Tool policies for employees Angela Marazita, CPFP Fleet Manager City of Windsor, Ontario
ools enable a tradesperson to efficiently carry out their duties and are considered a condition of employment for many employers. Standard tools are expected to be a part of each tradesperson’s tool box with specialty tools being provided by the employer. Every employer must consider the importance of a tradesperson’s tools as employees take great pride in the tool box they bring to the workplace.
Tool boxes At the City of Windsor, a certified tradesperson is required to provide and maintain a tool box with the necessary tools to perform their job duties. For those employees who are not certified, the employer will supply a tool box for each employee working in the classification when hired. The contents are verified against a tool list and any missing tools are purchased to ensure the employee has a complete set. While working in the classification, the tool box is the employee’s responsibility and any lost or missing tools must be replaced by the employee. Tools that are worn out or broken will be replaced by the employer.
impact guns, air drills and torque wrenches are kept securely in the parts stockroom and distribution is controlled by the stockkeeper. This allows the stockkeeper to monitor the assignment of tools to employees and ensure that they are returned. On a regular basis and as the fleet changes, newer specialty tools are added to the inventory. The City of Windsor is committed to ensuring that appropriate tools are available for all employees regardless of their job classification. The management team reviews the current inventory
annually and determines a budget for the purchase of additional tools as deemed necessary.
Diagnostic scan tools The City of Windsor has a number of diagnostic scan tools for lightand heavy-duty vehicles. They are primarily used to diagnose engine codes or faults and are stored in a secure location in the garage office. Use of the scan tools is monitored by the supervisor and OEM updates are purchased regularly as they become available.
Specialty tools Employers provide an inventory of specialty tools since they are specific to their shop needs. It is important to track these tools as they will be used by all staff and can be costly to replace. At the City of Windsor, all specialty tools such as 52 APWA Reporter
September 2012
Specialty tools that are stored in the parts stockroom at the City of Windsor
