Tools@Height Inspection and Operation

Tools@Height comprises a wide range of tools modified to accept lanyards that can be attached to the operator or to a suitable fixed point in the work area.

Checking and inspecting equipment

Before use, equipment should be checked to make sure it is appropriate for the intended use, that it operates correctly and that it is in good condition.

In addition to pre-use checks, equipment should have a detailed inspection by a competent person in accordance with an approved schedule.

Additional inspections should be made by a competent person where a hazard that could cause significant deterioration in the equipment is present, e.g. use in acidic or alkaline environments or grit blasting etc.

In the event of a dropped tool incident, the tool and its lanyard must be inspected for damage and checked for correct functioning.

Your site safety procedure may require the incident to be reported and the tool and lanyard withdrawn from service for inspection by your Safety Department. Please send a copy of the Incident Report to Snap-on Industrial at email tah@snapon.com  

Damaged, worn or defective equipment must be taken out of service immediately, tagged as “Defective – Do Not Use”, quarantined in a locked area and the Site Safety Manager informed.

People using the equipment should be: 

• Suitably trained and assessed for competency in the use of the equipment for the particular application.

• Competent to check equipment for defects and do this before every use.

• Have read and understood product information before using the equipment.

• Have checked that the components in the system are compatible.

TOOLS

Lanyard Attachment Points

Hammers (sledge, anti-spark, ball peen and dead blow) are fitted with lanyard attachment shackles in the end of the handle. Shackles are made from stainless steel with a riveted pin. Check the shackle, shaft and head for damage or wear.

• Wear safety glasses (operator and bystanders)

• Do not use cracked, mushroomed or chipped hammers.

• Strike squarely and avoid glancing blows.

• Do not strike other hammers or similar hard surfaces.

• Do not use near flammable substances.

• Where an anti-spark hammer is required use, for example, our KS0264 non sparking sledge hammer OR another from our range of non sparking hammers and tools. 

Chisels, knives and pliers are fitted with a 25mm stainless steel split ring. Check the split ring is fitted securely and shows no major distortion or damage.

Screwdrivers are fitted with a rotating stainless steel lug. This lug is fitted between the shaft and the handle. Check the shaft is not loose and does not move relative to the handle.

Punches and small screwdrivers are fitted with a rotating stainless steel lug. This lug is retained by a stainless steel collar pinned to the tool shaft. Check the collar is not loose.

Torque wrenches are fitted with a stainless steel D-shackle at the end of the handle. Check  the screws on D-shackle are not loose and tighten if necessary.

Files and insulated tools are fitted with a stainless steel D-shackle. Check the shackle pin is not loose and tighten if necessary.

Adjustable wrenches are fitted with stainless steel Quick-Links. Check the Quick-Link locking nut is not loose and tighten if necessary.

Snap-Coil Lanyard Anchors

Many wrenches, breaker bars and ratchets are fitted with a Snap-Coil Lanyard Anchor which was invented by Snap-on and is made from coiled stainless steel wire in a variety of sizes to suit different sizes of tool.

• Check the Snap-Coil is fitted correctly to the tool and shows no major distortion or damage.

• A Snap-Coil is not designed to "breakaway" from the operator if the tool is snatched into machinery. No "breakaway" device can be guaranteed 100% reliable. Best practice is for machinery to be shut down, isolated and a safe working area designated.

• A Snap-Coil is not designed to “breakaway” from the operator if a tool is trapped in steelwork when climbing. Before climbing or moving location, tools should be securely clipped into a Tools@Height bag or pouch.  

   

Lock-On Sockets & Extension Shafts

Lock-on sockets and extension shafts are designed not to accidentally detach from the ratchet driver. A positive action is required to release them. A suitable pin has to be inserted in the side hole of the socket to depress the spring-loaded driver retaining pin. This should be done in a safe area where there is no possibility of components being dropped.

• Before use, check the driver pin is not stuck and operates correctly.

• Check socket side pin hole is clear and does not obstruct the driver pin.

Power-Safe Insulated Tools

Power-Safe tools comply with EN60900, are tested to 10,000V and marked with the 1000V symbol. The lanyard attachment point is fully integrated with the handle. Handles are multi-coated with red PVC insulation. A black nylon insulated bush and a stainless steel safety shackle is fitted.

Before use, check tools for full functionality. Inspect handle red insulation and black shackle bush for wear or damage. Check the steel shackle pin is not loose and tighten if necessary.

LANYARDS

Lanyard Use

• Tools to be secured at all times during transit and in the work area.

• Operator to be secured, via body harness, to a suitable anchorage point in the work area.

• Tools up to 5lbs (2.3kg) max may be attached by lanyard to the operator although a lower limit may be appropriate for operator comfort and safety.

• Tools over 10lbs (4.5kg) should be attached by lanyard to a suitable fixed point in the work area.

• Operator to ensure bag/pouch is securely attached to him using the chest strap or belt loops.

• Bag/pouch must not impede functioning of operator’s safety harness or equipment.

• One lanyard hook to be attached and locked to an approved attachment point on operator’s safety harness, belt or wrist strap.

