Electrical Safety

Electrical Equipment

The two statuses given to electrical equipment are:

Energized:

• Circuit is closed or connected

• Electricity flows in continuous current

• Creates potential for electrical shock

De-energized:

• Circuit is opened

• No continuous path for electricity to flow

Electrical Worker

• Two categories of electrical workers: Qualified & Unqualified.

• Never exceed your training.

• Always utilize safe work practices

Unsafe Work Practices

Unsafe work practices include:

• Failure to utilize proper lockout procedures.

• Performing unauthorized work on energized circuits.

• Not using electrical protective equipment.

• Placing materials and tools close to energized circuits.

• Using an unsafe working position.

• Using defective equipment.

• Blindly reaching into energized circuits.

• Not using a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

Electrical Hazards

Electrical hazards may include:

• Using electricity in hazardous atmospheres.

• Working in wet work areas.

• Working around overhead lines.

• Using extension cords.

• Using broken or faulty equipment.

Electricity in Hazardous Atmospheres

• Minor sparks can ignite gases.

• Use equipment appropriate for the work location.

• Electrical tools used in hazardous locations must be:

A- Explosion proof.

B- Intrinsically safe (Limit energy available for ignition)

• If these tools are not available, use alternative energy tools.

Special Procedures in Wet Work Areas

• Water increases your chance of electrocution.

• Avoid electrical injury by:

A- Waiting until the area is dry.

B- Using special wet environment tools.

C- Using alternative power tools.

Overhead Line Safety

Guidelines for working around overhead lines include:

• De-energizing the lines whenever possible.

• Maintaining reasonable distance from active lines (10 feet from lines that are 50 kilovolts (kV) or less ).

• Staying away from equipment that has contacted lines.

Precautions of Extension Cords

• Avoid long extension cords.

• Replace damaged cords immediately.

• Ensure prongs are in good condition.

• Ensure plugs have a ground prong.

• Do not lay on floors or in walkways.

Broken or Faulty Equipment

• Never use damaged equipment.

• Check all equipment regularly.

Preventing Accidents and Injuries

• Utilizing lockout procedures.

• Performing inspections.

• Using assured grounding.

• Performing special procedures in wet work areas.

• Using double insulated tools.

• Using GFCIs

• Allowing only qualified electricians using proper PPE to perform
  hazardous electrical work.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

• Circuit breakers and fuses will not protect people from electrocution.

• GFCIs protect people from electrocution.

• They detect ground faults and quickly de-energize the circuit.

Assured Grounding Program

• Established and implemented by your company.

• The program must be in writing and accessible at the jobsite.

• Ensures a qualified electrician has:

A- Periodically checked the grounding system.

B- Visually inspected equipment.

Inspections

Carefully inspect electrical tools for:

• Worn insulations.

• Exposed wires.

• Loose parts.

• Missing covers.

If damage is noticed:

• Tag out of service.

• Report to your supervisor.

Workers Training

• Receive training on safety related work practices.

• Respond to the level of your training.

• Do not repair electrical equipment unless you are trained, qualified and authorized.

Personal Protective Equipment

• PPE should be Designed and approved for electrical work.

• PPE May include gloves, matting, blankets, covers, sleeves, type E hard hats and FRCs.

Electrical Safety Standard

OSHA’s electrical safety standard covers:

• Work on or near exposed energized equipment.

• Proper use of electrical protective equipment.

• Safe use of portable electric equipment.

The standard requires de-energizing equipment prior to work.