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©2008 2-1 Recognizing Electrical Risk Factors Module 2
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Recognizing Electrical Risk Factors
Module 2
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Recognize
Evaluate
Control
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Define electrical risk factors.
Module Objectives
List and describe electrical risk factors that may contribute to workplace injuries.
List the most important electrical risk factors to look for in your workplace.
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Identify methods for identifying electrical hazards.
Module Objectives
Identify causes of arc blast and the risk factors that contribute to it.
Presented with a problem, describe how to determine risk factors, then list the risk factors.
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An existing or potential condition that, by itself or interacting with other variables, could create an
electrical incident that could result in injury, death, property damage
or other lossAlso called electrical hazard
Electrical Risk Factor
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Four Risk Factor CategoriesEnvironment Equipment
Work Practices Individual
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Electrical risks that are in the work
environment
Environmental Risk Factors
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Electrical risks in the
equipment at a worksite
Equipment Risk Factors
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Electrical risks caused by work requirements, processes or procedures
Work Practices Risk Factors
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Risks that are unique to and
caused by the individual
Individual Risk Factors
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Identifying Electrical Hazards
Tailgate meetings and job briefingsChecklistsJob safety analysisSafety inspectionsOSHA log analysisIncident investigation logs
PROACTIVE
REACTIVE
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Luminous electrical discharge (bright, electrical sparking) through the air that occurs when high voltages exist
across a gap between conductors
Arc Flash
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An explosive release of molten materials from equipment
caused by high-amperage arcs
Arc Blast
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2. Copper expands by a factor of 67,000
1. Heat builds to 35,000º F
What Happens in an Arc Blast?
3. Metal melts
4. There is intense light
6. Shrapnel flies
5. There are pressure and sound waves
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Arc Blast
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Skin burnsIgnition of clothingDamage of eyesightHearing loss/ruptured eardrumsLung collapseConcussion/loss of memory
Consequences of Arc Blast
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Shrapnel woundsPhysical woundsLoss of lifeLost work timeLoss or damage of equipment
Consequences of Arc Blast—continued
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Electrocution for unqualified workers.Arc flash/blast for qualified workers.
Did You Know?The electrical hazard responsible for 80% of incidents and fatalities is:
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Panel boardsSwitchboardsMotorsTransformersMotor startersDrive cabinetsFused disconnects
Where Does Arc Blast Occur?
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Proximity to a high-amp source with a conductive objectEquipment failure from substandard partsImproper installation of equipment or outletsWorn or damaged equipment
Causes of Arc Blast
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Broken insulationA dropped tool that causes a sparkDust, corrosion or other impurities on the surface of the conductorAccidental contact (by humans or animals)Improper work procedures
Causes of Arc Blast—continued
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Accidental Contact—Example
Photo courtesy of Schneider Electric
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Accidental Contact—A Better View
Photo courtesy of Schneider Electric
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Removing or installing circuit breakers or fusesWorking on energized control circuitsRacking circuit breakers in and out of switch gearApplying safety groundsRemoving and replacing panel covers
Hazardous Tasks
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Electrical Hazards—Case 1
Photo courtesy of Schneider Electric
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Electrical Hazards—Case 2
Photo courtesy of Schneider Electric
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Electrical Hazards—Case 3
Photo courtesy of Schneider Electric
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Electrical Hazards—Case 4
Photos courtesy of Schneider Electric
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Planning for Your Small BusinessAction Potential
BarriersOvercoming the Barriers
