Technology Activity Skill and Process Management Strategies

Electrical Equipment - Portable

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Copyright: ITE Services

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Technology Activity Skill and Process Management Strategies

Portable electrical power equipment refers to machines or tools that are portable by nature in their use. They may be run on electricity from a power source or can be battery-operated.

Levels of Associated Risk

Portable electrical power equipment can be categorised into the Five Levels of associated risk.

The five levels are:

VeryLow risk (level 1) includes portable tools such as:

  • portable electric drills
  • engravers
  • scroll saws
  • hot wire machines
  • cordless drills / electric screwdrivers
  • strip heaters
  • pokerwork tools

Low risk (level 2) includes portable tools such as:

  • orbital sanders
  • jigsaws
  • electric soldering irons
  • spot welders

Medium risk (level 3) includes portable tools such as:

  • trimmers/biscuit machines
  • belt sanders
  • sharpening machines
  • electric / battery staple guns
  • routers

High risk (level 4) includes portable tools such as:

  • electric planers
  • disc grinders 100mm
  • nibblers
  • spray-painting equipment

Very High risk (level 5) includes portable tools such as:

  • electric circular saw
  • angle disc grinders - 230mm

Identified Risks and Hazards

Hazards that may arise when operating portable electrical power equipment include:

  • moving and rotating parts (blades and bits, tool disintegration)
  • movement of the workpiece
  • inhalation of fumes and dust particles
  • electrocution from power faults, faulty equipment or incorrect use
  • ejection of waste materials from cutting blades
  • burns from hot materials or friction

Activity Location Considerations

  • The location should be appropriate to the activity and be considered in regard to the type of equipment being used.
  • The workplace should be well ventilated and well illuminated.
  • The workplace should be kept clean and free from dust.
  • The work area should be appropriate for the activity. Bench tops should be made of a suitable material.
  • Adequate supervision of students in the work area should be maintained at all times.
  • First aid equipment and supplies should be available and easily accessible. A sign-posted First Aid station in the activity location is recommended.
  • A fire extinguisher and fire blanket should be within close proximity to the welding operation.

Resource and Equipment Guidelines

  • All portable power tools should be in good condition and should be regularly maintained.
  • The equipment should be appropriate for the activity and conform to Australian Standards specifications.

  • Electrical equipment should be inspected regularly and where possible It is advised that electrical equipment have current electrical test certification. (AS/NZS 3760::2000)
  • The use of extension leads should be restricted. Extension leads need to be visually checked for cuts and defects each time they are used
  • All mains voltage portable electrical equipment and extension lead, if attached, should be protected by an earth leakage circuit breaker.
  • Guards and safety devices designed for the portable power tool must be in place at all times.
  • Operators of portable electrical equipment should be given sufficient instruction in the safe operation of the equipment. The teacher will need to verify that a student has understood how to apply operating and safety instructions. This should be done through oral or written tests, assignments, operator certifications or checklists.
  • Adequate supervision of students should be maintained at all times.
  • Teachers should train the students to report immediately any damage or problem associated with the safe operation of the equipment.

  • Adequate ventilation should be maintained. The inhalation of dust or fumes from workshop activities must be minimised. PPE should be worn at all times.
  • Electric extension leads are not to be laid across walkways or placed in an area where they may be subjected to damage.
  • Correct procedures should be developed for the handling of materials or tools that have cutting edges and that cause friction and generate heat of the workpiece.
  • Student's projects should be securely fixed to a bench, table or the floor before using any power tool on them. The operator must keep both hands on the power tool at all times.
  • All persons operating portable power equipment should wear appropriate personal protective equipment. This would include safety eye spectacles and an apron.

Extension Leads

  • Tough rubber, thermoplastic cord or similar flexible cord must be used when connecting portable electrical equipment to a power outlet.
  • Electrical leads should be inspected regularly and where possible It is advised that electrical equipment have current electrical test certification. (AS/NZS 3760::2000)

Plug Sockets

  • Plug sockets (double adaptors) and three-pin adaptors (piggyback) should not be used in any general-purpose power outlet within the Technology faculty.
  • Power boards may be used provided that the power board is not connected to another power board, (ie. the power board should be plugged directly into the general-purpose outlet). It is recommended that each outlet be separately switched and that the power board have an overload device fitted.


  • All portable and electrical equipment that is not double insulated and that is used outside the workshop by students must be protected by a core-balanced circuit breaker or similar protection device.
  • First aid equipment and consumable items appropriate to the activity should be readily available. A sign-posted First Aid station in the work location is recommended.


  • Safety signs in accordance with AS 1319-1994 shall be predominately displayed.

This standard outlines specific parameters for safety signs in workplaces.

There are six categories of signs. They are:

Mandatory Signs - These signs specify that an instruction must be carried out. Symbols or pictograms are depicted in white on a blue circular background. Sign wording if necessary, is in black lettering on a white background.

Prohibition Signs - These signs specify behaviour or actions which are not permitted. The annulus and slash should be depicted in red over the action symbol in black. Sign wording if necessary, is in black lettering on a white background.

Warning Signs - These signs are to warn of hazards or a hazardous condition that is likely to be life-threatening. The hazard symbol should be on a yellow background and a triangle should be depicted around the hazard symbol. Sign wording if necessary, is in black lettering on a yellow background.

Fire Signs - These signs advise the location of fire alarms and fire fighting equipment. They contain a white symbol and/or text on a red background.

Emergency Information Signs - These signs indicate the location of, or directions to emergency related facilities. eg. exits, first aid, safety equipment. They feature a white symbol and/or text on a green background.

Danger Signs - These signs are for warning when a hazard or a hazardous condition is likely to be life-threatening. The word “Danger” is featured inside a red ellipse inside a black rectangle.

Information Signs - These signs are not referred specifically in AS1319. They communicate information of a general nature and often refer to housekeeping matters, workplace practices and logistical considerations.

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Copyright: ITE Services

Fax: 07 55 981797 www. techsafeonline. com