Power Tools - Engineering

 1BLOG POST LAYOUT FOR MAINS POWERED TOOLS 

SAFE USE OF  MAINS POWERED TOOLS AND EXTENSION CORDS 

Describe/ Explain what is a mains powered power tool

• A power tool is a tool that is actuated by an additional power source and mechanism other than the solely manual labor used with hand tools. The most common types of power tools use electric motors. Internal combustion engines and compressed air are also commonly used. Other power sources include steam engines, direct burning of fuels and propellants, such as in powder-actuated tools, or even natural power sources such as wind or moving water. Tools directly driven by animal power are not generally considered power tools.

Where are you likely to use it?

• Power tools are used in industry, in construction, in the garden, for housework tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and around the house for purposes of driving (fasteners), drilling, cutting, shaping, sanding, grinding, routing, polishing, painting, heating and more.

Give 3 examples of a mains power tool you may have already used. 

Scroll Saw

Describe/explain the task you used it for.

Scroll Saw - I used the scroll saw when we were making a wooden sundial.

General safety around electricity. 

What to look for….

• Inspect portable cord-and-plug connected equipment, extension cords, power bars, and electrical fittings for damage or wear before each use. Repair or replace damaged equipment immediately.

• Always tape extension cords to walls or floors when necessary. Do not use nails and staples because they can damage extension cords and cause fire and shocks.

• Use extension cords or equipment that is rated for the level of amperage or wattage that you are using.

• Always use the correct size fuse. Replacing a fuse with one of a larger size can cause excessive currents in the wiring and possibly start a fire.

• Be aware that unusually warm or hot outlets or cords may be a sign that unsafe wiring conditions exists. Unplug any cords or extension cords from these outlets and do not use until a qualified electrician has checked the wiring.

• Always use ladders made with non-conductive side rails (e.g., fibreglass) when working with or near electricity or power lines.

• Place halogen lights away from combustible materials such as cloths or curtains. Halogen lamps can become very hot and may be a fire hazard.

• Risk of electric shock is greater in areas that are wet or damp. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) as they will interrupt the electrical circuit before a current sufficient to cause death or serious injury occurs.

• Use a portable in-line Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) if you are not certain that the receptacle you are plugging your extension cord into is GFCI protected.

• Make sure that exposed receptacle boxes are made of non-conductive materials.

• Know where the panel and circuit breakers are located in case of an emergency.

• Label all circuit breakers and fuse boxes clearly. Each switch should be positively identified as to which outlet or appliance it is for.

• Do not use outlets or cords that have exposed wiring.

• Do not use portable cord-and-plug connected power tools if the guards are removed.

• Do not block access to panels and circuit breakers or fuse boxes.

• Do not touch a person or electrical apparatus in the event of an electrical incident. Always disconnect the power source first.

( https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/electrical.html)

What do I do if something is wrong . ( Fault Reporting )

 

What to do in an electrical emergency

If your whole area loses power:

• The local lines company will be working on the problem as soon as it occurs. If you work in a remote or rural area, call your local faults number to log the fault.

• Turn off appliances and electrical equipment – some can be a fire hazard and others might be damaged when the power comes back on.

 If your place is the only one without power:

• Check your fuse box to see if it's still working.

• If your fuse box seems to be working, you may have a fault in the supply to your premises.

 What to do in an electrical accident:

• Don't touch the injured person if they're still in contact with a live electrical source.

• Switch the source of electricity off, or if you can't, move the source away from you and the injured person using a non-conducting object like a wooden broom handle. Then dial 111 for an ambulance immediately.

(https://contact.co.nz/support/emergencies-faults-and-outages#What-to-do-in-an-electrical-emergency)

 General hazards and dangers of a mains powered power  tool

Use google to find out what these are and what they do attached a photo of each one 

Residual current devices		A Residual Current Device is a sensitive safety device that switches off electricity within 10 to 50 milliseconds if there is a fault. An RCD is is designed to protect against the risks of electrocution and fire caused by earth faults.
Isolating transformers		An isolation transformer is a transformer used to transfer electrical power from a source of alternating current power to some equipment or device while isolating the powered device from the power source, usually for safety reasons.
Monitored-earth circuits		A GCM or ground continuity monitor (also called a ground integrity monitor or ground continuity tester) is an electrical safety device that monitors the impedance to ground of a temporary electrical circuit and can provide indication (or protective trip) in the event impedance rises to an unsafe value.
Double insulated tools		Hand-held tools manufactured with non-metallic cases are called double-insulated. If approved, they do not require grounding under the National Electrical Code. Although this design method reduces the risk of grounding deficiencies, a shock hazard can still exist.
Other electrical isolators

  

Answer these questions

Explain how an “RCD” works  Why is it important

• RCDs operate by measuring the current balance between two conductors using a differential current transformer. This measures the difference between current flowing through the live conductor and that returning through the neutral conductor.

