SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR USE WITH PORTABLE ELECTRICAL TOOLS

few seconds in each direction to be sure that the wrench and its reversible features are functioning correctly. When you are sure the wrench operates properly, place the suitable equipment on the impact driving anvil and go ahead with the job at hand. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR USE WITH PORTABLE ELECTRICAL TOOLS When portable electric tools are used, you should use the following procedures: � Before portable electrical tools are used they must be inspected and approved for shipboard use by the ship’s electrical safety officer. � Prior to the use of any portable electric tools, you should make sure the tools have a current ship’s inspection mark. Additionally, visually examine the attached cable with the plug and any extension cords for cracks, breaks, or exposed conductors and damaged plugs. When any defects are noted, the tools should be turned in to the ship’s electrical shop for repair before use. Before plugging in any tool, be sure the tool is turned off. � Personnel using portable electric tools are required to wear safety glasses/goggles. � Portable electric tools producing hazardous noise levels in excess of the limits set forth in OPNAVINST 5100.19 (Series) are required to be conspicuously labeled. Personnel using tools designated as producing hazardous noise levels are required to wear proper ear protection, as issued by the medical department. � Only explosion-proof (class I, group D, or better) portable electric tools should be used where flammable vapors, gases, liquids, or exposed explosives are present. � Hand-held portable electric tools authorized for use on board ship shall be equipped with ON/OFF switches, which must be manually held in the closed ON position to maintain operation. � Rubber gloves must be worn when you are using portable electric tools under hazardous conditions; for example, wet decks, bilge areas, working over the side, in boats, and so forth. � Leather glove shells should be worn over rubber gloves when the work being done, such as sheet metal work, could damage the rubber gloves. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR USE WITH EXTENSION CORDS You should use the following procedures when using extension cords: � Only three-wire extension cords that have three-pronged plugs and three-slot receptacles should be used. � Because a metal hull ship is a hazardous location, personnel who must use portable electric devices connected to extension cords should take the time to plug the device into the extension cord before the extension cord is inserted into a live bulkhead receptacle. Likewise, the extension cord should be unplugged from the bulkhead receptacle before the device is unplugged from the extension cord. � Electrical cords shall be cared for as follows: – Cords should not be allowed to come in contact with sharp objects. The y should not be allowed to kink nor should they be left where they might be damaged by vehicle/foot traffic. When it is necessary to run electrical leads through doors and hatches, the cords must be protected to guard against accidental closing of the doors/hatches. – Cords must not come in contact with oil, grease, hot surfaces, or chemicals. – Damaged cords must be replaced. They are not to be patched with tape. – Cords must be stored in a clean, dry place where the they can be loosely coiled. – Cords extending through walkways should be elevated so they do not become a tripping hazard or interfere with safe passage. – Extension cords should be no longer than 25 feet (except repair locker and CV flight deck cords, which are 100 feet long). No more than two such cords should be connected together for the operation of portable equipment. 1-39