Extension Leads and Power Tools Toolbox Talk
Leads and power tools get dragged through mud, run over and crushed in doors every day. That damage is how people get shocks and burns. A quick look before you plug in catches most of it.
Takes about 5 minutes.
Key points to read out
- Use GFCIs on all 120-volt, 15, 20 and 30 amp temporary receptacles, or a written assured equipment grounding conductor program run by a competent person with recorded tests.
- Check the plug, casing, cable and switch before each use. Any cuts, exposed wires or cracked casing: tag it out.
- Use heavy duty leads rated for site work. Fully unwind cable reels so they do not overheat.
- Keep leads off the ground on hooks or stands, and away from water, sharp edges and traffic routes.
- Never join leads with tape, and do not piggyback plugs or use household double adaptors.
- Keep guards fitted and working. Never tie back or remove a guard.
- Unplug or remove the battery before changing blades, bits or discs.
- Damaged or swollen lithium batteries are a fire risk. Charge them in a set area away from flammables and never charge them unattended overnight.
Questions to ask the crew
- When was your lead last tested or checked?
- Where do we put damaged tools so nobody else picks them up?
- How should leads be run across this site?
- Where do we charge batteries on this job?
Reference: 29 CFR 1926.404(b)(1) (Ground fault protection)
Sign-in sheet
Print this page or download the sign-in sheet. Or run it in the app and the crew signs on the phone.
| Name | Company | Signature |
|---|---|---|
Get it signed
Run this talk in the app. The crew signs on your phone and you get a dated attendance record as a PDF.