Portable Electrical Tools and Equipment

DOE-HDBK-1092-2004

Figure 8-1 An assured equipment grounding program may be used

if approved by authority having jurisdiction.

8.3

PORTABLE ELECTRICAL TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

The EPM program should include the essential ingredients of Chapter 19 of NFPA 70B,

Portable Electrical Tools and Equipment, and ANSI/UL 45, Portable Electric Tools. This includes

employee training, maintenance, cord and attachment plug care, extension cords, major

overhauls, and leakage current testing.

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.

8-5