TS : Electrical Power Tools Safety

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Chapter : Tools Safety

Electrical Power Tools
 
Hand held power tools are used in a variety of industries. Power tools can present a number of hazards. Every year, many workers on construction sites suffer electric shock using portable electrical tools and equipment. The nature of the injuries, including those caused by ground faults, ranges from minor injuries to serious, secondary injuries. There also is the possibility of electrocution. A secondary injury occurs when a worker recoils from an electrical shock and, as a result, sustains an injury. 

Commonly Used Power Tools

Power Drill

• Do not use power drill in damp, wet or stand in a puddle of water.
• Always check cord for damage or cut before use and keep tools in good condition.
• Never carry power drill by the cord or yank the cord to disconnect it.
• Keep cords away from heat, oil and sharp edges.
• Switch off and unplug power drill before changing the drill bit.

Electric Grinder

• Grinding wheel shall be guarded as completely as possible.
• Grinder shall be equipped with “dead man” switch that shut off the power when pressure is released.
• Switch off and unplug electric grinder before changing grinding disc.
• Always wear appropriate PPE such as safety glasses, goggles or face shields.

Electric Saws (Jig Saw Circular Saw)

• Electric saws shall be equipped with guards above and below the face plate.
• The lower guard shall be check frequently to be sure it operates freely and encloses the teeth completely when use.
• Switch off and unplug electric saws before changing the blade.
• At the beginning and end of the stroke or when teeth are exposed, the operator shall with due care to keep the body out of the line-of-cut.

Hazards:

• Ground pin on plug is missing on a three-wired grounded power tool frame.
• Cord has defects such as being frayed at any point between the equipment and the plug end.
• Power tool housing has a defect.
• Power tool is wet, if not designed for wet use.
• Controls and other functions for the power tools do not work properly.
• Guards do not work freely, are damaged or missing.
• Presence of flammable or combustible vapors where a standard electrical motor driven power tool is to be used.
• Power tools not unplugged or batteries not removed during tool changes.
• Flying particles, dust or noise created by power tool use.
• Loose clothing or long loose hair.

Safe procedures:

• Be familiar with the manufacturers recommended use, maintenance and storage information.
• Be sure you are trained and authorized to use the power tool.
• Inspect the power tool for defects before use; if defective do not use. Tag it out of service.
• Be sure the controls and other functions are working properly before use.
• Make sure guards are present and work properly.
• Use the power tool for its intended use.
• Standard electrical motor driven powered tools should not be used where there are flammable or combustible vapors present.
• Maintain, store and transport power tools in a manner to keep them clean and free from damage from impact, moisture or other risks.
• Use eye protection, hearing protection or respiratory protection based on the hazard created by the power tool’s use.
• Loose clothing should not be worn, and long hair should be secured to prevent injuries from entanglement in power tools.

Power Tools Safety Rules

• Use your tool only for the specific task it was designed to do.
• Read the owner's manual before using your tool.
• Never use any tool – power or manual – unless you are trained to do so.
• 
  Inspect before each use and replace or repair if parts are worn or damaged.
• Inspect screws, nuts, bolts and moveable parts to make sure they are tightened.
• Before plugging or unplugging tools, be sure power switch is turned to "OFF."
• Never disconnect power by pulling on the cord – remove the plug from the outlet.
• Never clean or repair a tool unless power is disconnected. (Repair tools only if you are trained to do so.)
• When working on ladders or scaffolding, rest power tools on a flat surface or in a bin secured to the ladder itself. ( A falling tool can seriously injure a coworker or bystander.)
• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter when working with power tools.
• Do not wear rings, jewellery, or loose clothing when operating power tools.
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as face shields or safety goggles.

To help prevent injury, follow these safety tips when using electrical power tools:

• Always use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter to protect against potentially hazardous ground faults.
• Before using any portable electrical tool, inspect the cord for the proper type. Ensure that the tool has either a three-wire cord with ground or is double insulated. Never use a plug that has its ground prong removed.
• Inspect the tool for frayed cords, loose or broken switches, and other obvious problems. Do not use tools that fail this. Remove from service and label "Do Not Use" until repaired.
• Be sure the outlet, extension cord, tools, and work area are clean and dry. Do not use electrical-powered tools in damp or wet locations.
• Verify that the tool is turned "off" before you plug it in or unplug it.
• Disconnect power tools while servicing or storing.
• Do not lower or carry a power tool by its cord

To protect yourself follow the following guidelines:

Safety Videos

• Familiarize yourself with the tool before using it.
• Always follow manufacturer’s instructions for operation and maintenance.
• Make it a habit to inspect the tool before using it and ensure that it is not in damaged condition.
• While using power tools, wear close fitting clothes and cover your hair, if it is long.
• Wear correct type of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses.
• If the power tool is fitted with a guard, never remove it.
• Never leave power tools unattended, if they are plugged in.
• Ensure that power tools are properly grounded and avoid using them in wet conditions.
• Never use any power tool that has cracks or defective wires as it could lead to fire or electrical shock.
• After use, clean and store the tools properly.

Conclusion:

• Be sure you are trained and authorized before using a power tool.
• Be sure the tool is in proper working order before use.
• Follow lockout/tagout procedures during tooling changes. 
• Wear proper personal protective equipment related to the power tools application of use

Hence Handle Power tools with care.

 

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