Electrical Safety 1
Electrical Safety 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 2
Electrical Safety 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 3
Electrical Safety Two categories of electrical workers Qualified Unqualified Never exceed your training Always utilize safe work practices 4
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) 5
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 6
Electricity in Hazardous Atmospheres Minor sparks can ignite gases Use equipment appropriate for the work location Electrical tools used in hazardous locations must be Explosion proof Intrinsically safe Limit energy available for ignition If these tools are not available, use alternative energy tools 7
Special Procedures in Wet Work Areas Water increases your chance of electrocution Avoid electrical injury by Waiting until the area is dry Using special wet environment tools Using alternative power tools 8
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 9
Extension Cords Precautions 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 10
Broken or Faulty Equipment Never use damaged equipment Check all equipment regularly 11
Preventing Accidents and Injuries Prevention includes 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 12
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 13
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 Periodically checked the grounding system Visually inspected equipment 14
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 15
Training Workers 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 16
Personal Protective Equipment Designed and approved for electrical work May include Gloves Matting Blankets Covers Sleeves Type E hard hats FRCs 17
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