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Write a toolbox talk on OHSA S.28(2)(a)

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Toolbox Talk: Reporting Defective Tools and Machines (OHSA S.28(2)(a))

Date: [DATE] Duration: [DURATION] minutes Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME] Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

The objective of this toolbox talk is to ensure that all employees understand their responsibility to report any defects found in tools or machines that could render them unsafe for use, as required by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) S.28(2)(a) in Ontario. By the end of this talk, participants will know how to identify defects, the proper procedure for reporting them, and the importance of removing unsafe equipment from service.

Introduction

In Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) places a duty on workers to report any hazardous defects they identify in equipment. Section 28(2)(a) specifically states this requirement. This toolbox talk reinforces this legal obligation and highlights the critical role each employee plays in maintaining a safe working environment. Reporting defects promptly can prevent accidents, injuries, and potential downtime. Your diligence in this matter directly contributes to the safety and well-being of yourself and your colleagues.

Presenter Note: Engage the audience by asking if anyone has personal experience related to the topic.

Key Points

  • Legal Obligation: Ontario's OHSA S.28(2)(a) mandates that workers report any defects in equipment that may make it unsafe [1].
  • Hazard Prevention: Reporting defects promptly helps prevent potential accidents and injuries [1].
  • Shared Responsibility: Maintaining a safe workplace is a collective effort, and reporting defects is a crucial part of that effort [1].
  • Proper Procedure: Understand the correct procedure for reporting defects to ensure timely action [1].
  • Removal from Service: Defective equipment must be immediately removed from service to prevent use until repaired or replaced [2].

Hazard Identification

Failing to report defective tools and machines can lead to various hazards:

  • Equipment Malfunction: Defective equipment can malfunction, causing unexpected and potentially dangerous situations [1].
  • Increased Risk of Injury: Using defective tools or machines increases the risk of injury to the operator and those nearby [1].
  • Compromised Safety Guards: Damaged or missing safety guards can expose workers to moving parts and other hazards [2].

Presenter Note: Encourage participants to share any additional hazards they've encountered.

Control Measures

To mitigate the risks associated with defective tools and machines, the following control measures should be implemented:

  • Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of all tools and machines before use to identify any defects 3, 5.
  • Reporting Procedure: Establish a clear and easy-to-follow procedure for reporting defects to supervisors or designated personnel [1].
  • Tagging and Removal: Any tool or machine found to be defective must be immediately tagged as unsafe and removed from service [2].
  • Maintenance Program: Implement a preventative maintenance program to ensure tools and machines are regularly serviced and repaired [2].

Safe Work Procedures

  1. Inspect Before Use: Before using any tool or machine, conduct a thorough visual inspection for any signs of damage or defects 3, 5.
  2. Check Safety Features: Ensure all safety guards and devices are in place and functioning correctly [2].
  3. Report Any Defects: If any defect is identified, immediately report it to your supervisor or designated personnel [1].
  4. Do Not Use Defective Equipment: Never use a tool or machine that is known to be defective [3].
  5. Follow Lockout/Tagout Procedures: If the equipment requires repair, follow proper lockout/tagout procedures to prevent accidental start-up [4].

Presenter Note: If possible, demonstrate the safe work procedure or use visual aids.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • Safety Glasses: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris or projectiles when inspecting or using tools and machinery 3, 5.
  • Gloves: Use appropriate gloves to protect your hands from cuts, abrasions, or contact with hazardous substances 3, 5.
  • Safety Shoes: Wear safety shoes to protect your feet from falling objects or sharp edges 3, 5.

[Emphasize the importance of proper PPE use and maintenance]

Real-World Example or Case Study

[Provide a detailed description of a relevant real-world scenario or case study]

[Discuss what went wrong or right, and the lessons learned]

Presenter Note: Ask participants if they can relate this example to their own experiences.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

  1. What types of defects have you encountered in tools or machines?
  2. What are the potential consequences of using defective equipment?
  3. How can we improve our reporting process for defective equipment?

Presenter Note: Encourage active participation and facilitate the discussion.

