Monthly Safety Meeting: Hand Tool Tips

Monday Morning Meetings

We had another great Monday morning all shop meeting. We went over certain types of equipment to use, (i.e. types of masking tape to be used on surfaces) and other quality-related issues. The purpose of our meetings is to discuss how things are going in the field, talk about safety, ask questions, talk about certain products that we as a company feel are good or not so good. We ended with sharing some of the praise reports that our clients have given our employees. We like to let the whole company know what people have to say about us. We are grateful to have some very talented painters. Their quality and professionalism keeps Chism Brothers on top in San Diego among painting contractors.

For those of you who enjoy reading, here is the safety talk text we discussed (from the PCA's "Weekly tool box topics")

Hand Tool Tips

"Hand tools are probably the most misused type of tools in the painting industry. We always seem to have the opinion that anyone can use them and that no training on proper use is needed. That is about as far from the truth as you can get. Let's cover a few simple but key rules for working with and handling hand tools.

• Always wear personal protective equipment as required. This includes eye and hearing protection.
• Make sure that hand tools are in good repair, and use them only for the purpose for which they are designed.
• Remove tools with mushroomed heads, split or defective handles, or other defects that will weaken them or render them unsafe for use.
• Don't leave tools on scaffolds, ladders, or overhead working spaces when you're not using them.
• Don't throw tools from one location to another, or drop them to lower level.s This could cause great harm to co-workers.
• Be sure that tool handles are sound and smooth, in good condition, and securely fastened to the tool.
• Always examine the handles on tools for nails or other metallic objects which may cause injuries to your hand.
• Never carry sharp edged or pointed tools in your pockets or clothing.
• Use only non-sparking tools in locations where sources of ignition may cause fire or explosion.
• When using razor blades, always discard them properly.

Always use the right tool for the job."

You will love working with our whole staff. We strive to be more than just your typical painting company. Our safety meetings make our people more the more alert--on and off the project.