10

ELECTRONICS
Quarter 1 – Module 5:
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN
HANDLING ELECTRICAL
EQUIPMENT
Science – Grade 10
Alternative Delivery Mode Quarter 1 – Module 4: SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN
HANDLING ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
First Edition, 2020

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over them.

Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Writers: Diana Jane M. Catacutan
Editor: Aiisa C. Corpuz, PhD
Reviewer: Lily Beth B. Mallari
Illustrator: Charlene N. Guinto
Layout Artist: Charlene N. Guinto
Management Team: Maria Carmen P. Cuenco, EdD, CESO V
Lourdes G. Dela Cruz, PhD
Robert E. Osongco,EdD
Lily Beth B. Mallari
Aiisa C. Corpuz, PhD
Rebecca K. Sotto,PhD

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E-mail Address: tarlac.city@deped.gov.ph
 10
BASIC
ELECTRONICS
Quarter 1 – Module 5 :
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN
HANDLING ELECTRICAL
EQUIPMENT
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to Basic electronics 10 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN HANDLING ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT!
This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators both
from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or facilitator in helping
the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming
their personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help
learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration their
needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of
the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module.
You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to manage
their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

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For the learner:

Welcome to the Science 10 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Basic

Electronics!

The hand is one of the most symbolized part of the human body. It is often used to
depict skill, action and purpose. Through our hands we may learn, create and
accomplish. Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies that you as a learner
is capable and empowered to successfully achieve the relevant competencies and
skills at your own pace and time. Your academic success lies in your own hands!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities for
guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to
process the contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

What I Need to Know This will give you an idea of the skills or
competencies you are expected to learn in the
module.

What I Know This part includes an activity that aims to

check what you already know about the
lesson to take. If you get all the answers
correct (100%), you may decide to skip this
module.

What’s In This is a brief drill or review to help you link

the current lesson with the previous one.

What’s New In this portion, the new lesson will be

introduced to you in various ways such as a
story, a song, a poem, a problem opener, an
activity or a situation.

What is It This section provides a brief discussion of the

lesson. This aims to help you discover and
understand new concepts and skills.

What’s More This comprises activities for independent

practice to solidify your understanding and
skills of the topic. You may check the
answers to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the module.

What I Have Learned This includes questions or blank

sentence/paragraph to be filled in to process
what you learned from the lesson.

What I Can Do This section provides an activity which will

help you transfer your new knowledge or skill
into real life situations or concerns.

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 Assessment This is a task which aims to evaluate your
level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.

Additional Activities In this portion, another activity will be given

to you to enrich your knowledge or skill of the
lesson learned. This also tends retention of
learned concepts.

Answer Key This contains answers to all activities in the

module.

At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in developing

this module.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the
module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are
not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and
gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

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 What I Need to Know

While doing electronics project must be fun, electrical hazards may not be
avoided without knowing the safety precautions in handling equipment in
electronics. These equipment and tools must be handled with care and attention. It’s
vitally important to take safety precautions when working with electricity. Safety
must not be compromised and some ground rules need to be followed first. The basic
guidelines regarding safe handling of electricity that are discussed here will help you
while working with electricity.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Discuss safety measures in handling electrical tools and equipment
2. List some preventive measures that can be followed at home to prevent
electrical accidents
3. Identify the possible electrical hazards that may occur in doing electrical
related works
4. Sustain interest in explaining the harmful effects of electrical hazards on
human body

What I Know
Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of paper.

1. What do you call the actions taken in advance to protect against possible
danger, failure, or injury?
a. Electrical hazards
b. Electric drilling
c. Soldering
d. Safety precautions

2. What does this symbol indicate?

a. Danger
b. Buried electricity cables
c. Explosive
d. Flammable gas

3. It is the flow of electric charge in a circuit.

a. Electricity
b. Electric current
c. Power
d. Parallel circuit

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4. What is any source of potential damage, harm or adverse health effect on
something or someone?
a. Hazards
b. Safety
c. Protocols
d. Electrical precautions

5. What does this symbol indicate?

a. Explosive
b. Flammable
c. Injury or death due to high voltage equipment
d. Buried electricity cables

6. Below are safety equipment EXCEPT:

a. Metal jewelleries
b. Fire extinguisher
c. First aid kit
d. Mobile phone

7. When working with an electronic project one should not wear:

a. Safety goggles
b. Rubber gloves
c. Loose clothing
d. Rubber shoes

8. It is an electrical accident that can have serious, often fatal, affects on a

person.
a. Electrocution
b. Cancer
c. Electric shock
d. Shortness of breath

9. It is defined as combustion or burning, in which substances combine

chemically with oxygen from the air and typically give out bright light, heat, and
smoke.
a. Fire
b. Fog
c. Smog
d. Earthquake

10. Listed below are some of the safety precautions EXCEPT:

a. Always use the right electronics repair and maintenance use.
b. Always return covers after removing them to reduce the risk of electric shock.
c. Always ensure that all electronics equipment is properly grounded.
d. Make sure that your circuit is always overloaded.

