ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Mark Cyril S,. Escano

OSH Practitioner

Date:
COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the end of this training, you will be able to:
1. Understand the hazard associated to electricity
2. Recognize how the electrical accident occurred
3. Know how to control electrical hazards
COURSE OUTLINE
• How Does Electricity Work:
• What are the Hazards of Electricity:
• Causes of Electrical Accidents:
• Preventing Electrical Accidents:
• Preventing Electrical Accidents:
ELECTRON THEORY
An electron is a tiny particle of matter that orbits around the
nucleus of an atom.
WHAT IS "VOLTAGE"?
Voltage is a measure of the electrical force that seems to push the
electrons.
• Sometimes called as electromotive force
• Unit of measurement: Volt
WHAT IS "AMPERAGE"?
Amperage is the unit used to measure the amount of electrical
current.
• Amperage is often referred to as "current“
• Unit of measurement: Ampere (A)
WHAT IS "RESISTANCE"?
Resistance is the unitused to measure the opposition to the flow of
electrical current.
Unit of measurement: Ohms (Ω)
WHAT IS A "CIRCUIT"?
A circuit is the a complete path for the flow of current.

A complete circuit is made up of a source of electricity, a conductor,

and a consuming device (load).
CIRCUIT CONNECTION
HAZARDS OF ELECTRICITY:
The primary hazards of electricity and its use are:
Shock
Burns
Arc-Blast
Fires and Explosions
Falls
SHOCKS
Shock occurs when the body become part, of the circuit.
The Current must enter the body at one point to
another.
SHOCK MAY OCCURS IN ONE OF THESE WAYS
If you touch:
• Both wires of an electric circuit.
• One wire of an energized circuit and ground.
• Part of a machine, which is “Hot” because it is contacting an
energized wire and the ground.
LOW VOLTAGE DOES NOT MEAN LOW HAZARD!
EFFECTS OF ELECTRICAL CURRENT*
ON THE BODY
• The severity of the shock a person receives depends on several
factors:
• How much electric current flows through the body.
• What path the electric current takes through the body.
• How much time elapses while the body is part of the electric
current.
SHOCK
BURNS
The most common shock-related, nonfatal injury
BURNS
Electrical burns can result when a person touches electrical wiring
or equipment that is used or maintained improperly.
ARC-BLAST
Arc-blast-explosive release of molten material from equipment
caused by high-amperage arcs
Arc-blasts occur when high-amperage currents jump from one
conductor to another through air.
EXPLOSIONS
Explosions occur when electricity provides a source of ignition for
an explosive mixture in the atmosphere. Ignition can be due to
overheated conductors or equipment, or normal arcing
(sparking) at switch contacts.

arcing-the luminous electrical discharge (bright, electrical

sparking) through the air that occurs when high voltages exist
across a gap between conductors
FIRES
• Electricity is one of the most common causes of fire both in the
home and workplace.

C (think: Circuits) = electrical fires

FIRES
Defective or misused electrical equipment is a major cause, with
high resistance connections being one of the primary sources of
ignition.
RECOGNIZING HAZARDS
INADEQUATE WIRING HAZARDS
An electrical wiring hazard exists when the wire is too small for the
current it will carry or is not connected properly.
Two key elements
• Wire gauge - wire size or diameter (technically, the cross-
sectional area.)
• Ampacity-the maximum amount of current a wire can carry
safely without overheating.
CONTROL INADEQUATE WIRING HAZARDS
You must choose the right size wire for the amount of current
expected in a circuit. The wire must be able to handle the
current safely.
EXPOSED ELECTRICAL PARTS HAZARDS
Electrical hazards exist when
wires or other electrical parts
are exposed.
Wires and parts can be exposed if
a cover is removed from a
wiring or breaker box.
CONTROL HAZARDS OF EXPOSED LIVE ELECTRICAL
PARTS: ISOLATE ENERGIZED COMPONENTS

