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Once you've got them, you need to look after them. This means that someone has got to be responsible for the equipment - step forward the tools officer. It's an important job and someone has got to do it. This is a job that grows on people. A few long term tools specialists say that they "just started by looking after a few spades". Keeping the tools safe is the first responsibility of the post. The first tools store for any group is usually someone's garage. It's as good as anywhere else, as long as it's dry and secure. The important thing is that the tools are safe and that you can get them when you need them. If you can't guarantee these basic criteria, look for another site.
An annual stock-take should not take very long. Tools are valuable, and expensive to replace. However secure your tool store is, make sure your tools are insured. They may be covered by home insurance if you are using someone's garage, but if that person makes a claim it may affect their insurance premiums. BTCV offers competitive tools insurance to associated groups. It is useful to know how many tools you have, so that you can plan projects and decide whether you need to buy any more. An annual stock-take should not take very long, especially if you use the 'Tools in/Tools out' sheet in Project leadership as a basis for your list. Getting tools from their storage point onto a work site can be a bit of a problem. Some groups use crates but they require two people and can be awkward to carry. Island Conservation Volunteers use 24 inch plumbers' bags. They can hold ten 21 inch saws, several pairs of loppers or a number of billhooks. They have the virtue of going into the boot of a car easily and not sliding about as well as being safe to carry from the boot to the worksite. They are cheap to buy and can be purchased from hardware shops or tool centres. All content copyright © 1986-2008 BTCV Ltd. Registered charity No. 261009 |
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