• Why is it important?: An RCD is designed to protect against the risks of electrocution and fire caused by earth faults. For example, if you cut through the cable when mowing the lawn and accidentally touched the exposed live wires or a faulty appliance overheats causing electric current to flow to earth.

Explain what is meant by “Double Insulation” Why is it important

• Double insulation is insulation that consists of both basic insulation and supplementary insulation. Equipment such as hand-held domestic electric drilling machines has the additional safety precaution of double insulation.

• Why is it important?:This is because they have plastic casings, or they have been designed so that the live wire cannot touch the casing. As a result, the casing cannot give an electric shock, even if the wires inside become loose. These appliances have double insulation.

Safety checks and safe working practices when using a mains powered tool

• Power tools must be fitted with guards and safety switches; they are extremely hazardous when used improperly. ... Never carry a tool by the cord or hose. Never yank the cord or the hose to disconnect it from the receptacle. Keep cords and hoses away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.

Hazards and dangers of extension cords

• Why are extension cords a safety hazard? If the extension cord is covered, heat is unable to escape and could result in a fire. Make sure extension cords are visible and if at all possible, not running across highly trafficked areas. They can be a trip hazard for people walking through the area.

Safe Use of extension cords

• Never remove an extension cord's grounding pin to fit into a two-prong outlet.

• Avoid powering multiple appliances with one cord.

• Never use indoor extension cords outdoors.

• Don't plug multiple cords together.

• Don't run extension cords under rugs or furniture.

• Never tape extension cords to floors or attach them to surfaces with staples or nails.

• Don't bend or coil cords when they're in use.

• Cover unused cord receptacles with childproof covers.

• Stop using extension cords that feel hot to the touch.

General PPE when using mains powered tools 

• Types of PPE that provide physical protection (with regards to power tools and machinery) mainly pertains to work gloves and safety boots. These two are highly recommended in combination with fitted full-body clothing. Bump caps and safety helmets are also available, but are not a necessity for power tool safety.

Air Tools - Enginnering

 Complete a blog post on air tools .

Rough outline

1.What are Pneumatic tools / air compressors? Diagram examples of compressors and an explanation. Show a range of different air compressors you might come across.

• A pneumatic tool is one that's driven with the assistance of compressed air rather than electricity. Generally speaking, all pneumatic tools require an air compressor to provide a pressurized burst of air to perform their operation.

Reciprocating compressor	A reciprocating compressor or piston compressor is a positive-displacement compressor that uses pistons driven by a crankshaft to deliver gases at high pressure.
Ionic liquid piston compressor	An ionic liquid piston compressor, ionic compressor or ionic liquid piston pump is a hydrogen compressor based on an ionic liquid piston instead of a metal piston as in a piston-metal diaphragm compressor.
Rotary screw compressors	Rotary screw air compressors operate by trapping air between two meshed rotors and reducing the volume of that trapped air as it moves down through the rotors. This reduction in volume results in compressed air, which can then be used to power air tools, inflate tires, or in numerous other applications.
Rotary vane compressors	Rotary vane compressors consist of a cylindrical casing, two openings - one suction and one discharge - and a rotor positioned eccentrically with respect to the casing. Compression occurs by refrigerant flowing into the chamber where, due to eccentric rotation, there is a reduction in the desired volume.
Rolling piston	Construction and Working of Stationary Blade Type (Rolling Piston) Rotary Compressor. Figure shows a single stationary blade rotary compressor. In this type, a roller (impeller) is fixed on an eccentric shaft rotates in a stationary cylinder. The shaft is run off-centre so that roller rolls around the cylinder wall.
Scroll compressors	A scroll compressor has one fixed scroll which remains stationary and another moving or orbiting scroll that rotates through the use of a swing link. When this happens, the pockets of refrigerant between the two scrolls are slowly pushed to the center of the two scrolls, causing the reduction of the volume of the gas.
Diaphragm compressor	A diaphragm compressor is a variant of the classic reciprocating compressor with backup and piston rings and rod seal. The compression of gas occurs by means of a flexible membrane, instead of an intake element. The back and forth moving membrane is driven by a rod and a crankshaft mechanism
Air bubble compressor	An air compressor is a pneumatic device that converts power (using an electric motor, diesel or gasoline engine, etc.) into potential energy stored in pressurized air (i.e., compressed air). ... When tank pressure reaches its lower limit, the air compressor turns on again and re-pressurizes the tank