• Other lanyard hook to be attached and locked to selected tool in bag/pouch.

• Only then can selected tool be detached from its retaining clip in the bag/pouch.

• After use, place tool in bag/pouch, secure it to retaining clip, then release it from lanyard.

• Before climbing or moving location, tools should be securely clipped inside bag/pouch.

• When not in use, both ends of lanyard to be clipped to bag/pouch external “D” ring and lanyard loop stowed in bag/pouch.

Lanyard Types

• TCL1 - for tools up to 5lbs (2.3kg) – use with TCWS1

• TCWS1 Wrist Band - for tools up to 5lbs (2.3kg)

• LANCOIL1-S - for tools up to 5lbs (2.3kg)

• LANCOIL2-S - for tools up to 10lbs (4.5kg)

• LANWEB - for tools up to 10lbs (4.5kg)

• LANWIRE - for tools up to 15lbs (6.8kg)

• LANWIRE HD - for tools up to 25lbs (11.3kg)

• THCARA15 – for tools up to 15lbs (6.8kg)

• THCARA25 – for tools up to 25lbs (11.3kg)

Tool Weights

• The maximum allowable tool weight for each lanyard is shown above.

• Ensure the lanyard you select is suitable for the tool weight.

• Refer to the kit data sheet for individual tool weights.

LANYARD INSPECTION

When inspecting a lanyard, begin at one end and work to the opposite end, slowly rotating the lanyard so that the entire surface is checked.

Carbine Hooks

• Hook and eye to be inspected closely for distortions, cracks, corrosion, or pitted surfaces.

• Keeper (latch) must seat into the nose without binding.

• Keeper must not be distorted or obstructed.

• Keeper spring must exert sufficient force to firmly close the keeper.

• Locking ring must easily engage with, and rotate on, threaded portion.

• Locking ring must secure keeper in closed position and prevent it opening.

LANWIRE Wire Lanyards

LANWIRES comprise 3mm diameter stainless steel wire rope, 7x19 construction. Each end is fitted with a stainless steel splice with M6 stainless steel snap-hook with eye and screw locking nut. Check as follows:-

·         While rotating the lanyard, look for cuts, frayed areas, or unusual wear on the wire.

• Broken strands will separate from the body of the lanyard.

• Thimble must be firmly seated in the eye of the splice.

• Splice must not have loose or cut strands.

• Thimble edges must be free of sharp edges, distortion, or cracks.

• Ensure splice loop is securely crimped by ferrule. At least 1mm of wire end should be visible protruding from ferrule.

• Check Carbine Hooks as described above.

LANWEB Web Lanyards

Lanyard comprises 25mm wide yellow nylon webbing. Each lanyard end is fitted with a stainless steel splice with M6 stainless steel snap-hook with eye and screw locking nut. Check as follows:-

• Bend each side of webbing over a pipe and look for cuts, breaks or defective stitching.

• Discoloration, cracks and charring are signs of chemical or heat damage.

• Check Carbine Hooks as described above.

LANCOIL Self-Retracting Lanyards

LANCOILS comprise 6mm diameter yellow urethane coil. Each end is fitted with a manganese bronze swivel, a 25mm stainless steel split ring, and a M6 stainless steel snap-hook with eye and knurled screw locking ring. Check as follows:-

• Bend and stretch lanyards and look for cuts, breaks or wear.

• Check Carbine Hooks as described above.

THCARA15 & THCARA25 Self-Retracting Lanyards

THCARA15 comprises ¾” black nylon webbing with self retracting inner coil.

THCARA25 comprises 1” black nylon webbing with self retracting inner coil.

Each lanyard end is fitted with a stainless steel splice with M6 stainless steel snap-hook with eye and knurled screw locking ring. Check as follows:-

• Bend and stretch lanyards and look for cuts, breaks or defective stitching.

• On THCARA25 look for an activated warning flag or other signs of deployment. If warning signs are found, remove the lanyard from service.

• Check Carbine Hooks as described above.

Tool Bags, Pouches, Belts & Keepers

• Hooks, D-rings and other fittings to be checked for cracks, corrosion, pitted surfaces and correct functioning.

• Belts and Straps to be bent over a pipe and inspected for cuts, breaks or worn stitching.

• Material to be checked for splits, abrasion and worn stitching.

CLEANING

Basic care of safety equipment will help it to perform its vital safety function and will prolong its working life. After use, clean the equipment of dirt, corrosives, or contaminants and store in a clean and dry environment, free from fumes or corrosive elements. 

Nylon & Polyester

• Wipe off surface dirt with a sponge dampened in plain water.

• Dip sponge in a mild solution of water, soap or detergent and work up into a thick lather and clean article.

• Wipe with a clean cloth and hang to dry away from excessive heat, steam, or sunlight.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

We can help you select Tools@Height products and advise on their use.

We also keen to develop new tools and kits for specific applications.

Your feedback is important so please send us any comments or suggestions.

email: tah@snapon.com

tel:  +44 (0)1536 413 904  

fax: +44 (0)1536 413 874