Proper Tool & Material Storage

Welcome back, let's Build Smart & Build Safe! We've covered keeping pathways clear and managing waste. Today, we're talking about the final piece of the housekeeping puzzle: proper tool and material storage.

A job site is a busy place, and materials can quickly become disorganized, leading to trip hazards and “struck-by” incidents. An organized site isn't just about efficiency; it's a fundamental safety practice.

Three Rules for Tool & Material Storage

1. Use a Designated Area: All tools and materials should have a designated place. Use toolboxes, racks, or clear bins to keep tools organized and off the floor. Materials should be stored in a specific location, out of walkways and away from active work areas.

2. Stack with a Plan: Materials must be stored in a way that prevents them from collapsing or falling. Stack lumber on level ground, use cribbing to create a stable base, and never stack materials so high that they become a falling hazard. Remember the rules we covered in before, stack in a cross-stacking pattern for stability and know the height-to-base ratio.

3. Secure All Items: Any material stored on a rack, shelf, or in a semi-permanent stack must be secured. Use straps, tie-downs, or shrink wrap to prevent items from shifting or falling, especially in areas with high traffic or where wind may be a factor.

The Dangers of Poor Storage

• Trip Hazards: A tool left on the ground or a pile of material in a walkway can easily cause a worker to trip and fall.

• Struck-by Hazards: Improperly stacked materials can collapse without warning, striking a worker below. A tool or material left on an elevated surface can be knocked down by wind or a worker, creating a dangerous projectile.

By taking the time to properly store tools and materials, you not only improve efficiency but also actively prevent common and serious on-site injuries.

Tomorrow, on Fall Protection Friday, we'll connect these housekeeping habits to the most common cause of construction fatalities: falls.

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-The Safety Man