Hazards Of Electricity

General Safety Precautions

Basic Principles of Electricity

• Electricity travels through wires or cables and since they conduct electricity we call them conductors. The wires are wrapped in plastic or rubber to keep the electricity contained and are called insulators. Current refers to the flow of electricity through a conductor.

Basic Principles of Electricity Cont…

• Current is measured in amps and be equated to measuring water in gallons per minute. Voltage measures the pressure driving electricity through the conductor. Electrical shock occurs when a part of your body creates a complete circuit between a conductor and another conductor or grounding source. This may cause death.

Electrical Hazards

• Anything that runs on electricity is a potential hazard. It doesn’t have to be a big fancy industrial machine to be dangerous. A small break room appliance can cause an electrical injury.

Energized Equipment

• To help avoid serious injury follow these basic rules listed below:

• Treat all electrical equipment as energized• Always Lockout/Tag-out and or ground

equipment prior to performing work• Wear PPE• Use insulated tools when applicable• Use caution when using ladders around electricity

Electrical Cords

• Follow these guidelines when working with cords:

• Protect all cords from physical damage

• Don’t pull cords too tight

• Never cut, broken or frayed cords

• Keep all cords running on dry surfaces

• Check all cords for ground and continuity

Miscellaneous Hazards

• Always be aware of the following when working around cords and electrical tools:

• Wires running across traffic areas

• Frayed, worn or damaged insulation

• Equipment operating in damp or hot areas

• Equipment running near flammables or explosives

Miscellaneous Hazards Cont…

• Plugs that don’t match their outlets

• Tools that smell hot,smoke or spark

• Equipment that causes a shock when plugged in

Best Work Practices

• Remember to follow these best work practices when dealing with electricity:

• Always follow lock and tag procedures

• Inspect cords, tools, and other equipment before each use

• Use appropriate PPE

• Always follow manufacture’s instructions

Best Work Practices Cont…

• Make sure electrical tools are clean

• Make sure that plugs are compatible with the outlets

• Do not operate electrical equipment with wet hands

• Take extra care when working near flammables

Instructor’s Guide

• Discuss your company policy regarding drop cord maintenance and repair and ground continuity testing

• Discuss any areas where overhead lines may pose a problem

• Review lock and tag and grounding

• Review the quiz

Quiz

1. Electricity travels through cables or wires. T or F

2. Wires made of plastic which conduct electricity are called conductors. T or F

3. Plastic or rubber wrapped around wires to keep electricity contained are called insulators. T or F

Quiz Cont…

4. Flow of electricity through a conductor is called current. T or F

5. The pressure driving electrical current is called voltage. T or F

6. You should treat all electrical equipment as de-energized before lock and tag. T or F

Quiz Cont…

7. Use care when using ladders near overhead power lines. T or F

8. Using frayed drop cords is not a problem. T or F

9. All electrical cords should be grounded. T or F

10. It is not a problem if plugs do not match their outlets. T or F

Answers

1. T 6. F

2. F 7. T

3. T 8. F

4. T 9. T

5. T 10. F