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Electrical Hazards AwarenessBriefing
Basic Electrical Safety Hazard Awareness for
Non-Electrical Personnel
Module 1
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Purpose The purpose worker safety
Raising your awareness of electrical hazards
Instructing you on how to recognize electrical hazards
Providing ways to eliminate, remove and preventelectrical hazards in the workplace
Emphasizing the extreme importance of observing all
electrical safety requirements and practices
Instructing you on what to do during an electrical
accident
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Introduction
An average of one worker is electrocuted on the job everyday
An average of one person is electrocuted in the homeevery 36 hours
Electrical incidents are far more likely to be fatal thanother types
There are four main types of electrical injuries:
Electrocution (death due to electrical shock)
Electrical shock
Burns
Falls
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Electrical Shock
Received when current passes
through the body
Severity of the shock depends on:
Path of current through the body
Amount of current flowing
through the body
Length of time the body is in the
circuit
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Dangers of Electrical Shock
Currents greater than 75 mA*can cause ventricular fibrillation(rapid, ineffective heartbeat)
Will cause death in a few
minutes unless a defibrillator isused
75 mA is not much current asmall power drill uses 30 times
as much
* mA = milliampere = 1/1,000 of an ampere
Defibrillator in use
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How is an electrical shock received?
When two wires have different potential differences(voltages), current will flow if they are connectedtogether
In most household wiring, the black wires are at110 volts relative to ground
The white wires are at zero volts because theyare connected to ground
If you come into contact with an energized (live)
black wire, and you are also in contact with thewhite grounded wire, current will pass through yourbody and YOU WILL RECEIVE A SHOCK
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How is an electrical shock received?(contd)
If you are in contact with an energized wire or any
energized electrical component, and also with any
grounded object, YOU WILL RECEIVE A SHOCK
You can even receive a shock when you are not in
contact with a ground
If you contact both wires of a 240-volt cable,
YOU WILL RECEIVE A SHOCK and possiblybe electrocuted
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Low Voltage Does Not Mean Low
Hazard A small amount of electrical current can cause injury,
even death
The current from a 7.5-watt, 120-volt lamp, passing
across the chest, is enough to cause fatal
electrocution
Deaths from 120 volts represent about 12 percent ofall electrocutions
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Electrical Burns
Most common shock-related,
nonfatal injury
Occurs when you touch
electrical wiring or equipmentthat is improperly used or
maintained
Typically occurs on the hands
Very serious injury that needs
immediate attention
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Recognize the HazardsHave you seen areas like these?
Both are NEC violations and present a safety hazard, based on inaccessible circuit control devices
Do not block the working space around electrical equipment (600 volts, nominal, or less). This space provides
and maintains sufficient access and working space to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such
equipment
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Recognize the HazardsWhat do you do if you see these situations?
Call a timeout and inform your supervisor
Do not remove or open receptacle covers, switch plates, or covers of electrical equipment
unless qualified and authorized
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Recognize the Hazard
Assume all exposed wiring
is energized until proven
otherwise. STOP, protectthe area and contact
supervision if you
encounter this situation
Potentially
energized
exposed wire
with status
unknown
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Recognize the Hazard
Tripping and Abrasion Hazards Dont cause tripping
hazards or create
pinch points for
cords
If you must run a
cord temporarily
across the floor,
protect your co-workers by
covering the cord
appropriately
Not OK OK
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Recognize the HazardsRemove from service damaged or frayed cords
Report electrical equipment damage to your supervisor
Stay clear ofbare, exposed
wiring and
REPORT IT!
Visually inspect electrical equipment
before each use for damage and/or
external defects such as loose,
missing or deformed parts, pinchedor crushed outer jackets or insulation.
This type of external damage may
indicate internal damage to the
equipment.
Electrical cords that are worn or
damaged must be replaced without
delay. Before cleaning electrical equipment,
turn it off and unplug it.
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Recognize the HazardCabinets, Boxes, and Fittings
Junction boxes, pull boxesand fittings must haveapproved covers in place
Unused openings in cabinets,boxes and fittings must beclosed (no missing knockouts)
Photo shows violations ofthese two requirements
Report this situation tomanagement
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Recognize the Hazards
Never daisy chain multi-outlet strips (plugging into each other)
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Recognize the Hazard
Observe all barricades,
postings, and warning
signs regarding dangerous
voltages
Do not enter or approach
electrical work areas unless
specifically authorized and
qualified.
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Recognize the Hazards
Not permitted and should be taken out of service!
Electrical boxes with knockouts are designed to
be installed in or on walls, not used as multi-
outlet extension cords.
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Recognize the Hazard
Grounding Path The path to ground from
circuits, equipment, andenclosures must be permanentand continuous
Violation shown here is anextension cord with a missinggrounding prong
Do not make alterations topolarized blades or ground pinto make plug fit into non-polarized or non-groundedoutlet
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Recognize the Hazards Electrical hazards may exist
overhead indoors
Crane power rails are an
example
Electrical hazards may alsoexist overhead outdoors
Most lines are bare and
higher voltage than the
normal insulated wiring
Contact is not required to
initiate an arc or cause shock
and burn injuries
Maintain safe approach
distances when working near
energized overhead lines
Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead lines
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Recognize the Hazard
Electrical equipment and
wiring must not be exposed
to physical damage
Picture shown here isphysical damage to conduit
Stay away from damaged
equipment and report
equipment damage tosupervision
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Recognize the Hazard
Treat it as it is
designed to be
treated Pull the plug, not the
cord
Handle portable electrical equipment carefully, in accordance with manufacturers
instructions, and in a manner that will not cause damage
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Clues that Electrical Hazards
May Exist Tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses
Hot to the touch on tools, wires, cords, connections, or junction
boxes
Dim and flickering lights Sizzles and buzzes-unusual sounds from electrical system
Odor of hot insulation
Mild tingle from contact with case or equipment
GFCI that shuts off a circuit
Worn or frayed insulation around wire or connection
Burn marks or discoloration on receptacle plates or plug prongs
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Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter
Always use a GFCI receptacle or circuit for cordconnected tools and equipment used outdoors ornear water
This device protects you from electrocution
The GFCI detects a difference in current betweenthe black and white circuit wires
(This could happen when electrical equipment isnot working correctly, causing current leakage known as a ground fault.)
