Electrical Power Tools Safety

Electricity typically travels in a carefully directed closed-system. Electrical shock can occur when the body becomes part of this system, or creates a new system path. The actual damage from shock is from current flow (amperes). As little as 50 milliamperes (or 1/20th of an ampere) can cause electrocution. The danger is multiplied by the amount of time (duration) that the shock is applied through the body. A lower voltage of say, a 120 volt household current can cause severe shock or death in as little as 3 or 4 seconds duration. Higher voltages at less duration can cause the same amount of current flow and damage

Shock normally occurs in one of three methods:

Touching both wires of an electrical circuit.

Touching one (hot) wire of an electrical circuit and the ground.

Touching a metallic part that has become energized and the ground.

The last method can be the least-expected type of shock related injury. If the insulation of the electrical parts or wiring inside a tool becomes deteriorated or damaged, electricity can be allowed to flow along the metal parts and body of the tool. This is why "grounding" is so important.

Electrical circuits from utilities have one or more "hot" conductors which have electrical energy, and a neutral or "grounded" conductor. This grounded conductor is the normal path electricity takes back to the utility. If this pathway is interrupted by a person, current can then flow through the person, causing shock. To help prevent this, electrical circuits have an equipment ground, or "grounding" conductor. This is a second, redundant ground path (to be used in cases of equipment defects) which is bonded electrically to the non-current-carrying metal parts of a tool.

By having all metallic parts of tools bonded to a grounding conductor, this conductor- and not the worker can safely carry away any electrical current in the case of a tool's malfunction. When a tool is properly grounded, current through the body is either eliminated, or greatly reduced. This is why OSHA requires either the use of GFCI receptacles, or all tools and extension cords periodically checked for ground continuity.

The GFCI receptacle is especially useful since it will (even without a good ground) sense more amperes flowing out from the power source than back from the tool. Any imbalance greater than 5 millamperes (significantly less than a shock hazard) will cause the receptacle to shut off- usually within 1/40th of a second. If a GFCI receptacle shuts off, the worker can then find the cause of the electrical problem.

Because of the hazards associated with electrical powered tools, care must be taken to examine daily the visible condition of tool and extension cords, especially the cord ends for any damage or defects. Tools should be checked out when returned to the shop before reissuing back out to the workplace.

OSHA has five overall recommendations for electrical tools safety.

Maintain tools in good condition.

Use the correct tool for the job.

Examine each tool for damage before use.

Operate tools according to manufacturer's instructions.

Use adequate personal protective equipment.

This is part one of a two part series on Electrical Power Tool Safety.

Disaster Survival Kits Will Save Lives

Disasters are most likely to happen anytime, anywhere. With the kind of weather the world has right now, things can go full swing in brewing possible disasters. Take for instance, the winter season. Blizzards frequently occur up in the Northern portion of the country while the coastal regions are looking into the threats of hurricanes.

During summer, the heat elevates to more than a hundred degrees that spell heat exhaustion to deadly heat strokes. If you think spring is too nice, the season can also bring dangerous thunderstorms. Natural calamities, like earthquakes and tsunamis, must also be considered all year through.

With all these probable unwanted scenarios, disaster bureaus hammer up on their duties to constantly advise people to prepare emergency kits. While the local officials and relief operators get to work on the scene where disaster strikes, they cannot immediately address the needs of the majority all at the same time, depending on the severity of the situation and condition in a hit area. Therefore, it becomes a person's responsibility to bring immediate relief upon himself/herself, if this is still physically possible, while awaiting help.

Preparing an emergency kit for the family can bring instant attention or cure in case a family member gets injured at some point during disasters. It pays to be prepared so any big disaster will not catch you off guard. A disaster kit is actually easy to prepare. You just need to sit down and take time out to prepare one.

First, make a checklist of the things you might need when that bad day comes around. Gather the supplies you have identified and put them in a place where you can easily see and reach them.

Make sure you include these six essentials in your disaster kit: first aid materials, clothing, water, food, tools, and bedding. Just think of other stuff related to these things that can be helpful to you. First aid kits should include sterile gauze and pads, aspirins, antacids, scissors, and wet tissues.

Prepare water that will last up to three days in case power and water lines are badly severed. This is about a gallon per person.

For food, have canned goods ready enough that can sustain your family for the next three days. Non-perishable foods are best to have since power outage can take time to reconnect.

If you have a baby, do not forget the diapers and infant formula. If you have a family member who has a particular illness, do not forget to include his or her medicine in your kit.

Other tools you might need are utility knife, signal flares, flashlights, and waterproof matches. Include stuff for personal hygiene as well.

By being able to prepare an emergency kit before any disaster strikes, you are already keeping your family safe.