Portable Electrical Tool Safety

Overview

Portable Electrical Tool Safety should be managed through a planned system of work: identify the task-specific hazards, eliminate exposure where practical, use engineered or collective controls before relying on PPE, verify critical safeguards before starting, and stop the task when controls are missing or conditions change. This guide applies those principles specifically to inspection and safe use of portable electrical tools and leads.

Main Hazards

• • Damaged insulation, plugs or extension leads
• • Use in wet, conductive or damaged environments
• • Unexpected energization or start-up
• • Electric shock, arc or stored-energy release
• • Contact with moving or unguarded machine parts

Essential Controls

1. 1Inspect tool body, cable, plug and protective devices before use.
2. 2Keep electrical connections dry, protected and suitable for the environment and supply.
3. 3Identify every hazardous energy source before intervention.
4. 4Isolate, lock, release stored energy and verify a safe state before work.
5. 5Keep guards and protective devices in place unless an approved safe isolation requires removal.
6. 6Use competent persons and equipment suitable for the electrical or mechanical duty.

Related Guides