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 R S
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.
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