Tool Safety

COVID-19 outbreak: From 2021-08-09 all areas of Scotland have moved "beyond level 0" in the a strategic framework released on 2021-06-22. Most legal restrictions on our activities have ended and we have increased our minibus capacity to allow for more volunteers without their own transport to come on task.

Please look at the task list page to see the programme and the remaining requirements upon volunteers to help suppress the virus.

The same general safety principles apply to all the tools that LCV uses:

Carrying Tools

You should always carry tools

Down by your side.
At their point of balance.
With the business end where you can see it.
So that you can easily drop it if you need to (for example if you trip).

Don't overload yourself or others.

Choosing Tools

When choosing a tool, make sure

It is the right one for the job. If in doubt, ask!
It is in good condition.

Using Tools

When using a tool, make sure

That you know how to use it. If in doubt, ask!
That you are wearing the correct personal protective equipment.
That you - or someone else - will not be injured if the tool escapes from your control.
That you - or someone else - will not be injured if the tool creates flying debris.

Storing Tools

If you are not using a tool, make sure

It is stored so nobody can trip over it.
It is stored so it cannot fall on anybody.
It is not buried in the undergrowth. This reduces the risk of someone walking into it accidentally, and means that it will not be forgotten at the end of the day.