Electrical Safety

PDIS RLI KANPUR SESSION 2020-2021

TOKESH NAGWANSHI
ROLL NO-43
Introduction
 Conductors – substances, such as metals, that have little
resistance to electricity
 Insulators – substances, such as dry wood, rubber, glass and
Bakelite, that have high resistance to electricity
 Grounding – a conductive connection to the earth which acts as
a protective measure
Electrical Hazards
BE SAFE:
Burns
Electrocution
Shock
Arc flash/arc blast
Fire
Explosions
The following slides will discuss specific electrical
hazards the non-electrical skilled worker is exposed to
in the work place and the methods used to mitigate the
hazards.
Hazards of Electricity

Shock

Arc

Blast
Electrical Hazards
Electrocution:
Is fatal
Meaning: to kill with electrical shock
Results when a human is exposed to a lethal amount of
electrical energy
Arc Flash/Arc Blast
Arc flash
Sudden release of electrical energy through air when a high-voltage
gap exists and there is a breakdown between conductors
Gives off thermal radiation (heat) and bright, intense light that can
cause burns
Temperatures as high as 35,000°F
Electrical Hazards
Fire:
Most result from problems with "fixed wiring”
Problems with cords, plugs, receptacles, and switches
also cause electrical fires
Explosions:
Occur when electricity ignites explosive mixture of
material in the air
Note:
Electricity is source of these hazards
All hazards are of equal importance
Lesson focuses on eliminating electrical hazards
Electrical Protection Methods
Inspect portable tools and extension cords:
Workers need to inspect extension cords
prior to their use for any cuts or abrasion.
Electric hand tools that are old, damaged,
or misused may have damaged insulation
inside.
Electrical Protection Methods
Use power tools and equipment as designed:
Follow tool safety tips to avoid misusing
equipment
Follow manufacturer’s instructions
Electrical Protection Methods
Tool safety tips
Never carry a tool by the cord.
Never yank the cord to disconnect [Link]
Keep cords away from heat, oil, and sharp
edges.
Disconnect when not in use and when
changing accessories such as blades and
bits.
Electrical Protection Methods
Avoid accidental starting. Do not hold fingers
on the switch button while carrying a
plugged-in tool.
Use gloves and appropriate footwear.
Store in dry a place when not using.
The most effective way to protect against
electrical hazards is to use LO/TO.
 Your facility will have specific requirements for
LO/TO. Always comply with the requirements.
 Only LO/TO qualified employees may work
under the protection of a LO/TO.
 LO/TO accomplishes a zero energy state and
there is no electrical hazard.
 You are required to comply with all LO/TO
requirements.
 Failure to comply can result in injury or
death!

DO NOT OPERATE!
Lockout/Tagout
 Your personal lock and personal
danger tag is what protects you
from systems being re-energized
while you are working on them.
 You are the only person
authorized to remove them
except under specially controlled
conditions.
 If you don’t install them, you
are not protected!
How do you respond to electrical incidents?

If you come across a person receiving an electric shock:

 if possible, disconnect the electrical supply (switch?)

 assess the situation – never put yourself at risk

 take precautions to protect yourself and anyone else in the vicinity

 apply the first aid principles (e.g. CPR)

 assess the injuries and move the casualty to a safe area if required

 administer first aid if trained

 seek urgent medical attention

What are the levels of effect of current?
AC current (mA) Effect on human body

1 Slight tingling sensation

2-9 Small shock
10-24 Muscles contract causing you to freeze
25-74 Respiratory muscles can become paralysed;
pain; exit burns often visible
75-300 Usually fatal; ventricular fibrillation; entry & exit
wounds visible
>300 Death almost certain; if survive will have badly
burnt organs and probably require amputations
Can you protect yourself from electricity?
 Don’t wear metal objects

 Turn power off

 Wear appropriate clothing

 Don’t touch live parts

 Don’t install or repair electrical equipment

 Use qualified personnel

 Clean and dry leads and plugs before use

 Use PPE
Circuit Breaker Tripping

Anytime a circuit has been de-

energized by the operation of an over
current protective device (such as a
fuse or circuit breaker) by a short circuit
or ground-fault, the circuit must be
checked by a qualified person to
determine if it can be reenergized
safely.
The repetitive manual re-closing of
circuit breakers or reenergizing circuits
through replacing fuses is prohibited.
Circuit Breaker Tripping
 If you are allowed to reset circuit
breakers or other electrical switches,
position yourself in the safest location
possible.
 Never stand directly in front of or reach
across the device.

