Toolbox Talk - Electrical Safety - 2

The use of electricity is a vital ingredient of many of the production and

support operations performed on site. In todays modern day environment,
we are literally surrounded by electricity. It is important that we protect
ourselves from its potential hazards, as electricity is an unseen danger that
cannot easily be detected with our human senses. Electricity cant be seen
or smelt, so electrical hazards can be difficult to identify.
Electricity has the ability to harm us in a number of ways. There
include:
Electrical shocks - excessive electric current flowing through the
body can result in:

Muscle spasms that prevent letting go of wires or equipment and

may restrict breathing.

Heart Ventricular Fibrillation rap and irregular beating of the heart.

Respiration electric shocks may inhibit/restrict the part of the brain
that controls our breathing.

Body tissues, injuries electric shocks can cause the destruction of

tissue. Contact with the high voltage and high currents of electricity,
can result in the bodys moisture heating up so rapidly that body parts
can literally explode as the body fluids turn into steam.
Burns from electrical arcs.
Electrical fires with the potential to cause serious injury and
property loss.
Consequential injuries such as falls from heights that may occur as
a result of sustaining an electrical shock.
Unexpected operation/activation of hazardous equipment or
machinery that may cause serious injury or death.
To protect against electrical hazards it is important that care is taken
to plan jobs safely and identify risks associated with the job and the
working environment. The aim should be to prevent all accidents
associated with electricity.
Where risks are identified, action needs to be taken to control
hazards so our safety is protected.

When using flexible cables, always ensure that leads are elevated of
walkways at a height of no less than 2.2 Metres and avoid running over
sharp surfaces, moving equipment or machinery, hot surfaces,
chemicals, such as solvents and oils and avoid placing excessive strain
on joints.

Toolbox Talk - Electrical Safety - 2

Inspect electrical equipment prior to use. Note: Do not use faulty

equipment.

When inspecting equipment, ensure correct colour code inspection

tag for the current quarter is fitted and in good condition.

Avoid using electrical equipment in areas where flammable liquids are

being used.

Air openings on electrical tools should be kept clear.

Damaged or faulty electrical equipment or tools should not be used.

Unless you are a qualified electrician do not attempt to repair or alter

electrical tools, equipment or fittings.

Wherever possible avoid running leads along floor and decks.

Electrical leads should not be routed over structural scaffold

members.

Danger tags and lockouts must only be removed by the persons who
placed them.
Unsafe situations require corrective action to prevent accidents from
being caused. Where possible, electrical hazards should be isolated
or disconnected from the supply source and reported to your
supervisor. Workplace hazards should be reported to your supervisor
so action can be taken to make this safe and prevent recurrences
from happening in the future.