Electrical Safety, Subpart K

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Electrical Safety, Subpart K


Review of Electrical Safety

• Current - Current is the movement or flow of electricity.• Volts - Volts are the force moving the electricity through

a conductor.• Amps - Amps are the measure of rate or speed of

electricity flowing through a conductor.• Circuit - Circuit makes the flow of electricity possible. A

complete circuit is necessary for electricity to flow both in and out.



Devices used to reduce your risk of electrical contact and help you to Start Safe include: Insulation, Grounding Plugs, Grounding-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs), Fuses, and Circuit Breakers.



To Stay Safe, follow these Electrical Safety Procedures:• If you are not properly trained or don’t feel comfortable doing a job,

don’t do it.• Don’t use electrical equipment if you or your surroundings are wet.• Don’t overload circuits or outlets.• Never use a three-prong grounded plug if the third prong is broken

off.

• Inspect electrical equipment and power cords before using them. If

they are damaged, don’t use them at all.


Common Electrical Injuries

Injuries fall into two main categories: direct and indirect.

– Direct injuries include:• Electrocution • Electrical shock• Burns

– Indirect injuries include:• Falls



The type of burns sustained depend on the manner in which the skin comes into contact with the electrical current. There are three types of burns that can result:

– Electrical burns– Arc or Flash burns

All of these burns require immediate medical attention and should be taken seriously.



Factors that affect the severity of an electrical injury:

– The path of the current– The amount of current– How long the current runs through the

body– The voltage of the current– The presence of moisture– A person’s health before the shock



• The resistance of the body to the electrical current depends on multiple factors including: the amount of moisture on your skin, the size of the area in contact with the current, the pressure you apply to the contact point, and your muscle structure.

• Injuries are more severe if you have a larger area of the body, moister skin, more pressure, and more muscle mass receiving the electrical current.


Electrical Hazard Warning Signs

Electrical hazards exist all around the worksite. A few warning signs to look for are:

– A GFCI that shuts off a circuit– Blown fuses or tripped circuit

breakers – Warm tools, wires, cords, or

connection boxes– Worn or frayed insulation around

a wire or connector– Water or dampness near

electrical wires, outlets, circuits, or power tools


Lockout/Tagout

• Designed to protect you from injuries caused by unexpected energizing or startup of machines or equipment or release of stored energy.

• The procedure involves either placing a lock on the energy isolating device to hold it in the safe position and prevent a machine or equipment from being energized, or attaching a tag securely to equipment or machinery for the purpose of warning personnel not to operate the device.


Construction Site Hazards

• Hazards at a construction site are the result of:– Unsafe equipment and/or installation– Unsafe work practices– Unsafe working environments

• When one or more of these hazardous conditions exist, the following electrical safety issues can occur:

– Exposed electrical parts– Overhead power lines– Inadequate wiring– Defective insulation– Improper grounding– Overloaded circuits– Wet conditions– Damaged tools and equipment– Improper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)


Electrical Site Hazards

To protect against electrical hazards, you should: – Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times

– Make sure to use proper wiring and connections

– Use and test GFCI’s

– Check switches and insulation

– Use three prong plugs

– Use extension cords only when necessary and only if they are in good

condition

– Use correct connectors

– Train employees to practice safe working conditions when working with

electrical equipment


Electrical Site Hazards

Employee training should include:– De-energizing electrical equipment

before inspecting or repairing

– Using cords, cables, and electrical tools

that are in good repair

– Lockout or Tagout recognition and

procedures

– Use the appropriate protective

equipment

Documents

Electrical Safety, Subpart K