2.Safety when using an air compressor. Dangers and hazards , preventive action and servicing.

1. Use Gas Air Compressors Outdoors. Unless it's powered electrically, you should always use an air compressor outdoors.

2. Wear Safety Goggles and Gloves. 

3. Use a Self-Retracting Cord. 

4. Use an OSHA-Approved Nozzle. 

5. Check for Oil and Air Leaks. 

6. Follow Manufacturer's Recommended Maintenance.

3.PPE when using air tools - general

• Eye protection is required, and head and face protection is recommended for crew members working with pneumatic tools. Gloves should be worn when using pneumatic tools to protect your hands. Dust masks should be used when using tools that create dust and fumes in the work area that may be hazardous.

4.Different types of air tool connections /tools

• Common Quick Connect Plug Types (left to right): Automotive, Industrial, and ARO.

• Left: Industrial Plug. Right: High Flow Plug.

• Left: Industrial Plug. Right: High Flow Plug.

• Top: M-style Coupler, Bottom: Universal Coupler.

• Top: Manual Coupler, Bottom: Automatic Coupler.

• 
  

5.Specific safety when using

Impact driver - Always wear safety glasses with side protectors when using an impact driver. Never wear a tie, loose clothing, a watch, rings, or jewelry when using an air-impact wrench. wrench. Only use impact wrench sockets that are specifically designed for this type of tool.

Air ratchet - Do not operate the tool at a pressure above the manufacturer's rating. Wear safety glasses or a face shield, safety shoes or boots, and hearing protection. Set up screens or shields in areas where nearby workers may be exposed to flying fragments, chips, dust, and excessive noise.

Dust off gun - The nozzle pressure must remain below 10 psi (69 or 70 kPa) and personal protection equipment (PPE) must be worn to protect the worker's body, especially the eyes, against particles and dust under pressure. Use effective guarding methods that prevent a chip or particle (of any size) from being blown into the eyes or unbroken skin of the operator or other workers nearby. You may also use barriers, baffles, or screens to protect other workers near the operator if there is a risk of exposure.

Air riveter - When using a rivet gun or air hammer, always install a safety clip or retainer in order to prevent the set from being ejected during operation. Never point rivet guns toward anyone or "dead-end" them against yourself or anyone else. Noise is another issue associated with pneumatic tools.

Drill Worksheet - Engineering

 Power  Safety Tool worksheet - Drill Makita DP 1410

General - 

List safety points for your work area

Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.

Keep the work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or Dark areas invite accidents.

Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

List 4 electrical safety points when using a mains powered drill

Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.

Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.

If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD) protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces the risk of electric shock.

When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.

Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.

List 4 personal safety points when using a mains powered drill

Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.

Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.

Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught in moving parts.

Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.

Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.

List 5 points for safe use and care of the tool

Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.

Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.

Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery pack from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.

Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.

Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.

Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.

List 2 servicing points

Always be sure that the tool is switched off and unplugged before attempting to perform inspection or maintenance.

Never use gasoline, benzine, thinner, alcohol or the like. Discoloration, deformation or cracks may result.

List as many specific safety rules regarding using the drill

Use auxiliary handle(s), if supplied with the tool. Loss of control can cause personal injury.

Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces, when performing an operation where the cutting accessory may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Cutting accessory contacting a "live" wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool "live" and could give the operator an electric shock.

Always be sure you have a firm footing. Be sure no one is below when using the tool in high locations.

Hold the tool firmly.

Keep hands away from rotating parts.

Do not leave the tool running. Operate the tool only when hand-held.

Do not touch the drill bit or the workpiece immediately after operation; they may be extremely hot and could burn your skin.

What PPE is required with this drill

• Wear safety glasses or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles). Keep drill air vents clear to maintain adequate ventilation. Keep drill bits sharp always.