Lesson: Electrical Safety and Hazards for Electrical Installation
Objective:
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Understand the importance of electrical safety in installation work.
2. Identify common electrical hazards and how to mitigate them.
3. Apply safety protocols while working with electrical systems.
Lesson Outline:
1. Introduction to Electrical Safety
o Importance of safety in electrical installation work
The effects of not having safety in the workplace include12345:
• Loss of life and life-altering injuries
• Crippling fines
• Irreparable damage to reputation
• Legal consequences and imprisonment
• High turnover rates
• Lower productivity
• Increased risk of accidents and injuries
• Decline in employee morale and productivity
• Financial costs
• Legal and regulatory compliance
• Damage to reputation.
2. Common Electrical Hazards
o Electric Shock: Risk of injury or death from contact with live electrical parts.
o Electrical Fires: Caused by short circuits, overloaded circuits, or faulty wiring.
o Arc Flash/Arc Blast: A sudden release of energy due to an electrical fault.
o Overheating: Caused by incorrectly sized wires or overloaded circuits.
o Falls and Injuries from Working at Heights: Climbing ladders and working at
elevated points.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
o Insulated Gloves: Prevent electric shock during handling of live circuits.
o Safety Glasses/Face Shield: Protect eyes and face from sparks or flying debris.
o Rubber-Soled Shoes: Provide insulation and reduce the risk of electrical current
passing through the body.
o Flame-Resistant Clothing: Necessary for protection against arc flash and heat.
o Ear Protection: Used when working near loud electrical equipment (motors,
generators).
4. Electrical Safety Procedures
o DE-energizing Circuits: Always turn off power at the breaker before starting
work.
o Lockout/Tag-out Procedures: Ensure that power sources are securely turned off
and tagged to prevent accidental re-energization.
o Use of Multi-meters and Testing Equipment: Always verify circuits are DE-
energized before beginning work using proper testing devices.
o Working with Grounded Equipment: Ensure proper grounding of electrical
devices to prevent shock.
o Avoid Water: Keep electrical equipment dry and ensure all tools and outlets are
kept away from moisture.
5. Safe Handling of Tools and Equipment
o Insulated Tools: Use tools with insulated handles when working with live
circuits.
o Inspect Tools Before Use: Always check tools for damage before use to avoid
faulty equipment causing accidents.
o Proper Storage of Tools: Store tools properly when not in use to avoid damage
and prevent accidents.
6. General Safety Guidelines
o No Unauthorized Work: Only qualified electricians should perform installation
and maintenance.
o Work in Pairs: Always work with a partner, especially when dealing with live
circuits or heights.
o Clear Workspace: Keep work areas organized to prevent tripping and accidents.
o Adhere to Local Codes and Standards: Always follow the electrical codes in
place for safe installation and operation.
7. Signs of Hazardous Conditions
o Burning Smell: A sign of overheated wires, potentially leading to a fire.
o Sparking or Flickering Lights: A sign of a loose connection or short circuit.
o Discolored Outlets or Wiring: Indicates overheating and possible fire hazard.
o Buzzing Noises: May indicate faulty equipment or wiring.
8. Emergency Response to Electrical Accidents
o First Aid for Electric Shock:
▪ Do not touch the person if they are still in contact with the electrical
source.
▪ Cut off power if possible (e.g., turn off breaker).
▪ Call for medical help immediately.
▪ Administer CPR if necessary and if trained to do so.
o Fire Safety:
▪ Use a Class C fire extinguisher (for electrical fires).
▪ Evacuate the area if the fire cannot be immediately controlled.
9. Discussion: Real-Life Electrical Accidents
o Case Study Discussion: Look at real-life examples of electrical accidents and
analyze the causes and preventive measures.
o Preventative Measures: Encourage students to think critically about how these
accidents could have been avoided.
