Safety Centre

1.1 Purpose

Welcome to the Tool-O Safety Centre.

The Safety Centre has been developed to help Owners and Borrowers safely use the Platform and reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, equipment damage and unsafe behaviour.

This Safety Centre provides practical safety guidance that complements the Terms of Use and other Platform policies.

1.2 Objectives

The Safety Centre seeks to:

• promote safe equipment use;

• encourage responsible renting and lending;

• reduce injuries and property damage;

• improve awareness of potential hazards;

• support responsible decision-making;

• strengthen trust within the Tool-O community.

1.3 Scope

The Safety Centre applies to:

• Owners;

• Borrowers;

• equipment listings;

• Bookings;

• equipment collection;

• equipment transport;

• equipment operation;

• equipment return;

• all Platform Users.

1.4 Safety Principles

Tool-O encourages every User to:

• place safety first;

• act responsibly;

• communicate honestly;

• inspect equipment carefully;

• follow manufacturer instructions;

• comply with applicable laws;

• stop using equipment if it becomes unsafe.

1.5 Important Notice

Tool-O operates an online marketplace connecting Owners and Borrowers.

Tool-O does not supervise how equipment is transported, operated or maintained after a Booking begins.

Users remain responsible for ensuring equipment is suitable for their intended use and is operated safely.

1.6 Relationship with Other Documents

This Safety Centre should be read together with the:

• Terms of Use;

• Trust & Safety Policy;

• Owner Guide;

• Borrower Guide;

• Claims Policy;

• Help Centre;

• all other applicable Platform policies.

2.1 Before Booking

Before submitting a Booking request, Borrowers are encouraged to:

• ensure the equipment is suitable for the intended task;

• carefully read the listing;

• review all photographs;

• understand any operating requirements;

• ask the Owner any questions before confirming the Booking.

2.2 Before Collection

When collecting equipment, Users should:

• inspect the equipment carefully;

• check for visible damage;

• confirm all accessories are included;

• take clear time-stamped photographs;

• report any concerns before leaving with the equipment.

2.3 Before Operating Equipment

Before using any equipment, Borrowers should:

• read any operating instructions provided;

• understand how the equipment functions;

• inspect the equipment for obvious defects;

• ensure they have appropriate knowledge or experience;

• wear suitable personal protective equipment where required.

If there is any doubt regarding safe operation, the equipment should not be used until appropriate guidance has been obtained.

2.4 Safe Operation

Users should:

• operate equipment only for its intended purpose;

• follow manufacturer recommendations;

• avoid modifying equipment;

• avoid operating damaged equipment;

• remain alert while using equipment;

• immediately stop using equipment if it appears unsafe.

2.5 Children and Vulnerable Persons

Equipment listed on Tool-O may not be suitable for use by children or inexperienced persons.

Borrowers should ensure that equipment is kept out of the reach of children where appropriate and is operated only by suitably capable individuals.

2.6 Transportation

When transporting equipment, Users should:

• secure equipment appropriately;

• use suitable vehicles where necessary;

• protect equipment from unnecessary damage;

• comply with applicable road laws;

• exercise reasonable care during loading and unloading.

2.7 Returning Equipment

Before returning equipment, Borrowers are encouraged to:

• clean equipment where appropriate;

• ensure all accessories are included;

• inspect the equipment for damage;

• take clear return photographs;

• promptly advise the Owner of any issues.

2.8 Reporting Safety Concerns

Users should promptly report through the Platform any equipment that appears:

• unsafe;

• defective;

• damaged;

• materially different from its listing;

• likely to present a risk to other Users.

Prompt reporting helps improve marketplace safety, preserve relevant evidence and enable Tool-O to investigate issues where appropriate.

2.9 Emergency Situations

Where there is an immediate risk to life, health or property, Users should:

• stop using the equipment immediately;

• move to a safe location where appropriate;

• contact emergency services if required;

• seek medical assistance where necessary;

• notify the Owner and Tool-O as soon as reasonably practicable.

2.10 Shared Responsibility

Maintaining a safe marketplace is a shared responsibility.

Owners, Borrowers and Tool-O each play an important role in promoting safe equipment use, responsible communication and the prevention of accidents.

3.1 Owners

Owners are encouraged to:

• maintain equipment in a safe and serviceable condition;

• remove unsafe equipment from the Platform;

• accurately describe equipment condition;

• disclose known defects or limitations;

• provide complete accessories where applicable;

• keep maintenance records where appropriate.

3.2 Borrowers

Borrowers are encouraged to:

• inspect equipment before use;

• operate equipment responsibly;

• use appropriate personal protective equipment;

• avoid misuse;

• stop using equipment if safety concerns arise;

• promptly report damage or defects.

3.3 Personal Protective Equipment

Depending on the equipment being used, appropriate personal protective equipment may include:

• safety glasses;

• hearing protection;

• gloves;

• protective footwear;

• respiratory protection;

• helmets;

• high-visibility clothing;

• other equipment suitable for the task.

