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Working Safely With Electrical Equipment PDF
Working Safely With Electrical Equipment PDF
Electricity is an essential part of our daily activities. While useful in powering electrical equipment, it
can cause significant danger or harm if mishandled. Hence, it is important to understand basic
electrical safety and the precautions to be taken by all staff working at or near electrical equipment.
Electricity is a serious workplace hazard which can lead to serious consequences such as severe
injuries and death. Workers are exposed to electrical dangers during electrical installations or when
operating machineries and power tools.
Case study 1
A worker received a fatal electric shock while attempting to operate an electric stirrer to mix some
cement for plastering work at a construction worksite. Investigation revealed that a hand-twisted
joint, taped with PVC insulation tape, was found on the power cord of the electric stirrer. Some
loose strands of wires were found exposed at the joint. These strands of wires were live at the time
of accident.
Case study 2
A worker received a fatal electric shock while carrying out arc welding work on a metal structure in
a factory.
Results of studies from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Report Publication 479
showed that an adult person coming into contact with 70 volts a.c. would have a current of
between 35mA (milli-ampere) and 70mA passing through his body, and he would be exposed to
risk of ventricular fibrillation. The higher the current, the higher the risk.
Reasonably practicable measures should be taken to protect any person against the risks of
electric shock arising from the use of electrical equipment.
The following are some recommended safety measures when working with electrical equipment:
i) Ensure proper grounding of electrical equipment such that any electrical leakage current can
flow from the equipment to the ground.
ii) Attend a prescribed refresher course once every 5 years for all licensed electrical workers.
iii) Check the electrical equipment voltage rating to ensure that it is suitable for connection to the
electrical supply.
iv) Provide basic electrical safety training to workers who are exposed to electrical hazards.
v) Practice good housekeeping such as keeping the electrical equipment area dry and free of dust
to maintain a safe work environment.
vii) Conduct visual inspections on electrical equipment before starting work daily.
viii) Use the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided in the correct manner. Such items
include insulating gloves, safety footwear and non-conducting clothing.
x) Do NOT touch:
• Any electrical equipment when your hands are wet, when you are standing on a wet
floor, or when you are in contact with a wet surface; and
• A victim of an electrical fire or an electrical shock.
i) Electrical equipment should always be included for safety audits or checks. Items to check
for include defective parts, faulty insulation, improper grounding, and loose connections. Take
appropriate corrective actions before working on or near live parts.
ii) Workers performing maintenance and repair of electrical works should be Licensed
Electrical Workers:
• Have been fully trained to identify electrical hazards such as exposed electrical parts
and the corresponding voltage.
• Know the safety procedures to follow when they need to work on such exposed parts or
in the vicinity of such hazards.
iii) Disconnect machine / electrical equipment – The Lock Out / Tag Out (LOTO) System:
• Deactivate energy isolating devices — the circuit breaker, disconnect switch, or other
devices that provide energy to the machine.
• Set lockout and/or tag out control switches to an "off" or "safe" position to prevent
accidental start-up or energy release.
• Test operating controls by pressing / turning the "on" position to ensure the machine
does not start up. Then return operating controls to the "off" position.
• Only authorised personnel should have the key for the LOTO device.
• If work is not completed before the next shift, lock should be applied by the next
authorised shift worker before the departing personnel removes his/her lock.
• Remove tools and other items, and reinstall machine guards when work is completed.
• Remove locks and tags, turn on energy and test to make sure machine is working
properly.
9. Singapore Standard CP 88: Part 1: 2001. Code of Practice for Temporary Electrical
Installations. Part 1: Construction and Building Sites.
10. Singapore Standard CP 88: Part 2: 2001. Code of Practice for Temporary Electrical
Installations. Part 2: Festive lighting, trade-fairs, mini-fairs and exhibition sites.
11. Singapore Standard CP 88: Part 3: 2004. Code of Practice for Temporary Electrical
Installations. Part 3: Shipbuilding and ship-repairing yards.