THE USE AND HANDLING OF ELECTRONIC HANDTOOLS AND INSTRUMENTS

         

          The extent of the usefulness of tools and instruments depends on how careful you are in using them. Knowledge of the proper use of each tool or instrument is important. The observance of safety precautions in the use of instruments and tools is necessary to protect you against electric shocks and to prevent possible damage to the instrument. Electronic instruments are usually delicate, hence, proper care should be taken.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE  

          If you are working on live circuit, avoid touching the chassis or standing barefoot on the ground or cemented floor. The chassis or ground is one voltage point or reference point in all circuit of electronic and electrical equipment. As the saying goes safety first, before starting the first thing to do is to avoid contact with the live circuit.

YOURSELF IN THE SHOP

• •          Have personal discipline and give due respect to your co- trainer.
• •          Work quietly and give close attention to your work.
• •          Keep your tools under control; don’t scatter them in the floor.
• •          Never indulge in horseplay or joke with anybody in the shop.
• •          Do not make unnecessary disturbances, because it might attract somebody and cause him an accident.
• •          Do not put tools or sharp objects on your pocket.
• •          Stand or support must be properly placed before going to work.
• •          Clean your hands from oil and grease, slippery hands can not hold a good grip on the tools.
• •          If you are blowing dirt by compressor, do not point the hose to another person. The dirt might be blown at sufficient speed to enter the skin or eyes.
• •          Do not lay or place tools on top of operating equipment.

CARE OF TOOLS

• •          Always keep your tools clean during and after work.
• •          Used the correct tools because tools might damaged the unit/equipment or the part being work on.
• •          Clean the tools, puncher or screw driver of slivers, it might be blown and enter the eyes.
• •          Never dropped the tester or multi tester.
• •          Never used the long nose in twisting hard object such as nuts and bolts.
• •          Lubricate the pivot of the long nose, cutter and pliers.
• •          Constantly inspect the dry cell or battery inside the tester. Do not allow it to discharged inside the case.

Hand Tools

Hand tools are non-powered.  They include anything from axes to wrenches. The greatest hazards posed by hand tools result from misuse and improper maintenance.

Some examples of misuse include the following:

• Using a screwdriver as a chisel may cause the tip of the screwdriver to break and fly, hitting the user or other employees;
• Using a tool with a wooden handle (e.g., hammer) if the handle is loose, splintered, or cracked, the head of the tool may fly off and strike the user or another worker;
• Using a wrench if its jaws are sprung, because it might slip
• Using impact tools (e.g., chisels, wedges) if they have mushroomed heads since the heads might shatter on impact, sending sharp fragments flying.

Hand tool precautions including the following:

• Employers shall caution employees that saw blades, knives or other tools be directed away from aisle areas and other employees working in close proximity.
• Knives and scissors shall be sharp.  Dull tools can be more hazardous than sharp ones;
• Floors shall be kept as clean and dry as possible to prevent accidental slips with or around dangerous hand tools; and
• Around flammable substances, sparks produced by iron and steel hand tools can be a dangerous ignition source.  Where this hazard exists, spark-resistant tools made from brass, plastic, aluminum or wood shall be used.

SAFETY IN USING HAND TOOLS

IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY

The prevention of accidents in industry is not only the concern of the experts. You must learn how to work without hurting yourself or endangering your fellow workers. Your own efforts in keeping your workplace safe and reporting possible causes of injury are important.

DEVELOP SAFETY AWARENESS

You will need to develop this awareness of health and safety in the workplace till it is an essential part of your training and skill. You need to develop an instinctive control over your actions so that you do not expose yourself, or others, to the danger of injury. You may not be working in a permanent work area all the time so you need to learn as much as possible about health and fety to become alert and aware in any working area at all times. Personal responsibility grows from increase knowledge of occupational health and safety.

BEHAVIOUR IN THE WORK AREA

·         Do not handle electrical equipment while either you or the equipment is wet or damp.

·         Do not handle electrical equipment that is not grounded.

·         Clean up immediately any liquids spilled on workbench or floor.

·         Keep your work area  neat and clean. Put waste materials into proper receptacles.

·         Do not use water on an electrical fire.

·         Never touch two pieces of  equipment at the same time.

·         Never touch even one wire of an electrical line.

·         Do not take unnecessary risks.

·         Remove a victim from  an electrical circuit as quickly as possible without endangering your safety. Any delay may prove fatal.

·         Never startle anyone while he or she is working on electrical equipment.

·         Place your soldering iron so that you do not have to reach across it.

