safety issues
Each user is responsible for the safe condition of tools and test equipment before usage. Learn how to use hand and power tools properly.
Hand tools used with electronics circuits involve a variety of nonpowered tools such as diagonal cutters, hammers, reamers, screwdrivers, wrenches, and several types of pliers (Figure 8-7). Hand tools may seem harmless, but they are the cause of many injuries.
The following is a list of safe practices related to hand tools:
● Most common hazards associated with the use of hand tools are misuse and improper maintenance.
● Misuse occurs when a hand tool is used for some- thing other than its intended purpose.
● Improper maintenance allows hand tools to deteriorate into an unsafe condition.
● Specially designed tools may be needed in hazardous environments.
● The type of personal protective equipment needed when using a hand tool depends on the nature of the task. At all times, eye protection must be worn.
● The use of hand protection may also be appropriate to provide protection against cuts, abrasion, and repeated impact. Hand protection should include vinyl gloves when acids and other solvents are used.
When working with hand and power tools, always wear proper clothing. Do not wear loose clothing or dangling objects, and tie back long hair when operating power tools. Check the appropriate tool manuals for proper operation.
The following is a list of safe practices related to power tools.
● Always wear eye protection and hearing protection when working with power tools.
● Never carry portable tools by the cord, use the power cord to raise or lower a tool, or yank the power cord to disconnect it.
● Disconnect tools when changing accessories, be- fore servicing and cleaning, and when not in use.
● Never hold the switch button engaged when carry- ing a tool that is plugged in.
● Keep everyone not involved with the work away from the workspace.
● Fasten work with clamps or place it in a vise, to free both hands to operate tools.
● Always keep all tools sharp and clean.
● To protect against electrical shock, all tools must have a three-wire cord plugged into a grounded receptacle and must be double insulated.
● Never remove a guard from a tool or use the tool without a guard.
● Never adjust a tool when it is running.
● Machine guards protect the operator and others from the point of operation, rotating parts, and flying chips and sparks.
The following is a list of safe practices when work- ing on electrical and electronic circuits.
1. Do not work on any circuits or equipment unless the power is secured.
2. Work only in clean, dry areas. The resistance of the skin is lower in a damp or wet environment, increasing the chance of electrical shock.
3. Do not wear loose or flapping clothing. Not only may it get caught, but it might also serve as a path for the conduction of electricity.
4. Wear only nonconductive shoes. This reduces the chance of electrical shock.
5. Remove all rings, wristwatches, bracelets, ID chains and tags, and similar metal items. Metal can act as a conductor, heat up, and cause a bad burn or short out a circuit.
6. Do not use bare hands to remove hot parts.
7. Use a shorting stick to remove high-voltage charges on capacitors. The shorting stick can be a commercial unit or a screwdriver with a clip attached to it. Capacitors and CRTs (cathode-ray tubes) can hold a charge for long periods of time.
8. Make certain that the equipment being used is properly grounded with three-prong or polarized plugs. Ground all test equipment and all equipment and electronic circuits being tested and repaired.
9. Remove power to a circuit before connecting al- ligator clips. Handling uninsulated alligator clips could cause potential shock hazards.
10. When measuring voltages over 300 volts, do not hold the test prods. This eliminates the possibility of shock from leakage on the probes.
safety is everyone’s responsibility. It is the job of everybody in and out of class to exercise proper pre- cautions to ensure that no one is injured and no equipment is damaged.
Questions
1. Who is responsible for safety in the workspace?
2. When do accidents occur with hand tools?
3. What must be worn at all times when using hand and power tools?
4. How should power tools never be carried?
Why should nonconductive shoes be worn when using power tools?