ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

1. ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

2. Electricity is a form of energy that can be carried through wires and is used to operate machines, lights, and more. Every time you press a button, pull a lever, or talk with a coworker on your cell phone, you are using electricity.

3. It is important for you to know the hazards of working on or near electrical equipment, how to work safely on or near electrical equipment, and the different types of electrical equipment. Electrical incidents cause an average of 13 days away from work and approximately one fatality every day.

4. Some occupations that put workers at risk of electrical injuries include: • Electrical and electronic engineers, assemblers, and technicians • Electricians • Industrial machine operators • Painters • Riggers and roustabouts • Stationary engineers • Welders

5. Workers are divided into two categories when working on or near energized equipment: • Qualified • Unqualified

6. Qualified workers are those who are allowed to work on or near exposed energized parts. These workers have had training in and have demonstrated skills and knowledge in the construction and operation of electrical equipment and installations and the hazards involved.

7. Whether a worker is considered to be a qualified person will depend upon various circumstances in the workplace. For example, it is not uncommon for a worker to be considered qualified to work on certain equipment in the workplace, but unqualified to work on other equipment.

8. Unqualified workers are those with little or no training on working on or near premises wiring, wiring for connections to supply electricity, outside conductor installations, and optical fiber cables. This safety meeting does not qualify you to work on or near energized parts.

9. Workers should receive either classroom or on-the-job training required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Training must include the risks involved with certain job assignments. Only respond to your level of training. If you are not a qualified electrician, you should not repair or work on electrical equipment.

10. Electrical hazards include: • Shock • Electrical arcs and blasts • Ground faults • Fires and explosions • Burns

11. Certain conditions increase the chances of an electrical incident, such as: • Hazardous atmospheres • Wet and damp surroundings • Working outdoors or in cramped spaces • Live electric lines and equipment • Equipment wear

12. Minor sparks can ignite gases. Make sure the electrical equipment you are using is appropriate for the area where you are working. Electrical tools used in hazardous locations must be explosion-proof or intrinsically safe.

13. Avoid working in wet areas because water increases your skin’s ability to conduct electricity. Reduce the possibility of electrical injuries by waiting until an area is dry, using special wet environment electrical tools, or using tools powered by an alternative source.

14. Sometimes it is best to avoid using electrical equipment altogether. In these cases, alternative energy, such as hydraulic, pneumatic, or hand-powered equipment, can be used. If you do not know what type of electrical equipment to use, ask your supervisor.

15. Careful inspection of electrical tools can also help prevent you from accidentally contacting electricity. If you notice worn insulation, exposed wires, loose parts, or missing covers, immediately tag the equipment out of service and tell your supervisor.

16. Never use broken or faulty equipment and tools. All electrical equipment should be maintained in good condition and inspected regularly. If any piece of equipment trips, it should be assessed by an electrician before it is used again.

17. Other unsafe work practices include: • Failure to use proper lockout/tagout (LOTO) • Unauthorized work on energized circuits • Not using personal protective equipment (PPE) • Putting materials or tools too close to energized circuits • Poor working positions • Using defective equipment • Reaching into or near energized circuits • Not using a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)

18. Safety related work practices must be used to prevent electric shock or other injuries. Specific safety related work practices must be consistent with the nature and extent of the associated electrical hazards.

19. Safe work practices include: • Following specialized procedures in wet work areas • Using LOTO • Following assured grounding programs • Using GFCIs • Conducting inspections • Guarding energized parts

20. Protective shields, barriers, or insulating materials must be used to protect workers from electrical injuries while they work near exposed energized parts.

21. Safety signs, safety symbols, or accident prevention tags must be used where necessary to warn workers about electrical hazards. Barricades must be used with safety signs to prevent or limit access to work areas that expose workers to uninsulated energized conductors or circuit parts.

22. Electrical hazards are common and electrical accidents can result in worker deaths. Always follow your company’s safe work practices when you are working around electrical hazards. Remember, if you are not a qualified electrician, you should not repair or work on electrical equipment.