Workplace Electrical Safety Tips

Adapt this list of reminders to your working environment. Be sure to consider company
policies and local, state, and Federal codes before establishing a written electrical safety
program.

 Plan every job and think about what could go wrong.

 Use the right tools for the job.
 Use procedures, drawings, and other documents to do the job.
 Isolate equipment from energy sources.
 Identify the electric shock and arc flash, as well as other hazards that may be present.
 Minimize hazards by guarding or establishing approach limitations.
 Test every circuit and every conductor every time before you touch it.
 Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last line of defense in case something
goes wrong.
 Be sure you are properly trained and qualified for the job.
 Work on electrical equipment and conductors only when deenergized, unless
procedures and safeguards have been established to ensure zero exposure for the
worker and other people in the area.
 Lockout/tagout and ground (where appropriate) before working on equipment.
 Treat deenergized electrical equipment and conductors as energized until
lockout/tagout, test, and ground procedures (where appropriate) are implemented.
 Wear protective clothing and equipment and use insulated tools in areas where there
are possible electrical hazards.
 Deenergize and visibly guard (where possible) whenever contact with uninsulated
overhead power lines is possible.
 Check and double check safety regulations when a ladder or parts of any vehicle or
mechanical equipment structure will be elevated near energized overhead power lines.
Call your local electric utility for assistance. People standing on the ground may be
particularly vulnerable to possible injury.

Cords, Equipment, and Tool Grounding

 Make sure all equipment and extension cords bear the mark of an independent testing
laboratory such as UL, CSA, ETL or MET Labs.
 Protect flexible cords and cables from physical damage. Check cords for cut, broken,
or cracked insulation.
 Keep slack in flexible cords to prevent tension on electrical terminals.
 Make sure the insulating qualities of a splice are equal to or greater than the original
cord.
 Extension cords are for temporary use. Install permanent wiring when use is no longer
temporary.
 Verify that all three-wire tools and equipment are grounded.
 Water, electrical equipment, and power cords do not mix! Use GFCI protection in wet
or damp environments.
 Ground exposed parts of fixed equipment that could be energized.
 Use non-conductive tools whenever possible.
 Always double check the operation of your voltage testers by testing a live circuit.

Other Considerations

 Verify location of all buried or embedded electrical circuits before digging or cutting.
 Determine the reason that a fuse operated or circuit breaker tripped before replacing
or resetting.
 Know where your overcurrent devices are (i.e. circuit breakers and fuses) so they can
be easily and quickly reached in case of emergency.
 When replacing lamps and bulbs, verify that the replacement matches fixture
requirements.

Electrical Safety Documents

Many organizations are committed to developing standards, regulations and guidelines that
include electrical safety requirements. Employees in the workplace should familiarize
themselves with these documents and the organizations responsible for their development.
Some of these standards, guidelines and regulations are:

OHSA Regulations
 OSHA 29 CFR 1910 , General Industry
o Subpart - Electrical Standard
o Subpart R - Utility Industry
 1910.268 Telecommunications
 1910.269 Power Generation, Transmissions and Distribution Standard

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 o Subpart J, 1910.147 - Lockout/Tagout
 Subpart K - Electrical Standard
 Subpart V - Power Transmission and Distribution
o OSHA 29 CFR 1926, Construction Industry
 National Consensus Standards for Design and Installation
o Standards on electrical products and systems, such as the National Electrical
Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and ASTM
o Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) "Color Book Series" -
design of electrical power systems for industrial and commercial facilities
o National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70, National Electrical Code
(NEC)® - provides electrical safety requirements for wiring methods used in
the workplace
o National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Electrical Safety Code
(NESC)- address safety criteria for live electric supply and communication
lines and equiptment for employees in the workplace.
o National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 79, Electrical Standard for
Industrial Machinery - addresses fire safety and important electrical
considerations specific to industry machinery and manufacturing systems not
covered in the NEC®.
o ANSI Z 244 - Lockout/Tagout, Standard address the minimum requirements
for lockout/target procedures of energy control sources that could cause
injury or harm to employee.
o National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), National Electrical
Installation Standards (NEIS™)
 Safe Work Practices
o National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E, Electrical Safety Requirements
for Employee Workplaces
o National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101, Life Safety Code - for
protecting lives and property from fire.
 Guidelines
o Department of Energy (DOE) - Electrical Safety Guidelines
o Department of Energy (DOE) - Model Electrical Safety Program

Electrical Safety Principles

When planning and performing work on electrical systems and equipment, keep these
principles in mind:

 Plan every job

 Think about what could go wrong
 Use the right tools for the job
 Use procedures, drawings and other documents as tools to do the job
 Isolate the equipment from energy sources
 Identify the electric shock and arc flash, as well as other hazards that may be present
 Minimize the hazard by guarding or approach limitations
 Test every circuit, every conductor, every time before you touch
 Use personal protective equipment as a last line of defense in case something goes
wrong
 Ask yourself, "Do I have the skills, knowledge, tools and experience to do this work
safely?"

