22 Mar Portable Electric Tools

Portable Electric Tools

Portable electric tools are used extensively on construction sites and in maintenance, repair, and industrial operations. Although these tools make work faster and easier, damaged equipment, improper grounding, wet conditions, and unsafe operating practices can expose employees to electrical shock, electrocution, burns, cuts, and other serious injuries.

Electricity cannot be seen, and electrical hazards may not be obvious. Inspect electric tools before use and never use damaged or defective equipment.

Pre-Use Inspection

Before using a portable electric tool, inspect the tool, cord, plug, and accessories.

Check for:

• Frayed, cracked, cut, or damaged power cords.
• Missing or damaged grounding prongs.
• Loose or damaged plugs and connections.
• Cracked or damaged tool housings.
• Defective or loose switches.
• Excessive sparking, overheating, or unusual odors.
• Missing or damaged guards.
• Loose, damaged, or improperly installed accessories.
• Other conditions that could affect safe operation.

Immediately remove damaged or defective tools from service, tag them to prevent use, and report the condition to your supervisor.

Do not make temporary repairs with electrical tape or otherwise modify damaged electrical equipment unless the repair is performed by a qualified or authorized person using an approved method.

Grounding and Electrical Protection

Portable electric tools must be properly grounded or double-insulated as applicable.

• Never remove or modify the grounding prong from a plug.
• Never use adapters that defeat required grounding.
• Verify that double-insulated tools are properly identified and maintained.
• Use required ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection on construction sites.
• Where an assured equipment grounding conductor program is used as permitted by OSHA, follow all required inspection, testing, and documentation procedures.
• Plug tools only into properly installed and suitable electrical sources.

Never assume that an outlet or extension cord provides adequate protection simply because the tool operates.

Extension Cords

Extension cords used with portable tools must be suitable for the work environment and electrical load.

• Inspect extension cords before use.
• Use cords rated for the equipment and conditions.
• Do not use damaged cords.
• Never remove grounding prongs.
• Protect cords from vehicle traffic, sharp edges, heat, water, and other damage.
• Do not pull, lift, or carry a tool by its cord.
• Disconnect tools by grasping the plug rather than pulling on the cord.
• Keep cords away from cutting blades and other moving parts.
• Do not create a trip hazard with cords.

Extension cords are not a substitute for permanent wiring.

Wet and Damp Locations

Water greatly increases the potential for electrical shock.

• Keep electric tools and connections away from standing water.
• Do not handle electrical plugs, cords, or equipment with wet hands.
• Use required GFCI protection.
• Do not use electrical tools in wet or damp locations unless the equipment is specifically designed and approved for those conditions.
• Keep cord connections elevated and protected from moisture when appropriate.

If conditions become unsafe because of rain, water, or excessive moisture, stop work until the hazard has been controlled.

Safe Tool Operation

Use each tool only for its intended purpose and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Receive appropriate training before operating the tool.
• Select the correct tool and accessory for the task.
• Ensure guards and safety devices are installed and functioning.
• Secure the workpiece when necessary.
• Maintain stable footing and good control of the tool.
• Keep hands away from blades, bits, and other moving components.
• Do not force or overload the tool.
• Never bypass, disable, or secure a safety switch in the operating position.
• Disconnect the tool from its power source before changing blades, bits, or accessories or before performing adjustments or maintenance.
• Do not leave energized tools unattended.

Allow moving parts to stop completely before setting the tool down.

Flammable and Hazardous Atmospheres

Electrical tools can create sparks capable of igniting flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dust.

Never use ordinary portable electric tools in a hazardous atmosphere.

Where flammable or explosive atmospheres may exist, the area must be evaluated and only equipment approved for the specific hazardous location may be used.

Personal Protective Equipment

Required PPE depends on the tool and task and may include:

• Safety glasses with side protection.
• Goggles or a face shield for severe flying-particle hazards.
• Hearing protection.
• Appropriate work gloves when they do not create an entanglement hazard.
• Protective footwear.
• Respiratory protection when required.
• Other task-specific PPE identified by the hazard assessment.

Remember that PPE does not replace proper guards, grounding, GFCI protection, or safe operating procedures.

If a Shock or Electrical Problem Occurs

If a tool shocks, tingles, sparks excessively, smokes, overheats, repeatedly trips a breaker or GFCI, or otherwise operates abnormally:

Stop using it immediately.

Disconnect the equipment from the power source when this can be done safely, remove it from service, and report the condition. Do not reset a protective device repeatedly without determining why it is tripping.

Never touch a person who is still in contact with an energized electrical source. Have the electrical source disconnected and obtain emergency assistance.

Remember

Electricity gives little warning before an injury occurs. Inspect portable electric tools before use, maintain grounding and GFCI protection, keep equipment away from water, never bypass safety devices, and remove defective equipment from service immediately.