WORKING IN THE DARK HEALTH AND SAFETY
3 min read
Every year darkness descends and before we know it, we’re working in the half-light. To avoid a horror show, read our working in the dark health and safety guide, so you’re not caught out.
Everyone’s been banging on about it and we’re here to do the same and remind you lot that the clocks go back on the 26th October. Handy to know, but what’s even handier is making sure you’re set for winter. Get your kit checked now so you can smash through jobs while it’s light and you’re not stuck tinkering in the dark ‘til late.
WORKING IN THE DARK HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE
There’s no shame in a reminder; we need them in busy months. Right before the sun starts setting around 5pm in October, you’ll want to be on-point with the following:
- Proper lighting
Don’t muck about with your phone torch – it’s useless on site. Stick to a decent head torch so both hands stay free or a rugged portable work light you can sling anywhere. Go for LED with good lumens, wide beam and a solid IP rating so it holds up against dust and damp. - High-vis gear
Dark mornings and early knockoffs mean visibility is shot. A reflective jacket, vest or even just hi-vis bands make you stand out when machinery’s moving or traffic’s close. The more you catch the light, the less chance someone drives or carts into you. - Maintained tools
Sort your kit in good light before you leave your workshop. Check blades, batteries, cords and guards so you’re not bodging around in the dark later. Any stiff tools or spots of rust can be dealt with – blast it with GT85 and wipe down with an old rag. - Cleared workshop walkways
Keep cables, hoses and scrap tidy and out the way. Mark edges, cover holes and don’t leave gear where someone’s boot will find it. A tidy site is a safe one, especially when you can’t see the floor properly. - Back-up power
Lights and cordless tools are only as good as the juice they’ve got. Take spare batteries and a charger in the van and rotate your packs. Nothing worse than being halfway through a job and plunged into pitch black because your kit’s flat.
Last tip on working in the dark health and safety for you – remember to take a break. Working under lights tires eyes quicker and fatigue speeds up in the cold. A pause every so often keeps you on the ball which is better than pushing through and messing something up.
MORE ABOUT GT85
If you’re in the know, then you’ll always have a can of the good stuff to hand. Not to mention, you’ll be one of the first who gets our newsletter, enters competitions and gets a first look at decent advice.
If you’re late to the party, sort it out and hit follow on: Facebook, Instagram and X.