effects of electric shock: First, apply several layers of approved rubber insulating tape on the metallic handle. Next, apply a layer or two of friction tape over the insulating tape, Friction tape when used alone does not provide adequate protection from electrical shock. It should be used only for griping purposes and to protect the insulating tape. For other instructions on the safe use of handtools, consult  Tools and Their Uses, N A V P E RS 10085-B. Portable Electric Power Tools Portable electric power tools should be clean, properly oiled, and in good repair. Before they are  used,  inspect  them  to  see  that  they  are properly grounded. The newer, double-insulated, plastic framed tools do NOT have ground wires and have only a 2-prong plug. If a tool is equipped with a 3-prong plug, it should be plugged into a 3-hole electrical receptacle. Never remove the third prong. Make absolutely sure the tool is equipped with a properly grounded conductor. If the tool has a metal case, be sure to ground it according to chapter 300 of NSTM. Observe safety precautions and wear rubber gloves when plugging tools into any 110-volt circuits or operating any portable electric equipment under particularly hazardous conditions. Also observe safety precautions and wear rubber gloves in environments such as wet decks or bilge areas or when working over the side in rafts or small boats. Before issue, any portable electrical equip- ment, with  its  associated  extension  cords connected, should be tested for resistance from the equipment housing to the ship’s structure (the  resistance  must  be  less  than  1  ohm). Equipment should be tested with an approved tool  tester  or  plugged  into  a  dummy  (or deenergized)  receptacle  and  tested  with  an ohmmeter. The cable should be moved or worked with a bending or twisting motion. A change in  resistance  will  indicate  broken  strands  in the grounding conductor. If this is found, the cable must be replaced. At the discretion of  the  commanding  officer,  a  list  may  be established of portable equipment requiring testing more or less often than once a month. When the planned maintenance system is installed, tests should be conducted based on the maintenance requirement cards. When using portable electric power took, you should take the following precautions: • Inspect the tool cord and plug before using the tool. Do NOT use the tool if its cord is frayed or its plug is damaged or broken. Do NOT use spliced cables except in an emergency that warrants the risk involved. • Before using the tool, lay all portable cables so that you and others cannot trip over them. The length of extension cords used with portable tools should not exceed 25 feet. Ex- tension cords up to 100 feet are authorized on flight and hangar decks. Extension cords up to 100 feet are also found in damage control lockers, but are labeled for Emergency Use Only. • Do not use jury-rigged extension cords that have metal “handy boxes” for receptacle ends of the cord. All extension cords must have non- conductive plugs and receptacle housings. • Connect the tool cord into the extension cord  (when  required)  before  inserting  the extension cord into a live receptacle. • After  using  the  tool,  first  unplug  the extension cord (if any) from the live receptacle before unplugging the tool cord from the exten- sion cord. Do not unplug the cords by yanking on them. • Stow the tool in its assigned place after you are through using it. SUMMARY The Navy’s safety programs strive to maintain safe and healthy working environments. The keys to successful mishap prevention are a safety- minded supervisor and a comprehensive training program. Safety inspections are an important tool for maintaining mishap-free working conditions. Some of the Navy’s major safety programs are the Hearing and Sight Conservation Programs, Respiratory  Protection  Program,  Heat  Stress Program, Electrical Safety Program, Foot and Head Protection Program, and Toxic Material and Electromagnetic Radiation Hazard Programs. As a supervisor, you should be familiar with these and other safety-related programs. Personnel safety includes an awareness of the possibility of chemical warfare and its associated countermeasures. 6-24