Perform the test function on the GFCI todetermine if it is functioning properly by pushing
the button to verify it shuts off Repeated resetting not allowed. Contact local
E&I to troubleshoot if GFCI continues to trip.
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Prohibited Uses of Flexible CordsExamples
Substitute for
fixed wiring
Run through walls,
ceilings, floors,
doors, or windows
Concealed behind
or attached to
building surfaces
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Safe Practices
Cord Control Do not fasten electrical cords to surfaces with staples, nails,
wire, or any other method that might damage the cord
Extension cords
Place them in appropriate locations Understand they are for temporary use only
Tool cords
Keep track of them, to assure they do not become
damaged
Do not plug or unplug electrical cords with wet hands or
while standing in water
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Safe Practices
Cord Control Cont. Do not use portable electrical equipment or extension
cords in wet or damp locations without a ground fault
circuit interrupter (GFCI) ahead of the plug connection
GFCIs are also required for temporary power applications
in wet or damp locations, including extension cords
Remove loads from an appliance or extension cord before
unplugging it
If a plug wont stay placed snugly or fits loosely in a
receptacle, dont use it; call local E&I to replace it
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Safe Practices
Resetting Breakers When circuit breakers and fuses trip, dont reset or
replace them!
Only qualified and authorized personnel are allowed
to reset breakers and replace fuses
Contact qualified personnel to determine the cause oftrips
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Safe Practices
Conductive Apparel Dont wear loose
conductive apparel,
(such as rings,
watch bands,bracelets,
necklaces, etc.)
when plugging in
electrical cords
Burn
from arc
Charm
contacted
plug
Charm
contacted plug
here
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Safe Practices
Wall Penetrations When penetrating walls to hang pictures, bulletin boards,
signs, understand and follow site requirements to ensure that
concealed electrical wiring, conduit or piping will not be
contacted
A non-obtrusive survey (e.g., Ground Penetrating Radar,
proximity detection device) may be required, along with a
review of applicable drawings, to ensure that the electrical
system is not penetrated or contacted
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Safe Practices
Equipment Applications Consumer electrical equipment or
appliances should be tested andlabeled by a recognized testinglaboratory. (Look for the UL, CSA,ETL or MET Label)
Always read and follow themanufacturers instructions carefully.Be sure that the equipment or tool israted for the environment (wet, damp,etc.)
Plug portable space heaters directlyinto outlet: Do not use extension cord.Use a circuit with as little else on it aspossible since space heaters take alot of power.
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Safe Practices
Qualifications Do not remove/replace receptacle covers, switch
plates, or covers of electrical equipment that may
contain energized conductors without electrical
qualifications and authorization
Only qualified electrical workers may perform
activities such as electrical probing, measuring and
testing electrical energized components (such as
performing an absence of voltage test)
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Electrical Emergencies
Do you know what dangers could be encountered?
Attempts to rescue an accident victim may pose as
great a hazard for the rescuer as it does for the
victim
A victim of an electrical accident is often unable to
move or release the electrical conductor, because of
muscle clamping
Caution should be a primary consideration duringany electrical accident or emergency
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Electrical Emergencies
Do you know the proper actions to take if you see someone receiving ashock or locked onto an energized electrical line?
Approaching the accident:
Never rush into an accident situation-Assess your own safety
Call 911 as soon as possible Unplug portable electrical equipment to remove power (1st choice)
Open a disconnecting device or circuit breaker to de-energize fixedelectrical equipment
Use a dry wood broom, leather belt, plastic rope, or somethingsimilar that is non-conductive such as wood or plastic cane with
hook on the end to free the person from the energy source
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Electrical Emergencies
Downed Power Lines Do you know the proper actions to take?
Approaching the accident:
Move away from downed power line
Shuffle away with small steps keeping feet together If you see someone in direct contact with line, do not
touch person
Call 911 as soon as possible
Do not attempt to move downed power line
Get the aid of trained electrical personnel if possible If you are in your car and it is it contact with the downed
line, stay in car. Honk horn for help and tell others to stayaway from your vehicle
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What Now?
Inspect your work areas
Existing unsafe conditions
- Bare wires
- Open enclosures containing exposed wires
- Loose or missing covers or fasteners
- Use good electrical safe practices
-
No daisy-chaining- No overloading outlets
- Pull on plug, not cord
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What Now?
What do I do if I identify a hazardous condition?
When unsafe electrical conditions are found, correct
them if possible, or take steps to warn other
employees
Report unsafe electrical conditions verbally and/or in
writing to supervision so corrective actions can be
taken immediately
Barricade the area, if an immediate hazard existsNotify supervision for correction and documentation
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For More Information
Contact:
Your Site Electrical Safety Officer, or
Your Safety Engineer
WEB Sites
See DOE Electrical Safety Campaign at
www.eh.doe.gov/paa/electrical
See Electrical Safety Foundation International at
www.electrical-safety.org