Raven Recycling Society/Whitehorse Tool Library

Health and Safety Policy

Updated: April 2024

In this Policy:

• WTL means Whitehorse Tool Library, run by the Raven Recycling Society (also known as Raven ReCentre).
• WTL Site is the Whitehorse Tool Library lending site.
• WTL Operators means the staff and volunteers of Raven Recycling Society who carry out the operation of the WTL.
• WTL Attendant means the person or persons tasked with managing tool lending and tool returns at the WTL.
• Health and safety means all aspects of health and safety, for the board, staff, members or visitors to our site.
• Member means a member in good standing of the WTL.
• Public health measures means normal measures taken to protect public health.
• Emergency public health measures means any public health measure prescribed by regulation and guidance under the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

General Health and Safety

1. The WTL Operators carry out their work in accordance with the Raven ReCentre Company Safety Manual. If any provisions in the Health and Safety Policy below conflict with the Raven ReCentre Safety Manual, the Safety Manual takes precedence.
2. The WTL Operators have tool safety as their top priority. WTL will help Members build skills, including good safety habits.
3. The WTL Operators believe that a well maintained tool is a safe tool, and a well informed user is a safe user.
4. Tools don't make safety mistakes, but people do. Members are required to understand the tool they are using, and to use it deliberately and confidently.
5. Members must use all appropriate safety equipment. For liability reasons, WTL does not supply safety equipment, as we can’t guarantee conditions it has been under when out of our control.
6. If Members have any questions or concerns, they must ask the WTL Attendant or email toollibrary@ravenrecentre.org.  

Use of Tools Offsite Only

7. Tools will not be used for Member’s project work at the WTL Site.

Member must Gain Familiarity with the Tool

8. WTL Attendant will demonstrate use of the tool to the Member before lending it to the Member.
9. The Member will familiarize themselves with the tool and its user manual (if available).
10. The Member will operate the tool only in accordance with the guidance provided in the manual, and in conditions that do not compromise the tool (i.e. left outside in the rain).
11. If the manual is not available, they will operate the tool based on the instructions from the WTL Attendant.

Tool Cleaning

12. Tools should be returned in the same condition and cleanliness as they were when lent out, accounting for normal wear and tear.  
13. In consideration of the WTL Attendant and the next user, please clean the tool using an antiseptic cleaner (such as isopropyl alcohol) before returning.
14. Any required maintenance for the tool will not be done until the tool is clean.
15. Only clean tools will be available for lending.

Emergency Public Health Measures

16. In the event of emergency public health measures, plans will be designed to accommodate the continuity of the WTL service .
17. Generally, for airborne transmissible pathogens (including COVID-19):

1. WTL Attendants will wear a high-quality N95 mask during interactions with Members.
2. Only the WTL Attendant will be allowed in the trailer to collect the tool.
3. Normal cleaning procedures remain in effect. Enhanced measures may be implemented as required.