Users remain responsible for determining what protective equipment is appropriate.

3.4 Weather Conditions

Certain equipment may become unsafe during:

• heavy rain;

• strong winds;

• electrical storms;

• flooding;

• extreme heat;

• icy conditions;

• other hazardous weather.

Users should postpone equipment use where conditions create an unacceptable safety risk.

3.5 Work Environment

Before operating equipment, Users should ensure that the work area is:

• adequately illuminated;

• free from unnecessary hazards;

• reasonably clear of bystanders;

• suitable for safe operation;

• appropriately ventilated where required.

3.6 Equipment Malfunctions

If equipment appears to malfunction, Users should:

• stop using it immediately where safe to do so;

• avoid attempting unauthorised repairs;

• notify the Owner promptly;

• document the issue where appropriate;

• follow Platform reporting procedures.

3.7 Alcohol and Drugs

Equipment should never be operated while impaired by:

• alcohol;

• illegal drugs;

• medications affecting safe operation;

• fatigue that significantly impairs judgment;

• any other condition affecting safe equipment use.

3.8 Unsafe Behaviour

Users should avoid behaviour that may place themselves or others at risk, including:

• reckless operation;

• horseplay;

• bypassing safety devices;

• operating damaged equipment;

• ignoring manufacturer warnings;

• permitting unauthorised persons to operate equipment.

3.9 Continuous Safety

Safe equipment use requires ongoing attention before, during and after every Booking.

Regular inspections, responsible behaviour and prompt reporting of concerns contribute to a safer marketplace for everyone.

3.10 Safety Culture

Tool-O encourages every User to help build a strong safety culture by acting responsibly, communicating openly and placing safety ahead of convenience at every stage of the rental process.

4.1 Emergency Response

The Tool-O Platform is not an emergency service.

Where there is an immediate threat to life, health or property, Users should:

• stop using the equipment where safe to do so;

• move to a safe location;

• contact emergency services immediately;

• seek appropriate medical assistance where required;

• notify the Owner and Tool-O as soon as reasonably practicable.

4.2 Reporting Safety Incidents

Users are encouraged to report safety incidents involving rented equipment as soon as reasonably practicable.

Where possible, reports should include:

• photographs;

• a description of the incident;

• the date and time;

• the equipment involved;

• any known damage;

• whether any injuries occurred.

Timely reporting assists the investigation process and helps improve marketplace safety.

Where a safety incident also results in equipment damage or loss, Owners should submit any eligible Claim within twenty-four (24) hours after the scheduled return or completion of the Booking unless Tool-O determines that exceptional circumstances justify a later submission.

4.3 Equipment Recalls

If a User becomes aware that equipment may be subject to a manufacturer recall or safety notice, they are encouraged to:

• stop using the equipment where appropriate;

• notify the Owner;

• notify Tool-O where relevant;

• follow any applicable manufacturer instructions.

Owners should remove affected equipment from the Platform until any safety concerns have been appropriately addressed.

4.4 Learning and Awareness

Tool-O encourages Users to continually improve their knowledge of safe equipment use by:

• reading manufacturer instructions;

• following industry best practices;

• using appropriate training where required;

• understanding equipment limitations;

• staying informed about relevant safety information.

4.5 Support Resources

Users seeking assistance are encouraged to consult:

• the Help Centre;

• the Owner Guide;

• the Borrower Guide;

• Platform policies;

• Tool-O Support.

These resources are intended to assist Users before, during and after each Booking.

4.6 Updates

Tool-O may update the Safety Centre from time to time to reflect:

• new Platform functionality;

• operational improvements;

• legal developments;

• manufacturer guidance where appropriate;

• User feedback;

• emerging safety practices.

The latest published version replaces previous versions.

4.7 Relationship with Other Documents

This Safety Centre provides practical guidance only.

Users remain responsible for complying with:

• the Terms of Use;

• Trust & Safety Policy;

• Owner Standards Policy;

• Borrower Standards Policy;

• Claims Policy;

• all other applicable Platform policies.

Where there is any inconsistency, the Terms of Use prevail to the extent permitted by applicable law.

4.8 Commitment

Tool-O is committed to promoting a culture of safety by providing practical guidance, encouraging responsible behaviour and supporting a trusted marketplace for the rental of tools and equipment.

4.9 Shared Responsibility

Safety is a shared responsibility between Owners, Borrowers and Tool-O.

Every inspection, every honest conversation and every responsible decision helps reduce risk and contributes to a safer experience for the entire Tool-O community.

4.10 Final Statement

Thank you for helping make Tool-O a safe and trusted marketplace.

By placing safety first, communicating openly and treating equipment responsibly, every User contributes to protecting themselves, other Users and the wider community.

END OF SAFETY CENTRE