·         Concentrate on the job you are doing, but be aware of what is happening around you.

·         Get to know your work area thoroughly.

THE WORK AREA

 A clean and tidy area is safer than an untidy work area. Practice good housekeeping in your work area clean, ordered and tidy. Always immediately report any damaged, worn or inoperative item or any unsafe conditions to your trainer.

· Keep all passageways, aisles and exits clear of obstructions.

· Remove immediately any oils, paints, greases and other fluids that have been split on the floor.

·Keep your immediate work area clear and tidy and do not allow discarded pieces of material to accumulate.

·Do not leave tools and materials scattered about thoughtlessly.

·Put away all the tools you are not using.

·Use the receptacles provided for waste and refuse.

·Stack materials so that they cannot fall and so that they do not project dangerously.

SAFETY WHEN WORKING ON ENERGIZED EQUIPMENT

·Remove any objects such as rings, watches and bracelets that might accidentally short the equipment.

·If the equipment must have power applied whilst being serviced, then wherever possible use an ISOLATION TRANSFORMER.

This is particularly important if the equipment being serviced is          connected directly to the mains or to any voltage above earth (ie zero volts).

·A good practice, when working on live electronic equipment, is to use only one hand when testing the circuitry,

              

Deliberately keep one hand in a side pocket or keep one hand    behind your back for the duration of the work.

This will avoid the possibility of accident putting one hand on the chassis earth and the other on an electrical connection.

·Another potential current path to ground is via your feet.

 Use a mat of or other insulation material under your work space.

·Panels and sub-units removed from the main equipment should have an earth connection made to the main equipment earth before being energized.

· If live exposed main equipment has to be left unattended, even temporarily, place a suitable notice on the equipment to warm others the potential hazard

USING TEST EQUIPMENT

·         You should be thoroughly familiar with the operation of any test equipment the you use.

·         Ensure that the capabilities of the test equipment are matched to the circuit being tested.

·         Ensure power is turned OFF before connecting test leads high voltage points.

·         Test leads with broken insulation pose the hazard of high voltages appearing at exposed points along the leads. Always check test leads for frayed or broken insulation before using them.

              Replace faulty leads and label them for repair.

·         Use only shielded leads and probes.

              Never allow your fingers to slip down to the metal prove tip when         the probe is in contact with alive circuit.

·         Many test instruments are housed in metal cases which are connected to the earth of the internal circuitry. For proper operation, the earth terminal of the test equipment should always be connected to the earth of the equipment being serviced.

·         To lessen the danger of accidental shock, disconnect test leads immediately after the test is completed

         

PRECAUTION WHEN SOLDERING

·         Do not used excessive heat.

·         Used the correct sized tip for the soldering work.

·         Remove excess solder from the iron only by wiping the soldering iron on a     wet sponge.

·         All items to be soldered should be free of any traces of solvents or        cleaning agents.

·         To guard against electro-static discharge (ESD) damage when soldering         sensitive components, the soldering iron should be earthed.

All hazards involved in the use of tools can be prevented by following some basic safety rules:

• Keep all tools in good condition with regular maintenance;
• Use the right tool for the job;
• Examine each tool for damage before use;
• Operate according to the manufacturer's instructions;
• Utilize the proper protective equipment.  Refer to Personal Protective Equipment Policy,
• Participating in safety training.

Avoid accidents by putting all tools in their proper places while working The work area must be kept clean and free from any obstructions. only the needed materials, tools, and instruments must be within the workplace.

TYPES OF HAZARD IN ELECTRONIC SHOPS

·         Chemical poisoning

·         Cuts and abrasions

·         Electrical shock

·         Burns

·         Electrical fires

·         High energy exposure

ELECTRICAL HAZARD IN THE ELECTRONIC WORKPLACE

·         Live circuits

·         Exposed conductors

·         Capacitive components

·         Accidental circuits

Supervisors and Trainees are responsible for :

1. Anticipating all work hazards;
2. Ensuring that all safeguards are utilized;
3. Working with Environmental Health and Safety to initiate any necessary administrative action required to enforce safe work practices;
4. Replacing all damaged tools;
5. Ensuring that tools are being properly maintained by instituting an inspection program;
6. Ensuring employees are trained to use tools properly and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions; and

All hazards involved in the use of tools can be prevented by following some basic safety rules:

• Keep all tools in good condition with regular maintenance;
• Use the right tool for the job;
• Examine each tool for damage before use;
• Operate according to the manufacturer's instructions;
• Utilize the proper protective equipment.  Refer to Personal Protective Equipment Policy,
• Participating in safety training