ELECTRICAL HAZARDS AND

HAZARD ANALYSIS
A hazard is an agent which has the potential to cause harm
to a vulnerable target. Hazards can be both natural or human
induced. Hazards can be dormant or potential, with only a
theoretical probability of harm. An event that is caused by
interaction with a hazard is called an incident. While risk is
defined as the probability that exposure to a hazard will lead
to a negative consequence, or more simply, a hazard poses
no risk if there is no exposure to that hazard.
An electrical hazard can be defined as:
1. a dangerous condition where a worker could make electrical contact with
energized equipment or a conductor, and from which the person may
sustain an injury from shock; and/or,
2. there is potential for the worker to receive an arc flash burn, thermal
burn, or blast injury.

An electric hazard is considered to be removed when protective measures

are put in place at the source (remove hazard or deenergize), or along the
path (place electrical insulation/barrier between the worker and the electrical
hazard). Where PPE is relied upon for worker protection, an electrical
hazard is considered to remain and it is still necessary to address safety
requirements for other workers in the area.
Hazard analysis is the initial step of developing an effective program.
The intent is to prioritize the dangers whether biological, chemical or
physical. The hazard analysis should follow all steps described in the
process flow-diagram and evaluate each one for all potential. Hazard
analysis may include risk assessment. Risk Assessment is where the
severity of the hazard and its potential outcomes are considered in
conjunction with other factors including the level of exposure and the
numbers of persons exposed and the risk of that hazard being
realized.
 SUBTOPIC 1
Types of Electrical Hazards
 Subtopic 1

INTENDED LEARNING
OUTCOMES
At end of this discussion the student shall be able to:

 Identify the common electrical hazards

 Define Hazardous Location
 Identify the various classes in hazardous location
Current through the body, even at
levels as low as 3 milliamperes,
can also cause injuries of an
indirect or secondary nature in
which involuntary muscular
reaction from the electric shock
can cause bruises, bone fractures
and even death resulting from
collisions or falls (i.e. fall from a
ladder after receiving a small Source: WWW.WPSAC.ORG “A Review of Common
shock). OSHA Regulations and Workplace Violations
Science ABC. [ Science ABC]. (2019, May 31). Current Vs Voltage: How Much Current Can Kill
You? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_cWTWB-N_I
There are situation or condition that exposes people from
electrical hazard and by identifying these and understanding
how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves.

Contact with Energized Sources/ Exposed Live Parts

Exposed electrical parts include temporary lighting, open power distribution

units, and detached insulation parts on electrical cords. These hazards can
cause potential shocks and burns. Secure these items with proper guarding
mechanisms and always check for any exposed parts to be repaired
immediately.
Overhead Power Lines

Overhead powered and energized electrical lines have high

voltages which can cause major burns and electrocution to
workers. Remember to maintain a minimum distance of 10
feet from overhead power lines and nearby equipment.
Conduct site surveys to ensure that nothing is stored under
overhead power lines. Also, safety barriers and signs must be
installed to warn nearby non-electrical workers of the hazards
present in the area.
Damaged Tools and Equipment

Exposure to damaged electrical tools and equipment can be

very dangerous. Do not fix anything unless you are qualified to
do so. Thoroughly check for cracks, cuts or abrasions on
cables, wires, and cords. In case of any defects, have them
repaired or replaced. Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO)
procedures should be performed at all times before
commencing electrical maintenance and repairs. LOTO
procedures are there to protect all workers on a worksite.
Inadequate Wiring and Overloaded Circuits

Using wires with inappropriate size for the current can cause
overheating and fires to occur. Use the correct wire suitable for
the operation and the electrical load to work on. Use the
correct extension cord designed for heavy-duty use. Also, do
not overload an outlet and use proper circuit breakers. Perform
regular fire risk assessments to identify areas at risk of of bad
wiring and circuits.
Improper Use of Extension and Flexible Cords

Normal wear and tear on extension and flexible cords can loosen or
expose wires, creating a hazardous condition. Hazards are created when
cords, cord connectors, receptacles, and cord- and plug connected
equipment are improperly used and maintained. If the electrical
conductors become exposed, there is a danger of shocks, burns, or fire.
Improper Grounding

The most common OSHA electrical violation is the improper grounding of

equipment. Proper grounding can eliminate unwanted voltage and reduce
the risk of electrocution. Never remove the metallic ground pin as it is
responsible for returning unwanted voltage to the ground.
Wet Conditions

Never operate electrical equipment in wet locations unless it was permitted to

be used in such type of location. In general, water greatly increases the risk of
electrocution especially if the equipment has damaged insulation. Have a
qualified electrician inspect electrical equipment that has gotten wet before
energizing it.
Electrical hazards expose workers to the following:

Burns.
Electrocution
Shock
Arc Flash/Blast
Fire
Explosions
Human skin provides great protection from normal elements; however
human skin provides poor protection from extreme heat which is a byproduct
of exposure to electricity. Typically there exist three types of burns:

Electrical burns happen when electric current flows through tissues and
organs.

Arc burns result from high temperatures (up to 35,000 F) when an arc flash
event occurs.

