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Top 10 Tips for Safe Conduit Bender Use — EC&M On Air Highlights

⏱️ 5:24 🎤 Ellen Parson, Mark Lamendola
AUDIO EPISODE
Top 10 Tips for Safe Conduit Bender Use — EC&M On Air Highlights
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Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Introduction to Bender Safety
    The episode begins with an introduction to Bender Basics for Safety, an article written by Mark Lamendola.
  • 0:42
    Understanding Different Benders
    Ellen explains the historical evolution of conduit benders, from hickeys to power benders, and the need for specific shoes for different conduit types.
  • 1:45
    Preparing Your Power Bender
    The first two safety tips focus on carefully transporting, inspecting, leveling, and ensuring a clear area for power bender use.
  • 2:19
    Correct Shoe Usage
    Tips three, four, and five emphasize using the correct shoe for the raceway, never allowing other trades to use your bender, and never using pipe in a conduit bender.
  • 3:24
    Setup and Marking
    Tips six, seven, and eight cover ensuring the hydraulic bender is level, properly marking the workpiece, and correctly clamping the workpiece before bending.
  • 4:20
    Deburring and Storage
    The final two tips, nine and ten, advise using a reamer for deburring and properly collecting and securing bender accessories and the bender itself after use.

Speakers

E
Ellen Parson
Host — editor-in-chief of EC&M
M
Mark Lamendola
technical electrical consultant

Key Takeaways

Always use the correct bender shoe for the specific type and size of conduit or tubing to prevent damage and injury.

Ensure your work area is clear and free of obstructions before operating a conduit bender to allow for safe handling of long materials.

Never allow untrained personnel or other trades to use your bender, as they may not understand its limitations or safe operating procedures.

Avoid using a conduit bender for materials it wasn't designed for, such as standard pipe, to prevent catastrophic equipment failure and potential injury from flying debris.

Before applying force, properly mark and clamp your workpiece according to the bender's prescribed method to ensure accurate bends and reduce material waste.

Always use a reamer to deburr cut conduit ends, as screwdrivers are inadequate and can leave sharp edges that cause injuries.

Carefully inspect your bender for damage, ensure it's level, and properly secure it during transport and storage to maintain its integrity and safe operation.

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