Question

With respect to personal carrying out inspection and maintenance involving entry to boiler and other confined spaces

State the precaution needed for the operation of portable electrical tools and lighting with respect to safety.

Outline the routine checks carried out on the equipment.

Carry out risk assessment fill permit to work etc.

When portable electric equipment or lighting is used in boiler or confined spaces the danger of electric shock or explosion is great due to moisture or hot surface.

Hence double insulated suitable earthed low voltage not more than 55 V equipment should be used

Shock risk from portable tools is greatly reduced if the power supply is taken from the secondary winding of a transformer used to step down the mains supply to a suitable lower voltage, with the mid-point of the secondary winding earthed. If the secondary voltage is limited to 110 V for operation of the single-phase appliance, then the potential shock voltage between the casing and earth is limited to 55 V. (Secondary voltage can be made lower if required.) Double-pole switches are fitted to control single-phase appliances fed in this way.

Also equipment tools material should be such that accidental dropping of them will not produce a spark.

The portable electric equipment suffers from more abuse and damage faster than fixed equipment

Routine checks carried out on the equipment are

It should be inspected regularly

Continuity of equipment conductors should be checked.

Tightness of all connection should be checked.

Check that cables are free from oil and grease.

Lamp shield and covers are in order

No damage to appliances.

Plug and cables are not damaged.

Check insulation resistance.