ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Uses of Electricity
Electricity can be transmitted along wires and
other conductors through electrical circuits to
do work. It can be used to produce the
following:
• Light- lamps, bulbs
• Sound- radio, buzzer, horn
• Rotary Motion- motor, starter
• Linear Motion- electromagnetic, solenoid
• Heat- water heater, electric stove
• Power- household appliances, factory machine
Effects of Electricity on Human Body
Why Worry About Electricity?
• Electrocutions rank fourth in causes of
industrial fatalities (behind traffic, violence and
construction). It is estimated that 600 people
die every year of electrical causes. Most of
these accidents involve low voltage (600 volts
or less).
Graphs
• Electricity flowing through the human body can
shock, cause involuntary muscle reaction,
paralyze muscles, burn tissues and organs or
kill. In case of electric shock, the amount of
current flow through the body and the
corresponding body sensation are identified in
the following graph.
• Graph: Electric Shock Vs. Body Sensation
• A small night-light with a 6-watt bulb draws 0.05
ampere, and even that small amount of current
can be fatal. Here are some effects of current
(in milli amps) passing through a 150 pound
body (note that perception is only 0.5 to 1.5 milli
amps).
Current passing through your body can cause
electric shock, resulting in 3 types of potential
injuries:
• Burns (arcs burn with heat and radiation)
• Physical injuries (broken bones, falls and
muscle damage) – at 10 milli amps, the
muscles clamp on to whatever the person is
holding.
• Nervous System Effects (stop breathing at 30
to 75 milli amps AC at 60 Hz, fibrillation at 75
to 100 milli amps at 60 Hz)
Fibrillation – a muscular twitching involving
individual muscle fibers acting without
coordination.
• - Very rapid irregular contractions of the
muscle fibers of the heart resulting in a lack of
synchronism between heartbeat and pulse.
• - Heart is “twitching” and there is no blood flow
to the body. The heart can be damaged
because it is in the path of the most common
routes electricity will take through the body:
• Hand to hand
• Hand to foot
Electricity is an integral part of today’s modern
world, and sometimes it is easy to forget just
how dangerous it can be. Given the correct
circumstances, it can kill. But it can also shock
you painfully, damage sensitive equipment,
and ignite combustible materials.
Burns
• Although a current may not pass through vital
organs or nerve centers, internal electrical
burns can still occur. These burns, which are a
result of heat generated by current flowing in
tissues, can be either at the skin surface or in
deeper layers (muscles, bones, etc.) or both.
Typically, tissues damaged from this type of
electrical burn heal slowly.
• Burns caused by electric arcs are similar to
burns from high temperature sources. The
temperature of an electric arc, which is in the
range of 4,000°F – 35,000°F, can melt all
known materials, vaporize metal in close
proximity, and burn flesh and ignite clothing at
distances up to 10 ft from the arc. Damage to
internal tissues may not be apparent
immediately after contact with the current.
Internal tissue swelling and edema are also
possible.
• The critical path of electricity through the body
is through the chest cavity. At noted levels,
current flowing from one hand to the other, from
a hand to the opposite foot, or from the head to
either foot will pass through the chest cavity
paralyzing the respiratory or heart muscles,
initiating ventricular fibrillation, and/or burning
vital organs.
• The typical effects of various electric currents
flowing through the body on the average 150-
lb male and 115-lb female body are given in the
following table.
Static Electricity and How It Can
Do Harm?
Why minimize static shocks?
You may be injured by the reaction to the shock
even though the shocks are not hazardous!
What you can do?
1) Never clean the glass face of your computer
monitor while the computer is on.
2) During normal operation, the glass surface of a
monitor’s CRT accumulates an electrostatic
charge. When you touch the screen with a
finger, the charge in the portion of the screen
you touched discharges through your finger
with a tiny spark. Electric current does not
normally flow through glass so only part of the
screen that your finger touches is discharged.
When you clean a monitor however, the entire
glass is wet and the charge on the entire
screen will discharge to your finger or hand,
causing a much more painful shock. Clean
your monitor before you turn on your computer.
3) Never allow any electrical powered office
equipment to become wet while it is turned on.
4) Never turn on any electronic equipment when
it is wet.
