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Learn about the hazards of electricity, health effects of electrical accidents, and crucial safety precautions to prevent electrical injuries. Find out about GFCI breakers, amperage calculations, and emergency procedures.
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Electricity - a hazard path of least resistance https://www.basementsystemscarolinas.com/about-us/blog/29481-gfci-breaker-or-receptacle.html
“Live” Electrical Circuits • Exposed “live” wires: • Electrical cords • Electrical outlets • Electrical panels • Energized tools or vehicle parts • Hybrid batteries
Hazardous situations • Using electrical tools when water is present • Performing electrical work standing on metal ladders • Handling metal objects that can contact “live” wires • Being in or around vehicles in contact with “live” powerlines
Health Effects • Electrocution (fatal) • Electric shock (muscle contractions, blood clots, nerve damage) • Burns (from electric arc, or burning clothes or objects) • Other injuries caused by falls due to shock or muscle contractions (fractures, torn ligaments)
Health Effects • Current intensity (amps) • Current path through the body • Skin condition: wet or dry • Duration of exposure It’s not the voltage that kills you, it’s the amperage!
1 second @ 120 Volts breaker trips 3-4 min to “brain dead” GFCI trips
Electrical Currents in the Shop ventricular fibrillation death likely breaker trips portable welder shop vacuum horizontal saw bench grinder fluorescent lights GFCI trips
Amperage Calculation - Example http://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/lathes/jet-323115#specs Voltage = 230 V Horsepower = 2 hp https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/electrical-motor-hp-amps-d_1455.html
Precautions – Electrical Cords Report electrical cords that have: • loose plugs • missing ground prongs • damaged insulation
Electrical Cords – DO NOT: • Repair using tape • Splice • Remove grounding pin
Precautions - Strain Relief • At any point where wires bend: • corners • points of entry into the machine • both ends of drop cords • Securely attached
Precautions – Electrical Power • Permanently wired • Must have an electrical disconnect • Plugged directly into a wall outlet • Do NOT use extension cords • Easily damaged • Trip hazard
Electrical Tools - DO NOT: • Use if you get shocked or the breaker trips repeatedly • Operate while holding against your chest, arm, or leg • Repair or troubleshoot while the tool is plugged in • Pullby the cord when unplugging • Carry by the cord
Precautions - Electrical Panels • No unguarded openings • Door closed at all times • Clear access
Precautions – Wet Areas • Wear insulated footwear when operating electric tools • Avoid standing in water • Use only GFCI-protected outlets • Permanently installed • Portable • Test GFCIs with a tool plugged in and running!
In Case of Emergency • Turn off the electrical current • Call 911 • Do not touch the victim if still in contact with the “live” circuit! • Pry the victim from the energized circuit using non-conducive materials (wood broom handle, plastic vacuum cleaner tube, PVC pipe) • Do not move the victim • Use a defibrillator (AED) if the victim is breathing but has rapid irregular heart rhythm • Perform CPR if the victim is NOT breathing and you’ve been trained
Summary • Contact with “live” wires can be potentially fatal • Avoid using electric tools in wet environments, with wet hands, or when perspiring heavily • Report all damaged cords, outlets, tools • GFCIs protect YOU – test them! • Know what to do in case of emergency It’s not the voltage that kills you, it’s the amperage!
