Tool safety
A simple activity to raise awareness of tools, their uses and how to work with them safely.
Learning objectives:
- Identify a range of tools
- Use tools correctly and safely
- Choose the correct tool for the task
Curriculum links:
- PSHE: Learn safety awareness, responsibility, and tool handling
- Design Technology: Explore correct tool usage and maintain tools for gardening tasks
Key vocabulary
Safety | Tools | Handle | Sharp | Protective | Clean | Precaution | Maintenance
Preparation and equipment
Preparation
Gather your group together in a circle with the tools in middle either stored in a bucket or wheelbarrow, or on a nearby bed.
Equipment
- A range of hand or full size tools, including one that is unsafe or broken
- A bucket, tray or wheelbarrow to store tools safely
- A cleaning brush and gloves
- Paper and pens or pencils
Step by step
- Explain that gardeners need tools to help them with their gardening tasks
- Ask your group to pick up a tool and guess what it is used for in gardening. Let them have a practice with it in a bed or growing area
- Name the tool and its gardening uses - ask a member of your group to demonstrate how it is used
- Repeat this with other tools and let others have a turn
- Discuss why it is sensible to have a safe area where tools are stored when not in use
- Demonstrate how to carry and work with tools safely,and to clean off tools with a brush at the end of a session
- Ask your group to pick out the broken tool and state why it is unsafe to use
Hints and tips
- Revisit your tool safety rules every time a garden session takes place
- Nominate a tool monitor each session to count out tools and count them back in again