TOOL RIGS & SAFETY: THE BALANCE IS IN YOUR FAVOR

We all start out with two hands. And there’s a lot you can do with them. But pick up a hammer, a tape measure, and few more things, and pretty soon you're balancing stuff under your chin. Not very elegant. Plus, things drop. Sure, you can use a tool box or bucket, but they still require hands, which gets complicated when climbing ladders, holding onto stair rails or guardrails, or operating most pieces of equipment.

Don't get F.R.E.D. wrong; F.R.E.D LOVES all kinds of tool boxes, bags, and buckets. But for workers on the move, heavy tool containers can act like anchors, concentrating all of the weight on one hand or one side and making for an unbalanced, precarious situation.

SPREAD THAT WEIGHT AROUND

A well thought out tool rig lets workers distribute tools around their bodies, not only for access and convenience, but for balance as well. A padded belt with pouches transfers the weight of tools and fasteners from workers' hands and arms onto their stronger hips and legs. If things really get heavy, adding padded suspenders to the rig transfers still more of the weight to the workers' shoulders, like a backpack.

HANDS FREE IS THE WAY TO BE

Being able to carry stuff like a Sherpa is one advantage of tool rigs. But keeping your hands free is the real bonus.

OSHA takes a dim view of workers climbing up ladders like a three-legged squirrel on 'Stupid Pet Tricks'. So, unless you like to pull things up with a long rope and a bucket, wearing your tools on a belt is a good way to go. Two free hands and 2 free feet allow you to keep at least 3 points of contact with the ladder all the way up and all the way down.

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE WORK AND YOUR HAND UPON THE LADDER

Remember when your basketball coach made you work on ball handling without looking at the ball? That’s a capability tool rigs give you on the job. Knowing that a specific tool or part is in a predictable pouch pocket lets you keep both your eyes—and one hand—on the work. This can be kind of important in aerial or elevated situations where hanging on is critical. Beams, bridges, ladders, and sloped roofs aren't the best places to start rummaging around for stuff. In these situations especially, take only the stuff that you need with you; leave the rest in the tool box or truck.

Lastly, don't forget about the folks below you. Tools perched on ledges or ladder rungs are begging to take a leap. And while it’s inconvenient to climb all the way down to retrieve dropped tools, think about the guy whose hard hat you just field-tested. Snug fitting pockets, pouches, or lanyards are the answer here.

In fact, just about the only jobs for which F.R.E.D. doesn't like to wear tool rigs are those that might involve accidental swimming. That is, until we get the auto-inflating flotation accessory perfected.

REFERENCES / SOURCES

<www.osha.gov>
1926.1053(b)(20)
When ascending or descending a ladder, the user shall face the ladder.
1926.1053(b)(21)
Each employee shall use at least one hand to grasp the ladder when progressing up and/or down the ladder.
1926.1053(b)(22)
An employee shall not carry any object or load that could cause the employee to lose balance and fall.
Stairways and Ladders - A Guide to OSHA Rules, OSHA Publication 3124 2003