5) Even when a computer has been turned off for
a few minutes, it is best not to touch the
monitor’s CRT while handling or using other
electrical / electronic equipment, including the
telephone. Wet or dry, you may receive an
electric shock. This shock is similar to the
shock you receive when you touch a door knob
after walking across a carpet. Although painful,
this type of shock is not hazardous. However,
you may be injured by the reaction to the
shock, such as pulling your hand rapidly away
and hitting your elbow against a wall or cabinet.
Controlling Electrical Fire
Stages of Fire.
• There are four (4) stages of fire:
1. Incipient stage – no visible smoke or flame
2. Smoldering stage – there is no smoke but no
flame
3. Flame stage – actual fire exist and heat builds
up
4. Heat stage – uncontrollable spread of
superheated fire
Electrical Fire Prevention Practices
• Keep hallways and stairways clear for quick
exits and always equip them with smoke
detectors whenever possible.
• Properly placed detectors cut your chances of
dying in a home fire. Put them on every level of
your house and outside each bedroom.
• Check the test button weekly and clean it
regularly. Make sure everybody knows the
sound of alarm.
• Blown fuses, warm outlet plates, sparks from
switches and outlets – all could be signs of an
overloaded electrical system or faulty wiring.
• The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) identifies
“octopus connections” – where several
electrical appliances are connected to 1 outlet,
resulting in power overload and other electrical
faults – as the main cause of fires in the home.
Avoid having such connections in your house.
• Never leave hot appliances plugged-in when
you are not around.
• If you have big appliances such as a window
air conditioner, plug them into their own heavy
duty electrical circuit, not just an outlet.
• Let air circulate around your TV set and at the
back of your refrigerator to dissipate build-up
heat. Don’t place watered plants on top of the
set or ref.
• Use extension cords only within their
designated rating.
• Never let multi-outlet assemblies or cube taps
cause overloads.
• Never use frayed or deteriorated extension
cords.
• Never tamper with fuses to change their
current carrying capacity.
Causes of Electrical Accidents
Unsafe Acts
• There are 3 major causes of electrical
accidents:
1) Carelessness
2) Misuse
3) Getting in a hurry
*There are 2 reasons for the above causes of
unsafe acts:
• We know better but intentionally do something
unsafe.
• We don’t know better.
Avoid the following unsafe acts:
• Failure to de-energize, lockout and tag-out
hazards during maintenance, repair or
inspections of fuse box.
• Use of defective and unsafe tools.
• Use of tools or equipment too close to
energized parts.
• Not draining off stored energy in capacitors.
• Using 3 wire cord with a 2 wire plug.
• Remove and replace wrong fuse.
• Not verifying power is off when making repair
(drilling into a 220 V AC line can kill).
 Unsafe Equipment
What equipment can cause electrical
accidents?
• Loose connections
• Faulty insulation
• Improper grounding
• Defective parts, such as broken outlet cover
(unsafe accessible LIVE contacts)
• Unguarded live parts
- There are common incidents of 50 V or more
with bare conductors or terminals exposed.
- Guard metal parts of equipment that may
become energized when connected by cord or plug;
capacitance may cause up to 55% of line voltage to be
stored on the casing of metal tools.
Common Electrical Violations Causing
Dangers
The most apparent requirements in
determining unsafe equipment are related to
the existence of the power supply; the types,
locations and conditions of the wiring in use;
and the existence of the number of wall outlets
or ceiling fixtures required by the PEC and their
condition. In making investigations of unsafe
equipment, these considerations will serve as
useful guides.
1) Power Supply – where is it located, is it
grounded properly, and is it at least of minimum
capacity required to supply current safely for
lighting and the major and minor appliances in
the dwelling?
2) Panel Box Covers or Doors – these should
be accessible only from the front and should be
sealed in such a way that they can be operated
safely without the danger of contact with live or
exposed parts of the wiring system.
3) Switches, Outlets and Junction Boxes –
these also must be covered to protect against
danger of electric shock.
4) Frayed or Bare Wires – these are usually the
result of long use and drying out and cracking
of the insulation, which leave the wires
exposed, or else a result of constant friction
and rough handling of the wire, which cause it
to fray or become bare. Wiring in this condition
constitutes a safety hazard, and correction of
such defects should be ordered immediately.
5) Electric Cords Under Rugs or Other Floor
Coverings – putting electric cords in locations
such as these is prohibited because of the
potential fire hazard caused by continuing
contact over a period of time between these
heat-bearing cords and the flammable floor
coverings. Direct the occupant to shift the
cords to a safe location, explain why, and make
sure it is done.
