Safe Work Procedure:

Stepladders, Electric Power-, and Hand

Tools, Manual Handling

TCT Procedure SWP 900 (Generic)

Index: 4 Process*.

1. Purpose. 4.1 Portable Stepladders

2. Scope. 4.2 Portable Hand-held Electric Power Tools
3. Terms & Definitions. 4.3 Hand Tools
4. Process*. 4.4 Manual Handling

Revision Record
Rev. Rev.
Ref. Detail
No. Date
0 Jun ‘19 --- New Document
0 Dec ‘22 0 No change to the document

1. PURPOSE

This generic Safe Work Procedure is intended to outline the hazards, risks and associated control
measures to be applied to ensure that tasks and activities are conducted in a way to reduce risk of injury.

2. SCOPE

The steps described in this document are intended to be followed by all TCT staff when working on any
customer premises.

3. TERMS & DEFINITIONS

SWP - means Safe Work Procedure.

PPE - Personal Protective Equipment.

4. PROCESS

4.1 Portable Stepladders

Portable stepladders are used to ascend to a height for the purpose of comfortably reaching a work area or
product installed or stored above head height.

a) Risks and Hazards

 Falling from ladders (especially when getting on/off or contact with electricity);
 Struck by objects or by ladder (falling ladder or when carrying ladders or carrying items stored
above head height);
 Tripping over ladders;
 Muscle strain from carrying heavy ladders

b) Requirements Before Starting

Before using a ladder, be sure to inspect the ladder to ensure it is in good working condition and safe
to use. Damaged or defective ladders must immediately be removed from service and not used.

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 Safe Work Procedure:
Stepladders, Electric Power-, and Hand
Tools, Manual Handling

TCT Procedure SWP 900 (Generic)

c) Recommendations

 Make use of safety foot ware that minimizes slipping;

 Use extreme caution when using a painted ladder. Wooden ladders should NOT be painted as this
may hide wear or damage. A wood preservative or clear finish should be used to protect the
ladder.

d) Safe Usage (Do’s and Don’ts)

 Ensure the stepladder is fully open and that the spreader bars are securely locked;
 Check the stepladder stability before climbing. Make sure that the stepladder is placed on firm and
level ground;
 There must be only one person on a ladder at any time;
 Face the ladder when climbing up or down;
 Always maintain a firm grip and use both hands when climbing;
 Always keep your body centred between the side rails;
 Always check a ladder’s load capacity sticker;
 If you need to reach a height in excess of six meters (6) meters, use a straight ladder or an
extension ladder;
 NEVER use a metal ladder or a ladder with metal reinforcement or a wet wooden ladder where
any electrical hazard exists. Instead use a fiberglass ladder;
 NEVER "walk" a stepladder while standing on it;
 NEVER use a stepladder as a straight ladder – always open the legs fully and lock the braces;
 NEVER stand on or above the top two rungs of a ladder;
 NEVER stand on the top of a stepladder;
 NEVER stand on the “paint shelf” or bucket holder of a stepladder;
 NEVER use makeshift items such as a chair, a table, a barrel or a box, etc., as a substitute or
means of extending a ladder’s reach;
 NEVER remove any safety decals from our ladders;
 NEVER climb a ladder from the side unless it is secured against sideway motion;
 Do not use stepladders as a brace or support for a work platform or plank;
 Do not place the ladder on an unstable or slanted surface or in a water-logged area (especially
when working with electrical equipment);
 Do not place the ladder above or over an opening door or access area (e.g. shaft or floor opening,
without sealing or barricading the opening);
 Do not use a ladder if you are suffering from a sore back, legs, arms, hands, dizziness or nausea;
 Do not use a ladder if you are taking medication that affects your balance or concentration;
 Do not overreach. Move the ladder as needed;
 Do not stand any higher than the 3rd step from the top plate;
 Do not leave a ladder in use, unattended.

e) Transporting & Storage

 Transport ladders with the feet to the rear and the top of the ladder forwards. When coming around
corners go slow as to avoid collision with others;
 When you hand-carry a ladder, keep the front end elevated, especially around blind corners, in
aisles, and through doorways;
 Long ladders should be carried by two persons, one at each end and on opposite sides of the
ladder;
 When you transport a ladder in a truck or trailer, place it parallel to the bed for maximum support.
Avoid tossing, throwing, or dropping a ladder in the bed;
 If you transport a long ladder on a short truck bed over long distances, support the ladder so it will
not sag or bend;