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an accident or injury involving defective equipment:

  1. Stop Work: Immediately stop using the equipment and shut it down 11, 12, 14.
  2. Report the Incident: Report the incident to your supervisor and provide details about the defect and the resulting injury [1].
  3. Seek Medical Attention: Seek medical attention for any injuries sustained 3, 5.
  4. Investigate the Cause: Participate in the investigation to determine the root cause of the incident and prevent future occurrences [3].

Questions and Answers

[Encourage participants to ask questions]

[Provide answers to common questions related to the topic]

  • Q: What should I do if I'm not sure if a tool is defective?

A: If you have any doubts about the safety of a tool or machine, err on the side of caution and report it. It's better to be safe than sorry.

  • Q: Who is responsible for repairing defective equipment?

A: Only qualified and authorized personnel should repair defective equipment. Do not attempt to repair equipment yourself unless you are properly trained and authorized.

  • Q: Where can I find the reporting procedure for defective equipment?

A: The reporting procedure should be clearly posted in the workplace or available from your supervisor or health and safety representative.

Summary

[Recap the main points covered in the toolbox talk]

  • Reporting defective tools and machines is a legal requirement in Ontario [1].
  • Prompt reporting helps prevent accidents and injuries [1].
  • All employees have a responsibility to identify and report defects [1].
  • Defective equipment must be removed from service immediately [2].

Action Items

[List specific actions participants should take following this toolbox talk]

  1. Review the reporting procedure for defective equipment.
  2. Conduct a thorough inspection of your tools and machines before each use 3, 5.
  3. Report any defects immediately to your supervisor [1].

Remember: Safety is everyone's responsibility. Report it, tag it, take it out of service!

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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4 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304)

Page 155

Open source document

Source excerpt

Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations PART XIII Tools and Machinery Defective Tools and Machines Sections 13.10-13.13 - 13.10 An employer shall mark or tag as unsafe and remove from service any tool or machine used by his employees that has a defect that may render it unsafe for use. SOR/2019-246, s. 85(F). ## Instructions and Training - 13.11 Every employee shall be instructed and trained by a qualified person appointed by his employer in the safe and proper inspection, maintenance and use of all tools and machinery that he is required to use. SOR/2019-246, s. 85(F). - 13.12 (1) Every employer shall maintain a manual of operating instructions for each type of portable electric tool, portable air-powered tool, explosive actuated fastening tool and machine used by his employees. - (2) A manual referred to in subsection ( 1 ) shall be kept by the employer readily available for examination by an employee who is required to use the tool or machine to which the manual applies. SOR/88-632, s. 55(F); SOR/2019-246, s. 86(F). ## General Requirements for Machine Guards 13.13 (1) Every machine that has exposed moving, rotating, electrically charged or hot parts or that processes, transports or handles material that constitutes a hazard to an employee shall be equipped with a machine guard that - (a) prevents the employee or any part of his body from coming into contact with the parts or material; - (b) prevents access by the employee to the area of exposure to the hazard during the operation of the machine; or - (c) makes the machine inoperative if the employee or any part of his clothing is in or near a part of the machine that is likely to cause injury. - (2) If feasible, a machine guard referred to in subsection ( 1 ) shall not be removable. - 13.10 L'employeur doit mettre hors service les outils et les machines à l'usage des employés, qui ont un défaut pouvant les rendre dangereux à utiliser, aprè…

[2] Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304)

Page 76

Open source document

Source excerpt

- (c) the safety ground shall be attached by means of mechanical clamps that are tightened securely and are in direct contact with bare metal; - (d) the safety ground shall be so secured that none of its parts can make contact accidentally with any live electrical equipment; - (e) the safety ground shall be attached and disconnected using insulated protection equipment and tools; - (f) the safety ground shall, before it is attached to isolated electrical equipment, be attached to a point of safety grounding; and - (g) the safety ground shall, before being disconnected from the point of safety grounding, be removed from the isolated electrical equipment in such a manner that the employee avoids contact with all live conductors. SOR/88-632, s. 27; SOR/94-263, s. 21(F); SOR/98-427, s. 3(F); SOR/2019-246, s. 41. ## Switches and Control Devices - 8.23 (1) Every control device shall be so designed and located as to permit quick and safe operation at all times. - (2) The path of access to every electrical switch, control device or meter shall be free from obstruction. - (3) Where an electrical switch or other device controlling the supply of electrical energy to electrical equipment is operated only by a person authorized to do so by the employer, the switch or other device shall be fitted with a locking device that only an authorized person can activate. ## SCHEDULE (Subsection 8.5(6)) ## Distances from Live Electrical Parts - c) la prise de terre doit être fixée au moyen de serrefils mécaniques qui sont solidement attachés et en contact direct avec le métal nu; - d) la prise de terre doit être assujettie de façon qu'aucune de ses parties ne puisse venir accidentellement en contact avec de l'outillage électrique sous tension; - e) la prise de terre doit être fixée et déconnectée au moyen d'un équipement de protection et d'outils protégés par un isolant; - f) la prise de terre …

