7/24/2019 007-Portable Electrical Tools
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TOOL-BOX TALK
PORTABLE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT SAFETY
For protection against electrical shock, all hand-held
electrical tools and equipment shall
be grounded. The path to ground through cords, receptacles, and
to the tool itself mustbe continuous. Plugs with missing ground
pins shall not be used.
Electrical cords used with portable electric tools and
appliances shall be of the three-wiretype. Double-insulated tools
are an eception as they do not require grounding.
Electric-powered tools showing signs of worn, deteriorated, or
inadequate insulation, orother defecti!e parts, must be remo!ed
from ser!ice for replacement or repair.
"ords shall not be #erked from receptacles, and they must be
protected against beingtrodden on, run-o!er, and pinched in doors.
"ords must not be left tangled and kinked.$uch abuse causes broken
insulation and strained connections which become an
etremely dangerous electrical shock and fire ha%ard the moment
that li!e wires areeposed. "ords shall ne!er be used to raise or
lower a tool.
Damaged or defecti!e cords and fittings should be taken out of
ser!ice and repairedimmediately. & broken earth wire can pass
unnoticed since the tool will continue tofunction. From a safety
standpoint, periodic testing of cords for ground continuity
isstrongly recommended.
'ecessary repairs must be carried out by qualified electricians.
This class of workrequires that all connections be mechanically
sound. Taped splices are not permitted.Plug caps and receptacle
tops must be in place lea!ing no li!e parts eposed.
The ha%ards associated with portable electrical equipment are
intensified through harduse and eposure to ad!erse conditions.
Tools may be carried to places where workerscan come into contact
with grounded metal surfaces or wet conditions. (n
thesesurroundings, any margin of electrical safety is reduced.
$pecial precautions are necessary when portable electrical
equipment is used in wet ordamp places, or inside tanks or !essels.
These locations present the greatest shockha%ards, and only etra
precautions, such as the use of insulating rubber mats,
rubberglo!es and rubber boots, are in minimi%ing the risk.
Dampness caused by perspiration can also greatly increase the
danger of shock fromdefecti!e electrical equipment.
Electrically-powered tools shall not be used in !essels where
air-powered tools area!ailable.
Employees working in cramped spaces with electric tools
)especially drills* should ne!erwedge their bodies into a working
position where, in the e!ent of shock, they would ha!eno chance of
being thrown clear and thus breaking contact.
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