6) Bathroom Lighting – it should include at least
1 permanently installed ceiling or wall light
fixture with a wall switch and plate so located
and maintained that there is no danger of short
circuiting from use of other bathroom facilities
or splashing of water. Fixture or cover plates
should be insulated or grounded.
7) Lighting of Public Hallways, Stairways,
Landings and Foyers – a common standard
here is sufficient lighting to provide illumination
of 10 ft-candle on every part of these areas at
all times. Sufficient lighting means that a
person can clearly see his feet on all parts of
the stairways and halls. Every public hall and
stairway in a structure containing less than 3
dwelling units may be supplied with
conveniently located light switches controlling
an adequate lighting system that may be
turned on when needed instead of full-time
lighting.
8) Habitable Room Lighting – the standard here
may be 2 floor convenience outlets – although
floor outlets are dangerous unless protected by
proper dust and water covers – or 1
convenience outlet and 1 wall or ceiling electric
light fixture. This number constitutes an
absolute and often inadequate minimum given
the contemporary widespread use of electricity
in the home. The minimum should be that
number is required to provide adequate lighting
and power to accommodate lighting and
appliances normally used in each room.
9) Octopus Outlets or Wiring – this term is
applied to outlets in which plugs have been
inserted and are being used to permit more
than 2 lights or portable appliances, such as
TV, lamp or radio, to be connected to the
electrical system. The condition occurs where
the number of outlets is insufficient to
accommodate the normal use of the room. This
practice overloads the circuit and is a potential
source of fire.
10) Outlet Covers – every outlet and receptacle
must be covered by a protective plate to
prevent contact of its wiring or terminals with
the body, combustible object or splashing
water.
11) Excessive or Faulty Fusing – the wire’s
capacity must not be exceeded by the fuse or
circuit breaker capacity or be left unprotected
by faulty fusing or circuit breaker. Fuses and
breakers are safety devices designed to “blow”
as a means of protection against overloading
of the electrical system or 1 or more of its
circuits. Coins under fuses are put there to
bypass the fuse. These are illegal and must be
removed. Over fusing is done for the same
reason. The latter can be prevented by the
installation of modern fuse stats, which prevent
use of any fuse of a higher amperage that can
be handled by the circuit it serves.
12) Cords Run Through Walls or Doorways and
Hanging Cords or Wires – this is a makeshift-
type installation and most often is installed by
an unqualified handyman or do-it-yourself
occupant.
13) Temporary Wiring – this type of installation
should not be allowed, with the exception of
extension cords that go directly from portable
lights and electric fixtures to convenience
outlets.
14) Excessively Long Extension Cords – this
requirement does not apply to specially
designed extension cords for operating
portable tools and trouble lights. Cities
operating under modern code standards limit
the length of loose cords or extension lines to
a maximum of 8 feet. This is necessary
because those that are too long will overheat if
 overloaded or if a short circuit develops and
thus create a fire hazard. Even shorter lengths
are feasible in housing with new or updated
wiring system that include 1 convenience outlet
every 12 feet around the perimeter of the room.
Hazardous Environment
Use special precautions when working in
potentially hazardous environments and situations.
Even an accidental static discharge can cause a
fire or explosion in areas where the following are
present:
• Flammable vapors, liquids and gases
• Combustible dust
• Corrosive atmospheres
• Explosive environments
Special care is also needed in wet or damp
locations – water and electricity are a bad
combination. If the wire is frayed or damaged,
a fatal electric shock can result.
In most common safety inspections, a number
of problems on hazardous environment can be
found relative to electrical cords and electrical
installations. These findings fall into 1 or more
categories below:
• Deteriorated cords, where the exterior
insulation has cracked, exposing the wires
inside.
• Cords and/or plugs produced from
substandard materials.
• Use of cords which have no appropriate current
(amp) rating for either the plug or the
equipment.
• Use of extension cords for permanent
installations.
• Equipment which has been incorrectly wired,
representing either a shock or fire hazard.
Safety Practices
All violations of the Philippine Electrical Code
(PEC) represent potentially dangerous
arrangements. In order to correct these
situations, the following safety practices are
encouraged.
Home and School
Basic Safety Practices:
• Never underestimate the danger of 220 VAC
circuits. More people die from 220 VAC
electrical shock than any other voltage. This is
mostly due to a lack of respect.
• Watch out for electrical arcs; they can cause
bad burns.
• Do not operate equipment beyond its rated
capacity.
