Inspection and Maintenance

DOE-HDBK-1092-98

8.3.1 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

Portable electric tools and equipment such as cords, plugs, and GFCIs should be inspected before use

by both the issuer and the user for signs of chaffing, cracking, wear, or other forms of faulty

insulation; evidence of a faulty grounding conductor, cracked plug, or receptacle housing; bent or

missing plug or connector prongs; dead front plugs, receptacle, or connectors; a missing, bent, or

otherwise abused switch; or an improperly functioning trigger lock (dead-man's switch). While in

use, tools and equipment should be observed for proper operation, including any signs of overheating

or excessive sparking. Portable electric tools, equipment, and GFCIs should be inspected or trip

tested by the user each day before use. Signs of a defect shall require the return of the device for repair.

8.3.2 CONDITIONS OF USE

Portable electric tools, equipment, and GFCIs shall not be used in hazardous locations unless marked

to indicate suitability for such use.

Portable electric tools and equipment shall not be handled or suspended by their cords. Tools and

equipment shall be used only for their intended purpose, and when guards are required, such guards

shall be in place and functional.

Tools and equipment shall be grounded via the case, double-insulated, specially approved low

voltage types, or self-contained, battery-operated. (See NEC Section 250-45).

Tools and equipment used in damp areas should be approved for such use. Generally, electrical tools

are not approved for use in wet or damp areas without other means of protection.

8.3.3 USE OF EXTENSION CORDS

Use of extension cords should be minimized. Such cords shall be suitable for the intended use, such

as waterproof connectors for wet or damp areas, and are subject to the same conditions as the tool

or equipment cord.

For the conditions of use pertaining to flexible cords, refer to NEC Sections 240-4, 400-7, 400-8, Ex.

3, and 29 CFR 1926.405(g).

Extension cords should be visually inspected before each use.

Extension cord sets used on construction sites and used with portable metal electric tools and

appliances shall be of three-wire type and shall be designed for hard or extra-hard usage. Flexible

cords used with temporary and portable lights shall be designed for hard or extra-hard use. OSHA

recognizes hard-service cord (types S, ST, SO, and STO) and junior-hard service cord (types SJ, SJO,

SJT, and SJTO) as suitable for extra-hard and hard use.

Note: Extension cords approved for outdoor use may be identified by "outdoor" or "W-A" on the

jacket.

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