Electrical Shock Dynamics (3 important considerations)

 Path - entering the body and exiting the body

 Amount of current or energy flowing in the body
60 Hz AC Current Response
0.5 - 3 mA start to feel the energy, tingling sensation
3 - 10 mA experience pain, muscle contraction
10 - 40 mA grip paralysis threshold (brain says let go; but physically cannot do so)
30 - 75 mA respiratory systems shuts down
100 - 200 mA experience heart fibrillation
200 - 500mA heart clamps tight
Over 1,500 mA tissue and organs burn
 Duration of exposure - degree of injury also depends on the duration and frequency of
the current. Note: "Shock" injuries can resemble an "Iceberg" where most of the
injuries are internal, with only an entry and exit wound visible. Prompt attention is
required by individuals specifically trained to treat electrical injuries.

Accident victims can also incur the following injuries from electrical shock:

 Low-voltage contact wounds

 High-voltage contact wounds frrom entry and exit of electrical current
 Burns

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  Respiratory difficulties (the tongue may swell and obstruct the airway; or vaporized
metal or heated air may have been inhaled)
 Infectious complications
 Injury to bone through falls, heat necrosis (death of tissue) and muscle contraction
(shoulder joint injuries and fracture of bones in the neck are common injuries caused
by muscle contraction).
 Injury to the heart such as ventricular fibrillation, cardiac arrest or stoppage
 Internal and organ injuries
 Neurological (nerve) injury
 Injury to the eyes (cataracts from electrical injury have occurred up to three years
after the accident)

Hazard Identification and Analysis

Every electrical safety program should include a procedure for analyzing the risks and
hazards associated with each job. Employees should always consider the following:

 Environment
o wet or dry
o indoors or outdoors
o open or cramped
o well lit or dim
o metal ladders in area where overhead wires or exposed conductors are present
o electrical cords over a heat source
o overloaded electrical outlets
 Condition of Equipment
o age of equipment
o integrity of grounding system
o internal safety mechanisms
o operating voltage
o electrical wiring and loads incurred
o fault current available to produce arc flash
 Electrical Safety Work Practices
o ensure that operating procedures are up to date and appropriate for conditions
o evaluate circuit information drawings
o determine degree and extent of hazards
 comply with minimum clearances when working around electrical
power lines or other exposed conductors
 determine approach boundaries:
 flash protection boundary - linear distance to prevent injury from a
potential arc-flash
 limited approach boundary - restricted distance for "unqualified"
persons
 restricted approach boundary - restricted distance for "qualified"
persons
 prohibited approach boundary - PPE for direct contact with live parts -
flashover distance
o determine "flash protection boundary" requirements from approach boundaries
table (NFPA 70E)
o determine appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) based on potential
hazards present
 always wear safety glasses and a hard hat when working on live
circuits
 use electrically insulated tools
 use electrically insulated gloves
 test dates for integrity of equipment and protective clothing -
independent safety lab
 wear required personal protective clothing (i.e., long sleeve shirt and
long pants)- flame resistant materials for clothing (different weights
for protection dependent on fault levels and clearing times)
o your hands are your most valuable tools. Protect them by wearing appropriate
safety gloves. Before using, inspect the gloves for signs of wear and tear and
other damage.
o evaluate personnel qualifications
o use ladders with nonconductive siderails if there is any possibility the ladder
could contact exposed energized parts
o follow lock-out/tag-out procedures
o use power tools that are double-insulated or that have ground-fault circuit
interrupters protecting the circuit
o inspect all extension cords for wear and tear and make sure they are listed by
a third-party testing laboratory
o never drape electrical cords over heat sources
o never store flammable liquids near electrical equipment, even temporarily
o be aware of special training requirements

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 o motors with thermal protection can restart without warning, always lockout the
motor before working on it.
o only qualified personnel should perform maintenance, inspection and repairs
on any electrical equipment.
o do not use tin stranded wire with solder - this promotes corrosion and limits
contact area.
o if measuring voltage with respect to ground, make the ground connection first
and remove it last.
o plugs and connectors should be wired with additional slack. In the event of
undue strain on the cord, the grounding will be the last broken.
o grounding continuity should be checked on new tools and equipment before
being put into service.
o remove paint from mating surfaces or use a locknut or set screw to penetrate
the paint and make a metal-to-metal contact.
o don't overbend cables when pulling them through a bend in a raceway, often a
pressure or squeezing develops causing insulation damage.

Electrical Hazard Mitigation - Prevention

Reducing and eliminating exposure to electrical hazards requires constant attention. Safety
is everyone's responsibility - employers and employees. A safe electrical environment
makes good personal as well as business sense.

