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Insulated Hand Tools
Document Number: 204
Introduction
Historically, electrocutions have been a leading cause of occupational
fatalities; many times ranking among the top five. In addition to the
thousands of fatalities annually, there is an average of 3,600 electrical-related
disabling
injuries. In an effort to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries,
OSHA published the initial regulations for electrical safety in the workplace
in
1990. Among the new regulations was the requiring of insulated tools
when working near energized circuits. 29 CFR 1910.335(a)(2)(i) reads as follows “When
working near exposed energized conductors or circuit parts, each employee
shall use insulated tools or handling equipment if the tools or handling equipment
might make contact with such conductors or parts….”
General Requirements
Insulated
tools are individually tested and certified by the manufacturer
to be suitable for specific working conditions. Generally, the maximum
rated voltage for insulated tools is 1000 volts AC and 1500 volts DC. When
purchasing an insulated tool, look for compliance with one or more of the
following standards: The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC),
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and The Deutsches
Institute for Normung (DIN-German Standard). The ASTM, IEC, and DIN do
not test the tools for compliance; they just set the performance requirements
for the insulation. The manufacturers do their own testing. The Association
of German Electro Technicians (VDE) is an independent agency that tests
a sample of each tool to ensure compliance.
Use and Care of Insulated Tools
- Keep tools clean and dry
- Inspect insulation prior to each use
- If
you doubt the integrity of the insulation, destroy the tool or have it
re-tested
- Follow
the manufacturer’s temperature recommendations for use
- Have a qualified
person inspect and re-certify tools annually for safe use
- Use other personal
protective equipment as necessary
Commonly Asked Questions
| Q. |
Are there requirements for periodic re-testing of insulated hand tools? |
| A. |
Although there are not specific requirements for re-testing insulated hand
tools, in compliance with 29 CFR 1910.355(a)(1)(ii), “protective equipment
shall be maintained in a safe, reliable condition and shall be periodically
inspected or tested as required by 1910.137”. Most manufacturers suggest inspecting
the insulation before each use and having a qualified person perform an annual
inspection and certification. To aid in the inspection process, some manufacturers
offer two-layer insulation that will change color when the insulation has
been breached. |
| Q. |
Can I use insulated tools on energized circuits? |
| A. |
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use. Although insulated
tools may be tested and certified to 1000 volts AC, the testing agencies do
not recommend using them on energized circuits. Most insulating tools are
designed only for protection from accidental contact with energized circuits. |
Sources for More Information www.wihatools.com
http://www2.din.de/
www.kleintools.com
www.facom.com
www.astm.org
http://www.iec.ch/
www.osha.gov
29 CFR 1910.335
29 CFR 1910.137
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Please Note: The information contained in this
publication is intended for general information purposes only. This
publication is not a substitute for review of the applicable
government regulations and standards, and should not be construed as
legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer
to the cited regulation or consult with an attorney.
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