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 Safe Work Procedure:
Stepladders, Electric Power-, and Hand
Tools, Manual Handling

TCT Procedure SWP 900 (Generic)

 Drive slowly over rough terrain. Tie ladders down securely to eliminate nicking, gouging, chafing,
and road shock. If side stakes are available, use them to prevent lateral swing;
 The lockable steel ladder clamp offers better safety in travel, security whilst parked and swiftness
in clamping a ladder (or similar loads such as pipes and planks) to roof racks;
 If the ladder extends 1 meter beyond the rear of the vehicle, make use of a RED warning flag
attached to the end of the ladder;
 Always store a ladder in a covered, well ventilated area protected from the weather and away from
too much dampness or heat;
 NEVER hang a ladder vertically from a rung;
 NEVER rest a ladder on its rungs. It should be placed on the side rails to avoid rung damage;
 If possible, avoid storing ladders vertically because they may fall and cause injury or damage.
Instead, store ladders horizontally- a rack or wall brackets are ideal.

4.2 Portable Hand-held Electric Power Tools

Before using a portable hand-held electric power tool (such as a drilling machine, grinder, sander, jig saws,
reciprocating saws, etc), be sure to inspect the machine to ensure it is in good working condition and safe
to use. Damaged or defective machines must immediately be removed from service and not used.

a) Risks and Hazards

 Electric shock;
 Hand and Eye injuries (cuts from saw blades, bits, discs, etc.);
 Crush and Pinch Points
 Ergonomic injuries (awkward posture, forceful exertion and repetition);
 Flying debris (dust and fumes);
 Rotating machine parts – entanglement;
 High noise levels;
 Sharp edges & burrs
 Vibration

b) Requirements Before Starting

 Gloves if using blades or sharp objects;

 Safety footwear;
 Eye protection;
 Hearing Protection;
 Secure loose clothing, hair, draw strings from hoods etc that could become entangled in tool.

c) Recommendations

d) Safe Usage (Do’s and Don’ts)

 Only use power tools in a manner specified by the operational instructions;

 Always ensure that the work area where the tools will be used is dry;
 Do not use broken power tools (i.e. ones with damaged housings or power cords or missing safety
guards);
 Do not force the power tool. This can make the tool less effective, damage it, or could make the
tool slip.
 Ensure that the cutting blades, discs, belts or bits, etc are correct for the application and that these
are in a good condition;

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 Safe Work Procedure:
Stepladders, Electric Power-, and Hand
Tools, Manual Handling

TCT Procedure SWP 900 (Generic)

 Ensure that the correct PPE is used and that the necessary safety guarding is fitted;
 Use both hands to operate the power tool if it has been designed this way;
 Keep the work area free of loose tools which could be tripped over whilst operation the machine;
 Wear eye protection when cutting, drilling or grinding. Direct sparks and dislodged debris away
from you and others;
 When using one-hand tools, always keep your second hand and other body parts clear of the
cutting, drilling, or grinding path of the power tool. Cut or grind away from the body;
 If possible, try to use power tools where there is adequate ventilation to remove dust. If this is not
possible, use a dust mask;
 Use clamps or other practical mechanisms to secure and support the product to a stable platform
before working on it. Holding pieces or items with only your hand or against your body leaves it
unstable and may lead to loss of control and serious injury;
 De-energize (switch off) the tool once you are finished using it and also before changing bits,
blades, discs, belts etc. Let the tool, blade or bit, etc cool down before attempting to change it;
 Once having completed the work with the electric tool, unplug the device and return it to a
designated storage area;
 For repetitive or long-lasting tasks, take micro breaks or change tasks or operating position to
reduce stress on the same muscles. Try to work in a neutral comfortable position as often as
possible (wrists and back straight, elbows in, reduce back twisting by instead taking small steps to
reposition, etc) and try to avoid overreaching.

e) Transporting & Storage

 NEVER carry an electric hand tool by the power cord. Make use of the handle or pistol grip
provided;
 Store the tool in its original carry case or in a suitable tool case or box.