 Physical barriers (around energy source) such as fences and insulators on conductors
o Keep work areas clean and dry. Cluttered work areas and benches invite
accidents and injuries.
 Management barriers - policy documents
o Who is responsible for electrical safety at the site?
o How is electrical safety dealt with at the site?
o How are people trained?
o What are the qualifications for people working on and around electrical
equipment?
 Administrative barriers (driven by management)2Implementation of policy documents
o site and task specific
o recognizing the hazards
o guidelines on how to deal with electrical hazards.

Shock Rescue Procedures

In response to an electrical accident, follow these procedures immediately:

 Call for help (can't be handled by one person) and follow the emergency response
system as set forth in the safety procedures of each organization.
 Get the approved first-aid supplies (these should be easily accessible when required).
 Deenergize the circuit.
 Separate the person from the energy source.
o Make sure you and the victim are in a safe zone - not in contact with any
electrical source, away from downed or broken wires.
o Never grab the person or pull the person off the current with your hands; you
might become part of the circuit and become injured as well.
o Use a dry wood broom, leather belt, plastic rope or something similar that is
non-conductive such as wood or plastic cane with hook on the end to free the
person from the energy source
o Administer first aid2apply mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and/or CPR; know
what to do
o Keep the victim lying down, warm and comfortable to maintain body heat until
help arrives. Do not move the person in case of injury to neck or back.
o If the victim is unconscious, put him/her on side to let fluids drain.
o Make sure the victim receives professional medical attention (person shocked
could have heart failure hours later)

Burn victim first-aid steps:

 If the person's clothing is on fire, roll the person on the ground to

smother the flames.
 Cool the burn with water or saline for a few minutes or until the skin
returns to normal temperature. Do not attempt to remove clothing
that is stuck to a burn.
 Remove constricting items from the victim, such as shoes, belts,
jewelry and tight collars. They could continue to burn or cut off
circulation if the victim experiences swelling.
 Check the victim's breathing and heartbeat. Apply mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation and/or CPR if necessary.
 Keep victim warm and comfortable by covering him/her with clean, dry
sheets or blankets.
 Cover wounds with clean sheets and dry blankets.

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  Elevate burned areas to reduce swelling.

Lightning Strikes

In the U.S., it is estimated that 93 people die each year as a result of being struck by
lightning. This represents more deaths than most other natural disasters, such as
hurricanes or tornadoes.

Some statistics to be aware of:

 one lightning strike can injure or kill one or more people

 outdoor workers face a high risk of suffering a fatal lightning strike
 30% of those struck by lightning will die; 74% who survive will have permanent
disabilities
 death from a lightning strike usually occurs within one hour of injury
 most lightning strikes occur outdoors between May and September.

Recommendations from the Center for Disease Control

 monitor weather forecasts during the thunderstorm season

 remind employees that lightning is present in all thunderstorms
 lightning often precedes rain and can strike as far as 10 miles away from the rain of a
thunderstorm
 seek shelter immediately when thunder is heard - avoid trees or tall objects, high
ground, water, open spaces and metal objects such as tools, fences and umbrellas
 remaining inside a vehicle is safe because rubber tires are nonconductive
 when indoors, shut off appliances and electronic devices and avoid using the
telephone.
 inspect the grounding electrode system for loose or corroded connections, which can
increase the impedance of a lightning dissipation path.
 provide surge protection at the main service panelboard to prevent line surges from
traveling to equipment.

Preventive Electrical Maintenance

An important way to reduce electrical shock accidents is to institute and follow established
procedures for preventive maintenance. This is the responsibility of the employer,
employee and owner - establishing a close working relationship to reduce and eliminate
electrical accidents.

 Inspect work area for electrical hazards daily, such as:

o flickering lights
o warm switches or receptacles
o burning odors
o loose connections
o frayed, cracked or broken wires
 Never ignore electrical problems.
 Choose proper cords and connectors for the job.
 Make sure any portable cord used to power any type of light and/or heavy-duty
industrial equipment is suitable for the equipment - not only gauge size but also
flexibility, strength and ability to withstand any chemicals that may be present.
 All testing equipment should be properly calibrated.
 Make sure the extension cord thickness is at least as big as the electrical cord for the
tool.
 Read and follow all equipment operating instructions for proper use.
 Leave equipment repairs and adjustment to authorized personnel.
 Sticking switches on electrical saws should be replaced at once. After the switch is
released, always maintain control of the saw until the blade has stopped.
 Never operate an electric saw while wearing loose clothing such as an unbuttoned
jacket or long, floppy sleeves.
 Follow required lock-out/tag-out procedures.
 Turn off equipment when finished with job.
 Disconnect energy sources.
 Tag out the disconnected power.
 Release stored energy to make sure no power is getting to the equipment.
 Always clean up spills on the floors.
 When portable cords are made up, take special care to make certain that the circuit
and grounding conductors are not interchanged.
 Keep work areas clean and dry. Cluttered work areas and benches invite accidents and
injuries.
 Good housekeeping and a well-planned layout of temporary wiring will reduce the
dangers of fire and shock hazard.