24 May Workplace Electrical Safety

Workplace Electrical Safety

Electrical hazards are present in many workplaces and can result in electric shock, electrocution, burns, fires, explosions, and serious secondary injuries. Employees who work with or around electrical equipment must recognize these hazards and follow established electrical safe-work practices at all times.

Electrical incidents can occur when workers contact energized conductors or equipment, when tools or equipment contact overhead power lines, or when damaged or improperly installed electrical equipment becomes energized.

Guide for Discussion

Recognize Electrical Hazards

Common workplace electrical hazards include:

• Energized electrical conductors and circuit parts.
• Overhead and underground power lines.
• Damaged or frayed cords and wiring.
• Missing grounding prongs.
• Improperly grounded electrical equipment.
• Exposed electrical parts or missing covers.
• Wet or damp conditions around electrical equipment.
• Overloaded circuits or improper temporary wiring.
• Defective electrical tools and equipment.
• Improper use of extension cords.
• Failure to follow lockout/tagout procedures.

Never assume electrical equipment is safe simply because it is turned off.

De-Energize Whenever Possible

The safest electrical work is generally performed with equipment placed in an electrically safe condition.

Before performing servicing or maintenance:

• Identify all electrical energy sources.
• Properly shut down and isolate the equipment.
• Apply required locks and tags.
• Release or control stored electrical energy.
• Verify the absence of voltage using appropriately rated test equipment.
• Follow the company’s electrical safety and lockout/tagout procedures.

Only qualified employees may perform electrical work requiring specialized knowledge and training.

Inspect Electrical Equipment

Inspect portable electrical tools, cords, plugs, and equipment before use.

Look for:

• Cuts, cracks, or damaged insulation.
• Exposed conductors.
• Loose or missing grounding prongs.
• Damaged plugs or receptacles.
• Burn marks or signs of overheating.
• Loose electrical connections.
• Missing covers or guards.
• Other conditions that could expose employees to electrical hazards.

Remove defective equipment from service immediately and have it repaired by an authorized person or replaced.

Use GFCI Protection

Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) provide important protection against electrical shock.

Use required GFCI protection for temporary electrical power on construction sites and wherever otherwise required. Test GFCIs as recommended and immediately report defective devices.

Never bypass or defeat a GFCI or other electrical protective device.

Maintain Proper Grounding

Electrical tools and equipment must be properly grounded or designed with an approved alternative such as double insulation.

• Never remove a grounding prong to make a plug fit a receptacle.
• Never alter electrical plugs or receptacles.
• Use extension cords appropriate for the environment and electrical load.
• Do not use damaged adapters or makeshift electrical connections.
• Keep electrical connections protected from damage and moisture.

Maintain Clearance from Power Lines

Overhead power lines can be deadly even without direct worker contact. Cranes, ladders, scaffolds, dump trucks, aerial lifts, pipes, and other conductive materials can contact energized lines and expose employees to electrocution.

• Treat overhead power lines as energized unless properly confirmed otherwise.
• Identify power-line hazards before beginning work.
• Maintain required minimum approach distances.
• Use a spotter when required.
• Never carry conductive materials where they could contact energized lines.
• Contact the utility owner/operator when lines must be de-energized or otherwise protected.

Use Required PPE

Electrical PPE must be appropriate for the hazard and task. Depending on the work, protection may include:

• Voltage-rated gloves with required protectors.
• Insulating sleeves.
• Electrical protective blankets or mats.
• Arc-rated clothing.
• Eye and face protection.
• Electrically rated protective equipment and tools.

PPE must be properly inspected, maintained, and used by employees who have received the required training.

Electrical Safety Checklist

Before beginning electrical-related work, ask:

1. Have the electrical hazards been identified?
2. Is the equipment de-energized whenever possible?
3. Have required lockout/tagout procedures been followed?
4. Are employees qualified and authorized for the work?
5. Are cords, plugs, tools, and equipment in good condition?
6. Is required GFCI protection provided?
7. Is electrical equipment properly grounded or double insulated?
8. Are electrical panels, boxes, and fittings properly covered?
9. Are required clearances maintained from overhead power lines?
10. Is the required electrical PPE available, inspected, and being used?

Remember

Electricity gives little warning before an incident occurs. Never take shortcuts around energized equipment. De-energize and lock out equipment whenever required, inspect electrical tools and cords before use, maintain clearance from power lines, use required protective devices and PPE, and leave specialized electrical work to qualified employees.