Posted By Frank Macleod Colleagues, Can I please have some comments on the topic of carrying of tools in coveralls pockets. One of my colleagues tells me that when he was in the RAF personnel had to wear coveralls with velcro'd pockets. I have advised all of our team regarding the poor working practice of having shifters etc sticking out of pockets, especially when working at height, climbing ladders etc. We do supply toolbelts as well as toolbags but some personnel continue to have their favourite wee tool handy in their pockets. Without taking out the old learning bat and using disciplinary procedures, what other options are available (apart from coveralls without pockets)? Any thoughts and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Regards Frank Macleod (CMIOSH)

Posted By Sean Fraser Frank, Is there a reason why they aren't using the belts? If there is a problem (perceived or otherwise) then that needs addressed, either through changes of equipment or education or both. Also, if the tool is held in a pocket securely, is there a problem? You could demonstrate how it would be acceptable to carry tools and the dangers of carrying them inappropriately and as long as they meet the basic requirements, just accept it. If you are drawing a line in the sand then discipline is the only measure left to you if they cross over it. Always start with an information and feedback campaign first of course!

Posted By Robert K Lewis Frank Not clear of the type of work environment you are in. In an engineering shop with significant contact with oils etc I found the discussion concerning scrotal cancer the most effective means of persuading people. In other environments you will not have such a lever. Training and/or rules seems to cover the options. Training will only impact on those working at high levels or where you can find a good reason not to do it. Rules are going to need full supervisory support to work. Sorry there is no better answer to my mind anyway. Bob

Posted By MetalMan Hi Frank, the reason why Air force overalls have velcro pockets is to avoid something called FOD (Foreign object damage)this occurs when items are ingested into jet engines and cause damage etc. The idea is that it is safer to use velcro to secure overalls as other forms of fasteners such as zips or press studs could come off and get sucked into an engine or fall off in the cockpit and cause a short circuit or jam in the aircraft controls or systems.Air force engineers would not as standard carry tools in their pockets as all tools etc have to be carried in either tool boxes or canvas tool rolls to the job, the reason being is that after a job is completed on an aircraft the tools can be checked to make sure that none have been left inside an aircraft which could cause a crash.Carrying tools in pockets and forgetting to hand them in at the end of a job would cause mass panic as the tool controller would examine the tool box or tool roll and think there was a missing spanner flying around inside a harrier at 600mph over yorkshire. Not much help I'm afraid but it did give me a priceless apportunity to waffle on a bit.

Posted By Chris Packham Frank In the industry you mention (with which I am reasonably familiar) many tools will inevitably become contaminated with oils etc. Kept in a pocket the result may be that the overalls themselves become contaminated and that this contamination will be held in contact with the skin for a considerable time. In the past this has been the cause of scrotal cancer, usually due to rags or soiled gloves in trouser pockets, but any chemical in extended contact with the skin raises the risk of occupational skin problems, such as contact dermatitis. So whatever the accident risk, there will be a health risk. Chris

Posted By Frank Macleod Thanks William, what installation are you on? Frank

Posted By Merv Newman my wife, looking over my shoulder, as she does, remembered the story of when she was a student nurse : she had a habit of carrying her scissors tucked into her belt. Sister cured her of this dangerous habit by giving her a clout around the ear. Ahhh. The good old days. merv

Posted By Chris Packham Many years ago, when I worked in the oil industry for a few years, we had a case of a tanker exploding and sinking. The investigation revealed that the first officer had some tool in his shirt pocket. When he leaned over the open hatch of a tank to check on the cleaning process the tool fell out and on hitting the bottom of the tank there was a spark. Result? One less tanker. Fortunately, no major casualties. Chris

Posted By Chris Packham Merv Bronze tools? Not back in the 1960s! Perhaps that dates me. Chris