End of Lesson:- Electrical Hazards – Answers

A1 A severe electric shock on the human body can occur when the current
passes through the body after contact with a live conductor has been made.
This will result in convulsive response of the nervous system, causing the
muscles to contract. The current can travel to the heart, causing a cardiac arrest
and interfering with the lungs, which can be fatal.
The current traveling through other muscles can cause convulsing which may
cause the victim to become unsteady and fall.Electricty traveling through the
body can cause burns internally and externally. The greater the current is, the
greater the risk of it being fatal and the longer the contact with the source, the
greater the damage will be.

A2 The emergency action to be taken for someone who has received a severe
electric shock, would be:
 Raise the alarm by calling for assistance including trained first aiders.
 Switch off the power. If this is not possible push or pull the person clear
from the electrical source, by use of a dry non-conductive material to
protect yourself.
 An ambulance should be called.
 If the person is breathing, place them into the recovery position.
 If the person is not breathing, then emergency resuscitation treatment
should commence.
 Any burns can be dressed but loose skin and blisters should not be
touched.
 If consciousness is regained, then treat for normal shock.
 Remain with the person until the emergency service has arrived.

A3 The charging of batteries from electrically driven vehicles such as fork lift
trucks can bring many hazards on board and precautions must be put in
place.
The person who is to do the charging must be competent and be trained in
this activity, they should also consult the manufacture’s manual for clarity.
Batteries can explode, release gases, cause burns, electric shocks and ignite
combustible material causing fires.
Batteries should be removed or be disconnected ensuring they do not make a
live connection, which could cause a spark or a shock. The person should
wear no watches or make any live connections via tools.
If the battery is to be carried, it must be done upright ensuring no spills or
contact with acid is made, which may cause burns. Correct PPE including
gloves, overalls and goggles should be worn, with eye wash stations and
emergency showers located near by.
The battery should be placed in a designated charging area, which is in a well
ventilated area to prevent the build up of fumes, all combustible material
removed and hot work, naked flames, ignition sources removed to prevent
fire and fire spread.
The charging equipment should be suitable, sufficient for the purpose and
tested, to prevent any electrical malfunctions which may cause fires.
The correct firefighting equipment should be available and personal used in
its application.
The charging process should be checked regularly and if overheating and
spitting occurs, the charger should be switched off, ensuring none of the
materials come into contact with anyone. Spillages should always be cleaned
up to prevent slips.

A4 Earthing reduces the risk of receiving an electric shock by having a

conductor connected to earth, which if a fault developed, the current would go
directly to earth, which forms the circuit of least resistance.

A5 When using electrical appliances, the following provide protection by :

Fuse.
A fuse is a thin strip of conducting wire, it is the weak link and if it becomes
overloaded, the wire will melt and so breaking the circuit, which will result in
the circuit or equipment becoming safe.

Residual current device (RCD).

These detect changes in the earth protection and trip, if there are any
defects. The aim is to reduce the shock and the RCD must have a rated
residual current of 30mA or less and an operating time of 40 milliseconds.
The protected equipment must be properly protected by insulation and
enclosure.

Reduced voltage.
These should be used in severe working conditions. The system uses a
transformer to reduce the voltage to 110V. Portable tools on construction
sites are commonly used, using 110V centre tapped to an earth transformer
at 55V.

Double insulation.
Live metal parts are enclosed in two layers of insulation. This is implemented
when earthing has been removed on some portable tools.
Tools and equipment will need an inspection and maintenance program and
carried out regularly. Damaged equipment should be taken out of circulation.

A6 The precautions to be taken for protection against electrical contact when

working in the vicinity of overhead power lines would need to be studied in
great detail. A full risk assessment should be carried out and control methods
can be brought forward. A safe system of work and permit to work will also
need to be finalised.
Where possible any work that may lead to contact with overhead power lines
 should be done, so it is well clear of the line itself. This may require changing
the work to eliminate or reduce the risk.
If vehicles, plant or equipment need to be close to the power lines then, the
power should be switched off, if this is not possible barriers should be erected
to prevent approaching.
All information should be available to workers in the vicinity and nearby
structures will also need to be considered.
If vehicles need to travel beneth the power lines, the route should be covered
by goalposts covered by warning tape and bunting securely located at the top
of the goalposts. Adequate warning signs should also be on display on both
sides of the power lines.

A7 The overheating of conductors may happen due to insulation breakdown

or poor maintenance, or overloading the conductor, such as an extension
lead, still coiled on the drum, may overheat due to the coil preventing the
current flowing freely.

A8 Double insulation is an appropriate form of protection in equipment

which no exposed metal parts may not need to be bonded to earth
(earthed) and the electrical circuit will comprises line (brown) and
neutral (blue).The second level of insulation (‘double insulation’) in
such equipment is provided by the plastic insulating surfaces of the
equipment.

A9 Arcing is where sparks or arcs are generated between an uninsulated

or poorly insulated conductor and another. A person standing on the
earth and too close to a high voltage conductor may suffer flash burns
due to arcing.

A10 The user checks for an electric sander would include the following:

 Bare wires
 Cabling undamaged and free from cuts.
 Plug condition, no cracks or bent pins.
 No masking tape on the cable or the sander.
 Casing undamaged.
 No visible burn marks on the cable or equipment.
 All controls work and in good condition.
 Current PAT label attached to the equipment?

A11 Advantages of PAT may include:

 Potential serious equipment faults found.

 Incorrect or inadequate equipment and supply discovered.
 Incorrect fuses discovered.
  Number of electrical accidents being prevented.
 Monitoring of misused appliances.
 Equipment selection being checked.
 Awareness of electrical hazards.
 Maintenance program implemented.

A12 Limitations of PAT may include:

 Some equipment being tested too often.

 Some items not being tested (personal radios and kettles).
 Trivial faults being recorded.
 The tester may be of low level competence.
 Poor testing equipment.