• Never install equipment beyond its rated
capacity.
Electrical Safety for Children through
Parents
Stay Clear of Power Lines:
• Don’t play near power lines.
• Never climb trees that are near electric wires.
• Do not climb electric utility poles, substation
fences or high-tension towers.
• Never throw anything over or at power lines.
• Stay away from fallen power lines.
• Never fly kites near power lines.
Don’t Play With Electrical Equipment:
• Don’t stick any object other than an electric
plug into an outlet.
• Never fool with wires, electric meters , switches
or any electrical equipment in and around the
house and yard.
• Don’t break insulators or electrical equipment
• Stay away from transformers (green boxes)
and power substations.
Office and Workplace
Basic Safety Practices:
• Inspect electrical cords on a regular basis and
repair or replace damaged cords.
• Only licensed electrical engineers or
electricians should install cords on equipment.
• Use only BPS or other internationally-approved
high-quality components when making a
repair.
• When wiring or installing a new equipment, let
it be handled by a duty licensed electrical
engineer or electrician to ensure the equipment
meets requirements for safe operation.
• If the use of voltage greater than 600 V is
required, let it be handled by a duly licensed
Professional Electrical Engineer (PEE) or a
Registered Electrical Engineer (REE) for
assistance in the design and installation.
• If you require additional electrical outlets,
consult your duty licensed electrician to have
the work done. Do not use extension cords for
permanent installations, i.e. longer than 3
months.
Safety Checklist for Home, School, Office
and Workplace
Outlets
• Check for outlets that have loose-fitting plugs,
which can overheat and lead to fire.
• Replace any missing or broken wall plates.
• Make sure there are safety covers on all
unused outlets that are accessible to children.
Cords
• Make sure cords are in good condition – not
frayed or cracked.
• Cords should never be nailed or stapled to the
wall, baseboard or to another object.
• Do not place cords under carpets or rugs or
rest any furniture on them.
• See that the cords are not overloaded; and they
are not meant to be used permanently as
household wiring.
Plugs
• Make sure plugs fit your outlets.
• Never force a plug into an outlet if it doesn’t fit.
• Avoid overloading outlets with too many
appliances.
Light Bulbs
• Check the wattage of all bulbs in light fixtures
to make sure they are the correct wattage for
the size of the fixture.
• Replace bulbs that have higher wattage than
recommended.
• Make sure bulbs are secured in securely; loose
ones may overheat.
Circuit Breakers / Fuses
• Should be the correct size current rating for
their circuit.
• If you do not know the right size, have a
registered master electrician (RME) identify
and label the size to be used.
• Always replace a fuse with the same size fuse
rating.
Water and Electricity Don’t Mix
• Don’t leave plugged-in appliances where they
might come into contact with water.
• If a plugged-in appliance falls into water, never
reach in to pull it outN even if it is turned off.
First turn off the power source at the
panelboard and then unplug the appliance.
• If you have an appliance that has gotten wet,
don’t use it until it has been checked by a
qualified repair person or shop.
Appliance
• If an appliance repeatedly blows a fuse, trips a
circuit breaker, or if it has given you a shock,
unplug it and have it repaired.
Outdoor Safety
• Electric powered tools and equipment should
not be use in the rain or wet conditions.
• Always use an extension cord marked for
outdoor use and rated for the power needs of
your tools.
• Remember to unplug all portable tools when
not in use.
• Since metal ladder conducts electricity, watch
out for overhead and power lines.
Halogen Floor Lamps
• Halogen floor lamps operate at much higher
temperatures than a standard incandescent
light bulb. Never place a halogen floor lamp
where it could come in contact with draperies.
Clothing or other combustible materials.
• Be sure to turn the lamp off whenever you
leave the room for an extended period of time.
Receptacles and Switches
• The switch is the point where two worlds meet
– human and electrical. Switches are used to
turn power on an off. Receptacles are outlets,
usually mounted on a wall or in the floor,
supplying electricity to appliances through a
cord or plug.
Following are the safety precautions to take
with switches and receptacles:
1. All switches and outlets should be checked
periodically to make sure they are not hot to the
touch. If switches and outlets don’t work
properly, hot to the touch, produce sparks or
arcs when used, or if the switch or outlet blows
a fuse or trips a circuit breaker, this could
indicate an unsafe wiring condition. Have a
licensed electrician check the switch or outlet.