Guarding:
Any “live” parts of electrical equipment operating at 50 volts or more
must be guarded to avoid accidental contact. This protection can
be accomplished in several different ways. The machinery or
equipment can be located:
• In a room, enclosure, or vault accessible only to qualified
personnel.
• Behind substantial screens or partitions which prevent easy
access.
• On a balcony, platform, or gallery area which is elevated and not
accessible to unqualified /unauthorized persons.
• At least eight feet above the floor of the work area
ISOLATE ENERGIZED COMPONENTS
ISOLATE ENERGIZED COMPONENTS
Any entrance to an area containing “live” parts of electrical
equipment must be marked with conspicuous warning signs.
These signs should forbid entrance except by qualified persons.
APPROACH BOUNDARIES
The risk from exposed live parts depends on your distance from the
parts. Three “boundaries” are key to protecting yourself from
electric shock and one to protect you from arc flashes or blasts.
APPROACH BOUNDARIES
The limited approach boundary is the closest an unqualified person
can approach, unless a qualified person accompanies you.
APPROACH BOUNDARIES
The restricted approach boundary is the closest to exposed live
parts that a qualified person can go without proper PPE (such
as, flame-resistant clothing) and insulated tools.
APPROACH BOUNDARIES
The prohibited approach boundary—the most serious—is the
distance you must stay from exposed live parts to prevent
flashover or arcing in air.
FLASH PROTECTION BOUNDARY
To protect against burns, there’s one more boundary: The flash protection boundary is where
you need PPE to prevent incurable burns, if there’s an arc flash.
OVERHEAD POWER LINE HAZARDS
Shocks and electrocutions occur
where physical barriers are not in
place to prevent contact with the
wires.
OVERHEAD POWER LINE HAZARDS
OVERHEAD POWERLINE HAZARDS
The minimum distance for voltages up to 50kV is 10
feet.
For voltages over 50kV, the minimum distance is 10
feet plus 4 inches for every 10 kV over 50kV.)
Never store materials and equipment under or near
over-head power lines.
DEFECTIVE INSULATION HAZARDS
• Insulation that is defective or
inadequate is an electrical hazard.
CONTROL OVER DEFECTIVE INSULATION
HAZARDS
Before you begin to work on any piece of electrical equipment, take
a look at the insulation (on electrical cords, for example) to be
sure there are no exposed electrical wires. Also use insulated
tools.
IMPROPER GROUNDING HAZARDS
When an electrical system is not grounded properly, a hazard
exists.
The metal parts of an electrical wiring system that we touch (switch
plates, ceiling light fixtures, conduit, etc.) should be grounded
and at 0 volts.
IMPROPER GROUNDING HAZARDS
TWO TYPES OF GROUNDING
Electrical equipment grounding occurs when the equipment
grounding conductor provides a path of dangerous fault current
to return to the system ground at the supply source of the circuit
should the insulation fail.

Electrical circuit or system grounding, accomplished when one

conductor of the circuit is intentionally connected to earth,
protects the circuit should lighting strike or other high voltage
contact occur.
ELECTRICAL PROTECTIVE DEVICES:
Ground fault circuit interrupter, or
GFCI The only electrical
protective device whose sole
purpose is to protect people is
the ground-fault circuit-
interrupter.
ELECTRICAL PROTECTIVE DEVICES:
A ground fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI
detects an imbalance between the current in
the "hot" side and the current in the "neutral"
side.
a GFCI device will interrupt electrical service
when more than 4 to 6 milliamperes of current
in either conductor is leaked to ground (either
directly or through a resistance, such as a
person).
The NEC requires that GFCI's be used in these high-risk situations:
• Electricity is used near water.
• The user of electrical equipment is grounded (by touching
grounded material).
• Circuits are providing power to portable tools or outdoor
receptacles.
• Temporary wiring or extension cords are used.
• Specifically, GFCI's must be installed in bathrooms, garages,
out-door areas, crawl spaces, unfinished basements, kitchens,
and near wet bars.
GFCI PROTECTS
OVERLOAD HAZARDS
Overloads in an electrical system are hazardous because they can
produce heat or arcing.
• If too many devices are plugged into a circuit, the electrical
current will heat the wires to a very high temperature. If any one
tool uses too much current, the wires will heat up.
ELECTRICAL PROTECTIVE DEVICES
A device which prevents current from exceeding the conductor’s
capacity creates a weak link in the circuit.
• Fuse and
• Circuit Breaker
WET CONDITIONS HAZARDS
Working in wet conditions is hazardous because you may become
an easy path for electrical current.

Do not work wet - Do not work on circuits or use

electrical equipment in damp or wet areas.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Wear Correct PPE
Electrical protective equipment
appropriate for the body parts that
need protection and for the work to
be done.
WORK AT WORKING SAFELY:

Safety should be foremost in your mind when working

with electrical equipment.

