BASIC ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Possible Disasters:
a. Death from electric shock if in contact with the electrical supply.
b. Falls from heights after receiving a shock.
c. Burns – internal and external damage.
- Internal Burns -
- External Burns
d. Unconsciousness, heart attack.
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
• Definition: A dangerous condition such that contact or equipment failure can result in.
electric shock
• it has the potential to cause harm, but if properly managed, the likelihood of harm being
caused is minimal
SOURCES OF ELECRRICAL HAZARDS
Contact with a bare wire carrying current. The bare wire may have deteriorated insulation
or be normally bare.
o Deteriorated Insulation - when insulators are subjected to abnormal stresses
Working with electrical equipment that lacks the UL label for safety inspection.
o UL Label - the product has been tested towards a safety standard recognized by
OSHA
Electrical equipment that has not been properly grounded. Failure of the equipment can
lead to short circuits.
o Electrical Grounding is the process of removing excess charge on an object by
transferring electrical charges from a short circuit between this object and another
larger object
Working with electrical equipment on damp floors or other sources of wetness.
Group 15 | Basic Electrical Safety
Summarized by: Maria Bernadette S. Salenga
o Never operate electrical equipment in wet locations. Water greatly increases the
risk of electrocution especially if the equipment has damaged insulation
Static electricity discharge.
Using metal ladders to work on electrical equipment. These ladders can provide a direct
line from the power source to the ground, again causing a shock.
Working on electrical equipment without ensuring that the power has been shut off.
Lightning strikes.
LIGHTNING HAZARD CONTROL
• Place lightning rods so that the upper end is higher than nearby structures.
o Lightning Rod is a metal rod mounted on a structure and intended to protect the
structure from a lightning strike
• Avoid standing in high places or near tall objects. Be aware that trees in an open field may
be the tallest object nearby.
o Distance yourself from tall objects because these can act as lightning rods.
Lightning usually “jumps” from one tall conductor to another.
• Do not work with flammable liquids or gases during electrical storms.
o Flammable gas, liquids and fine powders such as flour burn very rapidly when
suspended in air, causing explosions if they come into contact with a source of
ignition
• Ensure proper grounding of all electrical equipment.
• If inside an automobile, remain inside the automobile.
• If in a small boat, lie down in the bottom of the boat.
• If in a metal building, stay in the building and do not touch the walls of the building.
o Electricity still flows on the walls so do not touch it
• Wear rubber clothing if outdoors,
o Rubbers are good insulators
• Do not work touching or near conducting materials, especially those in contact with the
earth such as fences.
o Touching conductors and fences may lead to electric shock
• Avoid using the telephone during an electrical storm.
o Lightning can possibly strike the power line that’s connected to your telephone.
• Do not use electrical equipment during the storm.
o Power surge may happen when electricity strikes so avoid using electrical
equipment
• Avoid standing a near open doors or windows where lightning may enter the building
directly.
• Ensure that power has been disconnected from the system before working with it. Test the
system for de-energization. Capacitors can store current after power has been shut off.
• Allow only fully authorized and trained people to work on electrical systems.
o Let the professionals do the work since they are knowledgeable about it.
• Do not wear conductive materials such as metal jewelry when working with electricity.
Group 15 | Basic Electrical Safety
Summarized by: Maria Bernadette S. Salenga
• Screw bulbs securely into their sockets. Ensure that bulbs are matched to the circuit by the
correct voltage rating.
• Periodically inspect insulation.
• If working in a hot circuit, use the buddy system and wear protective clothing.
• Do not use a fuse with a greater capacity than was prescribed for the circuit.
• Verify circuit voltages before performing work.
• Do not use water to put out an electrical fire.
• Check the entire length of electrical cord before using it.
• Use only explosion fireproof devices and non-sparking switches in flammable liquid
storage areas.
• Enclose insulated conductors in protective areas.
• Discharge capacitors before working on an equipment.
• Use fuses and circuit breakers for protection against excessive current.
• Provide lightning protection on all structures.
• Train people working with electrical equipment on a routine basis in first aid and
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
o With proper knowledge of basic first-aid, you may help save a life and minimize
injuries