2. All outlets should have a faceplate to help
prevent exposure to “live” wiring.
3. If plugs seem to fit loosely in an outlet, the
same may be worn and could overheat; a
licensed electrician should check it.
4. Put inexpensive safety covers on receptacles
to help prevent children from inserting small
objects into it.
5. All outside receptacles, as well as in bathroom,
kitchen and basement should be weatherproof
or have waterproof covers to help protect
against shock hazards.
Extension Cords
• Extension cords are often used in homes and
offices. They are easy to use on a temporary
basis only. But if used improperly or carelessly,
they can be dangerous.
• The following are tips for the proper usage of
extension cords:
1. Do not substitute extension cords for
permanent wiring or run through walls,
doorways, ceilings or floors.
2. Do not use in conjunction with irons,
refrigerators, or other heating devices.
3. Do not use an extension cord for more than 1
appliance.
4. Multiple plug outlets must be plugged directly
into mounted electrical receptacles. They
cannot be chained together.
5. Be sure an appliance is turned off before
plugging into an outlet.
6. Make sure the extension cord or temporary
power tap you use is rated for the products to
be plugged-in and is marked for either indoor
or outdoor use.
7. Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged
in any way.
8. Remember “temporary” means “temporary”
and not permanent. Ignoring these helpful tips
could lead to damage, fire or shock.
Do’s & Don'ts for Electrical Safety
1. Do use extension cords on a temporary basis.
2. Do put safety covers on unused receptacle
outlets and extension cords.
3. Do unplug an appliance and call an electrician
if the receptacle face-plate feels hot or if there
is sparking, smoke, color or odor coming from
the outlet, plug or appliance.
4. Do examine appliance and extension cords
regularly for signs of wear or tear or damage to
insulation.
5. Do unplug all non-essential electrical appliance
when not in use.
6. Do use extension cords that have been listed
by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
7. Don’t use extension cords as permanent
substitute for inadequate house wiring.
8. Don’t use extension cords that are worn or
damaged and don’t attach extension cords to
the wall with nails or staples.
9. Don’t put extension cords under rugs where
they might be walked on; don’t rest anything on
an extension cord.
10. Don’t overload cords with too many appliances.
11. Don’t touch any appliance that has emitted an
electrical shock until the appliance has been
unplugged.
12. Don’t place electrical appliances where they
might come in contact with water. Never reach
into water for plugged-in applianceN turn off
power first, then unplug it.
13. Don’t place an appliance cord where it might
touch a hot surface.
14. Don’t leave any wiring exposed in outlets and
switches. Use the correct size faceplate.
15. Don’t ignore switches or outlets that don’t work.
Obtain the help of a licensed electrician.
16. Don’t let cords hang over countertops where
children can pull down an appliance.
 Hazards and Safety Tips for Electricians
• The Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) sets the
minimum standards for electrical work in
general and specific instances. Any person
employed in the electrical field should obtain a
copy of the PEC and know how to use it. This
is commonly referred to as the electrician’s
handbook.
Occupational Hazards
Electrical accidents happen due to unsafe
practices. Following are the occupational
hazards related to electrical work:
• Death – careless and unsafe work habits can
result in fatal accidents.
• Burns – accidental shorts or faults
occasionally blow slag or molten metal which
can burn.
• Broken Bones or Bruises – working on
ladders or in other hazardous construction
situations can result in falls.
• Sprains or Muscle Tear – many pieces of
electrical equipment are heavy and bulky, and
help must be summoned often to avoid injury
to one person.
The common safety violations that lead to
electrical accidents are:
• Not guarding live parts of 50 volts or more.
• Not having reliable equipment grounds run with
the circuit supply conductors.
• Using extension cords in place of permanent
wiring.
• Custom equipment that has not been reviewed
for safety.
• Failure to de-energize equipment before
working on it.
Tips Against Safety Hazards
• The Electrical Worker is a highly respected
trade worker. The jobs that he performs are
generally in the areas or surroundings more
desirable than other trades. However,
conditions do occur that are more demanding
or are in areas that are more difficult to work in
such as crawl spaces and high places.
Inclement weather is also a factor.
Basic Safety Precautions
• Never bypass a fuse.
• Be sure all current carrying electric lines are
well insulated.
• Always check a circuit for voltage before
servicing.
• Know where all emergency shutdown switches
are located.
• Work on live circuits only when absolutely
necessary.
• Watch for burned wires on electrical devices.