4.3 Hand Tools

Hand tools are non-powered. They include anything from axes to wrenches. The greatest hazards posed
by hand tools results from misuse and improper maintenance.

a) Risks and Hazards

 Slipping or tripping;
 Hand and Eye injuries (cuts from saw blades, screwdrivers, chisels, etc.);
 Crush and Pinch Points
 Ergonomic injuries (awkward posture, forceful exertion and repetition);
 Flying debris (dust and fumes);
 Sharp edges & burrs
 Blunt or warn tools;

b) Requirements Before Starting

 Ensure that the area where you are going to work is free from slip/trip hazards;
 Before using a hand tool, be sure it is in a clean and good condition;
 When using knives, always cut away from your body;
 Keep knives and scissors sharp – blunt tools can be more hazardous than sharp ones;

c) Recommendations

 Replace or repair all tool handles that are loose, cracked or missing;

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 Safe Work Procedure:
Stepladders, Electric Power-, and Hand
Tools, Manual Handling

TCT Procedure SWP 900 (Generic)

d) Safe Usage (Do’s and Don’ts)

 Always use proper eye protection (e.g. safety glasses, goggles or face shield);
 Always select and use the right tool to complete the job safely and efficiently;
 Always use tools that are the right size & right type for the job;
 Where possible, secure work with clamps or a vice, freeing both hands to operate the tool used;
 Only use a tool if you know how to use it properly;
 Cut away from yourself when using chisels and other edged tools;
 Handle sharp-edged and pointed tools with care;
 Keep your balance and proper footing when working, being careful not to overreach;
 Make sure work is directed away from persons working or passing by in close proximity, especially
when working with blade-tools, knives or other sharp implements;
 When working in vicinity of flammable substances, use spark-resistant tools made from brass,
plastic, aluminium, or wood;
 When cutting with a hacksaw or PVC tube saw, reduce the force applied to the saw when the cut
approaches completion to avoid breaking through the material and injuring hand;
 Do not work with oily or greasy hands;
 Do not use impact tools such as chisels, wedges, or drift pins that have mushroomed heads;
 Do not lay tools down at the edge of a work surface;
 Do not lay tools where they could roll off and cause someone to bump or trip over them;
 Do not leave tools tying around. When you are finished with the tool, return it to its assigned
storage facility (e.g. toolbox);
 Do not use screwdrivers as a pry-bars, levers, chisels, or scrapers;
 Don’t hold a work piece in the palm of the hand while tightening up screws. A slip can result in a
serious injury with the blade penetrating the hand or wrist.
 Never overload the capacity of a wrench (i.e. don’t use a pipe extension on the handle or strike the
handle with a hammer;
 Always use insulated tools around energized equipment. Electrical tape wrapped on the shank of a
screwdriver is not suitable insulation.
 Always pass sharp-ended tools to other persons handle first;
 Replace a screwdriver if the tip is chipped, bent, broken or rounded off;
 Report any tools that are defective or in unsatisfactory condition to your supervisor.

e) Transporting & Storage

 Always carry pointed tools by your side with the points and heavy ends facing down;
 Never carry tools in your pockets (especially sharp-ended tools);
 Always carry, store or transport tools in a suitable tool case or purpose-made container.

4.4 Manual Handling

Manual handling causes over a third of all workplace injuries and covers a wide variety of activities
including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling and carrying. Anyone may be involved in manually handling of
objects while at work or at home and if any of these tasks are not carried out appropriately there is a risk of
injury.

Whether manual handling is an everyday job or an occasional task, the process can cause serious injury
regardless of the weight of the object or the physical condition of the person handling the object.

a) Risks and Hazards

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 Safe Work Procedure:
Stepladders, Electric Power-, and Hand
Tools, Manual Handling

TCT Procedure SWP 900 (Generic)

 Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)(e.g. pain and injury to arms, legs and joints);
 Repetitive strain injuries of various sorts.

b) Requirements Before Starting

 Clear the area of obstructions, litter, and tripping hazards;

 Plan ahead and prepare the area where the object is to be placed;
 Test the weight to be lifted. If it is bulky or heavy (more than 22Kg), get help;

c) Recommendations

 Do a few basic exercises before starting to warm up the body and prepare it for strenuous work;
 Back support where continuous heavy lifting is required.

d) Safe Usage (Do’s and Don’ts)

 Always follow proper lifting procedures to reduce the risk of injury. Being physically ready to do the
job can reduce the risk of injury;
 Be especially careful when lifting in tight spaces and protect fingers at all times.
 Move close to the load - place one foot about 300mm ahead of the other;
 Squat down close to the load by bending at the knees;
 Keep the back straight;
 Place hands under or around the load and get a good grip with the palms to keep the load from
slipping. Remember - The palms are stronger than the fingers;
 Using leg muscles, lift gradually. Do not jerk or twist;
 Keep the load close to the body;
 Rotate body position by shifting the feet. Do not rotate the back;
 Keep a straight back and gradually set the load down by bending at the knees;

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