Employees using electric tools must be aware of several
dangers; the most serious is the possibility of electrocution.
Among the chief hazards of electric-powered tools are burns
and slight shocks which can lead to injuries or even heart failure. Under
certain conditions, even a small amount of current can result in fibrillation
of the heart and eventual death. A shock also can cause the user to fall off a
ladder or other elevated work surface.
To protect the user from shock, tools must either have a
three-wire cord with ground and be grounded, be double insulated, or be powered
by a low-voltage isolation transformer. Three-wire cords contain two
current-carrying conductors and a grounding conductor. One end of the grounding
conductor connects to the tool's metal housing. The other end is grounded
through a prong on the plug. Anytime an adapter is used to accommodate a
two-hole receptacle, the adapter wire must be attached to a known ground. The
third prong should never be removed from the plug.
Double insulation is more convenient. The user and the tools
are protected in two ways: by normal insulation on the wires inside, and by a
housing that cannot conduct electricity to the operator in the event of a
malfunction.
These general practices should be followed when using
electric tools:
Electric tools should be operated within their design
limitations.
Gloves and safety footwear are recommended during use of
electric tools.
When not in use, tools should be stored in a dry place.
Electric tools should not be used in damp or wet locations.
Work areas should be well lighted.
hand tool electric
This worker was shocked by a tool he was holding. The
entrance wound and thermal burns from the overheated tool are apparent.
Hand tool electric
Same hand a few days later, when massive subcutaneous tissue
damage had caused severe swelling (swelling usually peaks 24-72 hours after
electrical shock). To relieve pressure which would have damaged nerves and
blood vessels, the skin on the arm was cut open.
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