11 Nov Electrical Safety – Working Safely Around Electricity

Electrical Safety – Working Safely Around Electricity

Electricity is essential on construction sites and in industrial workplaces, but improper use can cause severe shock, electrocution, burns, fires, and explosions. Electrical hazards may not provide any warning before an injury occurs, so employees must understand the hazards and follow established electrical safety procedures.

Guide for Discussion

Understanding Electrical Shock

The severity of an electrical shock depends on several factors, including:

• Amount of current: Even relatively small amounts of current passing through the body can cause serious injury.
• Duration of contact: The longer the body remains in contact with an energized source, the greater the potential for serious injury.
• Path through the body: Current traveling through the chest or other vital organs can be particularly dangerous.
• Body and environmental conditions: Wet skin, perspiration, damp clothing, and wet or conductive surfaces can greatly increase the risk of electrical shock.

Never assume that low voltage means low risk.

Work Safely Around Electricity

• Follow manufacturer instructions and established safe work practices when using electrical equipment.
• Only qualified employees may perform electrical work for which specialized electrical knowledge or training is required.
• Never alter plugs, remove grounding prongs, or force a plug into an incompatible receptacle.
• Keep electrical equipment, cords, and connections away from water whenever possible.
• Do not handle electrical equipment, plugs, or switches with wet hands.
• Disconnect equipment by firmly gripping the plug rather than pulling on the cord.
• Inspect electrical cords, plugs, tools, and equipment before use.
• Remove damaged electrical equipment from service until it has been properly repaired or replaced.
• Keep electrical panels and disconnects readily accessible.
• Use required ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection on construction sites and in other locations where required.
• Use extension cords and temporary wiring only for their intended purpose and within their rated capacity.

Watch for Electrical Warning Signs

Electrical problems should be reported immediately. Warning signs may include:

• Frequently tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses.
• Flickering or dimming lights.
• Warm or discolored receptacles, plugs, cords, or wall plates.
• Damaged or frayed electrical cords.
• Loose plugs or receptacles.
• Burning odors, smoke, sparks, or unusual sounds.
• Electrical equipment that produces a shock or tingling sensation.

Do not continue using electrical equipment when any of these conditions are present.

De-Energize Before Work

Turning a switch to the “off” position does not necessarily mean equipment is electrically safe.

Before servicing, repairing, adjusting, or performing other work that could expose employees to hazardous electrical energy, equipment must be properly de-energized and applicable lockout/tagout procedures followed. Verification of the absence of voltage must be performed as required by the electrical safe-work procedure.

Never perform electrical repairs unless you are qualified and authorized to do so.

Overhead and Underground Electrical Hazards

Electrical hazards are not limited to cords, tools, and receptacles.

• Maintain required clearances from overhead power lines.
• Treat power lines as energized unless they have been properly de-energized and confirmed safe.
• Never allow conductive tools, ladders, equipment, or materials to contact energized lines.
• Locate underground utilities before excavation or drilling begins.
• Immediately report damaged electrical lines, conduits, or equipment.

Remember

Electricity can cause serious or fatal injuries without warning. Inspect equipment before use, keep electricity away from water, use required GFCI protection, maintain electrical equipment in safe condition, and never perform electrical work unless you are qualified and authorized.