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 What’s In

Electrical tasks can be accomplished systematically to save time, effort, and

resources. Most of the work cannot be done using bare hands. To do the task,
electrical tools or equipment are needed to perform the job. Let us go back to the
previous lesson by filling in the table below.

TOOLS /EQUIPMENT USE/FUNCTION

1. Hacksaw It is used for cutting metals.
2.. It is used for driving nails into,
or pulling nails from, some
other object.
3. It is used to measure the
length of an object in
centimetre and inches. This is
also used to measure heights
for switches and outlets.
4. Soldering tool

5. It used to find the diameter or

size of an electrical wire.

6. It is used for holding, bending,

and stretching the lead of
electronic component or
connecting wires.
7. It is used for boring holes in
plastic or metal chassis with
the used of drill bits.
8. screwdriver

Having been familiar with the functions and classifications of basic tools and
equipment used in electronics, there are still important things that should be paid
attention in doing electrical related works. To be specific, safety measures is also a
need to consider before even starting an electronics project. It is essential to know
the safety precautions in handling basic electrical tools and equipment to avoid
possible electrical hazards.

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 What’s New

Electricity is a huge part of human daily life. It is everywhere, even in the human
body. Our cells are specialized to conduct electrical currents. Electricity is required
for the nervous system to send signal throughout the body and the brain making it
possible for us to think and feel. Interesting isn’t it? Below are some trivia relating to
electronics that will surely spark your curiosity!

1. The word “electrocute” is a combination of the words electro and execute, meaning
a person is killed by electricity. If a person did not die, he isn’t electrocuted, only
shocked.
2. Ever wondered why birds that sit on power wires don’t get electrocuted? If a bird
sits on only one power line, it’s safe. If a bird touches any part of its body to another
line, it creates a circuit causing electrocution.
3. Rubber is the best insulator of electricity. Take one look at your nearest cable and
you’d know why: rubber is flexible and malleable yet keeps your wires from
shortening.

Knowledge is power especially when dealing with electrical safety. Do you know any
electrical safety measures or precautions? List at least 3 of them below.

1. __________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________

Notes to the Teacher

Safety precautions are actions taken in advance to protect against possible

danger, failure, or injury. These actions are taken to ensure that electrical
related works can be done safe and not dangerous to the human body.
A hazard is any source of potential damage, harm or adverse health effect on
something or someone. Basically, a hazard is something that can cause harm
or adverse effects such as to individuals as health effects, to the environment
or to organizations as property or equipment damage.

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 What is It

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN HANDLING ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

When working with or testing any electronic equipment, it’s always important to be
cautious. Whatever type of equipment you’re handling, whether simple or complex,
it’s important to take the right safety precautions.

Working with electricity comes with huge risks that should never be taken lightly. If
you’re a hobbyist who loves working with electronic components or an electronics
professional at your workplace, safety should always come first.

To avoid personal injury, possible damage to equipment or danger of fire, all work
on electronic equipment should be conducted following these safety procedures.

General Safety

Before working on any electronics, consider following these basic safety

precautions to help reduce any hazards.

1. Remove any electronic equipment you’re testing or working on from the

power source.

2. Always ensure that all electronics equipment is properly grounded

3. If it’s damaged, replace it. For instance, replace cables instead of repairing
with insulating tape.

4. Always use the right electronics repair and maintenance tools.

5. Always return covers after removing them to reduce the risk of electric
shock.

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 6. Make sure your circuit is not overloaded.

7. Always have safety equipment like a fire extinguisher, a basic first aid kit
and a mobile phone nearby.

Personal Safety

It’s important to ensure that you’re safe when working on electronic circuits. Here
are some personal safety precautions to keep in mind:

1. Always keep your work area dry.

2. Always work in a well-ventilated area.

3. Don’t wear flapping or loose clothing when working.

4. Don’t work with metallic jewelry on your hands like watches, rings and
bracelets.

5. Always wear non-conductive shoes.

6. Always wear insulator gloves in your hands when carrying out repairs.

7. Always wear safety goggles.

Fire Safety Precautions

When working with electronic equipment, there is often a risk of fire caused by a
short circuit or other reason. Follow these precautionary steps:

1. Avoid anything that would cause a fire around your working area like paper,
cloth or other combustible materials.

2. Look out for damaged wire insulation, overheating of electronic equipment,

damaged circuit boards and corrosive components like batteries.

3. If there is a burning smell on your electronic equipment, disconnect the

power source.

