Let's Talk Safety When Working Around Electricity
The key is doing the hazard assessment first. A lot of good people have been hurt by not assessing the risks. On top of grounding and making sure items are properly connected, many places (usually in poorer countries or communities) will have kids or people stealing ground rods or copper wire from sites because of the huge value on the open market. This is very common around electrical plants, power generator stations, or pipeline areas where grounding is in place to protect pipelines. When in doubt, always lock out and tag out all lines before inspecting or use the proper APPROVED METERS.
Why Is It So Important to Work Safely With or Near Electricity?
The electrical current in regular businesses and homes has enough power to cause death by electrocution. Even changing a light bulb without unplugging the lamp can be hazardous because coming in contact with the "hot" or live part of the socket could kill a person.
What Do I Need to Know About Electricity?
All electrical systems have the potential to cause harm. Electricity can be either "static" or "dynamic." Dynamic electricity is the uniform motion of electrons through a conductor (this is known as electric current). Conductors are materials that allow the movement of electricity through them. Most metals are conductors. This document is about dynamic electricity.
Note: Static electricity is an accumulation of charge on surfaces as a result of contact and friction with another surface. This contact/friction causes an accumulation of electrons on one surface and a deficiency of electrons on the other surface. Electric current cannot exist without an unbroken path to and from the conductor. Electricity will form a "path" or "loop." When you plug in a device (e.g., a power tool), the electricity takes the easiest path from the plug-in to the tool and back to the power source. This is also known as creating or completing an electrical circuit.
What Kinds of Injuries Result From Electrical Currents?
People are injured when they become part of the electrical circuit. Humans are more conductive than the earth (the ground we stand on), which means if there is no other easy path, electricity will try to flow through our bodies.
There are four main types of injuries: electrocution (fatal), electric shock, burns, and falls. These injuries can happen in various ways:
- Direct contact with the electrical energy. When electricity travels through our bodies, it can interfere with the normal electrical signals between the brain and our muscles (e.g., the heart may stop beating properly, breathing may stop, or muscles may spasm).
- When the electricity arcs (jumps or "arcs") through a gas (such as air) to a person who is grounded (providing an alternative route to the ground for the electricity).
- Arc flashes result in intense heat (causing burns), intense light (can cause blindness), or ignition of other materials.
- Arc blasts cause the same conditions as an arc flash but are more intense and can also include a strong pressure wave. These pressure waves can damage machinery, throw a person, collapse a lung, or rupture eardrums.
- Thermal burns including flash burns from heat generated by an electric arc and flame burns from materials that catch on fire from heating or ignition by electrical currents. High voltage contact burns can burn internal tissues while leaving only very small injuries on the outside of the skin.
- Muscle contractions or a startle reaction can cause a person to fall from a ladder, scaffold, or aerial bucket. The fall can cause serious injuries.
What Are Some General Safety Tips for Working With or Near Electricity?
- Inspect tools, power cords, and electrical fittings for damage or wear before each use. Repair or replace damaged equipment immediately.
- Always tape cords to walls or floors when necessary. Nails and staples can damage cords causing fire and shock hazards.
- Use cords or equipment that are rated for the level of amperage or wattage that you are using.
- Always use the correct size fuse. Replacing a fuse with one of a larger size can cause excessive currents in the wiring and possibly start a fire.
- Be aware that unusually warm or hot outlets may be a sign that unsafe wiring conditions exist. Unplug any cords from these outlets and do not use them until a qualified electrician has checked the wiring.
- Always use ladders made of wood or other non-conductive materials when working with or near electricity or power lines.
- Place halogen lights away from combustible materials such as clothes or curtains. Halogen lamps can become very hot and may be a fire hazard.
- The risk of electric shock is greater in areas that are wet or damp. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) as they will interrupt the electrical circuit before a current sufficient to cause death or serious injury occurs.
- Make sure that exposed receptacle boxes are made of non-conductive materials.
- Know where the breakers and boxes are located in case of an emergency.
- Label all circuit breakers and fuse boxes clearly. Each switch should be positively identified as to which outlet or appliance it is for.
- Do not use outlets or cords that have exposed wiring.
- Do not use power tools with the guards removed.
- Do not block access to circuit breakers or fuse boxes.
- Do not touch a person or electrical apparatus in the event of an electrical accident. Always disconnect the current first.
What Are Some Tips for Working With Power Tools?
- Switch tools OFF before connecting them to a power supply.
- Disconnect power supply before making adjustments.
- Ensure tools are properly grounded or double-insulated. The grounded tool must have an approved 3-wire cord with a 3-prong plug. This plug should be plugged into a properly grounded 3-pole outlet.
- Test all tools for effective grounding with a continuity tester or a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) before use.
- Do not bypass the switch and operate the tools by connecting and disconnecting the power cord.
- Do not use electrical tools in wet conditions or damp locations unless the tool is connected to a GFCI.
- Do not clean tools with flammable or toxic solvents.
- Do not operate tools in an area containing explosive vapors or gases unless they are intrinsically safe and only if you follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
What Are Some Tips for Working With Power Cords?
- Keep power cords clear of tools during use.
- Suspend power cords over aisles or work areas to eliminate stumbling or tripping hazards.
- Replace open front plugs with dead front plugs. Dead front plugs are sealed and present less danger of shock or short circuit.
- Do not use light-duty power cords.
- Do not carry electrical tools by the power cord.
- Do not tie power cords in tight knots. Knots can cause short circuits and shocks. Loop the cords or use a twist lock plug.
What Is a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)?
A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) works by detecting any loss of electrical current in a circuit. When a loss is detected, the GFCI turns the electricity off before severe injuries or electrocution can occur. A painful shock may occur during the time that it takes for the GFCI to cut off the electricity, so it is important to use the GFCI as an extra protective measure rather than a replacement for safe work practices.
GFCI wall outlets can be installed in place of standard outlets to protect against electrocution for just that outlet or a series of outlets in the same branch. A GFCI Circuit Breaker can be installed on some circuit breaker electrical panels to protect an entire branch circuit. Plug-in GFCIs can be plugged into wall outlets where appliances will be used.
When and How Do I Test the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)?
Test the GFCI monthly. First, plug a "night light" or lamp into the GFCI-protected wall outlet (the light should be turned on), then press the "TEST" button on the GFCI. If the GFCI is working properly, the light should go out. If not, have the GFCI repaired or replaced. Reset the GFCI to restore power.
If the "RESET" button pops out but the light does not go out, the GFCI has been improperly wired and does not offer shock protection at that wall outlet. Contact a qualified electrician to correct any wiring errors.
What Is a Sample Checklist for Basic Electrical Safety?
Inspect Cords and Plugs
- Check power cords and plugs daily. Discard if worn or damaged. Have any cord that feels more than comfortably warm checked by an electrician.
Eliminate Octopus Connections
- Do not plug several power cords into one outlet.
- Pull the plug, not the cord.
- Do not disconnect the power supply by pulling or jerking the cord from the outlet. Pulling the cord causes wear and may cause a shock.
Never Break OFF the Third Prong on a Plug
- Replace broken 3-prong plugs and make sure the third prong is properly grounded.
Never Use Extension Cords as Permanent Wiring
- Use extension cords only to temporarily supply power to an area that does not have a power outlet.
- Keep power cords away from heat, water, and oil. They can damage the insulation and cause a shock.
- Do not allow vehicles to pass over unprotected power cords. Cords should be put in conduit or protected by placing planks alongside them.
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Regards,