Never let over confidence or complacency lead to taking

unnecessary risks. If you’re not sure – don’t touch.
WORK AT WORKING SAFELY:
The following general rules apply to every piece of electrical
equipment you use:

• Be sure your electrical equipment is maintained properly.

Regularly inspect tools, cords, grounds, and accessories. Make
repairs only if you are authorized to do so. Otherwise, arrange to
have equipment repaired or replaced immediately.
WORK AT WORKING SAFELY:
• Be sure you use safely features like
three-prong plugs, double-insulated
tools, and safety switches. Be sure
machine guards are in place and that
you always follow proper procedures.
WORK AT WORKING SAFELY:
• Install or repair equipment only if you’re qualified and authorized
to do so. A faulty job may cause a fire or seriously injure you or
other workers.
• Keep electric cables and cords clean and free from kinks. Never
carry equipment by its cords.
WORK AT WORKING SAFELY:
• Use extension cords only when flexibility is necessary:
• Never use them as substitutes for fixed wiring.
• Never run them through holes in walls, ceilings, floors,
doorways, or windows.
• Never use them where they are concealed behind walls,
ceilings, or floors
WORK AT WORKING SAFELY:
• Don’t touch water, damp surfaces, ungrounded metal, or any
bare wires if you are not protected. Wear approved rubber
gloves when working with live wires or ungrounded surfaces,
and wear rubber-soled shoes or boots when working on damp or
wet surfaces.

• Don’t wear metal objects (rings, watches, etc.) when working

with electricity. They might cause arcing
WORK AT WORKING SAFELY:
• If you are working near overhead power lines of 50 kilo-Volts
(kV) or less, you or any equipment you are using must not come
any closer than 10 ft from the lines. Add 4 inches of distance for
every 10 kV over 50 kV.
WORK AT WORKING SAFELY:
• Use the right tool correctly - Use tools correctly and for their
intended purposes. Follow the safety instructions and operating
procedures recommended by the manufacturer. When working
on a circuit, use approved tools with insulated handles.

Note: DO NOT USE THESE TOOLS TO WORK ON ENERGIZED

CIRCUITS. ALWAYS SHUT OFF AND DE-ENERGIZE CIRCUITS
BEFORE BEGINNING WORK ON THEM.
WHEN YOU MUST WORK ON OR NEAR LIVE
CIRCUITS
Working on live circuits means actually touching energized parts. Working
near live circuits means working close enough to energized parts to put
you at risk even though you may be working on de-energized parts.
Common tasks where you need to work on or near live circuits include:
• taking voltage and current measurements,
• opening and closing disconnects and circuit breakers,
• racking circuit breakers on and off the bus,
• removing panels and dead fronts, and
• opening electric equipment doors for inspection.
WHEN YOU MUST WORK ON OR NEAR LIVE
CIRCUITS
There should be standard written procedures and training for these
common tasks. For instance, when opening and closing
disconnects, use the left-hand rule when possible (stand to the
right side of equipment with a disconnect on the right, and operate
the disconnect with your left hand). For other situations where you
might need to work on or near live circuits, your employer should
institute a written live-work permit system, which must be
authorized by a qualified supervisor.
WHEN YOU MUST WORK ON OR NEAR LIVE
CIRCUITS
• Have a written live-work permit for the work to be done.
• Wear the right PPE to protect against electric shock and arc
flash. Never wear clothing made from synthetic materials, such
as acetate, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or rayon - alone or
combined with cotton. Such clothing is dangerous because it
can burn and melt into your skin.
• Do not work alone
• Use the proper type of protective equipment, such as insulated
tools and/or handling equipment that is rated for the voltage.
LIVE-WORK PERMIT SYSTEM
A live-work permit should, at least, contain this information:
• a description of the circuit and equipment to be worked on and
the location,
• explanation why the work must be done "live"
• date and time covered by the permit
LIVE-WORK PERMIT SYSTEM
• who will do the work and how unqualified persons will be kept
away
• evidence of completion of job briefing, including discussion of
job-specific hazards
• energized-work approval signatures (authorizing or approving
management, safety officer, owner, etc.)
LIVE-WORK PERMIT SYSTEM
• a description of the safe work practices to be used
• results of shock hazard analysis and determination of shock
protection boundaries
• results of flash hazard analysis and determination of the flash
protection boundary
• PPE needed to safely perform the job
 Good work habits soon become second nature.
Treat electricity with the respect it deserves and it
will serve you efficiently and safely.
THANK YOU