4. If there is a fire, use a fire extinguisher.

5. Always check your circuit to be sure that everything is okay after repairs or
maintenance before connecting power.

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Electric Shock

One of the major hazards when working with electronic equipment is electric
shock. To avoid this, you should take a few safety precautions, including:

1. Always read safety procedures that come with every electronic equipment
you’re about to test or work on.

2. Recheck all wires for bad connections

3. Always make sure that all parts of electronic equipment are well-mounted to
prevent accidents.

4. Keep electronic equipment away from water and other liquids

5. Always check for signs of wear, defects and fraying on electronic equipment
cables, cords and connectors.

6. Use special safety rubber gloves and shoes.

With the increasing use of electronics in homes and workplaces, safety is becoming
more and more important to consumers and service experts.

Electrical Hazards

Have you ever experienced an electric shock? What did you feel? An electric shock
can cause damage to the body like serious burns, or it can destroy cells that are
necessary for the operation of some vital organs like the heart and lungs. The
seriousness of the shock depends on the amount of current, how long it acts, and
the part of the body through which the current goes.

Notes to the Teacher

An electric current is a flow of electric charge in a circuit. More specifically,
the electric current is the rate of charge flow past a given point in an electric circuit.
The charge can be negatively charged electrons or positive charge carriers including
protons, positive ions or holes.

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The table below shows the amount of current and the damaging effects it can cause
in a human body.

Effects of Current Flowing through the Human Body

Amount of Current Effect

0.001 A Can cause a little pain

Muscles of the hands can be paralyzed, the person will

not be able to remove his hands from the source of
0.01 A current (faulty wire/appliance). Prolonged contact can
cause very serious damage to the vital organs, like
paralysis to the respiratory system which can cause
death.

When the current passes through the heart region for 2

seconds or more, it will cause and irregular heart muscle
0.1 A contraction and blood will not be properly pumped. This
can lead to death.

1A Can cause serious burns to body tissues

What’s More

Activity 1: Safety around Electricity

Each pair of pictures shows something safe and something that may cause an
electrical hazard. Using your knowledge about the safety precautions in handling
electrical equipment, identify which of these pictures are safe and which are not.
Place an X over the picture that may cause an electrical accident.

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 Activity 2: How Much Have You Learned? (Modified True or False)
Now that you have learned about the safety precautions in handling electrical
equipment, let us see if you are able to identify which is true and which is false
among the given statements. Write TRUE if the statement is correct. If the statement
is false, UNDERLINE the word that makes it incorrect and write the correct word on
the space provided.

_ dry 1. Always keep your work area wet.

____________ 2. Remove any electronic equipment you’re testing or working on from
the power source.

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____________ 3. Always have safety equipment like a fire extinguisher, a basic first
aid kit and a mobile phone nearby.

____________ 4. Always make sure that all parts of electronic equipment are well-
mounted to prevent safety.

____________ 5. Always work in a well-ventilated area.

____________ 6. Keep electronic equipment away from water and other liquids.

____________ 7. Always wear conductor gloves in your hands when carrying out
repairs.

____________ 8. Avoid anything that would cause a fire around your working area
like paper, cloth or other combustible materials.

____________ 9. Always use the wrong electronics repair and maintenance tools.

____________ 10. Look out for damaged wire insulation, overheating of electronic
equipment, damaged circuit boards and corrosive components like batteries.

Activity 3: Electrical Safety Precautions at Home

1. Have you ever experienced an electric shock at home, or do you know someone
who had experienced it? If so, what caused the shock, and what should you do to
avoid the electrical hazard from happening again?

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2. Check your appliances at home. Are there any damaged cables or wires? Are
there bad connections or anything that may cause an electrical hazard? List down
the possible causes of electrical hazards at your home and what are the safety
precautions to consider after listing.

What I Have Learned

• Safety precautions are actions taken in advance to protect against possible

danger, failure, or injury.
• General safety precautions in electronics include ensuring all electronics
equipment are properly grounded, replacing damaged tools and equipment,
not overloading circuits and having fire extinguisher and first aid kit nearby
workplace.
• Personal safety precautions in electronics include keeping the work area dry
and ventilated; avoid wearing metallic jewelleries, and wearing proper work
attire.
• Fire safety precautions in electronics include avoiding combustible materials,
using a fire extinguisher, and always checking everything in the workplace
especially those that may cause fire.
• Electric shock safety precautions include rechecking all wires, keeping liquids
out of workplace, and wearing protective suits.
• An electric shock can cause damage to the body like serious burns, or it can
destroy cells that are necessary for the operation of some vital organs like the
heart and lungs.

