Use of 220V AC power tools and equipment

A member has circulated guidance on the use of 220V AC portable electrical hand tools.  This followed reported concerns regarding the use of project and sub-contractor supplied 220V AC power tools and equipment during mobilisation and demobilisations. 

For portable electrical hand tools, 110V AC equipment is the standard used by this member and indeed the UK standard.  With regard to the use of 220 V AC power, concerns had been raised over:

• Poor site housekeeping, specifically cable management;
• Incorrect ingress protection (IP) rating;
• Damaged tools and cables;
• Equipment used in inappropriate environmental conditions.

Regulations, company procedures, and IMCA safety promotional material, all highlight the risks of using electrically powered hand tools.  Sometimes, for a number of reasons, 220V AC hand tools are used where 110V AC, pneumatic or battery operated equipment is unavailable.  

What lessons were learned?

• Vessel energy sources, capacities and connections should be communicated between project teams and sub-contractors to ensure adequate time is given to review and plan works accordingly, with minimal deviations from the site controls and requirements;
• Task based risk assessments should consider the task, the site, the environment and the equipment, with operator/work party checks being essential for safe operations;
• Obtaining suitable 110 V AC, hydraulic, battery-operated or air driven hand tools and equipment should be considered where necessary.

The use of 110V AC power significantly reduces the hazard of electrocution, by reducing the potential in the line voltage and the fault current through the human body.

Where 110V AC, pneumatic or battery operated equipment is unavailable either on the worksite or through the sub-contractor, 220V AC portable electrical hand tools can be considered, once risk assessed, in order to ensure the correct controls are in place (minimal use, RCD in circuit, isolating transformer, correct equipment ratings, environment, etc.), on a case by case basis or in line with specific regional electrical tooling procedures.  Equipment supplied to site should always be fully operational and in serviceable condition and should be inspected by the end user before use.

Members may wish to refer to:

• Use of portable electrical deck equipment
• Electrician received electric shock
• Faulty governors