effects of electric shock: First, apply several layersof approved rubber insulating tape on the metallichandle. Next, apply a layer or two of friction tapeover the insulating tape, Friction tape when usedalone does not provide adequate protection fromelectrical shock. It should be used only for gripingpurposes and to protect the insulating tape. Forother instructions on the safe use of handtools,consult Tools and Their Uses, N A V P E RS10085-B.Portable Electric Power ToolsPortable electric power tools should be clean,properly oiled, and in good repair. Before theyare used, inspect them to see that they areproperly grounded. The newer, double-insulated,plastic framed tools do NOT have ground wiresand have only a 2-prong plug.If a tool is equipped with a 3-prong plug, itshould be plugged into a 3-hole electricalreceptacle. Never remove the third prong. Makeabsolutely sure the tool is equipped with aproperly grounded conductor. If the tool has ametal case, be sure to ground it according tochapter 300 of NSTM. Observe safety precautionsand wear rubber gloves when plugging tools intoany 110-volt circuits or operating any portableelectric equipment under particularly hazardousconditions. Also observe safety precautions andwear rubber gloves in environments such as wetdecks or bilge areas or when working over the sidein rafts or small boats.Before issue, any portable electrical equip-ment,with its associated extension cordsconnected, should be tested for resistance fromthe equipment housing to the ship’s structure(the resistance must be less than 1 ohm).Equipment should be tested with an approvedtool tester or plugged into a dummy (ordeenergized) receptacle and tested with anohmmeter. The cable should be moved or workedwith a bending or twisting motion. A changein resistance will indicate broken strands inthe grounding conductor. If this is found,the cable must be replaced. At the discretionof the commanding officer, a list may beestablished of portable equipment requiringtesting more or less often than once a month.When the planned maintenance system isinstalled, tests should be conducted based onthe maintenance requirement cards.When using portable electric power took, youshould take the following precautions:• Inspect the tool cord and plug beforeusing the tool. Do NOT use the tool if its cordis frayed or its plug is damaged or broken. DoNOT use spliced cables except in an emergencythat warrants the risk involved.• Before using the tool, lay all portablecables so that you and others cannot trip overthem. The length of extension cords used withportable tools should not exceed 25 feet. Ex-tension cords up to 100 feet are authorized onflight and hangar decks. Extension cords up to100 feet are also found in damage control lockers,but are labeled for Emergency Use Only.• Do not use jury-rigged extension cords thathave metal “handy boxes” for receptacle ends ofthe cord. All extension cords must have non-conductive plugs and receptacle housings.• Connect the tool cord into the extensioncord (when required) before inserting theextension cord into a live receptacle.• After using the tool, first unplug theextension cord (if any) from the live receptaclebefore unplugging the tool cord from the exten-sion cord. Do not unplug the cords by yankingon them.• Stow the tool in its assigned place after youare through using it.SUMMARYThe Navy’s safety programs strive to maintainsafe and healthy working environments. The keysto successful mishap prevention are a safety-minded supervisor and a comprehensive trainingprogram. Safety inspections are an important toolfor maintaining mishap-free working conditions.Some of the Navy’s major safety programs arethe Hearing and Sight Conservation Programs,Respiratory Protection Program, Heat StressProgram, Electrical Safety Program, Foot andHead Protection Program, and Toxic Materialand Electromagnetic Radiation Hazard Programs.As a supervisor, you should be familiar with theseand other safety-related programs.Personnel safety includes an awareness of thepossibility of chemical warfare and its associatedcountermeasures.6-24
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