Thermal burns typically happen when skin touches a hot surface

Electrical burns and injuries will be diagnosed based on
events and symptoms. A physical exam will be done. Like
other burns, electrical burns have 3 degrees of severity,
each with distinctive symptoms:
First-degree burns —Injury is only to the outer layer of
skin. They are red and painful, and may cause some
swelling. The skin turns white when touched.
Second-degree burns —These burns are deeper and
more severe. They cause blisters and the skin is very red
or splotchy. There may be more significant swelling.
Third-degree burns —These cause damage to all layers
of the skin down to the tissue underneath. The burned
skin looks white or charred. These burns may cause little
or no pain because the nerves in the skin are destroyed.
Source: https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-
library/article?id=163347
An electric shock happens when an
electric current passes through your
body. This may cause minor up to
major burn both internal and external
tissue and worst might cause organ
damage. While electrocution is death
or severe injury caused by electric
shock and enormous electric current
passing through the body. Source: http://spiroprojects.com/blog/cat-view-
more.php?blogname=FACTS-ABOUT-ELECTRIC-
SHOCK&id=132
An arc flash is a phenomenon
where a flashover of electric current
leaves its intended path and travels
through the air from one conductor
to another, or to ground. The results
are often violent and when a human
is in close proximity to the arc flash,
serious injury and even death can
occur. Video source: https://makeagif.com/gif/electrical-arc-
flash-and-accidents-compilation-TX1Yci
Electricity is the transfer of electrons along
a wire while fire is the reaction of a
substance with oxygen. A yellow flame, as
usually observed, is an area filled with hot
carbon particles, that can cause other
substances to ignite. An electric spark is
an area where the air conducts electricity
by ionization. These sparks may ignite
combustible materials. Also, a wire that
has a current flowing through it, may heat-
up and cause the temperature to rise
sufficiently to ignite materials. Source: YouTube video ” How to start a fire with piezo igniter”
Hazardous locations - also know as “Classified
Locations” are an often misunderstood entity and
therefore a source of constant under-protection.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) /Philippine Electrical
Code defines hazardous locations as those areas "where
fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable
gases or vapors, flammable liquids, combustible dust, or
ignitable fibers or flyings."
Class I locations consist of areas where gases, vapors or
liquids may exist that have the potential to become
flammable or ignitable.

There are two different divisions that exist in Class I, Division

1 and Division 2, along with three Zones; Zone 0, 1 & 2.

Locations that would be considered to be Class I include

Petroleum Refineries, Gasoline Storage Areas, Dry Cleaning
Plants, Spray Finishing Areas, Fuel Servicing Areas, etc.
Division 1 is a subset of Class I and is classified as an area where the explosive or flammable
gases, vapors or liquids mentioned above can exist under normal, everyday operating
conditions.

Division 2 is also a subset of Class I and is classified as an area where the explosive or
flammable gases, vapors or liquids mentioned above are not likely to exist during regular
operation.

Zone 0 is described as the presence of explosive or flammable gases, vapors or liquids for long
periods of time during operating conditions or during a large portion of the operating conditions.

Zone 1 is described as the presence of explosive or flammable gases, vapors or liquids for
some of the time during normal operating conditions.

Zone 2 is described as there not being a likelihood of explosive or flammable gases, vapors or
liquids present during normal operating conditions.
Class II locations consist of locations where combustible dusts may exist that
have the potential to become flammable or ignitable. Locations that would be
considered to be Class II include Grain elevators, Flour and feed mills, Metal
powder manufacturers, and Coal plants, etc.

Division 1 is a subset of Class II and is classified as an area where the explosive

or flammable combustible dusts mentioned above can exist under normal, everyday
operating conditions.

Division 2 is also a subset of Class II and is classified as an area where the

explosive or flammable combustible dusts mentioned above are not likely to exist
during regular operation.
Class III locations consist of locations where fibers and flyings may exist
that have the potential to become flammable or ignitable. Locations that
would be considered to be Class III include Cotton Gins, Cotton Seed Mills,
Sawdust or flyings plants, or Textile mills.

Division 1 is a subset of Class III and is classified as an area where

ignitable fibers or flyings may be manufactured, stored or handled.

Division 2 is also a subset of Class III and is classified as an area where

ignitable fibers or flyings may be stored or handled.
After identifying the three types of hazardous locations and
the two possible conditions, we next move to the specific
“nature” of the hazard in each hazardous location. The nature
of the hazard is expressed in “Groups” and these groups are
specific to the Class designation of the hazardous locations.
• Group A = acetylene

• Group B = hydrogen and other materials with similar

characteristics

• Group C = ether and similar materials

• Group D = materials such as substances butane, gasoline,

natural gas and propane
• Group E = Metal dusts such as aluminum & magnesium

• Group F = carbon black, charcoal dust, coal and coke dust

• Group G = grain dusts, flour, starch, cocoa, and similar

types of materials
• The Workplace Safety Awareness Council, “Train-the-Trainers Guide to Electrical Safety For General
Industry”

• Electrical Safety. safety culture website Available at: /https://safetyculture.com/topics/electrical-

hazards/ Accessed May 23, 2020

• https://www.ssoe.com/construction-safety-talk-series-electrical-hazards/

• Health Library. Winchester hospital website Available at: https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-

library/article?id=163347, Accessed May 24, 2020

• Hazardous Energy Control Programs available at

https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/hazardous_energy.html,last update January 3, 2018,
Accessed May 24, 2020