 Some facilities have specific

requirements for who is allowed to
operate breakers and disconnects.
Make sure you know the requirement
before performing these actions.
Moisture provides a conductive path
that could result in death.

Never work with wet tools or clothing.

Remove Your Jewelry.

Use of Specific Safety-Related Equipment
and Work Practices

Portable Electric Equipment and

Flexible Cord Set requirements:
 The user must visually inspect the equipment
for defects and damage before they are used
on any shift.
 If the tool or cord set is damaged, take it out
of service or have it repaired.
Portable Electric Tools -
Things to look for:

Damaged/Broken case

Ground prong missing

on three-prong plugs.
Some tools are double
insulated and won’t
have a ground prong.
That’s OK.
Damaged Cord – outer
sheath broken
2
1 3

4
Cords – Items to consider before use.
1. Use per Listing and Labeling
2. Inner wires exposed – Don’t use.
3. Plug not fully seated – Don’t use.
4. Cords run through doors / pinch points – Don’t use.
5. Outer sheath damaged – Don’t use.
6. Cord tightly coiled may cause a problem – Don’t use.
7. Tightly coiled cord that had a meltdown because it 5
8 couldn’t cool properly when overloaded.
8. Cords must be GFCI protected or under an Assured
Equipment Ground Conductor program.

6
7

EFCOG Elec
Is it
Safe?

What do you think?

Could you make this a
better installation?
EFCOG Electrical Improvement Project
Ladders used around electrical hazards
must have non-conductive side rails.
Ladders with non-conductive side rails
that are contaminated with paint,
greases or other coatings may no longer
be non-conductive. Check them out.

Stay away from exposed energized

equipment.

Always look up before you lift or climb

up.
Be aware of overhead exposed
energized equipment such as
overhead lines, cords, or overhead
crane rails.
Minimum approach distance to
overhead lines below 72,500 volts is
10 feet. (Limited Approach Boundary -
70E)
Look Up and Stay Alive!
There may be other requirements that apply to approach distances to
overhead lines. Make sure you inquire about these requirements.
Possible examples may include:
 The use of a designated spotter.
 Approach distances may be different than 70E requirements.
 Overhead utilities may be under separate management.
The National Electrical Code (NEC)
has specific clearance
requirements around electrical
equipment to maintain safe
working clearances for electrical
workers. These are dedicated
spaces and include width, height,
and depth requirements. The
clearance distances are based on
configuration and voltage level.

You must keep these spaces clear. Check with a

qualified electrical worker to ensure you do not
store or install materials and equipment in
theses dedicated spaces.
OBEY ALL SIGNS AND BARRIERS!

Signs, Symbols, Tags, and Barricades

are used to warn personnel of potential
electrical hazards.

CAUTION

HIGH
AREA IN FRONT OF THIS VOLTAGE
ELECTRICAL PANEL MUST BE
KEPT CLEAR FOR 36 INCHES
OSHA - NEC REGULATIONS
Summary
 Many items concerning electrical safety have been
presented. It isn’t possible to cover all the hazards
electrical energy can present.
 If you identify a hazard, make sure you and others are safe
and then report it immediately to the proper authority for
your work location.
 70E requires electrical workers to be ALERT.
 You are also required to be ALERT and AWARE of potential
electrical hazards. If you are not, you can be severely
injured or killed

 Above all, BE SAFE.