10 Mar Electrical Hazards
Electrical Hazards
Electricity is a serious workplace hazard because electrical contact can cause shock, burns, arc-flash injuries, fires, electrocution, and secondary injuries such as falls. A worker who receives an electrical shock may lose muscle control or be thrown off balance, creating additional hazards when working from ladders, scaffolds, or elevated surfaces.
Electrical hazards are not always obvious. Workers should never assume electrical equipment, wiring, or power lines are safe simply because they appear undamaged.
Common Electrical Hazards
Electrical shock or injury can result from:
- Using defective or damaged power tools.
- Using extension cords with damaged insulation, plugs, or grounding conductors.
- Removing or defeating grounding prongs or other electrical safety devices.
- Overloading circuits, receptacles, power strips, or extension cords.
- Bypassing switches, interlocks, breakers, or other protective devices.
- Using electrical equipment improperly in wet or damp locations.
- Failing to use required Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection.
- Contacting exposed energized electrical parts.
- Working too close to overhead or underground electrical lines.
- Allowing conductive tools, ladders, equipment, or materials to contact energized conductors.
- Performing electrical repairs or modifications without proper training and authorization.
Electricity can also arc through the air under certain conditions. Physical contact with an energized conductor is not always necessary for a serious electrical injury.
Preventing Electrical Injuries
Follow these precautions whenever working with or around electrical equipment:
- Inspect power tools, extension cords, plugs, and electrical equipment before use.
- Remove damaged or defective electrical equipment from service immediately.
- Never remove or defeat the grounding prong on an electrical plug.
- Use properly grounded or approved double-insulated tools.
- Use GFCI protection as required, particularly for construction-site receptacles and temporary power.
- Follow the company’s applicable electrical protection and assured equipment grounding conductor procedures.
- Keep electrical cords, plugs, and connections away from water and other damaging conditions.
- Do not use electrical tools while standing in water.
- Do not rely on insulated footwear alone to protect against electrical shock.
- Protect extension cords from traffic, sharp edges, pinch points, heat, oil, and other sources of damage.
- Disconnect tools from their power source before changing accessories, making adjustments, or performing maintenance.
- Do not disconnect equipment by pulling on the cord; grasp the plug.
- Keep electrical panels, disconnects, and breaker boxes accessible and properly identified.
- Ensure temporary lighting is properly guarded to protect bulbs from accidental contact and breakage.
Overhead Power Lines
Treat overhead power lines as energized unless the utility owner/operator confirms they have been de-energized and visibly grounded at the worksite.
Before beginning work:
- Identify overhead electrical lines and determine their voltage when necessary.
- Maintain required minimum approach and equipment-clearance distances.
- Consider the maximum reach of cranes, aerial lifts, ladders, scaffolds, concrete pumps, dump bodies, and other equipment.
- Use a dedicated spotter when required.
- Never assume that an overhead conductor is insulated or safe to touch.
- Immediately report situations where equipment or work activities could encroach upon required electrical clearances.
Temporary Power and GFCI Protection
Construction sites present increased electrical hazards because temporary wiring and portable tools may be exposed to moisture, physical damage, and frequent movement.
Where required, use GFCIs or an OSHA-compliant assured equipment grounding conductor program (AEGCP) for applicable temporary receptacles. The company’s designated competent person must ensure that required inspections, tests, and documentation are completed when an AEGCP is used.
Never bypass a GFCI because it repeatedly trips. A tripping GFCI may indicate an electrical fault that needs to be investigated.
De-Energize Before Work
Electrical equipment should be de-energized before employees work on or near exposed electrical parts, unless applicable requirements permit energized work and the necessary precautions have been established.
Before servicing electrical equipment:
- Identify all electrical energy sources.
- Disconnect or isolate the energy.
- Apply required lockout/tagout controls.
- Release or control stored electrical energy.
- Verify de-energization using appropriate test equipment.
- Perform the work only after the equipment has been placed in an electrically safe condition.
Only qualified and authorized employees may perform electrical work for which specialized electrical training is required.
If Electrical Contact Occurs
If a person is in contact with an energized electrical source, do not touch the person or equipment until the electrical source has been safely disconnected. Touching the victim could cause the rescuer to become part of the electrical circuit.
Activate emergency response procedures immediately and provide first aid or CPR when it is safe to do so and when trained to provide such assistance.
Remember
Electricity gives little warning before an injury occurs. Inspect equipment, use required GFCI protection, maintain grounding, keep electrical equipment dry, respect power-line clearances, and never bypass electrical safety devices.
When in doubt, stop work and contact your supervisor or a qualified electrical worker before proceeding.