502 - Portable Electric Tools
- All power tools shall be inspected before use to ensure serviceability and the presence of all safety devices.
- Worn or damaged power tool cords or extension cords shall not be used.
- Extension cords shall be routed in a manner that will not create tripping hazards, tool handling problems, or damage to the cord itself.
- Power tools shall be used only within their design capability and in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions.
- Extension cords shall not be fastened by staples, hung from nails, or suspended by wire.
- Portable hand lamps or temporary lighting used in wet locations or closed vessels, such as drums, tanks, and feedwater heaters, shall be operated at 12 V or less or operated using GFCI protection.
- Hand lamps shall be equipped with a substantial guard over the bulb and a ground attached to the handle. Metallic guards shall be grounded by means of an equipment ground conductor run within the power supply cord.
- GFCIs shall be used for all 120 VAC grounded and double-insulated hand tools.
- Requirements for the use of GFCIs shall apply whether powering directly or by means of extension cords from permanent receptacle outlets or temporary power supplies.
- When using a GFCI, plug the GFCI into the outlet or as close to the power source as possible and then plug in the tool. When an extension cord is required, plug the GFCI in first, plug the extension cord into the GFCI, and then plug the tool into the extension cord.
- GFCIs shall only be reset once. After a second trip, the GFCI and the portable equipment plugged into the GFCI must be checked by a qualified electrician.
- A portable electric hand tool is generally
considered to be one in which the user physically holds a tool containing a
motor in his/her hands during operation, or one in which the part of the tool
the user holds is metal and there is potential electrical conductive path from
the tool moto, such as side grinder, portable drill, metal vacuum cleaner with
metal hose and handle, or metal radiation hand monitor.
NOTE: Portable test equipment is not considered to be a portable hand-held tool, provided the equipment does not have a potential current path from the power source to the employee using the equipment. - Welding machines do not require a GFCI.
- Portable 120 VAC electric hand tools using a welding machine as a power source shall be protected by a GFCI as required above.