PINCH POINTS TOOLBOX TALK
Keep hands, fingers and body parts clear of pinch and crush zones.
Pinch hazards, safe alignment and daily pre-work verification.
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Toolbox Topic
PINCH POINTS TOOLBOX TALK
Duration
8–10 minutes
Date
Site / Area
Supervisor
Company
Participants
Document No
OBJECTIVE
Prevent hand and finger injuries caused by trapping or crushing between moving components, equipment, pipework and fixed surfaces.
WHY IT MATTERS
Pinch points are commonly created during routine tasks that appear simple.
A pipe, cover or load moving only a few centimetres can cause severe crushing or amputation injuries.
Use alignment tools, pry bars, drift pins, push-pull tools or mechanical assistance instead of placing hands in closing gaps.
REALISTIC SITE SCENARIO
A worker placed fingers between two flanges while trying to align a pipe connection.
The pipe shifted slightly on its support and the flanges closed suddenly, trapping the worker's hand.
The event could have been prevented by securing the pipe, using alignment tools and keeping hands outside the pinch zone.
REMEMBER
Never place your hand where a component can move, close or shift against another surface.
KEY HAZARDS
Flanges and pipe connections.
Moving loads.
Doors, covers and hinges.
Manual alignment of equipment.
Rotating machinery components.
Hydraulic or mechanical movement.
Loads close to fixed structures.
Unstable or unsupported materials.
CONTROLS
Identify pinch points before starting.
Keep hands clear of opposing surfaces.
Use alignment tools instead of fingers or hands.
Secure components before movement.
Isolate energy capable of unexpected movement.
Keep guards fitted to moving machinery.
Do not support heavy components by hand during positioning.
Wear suitable gloves but never rely on gloves as the primary control.
Use one clear communication method during coordinated movement.
Stop work if movement cannot be controlled.
SUPERVISOR MESSAGE
Team, no one will place hands between flanges, pipes or moving components today. We will use suitable alignment tools and control any potential movement before starting.
TEAM QUESTIONS
Where are today's pinch points?
Which equipment could move unexpectedly?
Which alignment tools will be used?
How will the equipment be secured?
Is energy isolation required?
What will we do if positioning changes?
FIELD VERIFICATION
Pinch points identified
Energy controlled
Component secured
Alignment tools available
Guards in place
Hands clear of movement path
Communication agreed
PPE suitable
Working space adequate
Crew briefed
ATTENDANCE AND APPROVAL
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Supervisor Signature
HSE Approval
SERNEM HSE Resource – Permit conditions, risk assessments and site procedures take priority.