8 - Correct use & maintenance of Tooling

Question 1

The ability to explain or demonstrate the correct and safe use of torque wrenches.

Answer 1

• Check inside its calibration period
• Check for any obvious defects
• Test all torque equipment that is planned on being used before heading to the WTG
• If it is only being used at one torque setting, test at that setting and record the test
• On the test sheet, for tractability…
  Date
  Person testing
  Testing values
  WTG to be used on
  Signature of person testing
  … are recorded on the testing template
• If the value of the torque wrench is not known or it is to be used at different values, the wrench must be tested at 20%, roughly 60% and 100% of its range
• After using the torque wrench and returning from the WTG, the wrench must be tested and the data recorded on the same sheet used when signing out
• A signature is required to sign the wrench back in

Question 2

The ability to explain or demonstrate the correct and safe use of Hydraulic Torque / Hydraulic Stretch equipment.

Answer 2

Pre-Use Check
- Check calibration date, condition, connection points, hoses, correct tool for the task, no leaks, controller/control cable/cables, cycle counter (no more than 4000), oil level.
Documents
- Check the serial number of the tool and the performance chart are the same before carrying out work.
Hazards
- High pressure hydraulic oil, potential hydraulic injection.
- Hazardous substances (hydraulic oil) will require COSHH sheets.
- Potential danger from crushing/jamming hands/fingers when using the tools.

Question 3

The ability to explain or demonstrate locating the correct torque and/or pressure setting to the task and the tool.

Answer 3

The correct torque and pressure settings will be given on the performance chart. The serial number of the tool that is being used must be the same as the number written on the chart. This ensures the correct pressured to be set on the pump and will give the correct torque/tension results.

Question 4

The ability to explain or demonstrate general good housekeeping and what to look at before using tooling.

Answer 4

Housekeeping
- The working area must be kept tidy and all slip/trip hazards must be minimized as much as possible.
- All members of the party must be proactive towards their safety and the safety of others.
- Work instructions must be read before carrying out the work and an understanding of how to use the tools is mandatory.
- Always use the correct PPE for the task.
Inspecting/Maintaining tools
- Tools should be inspected before use to ensure there are no defects. They should be in a good working condition.
- Tooling should be looked after i.e. not thrown, dropped or misused.
- Tools should be cleaned after use and stored in the correct way.
- Never work with equipment outside of their inspection/calibration date.
- Torque wrenches must be reset back to ‘0’ or their lowest value depending on their range.
- Dust-caps on pumps or hoses must be replaced to ensure they are kept clean and from damage.