• Never touch a conductor without first testing.
• Look for loose conductors in electrical systems.
• Do not make any adjustment or repairs to any
electrical equipment until all power has been
disconnected or the circuit breaker has been
turned off.
Caution: Adjustments or repairs should be
done only by licensed electrical engineers or
electricians.
• All electrical equipment and tools should be
properly grounded to pre4vent any injury to the
operator.
• Do not operate electrical parts with wet gloves
or wet clothing.
Caution: To prevent harmful body shocks,
keep hands, feet and clothing dry. Use a dry
board or rubber mat when water, moisture or
perspiration cannot be avoided.
• Never work alone when working with more than
50 volts.
Safety Practices Around Live Circuits
• Use a reliable circuit tester or voltmeter to
identify live circuits.
• Stand on dry surface.
• Use only one hand of possible.
• Never keep tools lying around live conductors.
• Wear suitable insulated hand covering.
• Return all tools to pouch when through with
them.
Proper Grounding.
• Properly grounded electrical equipment
provides a pathway to ground for stray current
that may otherwise go through the operator’s
body.
• Loose wires that touch the case of housing in
electrical equipment can cause an electrical
shock to anyone who touches the equipment if
it has not been properly grounded.
Caution: A faulty current to the housing will
travel directly to ground. A working touching
the equipment is not likely to suffer a serious
shock because the ground is a better current
path than the human body.
• Loose connections can be detected by heat on
conductors, a burning odor, carbon tracking
and conductors that are discolored.
• Always check electrical equipment for proper
grounding before working on them.
• Proper grounding allows ground fault current to
clear overcurrent device providing safety of
operation.
Importance of Third Wire
Always check for grounding or third wire before
using electrical equipment to avoid electrical shock.
The importance of third wire as follows:
• Installed for personal protection.
• Provides alternate path for current in case of a
short.
• Can save your life.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)
When the ground fault circuit interrupter works
properly, the power is cut off so fast that the shock can
be reduced to a few microseconds.
GFCI’s are:
• Personal safety devices.
• Required on 15 and 20 ampere receptacle
outlets used for temporary power supply on
construction sites.
• Stops current before severe personal injury
occurs.
Lockout Devices
These devices have the following uses:
• Use it more than one power source is present.
• Always use when hydraulic position could
change.
• Always use when pneumatic position could
change.
• Lock off all electrical devices before working on
equipment.
Office and Workplace Safety Reminders
Electrical Safety Reminders
 When planning and performing work on
electrical systems and equipment, keep these
principles in mind:
1) Plan every job.
2) Think about what could go wrong.
3) Use the right tools.
4) Use procedures, drawings and other
documents as tools to do the job.
5) Isolate the equipment from energy source.
6) Identify the electric shock and arc flash, as well
as other hazards that may be present.
7) Minimize the hazard by guarding or
establishing approach limitations.
8) Test every circuit and every conductor, every
time before you touch.
9) Use personal protective equipment as a last
line of defense in case something goes wrong.
10) Be sure you are properly trained and qualified
for the job.
Working on Near Energized Equipment
• Treat de-energized electrical equipment and
conductors as energized until lockout/tag-out,
test and ground procedures are implemented.
• Work on electrical equipment and conductors
only when de-energized, unless procedures
and safeguards have been established to zero
exposure for the worker and other people in the
area.
• Lockout/tag-out and ground before working on
equipment.
• Wear protective clothing and equipment and
use insulated tools in areas where there are
possible electrical hazards.
• De-energize and visibly guard whenever in
contact with un-insulated, overhead power
lines is possible.
• Check and double check the safety regulations
when a ladder or parts of any vehicle or
mechanical equipment structure will be raised
near energized overhead power lines. Call your
local electric utility for assistance. People
standing on the ground may be vulnerable to
possible injury.
Cord Powered Equipment and Tools, Cords
and Temporary Wiring
• Protect flexible cords and cables from physical
damage.
• Keep slack in flexible to prevent tension on
electrical terminals.
• Check cords for cut, broken, or cracked
insulation.
• Make sure the insulating qualities of a splice
are equal to or greater than the original cord.
• Extension cords are for temporary use, install
permanent wiring when use is no longer
temporary.
Equipment and Tool Grounding
• Verify that all three-wire tools and equipment
are grounded.
• Water, electrical equipment and power cords
do not mix! Use ground fault circuit interrupter
(GFCI) protection in wet or damp environment.
