Portable Electric Tools

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SAFETY TALK

PORTABLE ELECTRIC TOOLS

People using electric tools must be aware of several dangers. Among them most serious hazards are electrical shocks, burns and falls. Electric shocks can cause various injuries, which are explained in another chapter. It also can cause the user to fall off a ladder or other elevated work surface and be injured due to fall.

1. Before using a portable electric tool check to see it is properly earthed unless it is an approved type that does not require ear thing.
2. Before using an electric tool, make sure that the casing is undamaged. If it is damaged, do not use the tool.
3. Make sure that all cables, plugs, or connectors are sound and properly wired up.
4. Use tools only on the correct power supply as instructed on the maker’s label. Only 110-volt tools are permitted on site.
5. Make sure that the power cable is long enough to reach your working place without straining it.
6. Keep power cables off the floor. They may get damaged or trip somebody.
7. Never stand on a damp or wet surface when using electrical equipment and keep equipment clean and dry.
8. Portable electric tools should only be used for their designed purpose.
9. Never connect a portable electric tool to a lighting socket.
10. Never use worn, blunt or damaged bits or other accessories.
11. Disconnect tools when not in use.
12. Electric power tools must be regularly inspected and maintained by a competent electrician every three months.

Safe Use Of Powered Hand Drills

Powered hand drills can save workers a lot of time on the job, but caution is called for to avoid serious injuries.

• Wear proper eye and hearing protection.
• Keep drill vents clear to maintain adequate drill ventilation.
• Keep drill bits sharp at all times.
• Keep electrical cords clear of the drilling area. Secure the material being drilled to prevent movement.
• Slow the rate of feed before breaking through the surface.
• Drill a small pilot hole before drilling large holes.
• Disconnect the power supply before changing or adjusting the drill bit or other attachments. Remove the chuck key before connecting the drill to the power supply.
• Do not use a bent or damaged drill bit.
• Do not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended maximum drilling capacities.
• Do not use high speed steel bits without cooling or lubrication.
• Do not reach under or around material being drilled.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
• Do not drill with one hand while holding the material with the other.
• Regular inspection and tagging should be done & Inspect before each use.
• Do not use cotton hand gloves for drilling activity.

Portable Electric Tools

• Portable electric tools shall be of 110 volts supply when ever possible, 240 volt tools maybe used only if 110 volt equipment is not available.
• Portable electric tools should be double insulated. Double insulated tools all have plastic housings.Any single insulated tool must have a dedicated ground.. Single insulated tools have metal housings.
• Damage or defective tools must be taken out of service immediately and returned to the electrical shop for repair, all tools to be checked at regular intervals by competent electrician.A new colour code should be introduced on regular bases according to the project coding system.
• Cable plugs must be intact and not altered in any manner. Placing bare wire into an outlet is strictly prohibited.
• Cables must be kept clear from stairways, platforms, walkways, etc., where a tripping hazard may occur, make sure that you will keep electric tools and cables away from water.
• All guards supplied by the manufacturer must be in use with all tools. 
• Temporary lighting systems must have all lamps protected with strong wire guards.

Hazards of power tools

To prevent hazards associated with the use of power tools, workers should observe the following general precautions.

• Use power tools having three wire system with ground, double insulated, or low voltage/ battery powered. Make sure of ground continuity for three wire cords.
• Never carry an electric tool by the cord.
• Never pull the cord to disconnect it from the receptacle.
• Keep cords away from heat, water, oil and sharp edges.
• Disconnect tools when not using them, before servicing and cleaning, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits, and cutters.
• Keep all people not involved with the work at a safe distance from the work area.
• Secure work with clamps or a wise .Use both hands to operate a power tool.
• Avoid accidental starting. Do not hold fingers on the switch button while carrying a plugged in tool.
• Maintain tools with care: Keep them sharp and clean for best performance.
• Follow instructions in the users manual for lubricating and changing accessories.
• Be sure to keep good footing and maintain balance when operating power tools.
• Use proper PPE’s for the task. Loose clothing or jewelry can become caught in moving parts.
• Remove all damaged portable electric tools from use and tag them “Do not use”
• Do not use electric tools in damp or wet locations.
• Keep work areas well lighted when operating electric tools.
• Ensure that cords and extensions do not present a tripping hazard. 

Use of Cartridge Operated Tools

Cartridge tools are dangerous, particularly in the wrong hands. So ensure safe usage of machine with following points :

• Always load with barrel pointing in safe direction (away from you and not at anyone else).
• Never walk around on site with a loaded tool/gun.
• Never place your hand over the end of the barrel.
• Ensure cartridges are suitable for material being fired into (not too powerful) – consider a test fire.
• Beware of voids in material being fired into and allow at least 75mm (3”) from edges of concrete or brickwork.
• Always hold gun/tool at right angles to material being fired into – ensure splinter guard is resting on surface.
• Always wear suitable PPE (eye protection and ear defenders as a minimum).
• In the event of a misfire, wait one minute and try again. If still a misfire, then wait a further minute prior to unloading.
• Keep guns/tools well maintained and clean – never leave a gun loaded.
• Cartridges are explosives and must be strictly controlled (kept under lock and key,
• restrict issue, account for fired cartridges and ensure unfired cartridges are returned).

On Site Safety

• Cartridge operated tools, including rivet guns, should only be used by properly trained persons (those issued with a certificate of authority).
• Read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions prior to use and comply with them at all times.
• Before handling a gun and before putting it away, ensure it is not loaded.

DRILLING MACHINES

1. Do not hold work pieces by hand. Always use a clamp, vice, or jig.
2. Do not remove chips and swarf with your hands. Use a brush or wooden stick.
3. Use the guard provided.
4. If the drill is fitted with a tripping device, make sure that the end of the trip is set as low as possible, and is operational before starting work.
5. Keep cleaning rags and cotton waste away from the revolving drill, it may catch and fly around.
6. Always make sure that the chuck keys and drifts are removed before starting the drill.
7. If the work comes loose, stop the drill, and tighten the holder.
8. Do not talk to others while using the drill.
9. When adjusting the drill height, keep well away from the hand-feed lever.
10. Avoid drill breakage by easing off the feed while breaking through.
11. Support thin material.
12. Only use sharp, properly ground drills.

 

Wear eye protection when drilling.

 REPORT ALL DEFECTS IMMEDIATELY