[3] Spider by Brand Safway: Swing Stage Operator’s Manual

Page 3

Open source document

Source excerpt

## CAUTION Hazardous Working Environment This equipment is used off the ground in high or dangerous places. Anyone using this equipment is exposed to a hazardous working environment. Users must be properly trained in the use and rigging of this equipment and be familiar with all applicable local, state, and federal codes; safety rules and regulations pertaining to single and two-point suspension scaffolding; general safety and health provisions; and personal protective and lifesaving equipment. The Scaffolding shall be properly assembled according to instructions available from your Spider representative. Guardrails, midrails, and toeboards shall be used as required by local, state, and federal regulations. Their use is recommended in all cases. The working surface shall be level at all times. This equipment should not be used by persons affected by (but not limited to) the following: ill health, not of sound mind or body, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, acrophobia, arachnophobia, epilepsy, fainting spells, suicidal tendency, despondency, or prone to accidents. Safety lines and harnesses shall be used in accordance with federal and state law. Neither the manufacturer nor its distributors can know of, anticipate, or warn against all dangers that exist or can ever arise. Be alert to recognize all dangers, known and unknown. Oil, grease, slippery material, or unstable objects such as barrels, boxes, loose bricks, tools, or debris shall not be allowed to accumulate on work surfaces. Do not use the product if the decking surface is damaged or has deteriorated. Coat wood decking periodically with a wood preservative. Do not paint. Do not place ladders or other devices on the scaffold to gain greater height. Never climb on to stages from a ladder, unless both the stage and the ladder are secured from moving in all directions. Do not use platform to transfer workers. Do not store tools, materials, or equipment on planks or platforms that are being moved. The…

[4] Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304)

Page 154

Open source document

Source excerpt

- (c) are used in a location where reliable grounding cannot be obtained if the tools are supplied from a double insulated portable ground fault circuit interrupter of the class A type that meets the standards set out in CSA Standard C 22.2 No. 144 1977, -Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters , dated March, 1977. SOR/94-263, s. 49(F); SOR/2019-246, s. 83(F); SOR/2022-94, s. 5(F). - 13.5 All portable electric tools used by employees in a fire hazard area shall be marked as appropriate for use or designed for use in the area of that hazard. - 13.6 Where an air hose is connected to a portable airpowered tool used by an employee, a restraining device shall be attached - (a) where an employee may be injured by the tool falling, to the tool; and - (b) to all hose connections, in order to prevent injury to an employee in the event of an accidental disconnection of a hose. - 13.7 (1) All explosive actuated fastening tools used by employees shall meet the standards set out in CSA Standard Z 166 1975, -Explosive Actuated Fastening Tools , dated June, 1975. - (2) No employee shall operate an explosive actuated fastening tool unless authorized to do so by his employer. - (3) Every employee who operates an explosive actuated fastening tool shall operate it in accordance with the CSA Standard referred to in subsection ( 1 ). SOR/2022-94, s. 5(F). - 13.8 All chain saws used by employees shall meet the standards set out in CSA Standard CAN 3 -Z 62.1 -M 85, Chain Saws , dated February, 1985. SOR/2022-94, s. 5(F). ## Defective Tools and Machines - 13.9 If an employee finds any defect in a tool or machine that may render it unsafe for use, they shall report the defect to their employer as soon as feasible. SOR/2019-246, s. 84. - c) reliés à un disjoncteur différentiel portatif à double isolant de classe A conforme à la norme C 22.2 n o 144 1977 -de la CSA, intitulée Ground Fault Circuit I…

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