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.
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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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