Dashpivot Article – How Often Should Power Tools be Inspected?
How Often Should Power Tools be Inspected?
Why is Inspecting Power Tools Important?
Inspecting power tools is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure productivity. This essential practice minimises the risk of sudden equipment failures that could delay projects and work activities, increase costs, and compromise the team's safety.
Routine inspections of power tools lead to better performance and, consequently, higher quality work. Maintaining tools in optimal condition means work tasks are completed efficiently, with a notable difference in the standard of the work. Ensuring that power tools are inspected regularly also benefits tool longevity. Regular maintenance extends the life of these tools, offering financial savings and reducing environmental impact by lessening the need for frequent replacements.
Furthermore, adhering to safety regulations through consistent tool checks protects organisations from legal issues and supports a commitment to a safe working environment. Regular inspections ensure equipment meets industry standards, promoting a culture of safety and compliance.
How Often Should Power Tools be Inspected?
The question of how often power tools should be inspected depends on the tool's frequency of usage and the manufacturer's recommendations. General guidelines require inspections to occur at four key intervals: before use, periodically during use, after use, and after incident.
Before Use
Before a tool is used, a visual check is essential to identify any obvious signs of damage or wear that could impair the tool's functionality. This includes examining the power cord for damage, checking the housing for cracks, and ensuring all moving parts operate smoothly. This initial inspection acts as a preventive measure against potential hazards.
Periodic Inspections
When a tool is being actively used for work tasks, periodic inspections should be carried out on a scheduled basis. This period can range from monthly to annually, depending on how frequently the tool is used and the conditions it is exposed to. For tools under heavy daily use, monthly inspections are recommended. These inspections must be thorough, including tests of safety features and the proper function of all components.
After Use
After a period of daily use, a quick inspection should be conducted to identify any new damage or wear that may have occurred during operation. This is crucial for catching issues early and preventing them from going unnoticed until the next use. It also serves as an opportunity to clean the tool, further extending its lifespan and ensuring it's ready for its next use.
After Incident
These are critical whenever a tool has been involved in an accident or malfunctioned during use. Regardless of the tool's regular inspection schedule, an immediate and thorough inspection is necessary following any incident. This helps identify the root cause of the issue, assess the extent of damage, and determine whether the tool can be safely returned to service or needs repair or replacement.
How to Perform a Power Tool Inspection
For before and after use inspections, the visual inspection step is generally sufficient. For periodic inspections, you should undertake the entire process. After incident inspections are detailed further below:
1. Visual Inspection
Begin with a comprehensive visual check of the entire tool. Look for signs of physical damage, such as cracks in the housing, damage to the power cord, or frayed wires. Ensure all safety guards are intact and securely in place. Check for any loose parts or screws that could impact the tool's operation.
2. Check for Modifications
Verify that the tool has not been altered in any unauthorised manner. Unauthorised modifications can compromise the tool's integrity and safety features, potentially leading to accidents.
3. Test Safety Features
Ensure that all safety features, such as emergency stop buttons, safety switches, and lock-off controls, are in proper working order. These features are vital for preventing accidents in unexpected situations.
4. Inspect Moving Parts
Check all moving parts to ensure they move smoothly without unnecessary resistance or noise. Follow the manufacturer's specifications to lubricate these parts appropriately, maintaining optimal performance and extending the tool's lifespan.
5. Electrical Safety
For electric power tools, use a multimeter to check the insulation resistance and ensure there is no leakage current. This step is crucial for preventing electric shocks.
6. Battery Inspection (for cordless tools)
Inspect the battery pack for any signs of damage or leakage. Test the battery's voltage and capacity to confirm it meets the manufacturer's specifications. A deteriorating battery can compromise the tool's performance and safety.
7. Functional Test
Conduct a functional test by operating the tool in a safe, controlled setting. This test should confirm that the tool functions as intended under load conditions. Listen for any unusual sounds or vibrations, indicating potential internal issues.
For added safety, there are some additional checks that you should make if applicable to the tool and work task:
8. PPE Compatibility Check
Assess whether the tool can be operated safely and effectively when you are wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Some tools may require specific handling techniques or adjustments to be used safely with gloves, goggles, or other protective gear.
9. PPE Requirement Assessment
Determine if the use of the tool necessitates specific PPE to prevent harm. This includes evaluating risks such as flying debris, dust, or noise that could require the use of safety glasses, dust masks, or ear protection. Ensuring that both the tool and the task at hand are evaluated for PPE requirements is essential for safety.
After Incident Inspections
If a power tool is involved in an incident or accident, it must undergo a thorough inspection before being put back into use. This examination should identify any potential damage caused by the incident and assess whether the tool remains safe and operational. Depending on the severity of the incident, consider consulting a professional for a detailed evaluation.
In addition to performing the inspection, you also need to document it for later review. If a tool is in working condition, documenting when the inspection was performed will allow for the next inspection and/or maintenanace date to be set based on the expected use of the tool. If the tool is not in working condition, documenting it is necessary to ensure the tool is removed from service and sent for repair or disposal.
Here is an example of a power tool inspection that has been completed using a power tool inspection checklist:
Use and customise this free power tool inspection checklist for your next power tool inspection
Ensure power tool safety by documenting inspections with customisable power tool inspection checklists
Documenting your power tool inspections allows you to keep track of the condition of your power tools and is vital for ensuring that defective tools are removed from service. Use this power tool inspection checklist template to ensure that your power tool inspections are correctly documented.
It has all the necessary fields required for a comprehensive power tool inspection. It has Yes/No checklists section for power tool categories such as pneumatic power tools and electric power tools as well as checklists for parts of power tools such as switches and guarding.
It also has checklists for observing if power tools are being used correctly by the workers regarding their work practices and use of PPE. You can attach photos of power tools to the checklist so that the inspected tools can be visually identified.
Improve your power tool inspections with digital checklist applications
Power tool inspections should be held at regular intervals to ensure that all tools are in working condition. While documenting inspections with checklists is good practice, using separate documents for each power tool inspection can result in them being lost if they are not filed correctly. This creates the risk of power tool defects not being addressed and scheduled maintenance not being performed.
Modern companies have now switched to using a power tool inspection app to manage all their power tool inspections. With an application you can complete, submit, store, and access all power tool inspections from any location using a desktop, mobile or tablet. This ensures that no inspection checklists are overlooked or become inaccessible.
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