ELECTRICAL SAFETY IMODULE DESCRIPTIONThis module explains how electricity works, raises your awareness of how electricity can hurt you, and discusses ways to protect yourself from electrical hazards.OBJECTIVESAfter completing this module, students will be able to:1. Explain the importance of electrical safety.1. Describe how electricity works.1. Understand the dangers associated with electricity.1. List electrical safety devices and procedures.1. Understand how to StartSafe and StaySafe around electricity.MODULE OUTLINE1.The importance of electrical safetyWhenever you work with power tools, electrical appliances, or electrical circuits, there are potential electrical hazards.Electricity is a powerful resource, but when something goes wrong, the electricity can hurt or even kill you. In fact, a significant amount of workers in theUnited Statesare killed every year by electrocution.The key to protecting yourself around electricity is to StartSafe by understanding how electricity works and StaySafe by always respecting the power of electricity.2.How does electricity work?Electricity works in a similar manner to water flowing through a pipe, where:-The movement of the water is similar to the flow of the electricity; this movement is called thecurrent.-The force that pushes the water through the pipe is similar to the force moving the electricity through a conductor; the force is measured involts.-The rate, or speed, of the water flowing through the pipe is similar to the rate of the electricity flowing through a conductor; the rate, or speed, is measured inamps.-Movement = CurrentForce = VoltsRate = AmpsElectricity needs a path to travel in order to work. A complete path for the flow of the current is called acircuit.-There are at least two prongs on an electrical plug. One is for the electricity to flow into the device, the other is for the electricity to flow out of the device.-When you plug in your television, you have completed a circuit.The electricity can flow from the outlet into your TV and back out, a complete circuit.-A circuit can be completed in other ways, as wellsome of which can be very dangerous. For example, your body can complete a circuit, and that can have some very serious consequences.So, to learn more about how to StartSafe, lets learn how electricity could hurt you.3.The Dangers of ElectricityTo understand how electricity can be dangerous; how it could enter your body; and what could happen to you if it did, you first need to know about conductors.Good conductors are materials that allow electricity to move easily through them.On the other hand, materials that dont allow electricity to move easily through them are considered bad conductors.-Good conductors allow electricity to move easily through them.Examples are: Metal (such as copper wire), skin, and water.-Poor conductors (or insulators) are materials that dont allow electricity to move through them easily. Examples are: rubber, plastic, and glass.Since your body is a good conductor, if you come into contact with electrical current, the electricity will move through your body trying to complete a circuit.-When electricity enters your body, it can burn you both internally and externally, or it can shock you, taking control of your muscles or interfering with the beating of your heart.The severity of burn or shock is dependent on three main things: the amps, or rate of the electricity; the duration of the electrical contact; and the location of the electrical path through the body.Electricity can also cause fires.-Electricity is one of the most common causes of fires in the home and workplace.-Faulty wiring, misuse of electrical equipment, and overloading an outlet can all create an electrical fire hazard.4.Electrical Safety DevicesElectrical safety devices are items that reduce your risk of electrical contact. Examples of such devices include:-Insulation:Insulation is made of materials that are poor conductors, such as glass, plastic, or rubber. These materials are used in an attempt to keep an electrical current within safe boundaries.For example, the plastic coating on an electrical wire acts as insulation and is designed to keep the electricity inside the wire.-Grounding Plugs:Grounding literally means to connect an electrical current to the earth.For added safety, electrical equipment may contain a third prong on the plug.When that prong is inserted into the electrical outlet, it is considered grounded or connected to ground through the outlets wiring. This helps ensure that any excess electrical current is delivered to ground, rather than to you.-Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI):A GFCI is a device designed to detect a difference in current between circuit wires (the inward and outward paths). When the amount of electricity returning is less than the electricity leaving, the GFCI will interrupt the circuit and stop the electricity from flowing.-Fuses:Fuses protect equipment from receiving too much electrical current by providing a weak link.Inside the fuse is a metal conductor.When too much current passes through the fuse, the metal link will melt, breaking the circuit.-Circuit Breaker:Circuit breakers protect equipment from too much current by tripping a switch that breaks the circuit, which stops the flow of electricity.Once the situation that caused the circuit breaker to trip is resolved, the circuit breaker can be reset by moving the switch back to the on position.5.Electrical Safety ProceduresIn addition to the aid of electrical safety devices, there are things you can do to StaySafe around electricity.Here are some things to keep in mind:-If you are not properly trained or dont feel comfortable doing a job, dont do it.-Dont use electrical equipment if you or your surroundings are wet.-Dont 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, dont use them at all.A final electrical safety procedure you should know about is called lockout/tagout.The idea is simple.If you are going to work on something electrical that is malfunctioning, you should first disconnect it completely from its electrical source.Then, you must make sure that the electricity cannot be reconnected by you or anyone else until it is safe again.-The lockout/tagout process requires that a physical lock and tag be applied to the malfunctioning device or machine. This ensures that the electrical connection is not re-established until it can be done safely.6.OSHA Electrical Safety RegulationsTo protect you from electrical hazards in the workplace, OSHA has developed standards for electrical safety.The standards are more elaborate for people who work with electricity (more than simply using electrical equipment).Employers are required to develop their own safe work practices, including:-Written procedures-Employee training-Equipment and installation inspection-Maintenance of equipment-Standardized use of personal protective equipment (PPE)OSHA standards are more elaborate for those who work directly with electricity versus simply using electrical equipment.Based on OSHA requirements, employers must develop their own safe work practices, including: written procedures, employee training, equipment and installation inspection, maintenance of equipment, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).If your job involves this level of electrical work, be certain that you are properly trained and prepared to do this job safely and successfully.