Tool Safety

[ntsqd]

Dumpolina's post in this thread got me to thinking that perhaps we ought to compile some safety tips regarding tools used for on-trail repairs. A quick search didn't turn up any threads on the topic and I know that we all use these tools.

Some are seemingly obvious to old timers but may not be so to new folks. For instance, keeping your head out of reach of a Hi-Lift Jack handle. I know that I've violated that in my own driveway and didn't even realize it until later.

To borrow from an old tv show "Let's be careful out there!" and let's hear about those tips that you never thought of but are obvious once you hear about them.

 

[RoundOut]

Blanket or other form of damping over an active winch line.

 

[IH8RDS]

Just a few off the top of my head

Never trust a Hi-Lift, meaning dont linger underneath a vehicle supported by a Hi-Lift.

Wear eye protection when using a hammer.

Both of these I have learned the hard way.

 

[ntsqd]

What I'm looking for are the less obvious things like that. I know they're out there, though they may be buried in embarrassing lessons learned.

Stuff like looking at where your hand will go if it slips off that wrench or ratchet, or aiming the sparks off that angle grinder so that they're not sticking in your windshield where their rust spots will eat your wiper blades, or using an oxy-fuel torch just a little too close to a magnesium casting rather than removing the item needing repair.
Not that I've ever done any of those things......

 

[njtaco]

Just a few off the top of my head

Never trust a Hi-Lift, meaning dont linger underneath a vehicle supported by a Hi-Lift.

I would add, don't get under a lifted load without two forms of support...a jack and a jack stand, a pair of jack stands, a jack and a spare tire/wheel... something to save your head from being the second form of support. I'm guilty of this one on a regular basis.

 

[njtaco]

Don't try to cool a red-hot part with an aerosol like WD40...a co-worker went to the hospital with a heart attack from that one. The heat released a chemical which triggered the attack. Now he is hyper-sensitive to many aerosols, paints, thinners, etc. as well.

 

[ntsqd]

My own rule, which I sometimes very nervously break, is to never get under a vehicle even partly supported by a jack. Friend of a friend on the EB lists was kilt that way. His 5y.o. boy found him.

 

[PhulesAU]

Sorry but you asked for it....... READ THE LABELS 99% of what you'll use on the trail or at home has a label on it. It usually has a list of thing NOT to do, because someone else has done them and been injured.

 

[gearbox]

Wear Personal Protective Equipment (including a respirator) as frequently as possible. Eyewear, jeans, steelie boots, etc..
Think about what COULD happen around energetic tools (Hi-Lift, electrical, jacks, presses, etc.. and plan to avoid injury accordingly.
Chock the wheels.
Update your will.

 

[BiG BoB]

Always have the spare under the vehicle if you're under the vehicle, even if you're a big bloke like me the worst you'll get is some crushed ribs (rather than a wooden box)

Don't park in long dry grass with a hot exhaust

If something goes wrong, and nobody is bleading, the first thing you should do is have a cuppa tea, then recover / fix you're vehicle.

Don't trust some helpful soul to not try starting your broken engine while you're playing with the coil - just to see if it works this time...

EVERY vehicle should have a battery isolation system!

Sean

 

[pevrs114]

Recovery safety tips-



Wear gloves and eye pro while doing ANY recovery

Don't four wheel in open-toed shoes

Inspect your equipment before a trip

winch line damper, as mentioned above

Don't step over a loaded winch line

Hooks point up, so that if they slip they go into the ground

Use Shackles to connect straps and chains

Load shackles the correct orientation, not sideways

Toss the tow strap with hooks in the trash

Bystanders stand clear of winch lines, straps, and chains

Keep hands and fingers away from a winch line powering in (loaded or unloaded) and OUT of the fairlead

Don't hook to tow balls, bumpers, axles, or crossmembers - use recovery points

Remember your wink link - make sure the lightest rated piece in ANY rigging can handle the load of the pull

Everyone is a safety officer - if anyone sees an unsafe act, STOP!




Slow down, it's not a race. Recovery equipment can and does kill people. Stop, analyze the problem, make a plan, gather resources, rig, and pull.

 

[michaelgroves]

Slow down, it's not a race. Recovery equipment can and does kill people. Stop, analyze the problem, make a plan, gather resources, rig, and pull.

This is a very good one. So often when someone gets stuck, you see everyone immediately jump out and start hauling out winch lines, without even assessing the situation, or discussing possible dangers and options.