Power tools pre-use checklist

Site: ______________________ Date: ____________ Checked by: ______________________

01Lead and plug

Lead free of cuts, fraying and heavy scuffing. HSE INDG236
No tape joints anywhere on the lead. HSE INDG236
No coloured inner wires showing where the lead enters the plug. HSE INDG236
Plug body and pins undamaged.
Plug is a heavy-duty industrial type for the site's temporary supply. Construction Regs, reg 40

02Tool body and guard

Casing intact, with no loose parts or screws. HSE INDG236
No burn marks or staining from overheating. HSE INDG236
Guard fitted and adjusted. Disc or blade rated for the tool's speed.
Switch or trigger springs back to off when released.
Inspection tag or colour code current for this period.

03Supply

Supply runs through an RCCB on the temporary installation. Construction Regs, reg 37
Underground or in a confined space: 110 V centre-point earthed supply, hand tools at no more than 55 V to earth. Construction Regs, reg 42
Extension lead fully unrolled and kept off wet ground and walkways.

04Air tools

Hose rated for the pressure. Couplings fastened and fitted with a safety chain. ILO construction code, 13.3.2
Air off and pressure released before changing bits or adjusting. ILO construction code, 13.3.4
Tool never lifted or lowered by its hose. ILO construction code, 13.3.5

05User

User trained and authorised for this tool. ILO construction code, 13.1.1
Eye, hearing and hand protection worn to suit the task.

Legal requirement

Singapore's WSH (General Provisions) Regulations require electrical equipment to be of good construction, free from defects and used and maintained so it is safe. On worksites, the WSH (Construction) Regulations 2007 require RCCBs on all temporary electrical installations and heavy-duty industrial plugs and sockets. Hand tools used underground or in confined spaces must run at no more than 55 volts to earth.

This is practical guidance, not legal advice. Laws and codes of practice change; always check the current official text and your site's own procedures.

Power tools pre-use checklist

01Lead and plug

02Tool body and guard

03Supply

04Air tools

05User

Sources and further reading

Related reading

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