Electrical Safety

Why is it Electrical Safety is Paramount?

Electrocutions rank 4th in work related fatalities

Nearly 8,000 electrical related injuries occur annually

3,600 disabling and 4,000 non-disabling injuries each year

Myths of Electricity

It takes a lot of voltage to kill someone, current alone don’t kill, it take a little voltage to push it.

Electricity will take the path of least resistance

Electricity takes every path to complete the circuit

Electricity can cause damage on the outside with little or no wounds visible.

General Electrical Safety Requirements

All electrical work practices must comply with applicable sections of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Philippine Electrical Code

Qualified Person

Personnel who are familiar and experienced in the type work may work on electrical circuits and equipment.

Basic Electrical Terms

Basic Electrical Terms

V = IR, I = V/R, R = V/I

Dangers of Electricity

Boundaries

Limited Approach Boundaries – A shock protection boundary to be crossed only by qualified persons (at a distance from a live part. Unqualified persons must not cross this boundary unless accompanied by a qualified person.

Restricted Approach Boundaries – A shock protection boundary to be crossed only by qualified persons (at a distance from a live part). The boundary proximity to a shock hazard requires then use of shock protection techniques and equipment when crossed.

Prohibited Approach Boundaries – A shock protection boundary to be crossed only by qualified persons (at a distance from live part). When crossed by a body part or object, this boundary requires the same protection as if direct contact is made with a live part (i.e., requires a voltage rated tools, voltage rated gloves and clothing in some cases).

Working on Electrical Equipment and System

Boundaries

Working Spaces around enclosures and Equipment

Equipment Clearance for Operations near Energized Overhead Lines

Voltage Level Distance

Up to 50 kV 10 feet

69 kV 11 feet

115 kV 12 feet

230 kV 16 feet

500 kV 25 feet

Note: Use the 10-foot minimum and add 4 inches every 10 kV over 50 kV rounding up to the nearest foot. It is required because clearance is usually an estimate.

Equipment Clearance in Transit

Voltage Level Distance

Up to 50 kV 4 feet

50 kV up to 345 kV 10 feet

Over 345 kV up to 750 kV 16 Feet

oA flag person must guide cranes, high lifts and other equipment in transit near exposed energized lines at all times.

oDo not move any equipment or machinery under energized overhead high voltage lines or near exposed energized parts.

oUnload and lower any boom or mast to transport position.

oGround the equipment while it is being transported.

Working on Electrical Equipment and System

Electrical installation must comply with the applicable provisions of the current editions of PEC, OSHA and NFPA

Flash hazard analysis shall be done before a person approaches any exposed electrical conductor or circuit part that has not been placed in an electrically safe working condition.

Observe a safe approach distance from exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts. As distance between a person and the exposed energized conductors decreased, the potential for electrical accident increases.

Safety Requirement Before Starting Electrical Works

SWP

Hazard Identification

Job Briefing

PPE requirement