• Ground exposed parts of fixed equipment that
could be energized.
• Use non-conductive tools whenever possible.
• Always double check the operation of your
voltage testers by testing a live circuit.
Other Safety Considerations
• Verify location of all buried or embedded
electrical circuits before digging or cutting.
• Determine the reason whenever a fuse has
blown or a circuit breaker has tripped before
replacing or resetting.
• Know where your overcurrent devices are
located so they can be easily and quickly
reached in case of emergency.
• When replacing lamps and bulbs, verify
replacement and match fixture requirements.
• Adapt this list of safety reminders to fit your
working environment.
• Establish a written electrical safety program for
implementing the given electrical safety
reminders.
Facts About Electric Shock
Body Resistance
Human body resistance varies from about
500,000 ohms when dry to about 300 ohm when wet.
Because of this, voltage as low as 30 V can cause
enough current to be fatal. Any circuit with a potential
of at least 30 V must be considered dangerous.
High Voltage
High voltage (low current) tends to knock the
victim away from the circuit, so that the victim cannot
let go.
• At about 1 milli amp (0.0010 A), a slight shock
will be felt.
• At about 10 milli amp (0.010 A), the shock is
severe enough to paralyze muscles, but a
person may be able to let go of the conductor.
• At about 100 milli amp (0.1 A), the shock is
usually fatal if it last for one second or more.
Treating a Victim of Electric Shock
1) Safely remove the victim from contact with
the source of electricity.
Caution: Do not touch the electrical circuit or
the victim unless the power is off or you are insulate.
• Turn off the electricity by means of a switch or
circuit breaker or cut cables or wires by means
of a wood-handled axe or insulated cutter if
available.
Caution: This must be done quickly. After 5
minutes, the chances of saving an individual will greatly
decrease.
• Use a dry stick, rope, leather belt, coal, blanket,
or any other non-conductor of electricity to
separate the victim from the electrical circuit.
Caution: Do not take hold of the victim with
your bare hand.
2) Call for Assistance
• Others in the area may be more
knowledgeable that you about treating the
victim.
• Another person can call for professional
medical help while you administer first aid.
3) Check Victim’s Breathing and Heartbeat
Caution: Time is Life at this point!
• If pulse is detectable, but breathing has
stopped, administer mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation until medical help arrives.
• If heartbeat has stopped, administer
cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but only if you
have been trained in the proper technique.
 Caution: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation can
sometimes cause more harm than good to a victim 3. Have more than one electrical contractor give
unless the person administering the first aid has been you an estimate. Beware of non-licensed
trained in the proper procedure. electrical practitioners. Most reputable
• If both heartbeat and breathing have stopped, companies require PRC and PCAB licenses
alternate between cardiopulmonary before they can practice.
resuscitation and mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation, but again only if you have been 4. Ask for local references. You can alos call the
trained in this technique. IIEE Chapter in your area. Determine if the
4) Administer First Aid for Shock and Burns contractor is a member of a national or regional
as Necessary. electrical association. Membership does not
• Use blankets or coats to help keep the victim guarantee quality, but ongoing educational
as warm and comfortable as possible while programs keep members up to date on the
waiting for help. latest technological developments in the
• Raise victim’s legs slightly above head level to electrical industry.
help prevent shock.
• If the victim has suffered burns:
- Cover your mouth and nostrils with gauze or
clean handkerchief to prevent breathing germs on the IIEE ADVICE
victim while treating the burns.
- Wrap burned area firmly with sterile gauze or BE ELECTRICALLY SAFE, NOT SORRY!
clean linen or clean towels.
Caution: Do not attempt any other treatment of
burns.
5) Always continue treatment but only within
your ability until medical help arrives.

Selecting an Electrical Contractor

Right contractor for the job
• If you’re trying to get your
home/school/office/workplace’s electrical
system inspected or upgraded w/out getting
overcharged and ensuring electrical safe
installation, you may be interested in these tips
on how to select a qualified electrical
contractor.

1. Check the phone book, usually under “Electric”

or “Contractor”, or you may call the PCAB.
Better yet, call the SPECS.

2. Ask where the contractor is located. There are

some out-of-area contractors that use the
phonebook to solicit business. Ask for PRC
licenses (PEE/REE/RME) and PCAB licenses
(Specially Electrical Contractor). Ask for
company profile. Phone the company to make
sure the licenses are current.