Power Tools
Because
power tools are so common in construction, workers are constantly exposed
to a variety of hazards. The very tool that makes their job easy and efficient
may one day be the cause of a tragic accident. It is good to be reminded
of common-sense safety practices.
Tool
Safety Tips
- Never
carry a tool by the cord.
- Never
yank the cord to disconnect it from the receptacle.
- Keep
cords away from heat, oil, and sharp edges (including the cutting surface
of a power saw or drill).
- Disconnect
tools when not in use, before servicing, and when changing accessories
such as blades, bits, etc.
- Avoid
accidental starting. Do not hold fingers on the switch button
while carrying a plugged-in tool.
- Use gloves
and appropriate safety footwear when using electric tools.
- Store
electric tools in a dry place when not in use.
- Do not
use electric tools in damp or wet locations unless they are approved
for that purpose.
- Keep
work areas well lighted when operating electric tools.
- Ensure
that cords from electric tools do not present a tripping hazard.
- Remove
all damaged portable electric tools from use and tag them: "Do Not Use."
- Use Double-Insulated
Tools.
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Specific
Examples:
Double-Insulated Tools
- Hand-held
tools manufactured with non-metallic cases are called double-insulated.
If approved, they do not require grounding under the National Electrical
Code. Although this design method reduces the risk of grounding
deficiencies, a shock hazard can still exist.
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- Such tools
are often used in areas where there is considerable moisture or wetness.
Although the user is insulated from the electrical wiring components,
water can still enter the tool's housing. Ordinary water is a conductor
of electricity. If water contacts the energized parts inside the
housing, it provides a path to the outside, bypassing the double insulation.
When a person holding a hand tool under these conditions contacts another
conductive surface, an electric shock occurs.
- If a power
tool, even when double-insulated, is dropped into water, the employee
should resist the initial human response to grab for the equipment without
first disconnecting the power source.
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Portable
Tool Use with Extension Cords
- Another potential
hazard is using extension cords with portable tools. In construction,
these cords suffer a lot of wear and tear. Often, the damage is only
to the insulation, exposing energized conductors. When a person handling
the damaged cord contacts the exposed wires while holding a metal tool
case or contacting a conductive surface, serious electrical shock can
result, causing a fall, physical injury, or death.
- Since neither
insulation nor grounding
protects you from these conditions, use other protective measures.
One acceptable method is a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
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Additional Information:
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