GENERAL

    Portable machine tools require special safety precautions while being used. These are in addition to those safety precautions described in Chapter 1.

PNEUMATIC AND ELECTRIC TOOL

SAFETY

Here are some safety precautions to follow:

• Never use electric equipment (such as drills, sanders, and saws) in wet or damp conditions.

• Properly ground all electric tools prior to use.

• Do not use electric tools near flammable liquids or gases.

• Inspect all pneumatic hose lines and connections prior to use.

• Keep constant watch on air pressure to stay within specified limits.

• Keep all equipment in proper working order, and use the equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Remove chuck keys from drills prior to use.

• Hold tools firmly and maintain good balance.

• Secure the work in a holding device, not in your hands.

• Wear eye protection while operating these machines.

• Ensure that all lock buttons or switches are off before plugging the machine tool into the power source.

• Never leave a portable pneumatic hammer with a chisel, star drill, rivet set, or other tool in its nozzle.

ELECTRIC EXTENSION CORDS

    Use the right wire gage for the length of the cord. As the length of the extension cord increases, heavier gage wire must be used. Lengthening extension cords by connecting several small gage cords together causes a serious drop in voltage. This results in the cord overheating. Extension cords that overheat will bum away the insulation, creating a potential electric shock hazard and fire hazard. See Table 3-1, Appendix A, for proper gage and length of extension cords.