TOOLBOX TALK 58/60
TOPIC: PORTABLE ELECTRICAL TOOLS – PART 1 OF 2
OBJECTIVE: TO ENSURE THE SAFE USE OF PORTABLE ELECTRICAL TOOLS

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Some things to know before you give your talk.

• How many times have you heard these words spoken about power tools? “It’s only a small power tool – it can’t hurt me.”
• There are many accidents reports that show that a 220-volt shock can be fatal.
• It’s not the voltage that will get you; it’s the amperage or current.

Explain to your crew how they are protected from electrical faults. Tell them about:

• Third (earth) wire (complete with earthing prong) on the outlets and extension cords.
• This provides a low-resistance path to ground. Should they come in contact with a fault in the cord or tool, the current will take the path of least resistance: going to the ground through the third wire rather than through their body.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI).
• This device measures current on the hot wire and the neutral wire – they should be the same. If they are not, that means that the current is leaking. In that case, the GFCI will trip when it senses a difference as little as 5mAA (milli amperes).
• Nuisance tripping of a GFCI can be corrected with some simple investigation. If a long extension cord is used, insert a portable GFCI at the working end. Look at all connections, are any wet or in water? Test the tool, it may have a fault in it. Test the GFCI, they can also break. But don’t bypass it!

Assured Grounding/Earthing System This requires frequent checking and color coding of all tool and cords. Normally done on a job by the person appointed to do so. If used on your job, you should explain the operation in detail. You should also remind them to check the casing on their double insulated tools, if that is what they use, since any crack can cause a shock. Working with electricity in wet conditions is dangerous because water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Electric tools should not be used in the rain or allowed to become wet by being splashed or dropped into water. If someone is using a tool and feels a tingle, tell them to have it checked out. This could be their only warning! Don’t be reactive, get proactive with HSEC Online®