Electrical Safety in the Workplace: Tools and Equipment

This section will cover information relating to:

Overview

The Need for Tools and Equipment

Tools and Equipment Involving Electricity

Overview

At an individual work site, the effectiveness of injury prevention activities often seems to be in direct relation to the percentage of employees who are actively and constructively working at making the work place safety program successful. While accidents are unplanned and unexpected events, it is important that the potential for accidents is realized as they do not occur without reason. Many workplace accidents can, in fact, be prevented. Accidents that relate to tools and equipment are an important and often preventable cause of accidents involving electricity. The grouping of accidents due to equipment, are protected against by having equipment manufactured to meet certain design standards. Different countries will have different infrastructures and organizations governing this type of equipment protection. Organizations such as the Canadian Standard Association (C.S.A.), the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) are examples of such standards specifications structures. Different areas can then adopt these standards and apply them to Provincial Acts and Regulations. Machinery is often fitted with protective devices such as alarms, guards, trips, etc. These protective devices are installed to protect both the equipment and the persons operating the equipment. These devices should be tested frequently and maintained to provide their degree of safety.

The Need for Tools and Equipment

Often, workers need different types of tools, equipment and machinery to complete their job tasks. Tools are implements or appliances for mechanical operations. Tools provide a means to an end. Conversely, equipment and machinery represent the various supplies and arrays needed to complete tasks. Often machinery combines the action of several parts to apply mechanical force. Tools, equipment and machinery are often necessary pieces for getting job tasks completed.

Every occupation has tools and equipment associated with that field of expertise. For some occupations, the tools of the trade are note pads, pens, papers, computers and binders, for others the tools are cooking utensils, bowls and colanders. For yet others, their tools are the hand tools and power tools that many people automatically associate with the word "tools." Regardless of your occupational area, there are tools that you will be using to complete the tasks associated with your job. The principles discussed in this section and in sections that follow outline the general principles regarding the tools of the workplace. These principles apply to all workplaces and all tools.

What follows are some important guidelines for using tools, equipment and machinery:

• Ensure that workers are properly trained in the safe use of the tools, equipment and/or machinery;
• Exercise caution when moving tools, equipment and/or machinery;
• Do not apply excessive force or pressure on tools, equipment and/or machinery;
• Use good quality tools, equipment and/or machinery;
• Select the right tools, equipment and/or machinery for the job. Do not use tools, equipment and/or machinery for jobs they are not intended to do. Substitutes increase the chance of having an accident;
• Maintain tools, equipment and/or machinery carefully. Keep them clean and dry, and store them properly after each use;
• Keep tools, equipment and/or machinery in good condition at all times. Inspect tools, equipment and/or machinery for defects before and after each use. Replace or repair defective pieces;
• Establish a procedure for the control of tools, equipment and/or machinery. There should be an established maintenance check procedure that documents the date of the inspection, the person who completed the inspection as well as the details of the inspection including the problems encountered and actions taken;
• Keep the work environment clean and tidy to avoid clutter which may cause accidents. Cluttered work areas are serious hazards. Do not leave tools lying about: pick them up;
• Regardless of the job you are doing, always be thinking about safety. Remember to always be aware of potential hazards.

Tools and Equipment Involving Electricity

With power tools, equipment and/or machinery there is always the inherent danger of electric shock. A shock occurs if an electric current finds a path through the body. Never become part of the circuit. The intensity of the shock depends upon how much current passes through the body. The amount of current depends not only upon the voltage of the electrical system, but also on how well the body acts as a conductor to carry the current into the ground. Electricity will always follow the easiest path into the ground. Therefore, if electrical tools, equipment and/or machinery come into contact with live parts, the current will try to pass through the body into the ground. If the body is in contact with moisture, or with metal attached to the ground, the current will be extremely heavy and the 110-120 volt current ordinarily used can cause death. Remember that even the moisture of sweat can conduct electricity. It is important to keep something nearby to periodically wipe your hands. On safely designed electrical tools, equipment and/or machinery, a third wire provides a safe path for the current to flow into the ground if there is a short circuit. The third wire should never be removed and power tools should always be used in a grounded outlet. When using power tools, equipment and/or machinery, all safety regulations should carefully be observed because accidents happen all too frequently, especially if some tools are used beyond their rated capacity.

Here are some additional considerations and preventive measures to keep in mind when using tools and equipment involving electricity:

• Be sure that the power cord is properly grounded.
• Never cut the ground prong from a plug.
• Use the proper size electrical cord.
• Do not use frayed or damaged cords.
• Stand on dry, non-conductive surfaces.
• Inspect tools, equipment and/or machinery, power cords, and electrical fittings for damage prior to each use.
• Be watchful of gloves or loose clothing while using power tools, equipment and/or machinery.
• Switch tools, equipment and/or machinery OFF before connecting them to a power supply.
• Disconnect power supply before making any necessary adjustments.
• Ensure tools, equipment and/or machinery are properly grounded or double-insulated. The grounded pieces must have an approved three wire cord with a three-prong plug. This plug should be plugged in a properly grounded three wire outlet
• Do not bypass the switch and operate the tools by connecting and disconnecting the power cord.
• Do not use electric tools, equipment and/or machinery in wet conditions or damp locations unless the tool is connected to a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
• Do not clean tools, equipment and/or machinery with flammable or toxic solvents.
• Do not operate tools, equipment and/or machinery in an area with explosive vapors or gases.
• Keep power cords clear of tools, equipment and/or machinery during use.
• Suspend power cords over aisles or work areas to eliminate stumbling or tripping hazards.
• Replace open front plugs with dead front plugs. Dead front plugs are sealed and present less danger of shock or short circuit.
• Do not carry electrical tools, equipment and/or machinery by the power cord.
• Do not tie power cords in knots. Knots can cause short circuits and shocks. Loop the cords or use a twist lock plug.
• Check power cords and plugs daily. Discard if worn or damaged. Have any cord that feels more than comfortably warm checked by an electrician
• Do not plug several power cords into one outlet.
• Do not disconnect the power supply by pulling or jerking the cord from the outlet. Pulling the cord causes wear and may cause a shock.
• Replace broken three-prong plugs and make sure the third prong is properly grounded.
• Use extension cords to temporarily supply power to an area that does not have a power outlet.
• Keep power cords away from heat, water, and oil which can damage the insulation.
• Do not allow vehicles to pass over unprotected power cords: cords should be put in a conduit or be protected by placing planks alongside them.
• All power tools, equipment and/or machinery will be C.S.A. approved and workers must be trained in their proper use.

One of the things that you will often hear is the recommendation "...not to turn electrical equipment on and off using the plug and to use the switch instead." The reason for this is that the switch is designed to break the amount of current that flows through the appliance it is connected to. Pulling the plug will cause more arcing and can damage both the plug and the receptacle. It also causes extra 'wear and tear' on cords and plugs.

Reminder

There are many different types of tools, equipment and machinery that you will find yourself using at the workplace. The area in which you are working and the position you are filling will largely determine the scope of tools, equipment and machinery with which you come into contact. It is essential that you take action to learn about, be oriented and trained with regards to the tools and equipment you will be using in the workplace.

Something to think about with regards to work: "The more I want to get something done, the less I call it work." ~ Richard Bach (born 1936) US novelist, author

Introduction Planning for Safety The Environment Tools and Equipment

Control Measures Personal Control A MSDS for Electricity Additional Resources Finishing the Course

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