disc, and before you clean it.
  5. Clamp the work. You need both hands on the tool (US OSHA).
  6. Do not carry a tool by its cord, and do not yank the cord out of the socket. Keep cords away from heat, oil and sharp edges.
  7. Keep other people clear of the work area. Wear eye protection and the gloves and ear protection the job calls for.

Ask the crew

  1. What do you check on the tool before you plug it in?
  2. What must you do before changing a disc or blade?
  3. What do you do with a damaged tool?

Show them

  • Do a pre-use check on a drill or saw in front of the crew.
  • Show a 'Do not use' tag and where damaged tools go.
  • Show how to clamp a piece of work before cutting it.

Sign-off

Site: ______________________   Date: ____________   Briefed by: ______________________

NameCompanySignature

Sources

  1. Hand and Power Tools (OSHA 3080), US OSHA.
  2. Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations, Singapore Statutes Online (AGC).
  3. 6 Basic WSH Rules for Use of Electrical Equipment (poster), WSH Council.

This is practical guidance, not legal advice. Laws and codes of practice change; always check the current official text and your site's own procedures.

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