Power Tools
The most frequently used electric power tool in the
Mine Force is the drill. Although it is especially
Power tools are so common in the Navy that
designed for drilling holes, it can be used for paint
personnel in all ratings use some type of power tool at
mixing and wire brushing when accessories are added.
one time or another. The Mine Force uses both electric
A portable electric drill is classified by size according
and air-driven pneumatic power tools and equipment.
to the maximum size of the straight shank drill it will
hold. For example, a 1/4-inch portable electric drill
Safe practices in the use of power tools cannot be
will hold any straight-shank drill up to and including a
overemphasized. The following general safety
1/4-inch drill.
measures must be observed when operating or
maintaining power tools:
The revolutions per minute (rpm) and the power
the drill delivers are the most important points when a
NEVER operate a power tool unless you are
drill is being chosen for a particular job. The speed of
thoroughly familiar with its controls and
the drill motor decreases as the size of the drill
operating procedures.
increases. The speed of electric power tools used on
ALWAYS inspect all power tools before use to
explosive-loaded components must NOT exceed 2,000
ensure that they are clean and in the proper state
rpm. Therefore, you must be careful in selecting a tool
of repair.
for a particular job.
ALWAYS ensure that the switch on the tool is in
When using nonferrous wire-wheel brushes or
fabric wheels with a drill, the diameter of the wheels
the OFF position before connecting the power
must not exceed 8 inches. Electric nonferrous
wire-wheel brushes and fabric wheels are especially
ALWAYS give the power tool your FULL and
useful on work where a large amount of paint must be
UNDIVIDED attention when you are operating
removed from the surface to be painted. When using a
it.
nonferrous wire-wheel brush or a fabric wheel, move it
smoothly and lightly over the surface. Never allow the
ALWAYS keep all safety shields in position.
brush to stay in one place too long; it could cause a hot
Wear hearing protection and safety glasses or
spot on the metal and will create an explosive hazard.
goggles.
The brush could also cut into the metal, leaving a
ALWAYS ensure that the work area has ample
depression that may be cause for the rejection of the
component.
lighting.
Electric power tools are authorized for use in mine
ALWAYS fasten loose-fitting clothes or, better
assembly, disassembly, and maintenance. Electric
y e t , d o N OT w e a r s u c h c l o t h i n g . We a r
tools must be electrically grounded according to with
snug-fitting clothes.
a p p l i c a b l e s a f e t y r eg u l a t i o n s i n vo l u m e 1 o f
ALWAYS remove the power source before
cleaning or working on jammed machinery.
Regulations for Handling, Storing, Production,
Renovation, and Shipping, NAVSEAOP 5. No tools of
ALWAYS connect the electrical power tool to
any type (power or manual) are authorized for use at
the extension cord before connecting the
the intermediate level on filling hole covers.
extension cord into the outlet, if an extension
cord is used. Always unplug the extension cord
PNEUMATIC POWER TOOLS.--Pneumatic
from the outlet before disconnecting the power
rotary and reciprocating motor power tools are also
tool from the extension cord. (The extension
authorized for use on explosive-loaded mine cases that
cord and the power tool cord combined must not
are properly grounded and that have no EEDs installed.
be longer than 25 feet each, or 50 feet in total
The same restrictions that apply to electric power tools
footage.)
also apply to rpm and size of nonferrous and fabric
wheels used with pneumatic power tools.
ELECTRIC POWER TOOLS.--Electric power
Pneumatic wrenches are designed to give optimum
tools are authorized provided that no electro-explosive
performance with 90 psi of air at the tool when
devices (EEDs) are installed. Some of the most
running. Every effort should be made to ensure that the
common electric power tools used in the Mine Force
line pressure is correct and that the pressure or the
include drills, saws, and sanders.
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