RAMS — Hand & power tools / general site work

What you need to know

The plain-English guidance that comes with this document.

• Right tool, guarded, inspected — the three that prevent most tool injuries. The law (PUWER) expects work equipment to be suitable, maintained, guarded and used by trained people. A quick pre-use check and never defeating a guard prevents the bulk of tool accidents.
• 110V is the site standard for a reason. Reduced-voltage (110V centre-tapped) tools cut the shock risk; where you must use 230V, protect it with an RCD and keep leads out of water and walkways. Inspect leads and plugs regularly.
• Secure the work, not your fingers. Clamp or vice the workpiece so both hands are on the tool, not holding the piece near the blade.
• Dust, noise and vibration are the slow harms. Fit on-tool extraction and wear the right mask for dusty work, use hearing protection, and manage trigger time for vibrating tools — link to your COSHH/silica and HAVS documents.
• Starting point — get it signed off. Edit for your job and have a competent person review it. It sits alongside your equipment inspection log for the tools themselves.