Power tools play a vital role in today’s industrial sites due to the fact that it helps save a lot of time using certain equipment as opposed to man labor. Power tools are considered to be dangerous especially without the proper protective apparel when operating it. According to several quality control standards regarding specific power tools, proper inspections for FIXTEC power tools must be made to ensure a hazard-free environment as much as possible.

Product source evaluation

As the quality of power tools and quality control ability vary from different manufacturers and suppliers, the evaluation of both products and factory become more and more important and complicated. On the whole, our evaluation and examination shall take into account the following aspect:

-       Compliance with European and international standards. (GS, CE, etc)

-       Conformity to EMC requirements.

-       Overall performance

-       Durability and fitness for using

-       Suitability for market demand (WEEE, ROHS, etc)

-       Value for money

It starts with an initial contact, if it is positive then comes with sample test. The finial and factory visit will follow up if necessary. During the finial evaluation we must make sure the manufacturing source has the right management system, adequate equipment, skilled staff and necessary facility. They shall be able to exhibit evidence of satisfactory production and quality control procedures for mass production. After the sample test and factory survey has been completed and positive results come out, the factory will be listed as our potential supplier.

Evaluation of products

All the products we intend to purchase and sell must have relevant technical approval (GS, EMC, etc). Samples submitted will be evaluated in our testing center.

All samples must be submitted with following information:

-       Product general specification data

-       Certificate and test report from certification body if available

-       Electric circuit diagram

-       Construction data sheet

-       User’s manual

-       Explosive diagram and part list

-       Material and specification for key components

-       Certificate of key components

Power tools samples are sent to Testing Center together with a Test order which clearly state the testing requirements .If the sample fails to satisfy any of the requirements, it is necessary to ask for modification and final evaluation will be conducted. Feedback and complains from customer of previous shipment will also be considered as valuable experience for improvement. Mass production will not be allowed to start without our final approval.

There are several power tool inspection processes to be taken into consideration prior to allowing the equipment to be reliable for use. Here are some FIXTEC inspection processes that take place for power tools:

Visual Inspection

• Inspect the equipment for any noticeable wear or damage to ensure that the power tool specified is working accordingly and is proven to be safe for operation.
• Identify each damaged or poorly constructed power tool to the respective supervisor to ensure that every tool to be used during operation is operational.
• Inspect and identify the attachments of the specified power tool if each component is attached (or if equipment needs ground attachment) to ensure that operation would go as expected without potential risks.
• Inspect and identify the power source to be used by the specified power tool for any signs of damage, electrical hazards and other known hazards that can disrupt the operation to ensure uninterrupted process.
• Inspect and identify the necessary tool adjustments, components and mechanisms to be used on the specified power tool to ensure that functionality would not be affected once in use.
• Inspect and identify repaired power tools and double check before using to ensure if the specified tool is fully ready for operation.

Physical Inspection

• Inspect and identify each new and rented power tool being used for operation to ensure that it complies with the provisions of the safety standard for inspections.
• Inspect and identify each tool being used for operation and verify its condition by performing a standardized test to ensure that each rig is working as expected.
• Inspect each power tool specified for any unofficial modifications to ensure personal safety of the user of the said power tool.
• For repaired power tools: Inspect and identify each mechanism that was replaced or repaired and verify its compliance with the safety standard to ensure that the equipment is ready for use.
• For new power tools: Inspect and identify if each mechanism on the specified tool is attached according to its manual and the device is working as expected to ensure a seamless activity.

Handling And Storage Power Sources Inspection

• Inspect and identify each storage container for liquid fuels like gasoline (if applicable) to be used after power tool operation to ensure that no potential hazard will occur during operation in adherence to NFPA no. 30-1969.
• Inspect and identify the power-actuated and pneumatic power tools to ensure that no loaded fasteners are in place during connection and disconnection of the air line (if applicable).
• Inspect each battery being used by the specified power tool to ensure uninterrupted and maintenance-free operation of the tool during use.
• Inspect and verify the standard inspection and maintenance cycle of the power facilities to ensure that each maintenance task is performed as expected to the safety standards.

Power Tool Noise Inspection Testing

• Inspect and identify each power tool being used for the appropriate noise levels according to its default equipment setting to ensure that the device adheres to the safety standards.
• Inspect and verify the different noise decibel levels beyond the tolerable level for human operation to ensure that the operation strictly adheres to the standards of measurement of sound emitted from portable electric power tools and fixed electric power tools (ANSI-ASA S12.15), measurement of noise from hand-operated power tools (BSR/ASA S12.15) and noise measurement levels for hand-held non-electric power tools (ISO 15744).

Power Tool Vibration Inspection Testing

• Inspect the vibration level of the equipment being tested for any issues when performing any tasks to ensure that the equipment is functioning accordingly and is safe for daily operation.

Power Tool Hi-Pot Inspection Testing

Base on the current requirements (DIN EN60745, IEC745-1, UL745…) the following testing procedures are released for use in final inspection.

•         The two-circuit-testing on the final assembled tool
•          - Contact of live parts
•          - Contact of not accessible dead metal parts of armature and field via probes
•          - Contact of all accessible dead metal parts.
•        The one circuit testing on the final assembled tool has to be performed
•           - Contact of live parts
•           - Contact of all accessible dead metal parts

The voltage used for one or two circuit test has to comply with the actual standards. It has to be guaranteed by suitable measures that the tool is tested under these conditions.