What I Can Do

Electrical tasks not only require one to use tools and equipment properly but
also to be cautious since one wrong move may lead to unwanted electrical accidents.
In this activity, you will be asked to give the specific safety precaution/s that should
be followed to prevent possible electrical hazards. Consider to review the module
again as you answer the questions below.

a. An unexpected fire came up to your workplace due to bad wiring connections.

What is the best thing to do in this situation?

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b. You are at your workplace and you suddenly sensed a burning smell on your
electronic equipment. What is the first thing that you are most likely to do?

c. You have noticed damaged cables while working on an electrical project. What
should be the best thing to do in this situation?

Assessment

Multiple choices. Choose the letter of the best answer.

1. Jimi, a grade 10 student is attending his online class. He just used one
extension power outlet to plug his laptop charger, cell phone charger, router, and
electric fan. What general safety should Jimi consider?
a. Always use the right electronics repair and maintenance tools.
b. Make sure your circuit is not overloaded.
c. Replacing cables instead of repairing it.
d. Always have safety equipment like fire extinguisher.

2. Ms Jane, a newly engaged teacher wears her engagement ring all the time. She
didn’t even bother to remove her bracelet and wrist watch too before working on an
electric circuit. What personal safety should Ms Jane consider?
a. Always work on a dry place.
b. Don’t use bare hands to remove hot parts.
c. Don’t work with metallic jewellery on hands.
d. Don’t wear loose clothes while working.

3. After the Christmas Party, Jacobe was asked to return the speakers they used to
the owner. When he is about to get the speakers, he noticed some spilled liquids
near the speakers and electrical cables. Jacobe didn’t bother and just proceeded to
do his deed. What personal safety should he consider?
a. Always work on a well-ventilated area.
b. Always wear insulator gloves when dealing with electrical equipment.
c. Always wear conductive shoes.
d. Always work on a dry place.

4. While working in the school laboratory, Jojo noticed that an electrical circuit is
burning. The fire is quickly spreading that creates thick smoke, and the electrical
wires begin to spark. What should Jojo do?
a. Get a bucket of water.
b. Leave the laboratory burning.
c. Call the police.
d. Use a fire extinguisher.

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5. While at home, Rolly decided to take a rest and watch a good movie. He turned
the television on and a few minutes later, the television suddenly turned off then
on. Irritated by what’s happening, Rolly decided to unplug the TV and check it. He
noticed a damaged cable and grabbed an insulating tape to repair the cable and
proceeded to watching the movie. What safety precaution should Rolly consider?
a. Make sure that your circuit is not overloaded.
b. Remove any electronic equipment you’re testing or working on from the power
source.
c. Use a fire extinguisher.
d. If damaged, replace it, instead of repairing with insulating tape.

6. During their online class in Electronics, Layla noticed that her laptop is in low
battery and needs to be plugged in immediately. She has four power outlets and
already has three plugged electrical appliances, an electric fan, her mobile phone,
and a ring light. Layla without a second thought unplugged her mobile phone
charger and plugged her laptop charger in. What safety precaution did Layla
considered?
a. Make sure that your circuit is not overloaded.
b. Always check for signs of wear, defects and fraying on electronic equipment
cables, cords and connectors.
c. Avoid anything that would cause a fire around your working area like paper,
cloth or other combustible materials.
d. Always wear safety goggles.

7. All of the following are electrical safety precautions EXCEPT:

a. Always have safety equipment like a fire extinguisher, a basic first aid kit and a
mobile phone nearby.
b. Look out for damaged wire insulation, overheating of electronic equipment,
damaged circuit boards and corrosive components like batteries.
c. Always make sure that all parts of electronic equipment are not well-mounted to
create possible electrical accidents.
d. Always read safety procedures that come with every electronic equipment you’re
about to test or work on.

8. All of the following are possible electrical hazards EXCEPT:

a. Electrocution
b. Earthquake
c. Electric shock
d. Fire

9. What would be the effect of 0.001 A of current flowing through the human body?
a. It can cause a little pain.
b. Muscles of hands can be paralyzed.
c. It can lead to death.
d. It can cause serious burns to body tissues.

10. A patient in an hospital had an electric current passed through his heart region
for more than 2 seconds. It caused him an irregular heart muscle contraction and
his blood is not properly pumped. What is the probable amount of current that
flowed through his body?
a. 0.001 A
b. 0.01 A
c. 0.1 A
d. 1 A

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 Additional Activities

For additional information about the Safety Precautions in Handling Electrical

Equipment, make time to watch the video link/s given below.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a52UVl3FoSA
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNot2owIv8c&feature=share&fbclid=Iw
AR2z2I9ulRyZ2HSOseyWnzd9Lbimcw1fDPFUuK_jLrmGKZtSqVuDvMPDm8E
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiAkejoqUVs&feature=share&fbclid=Iw
AR2U4tvBtXKtItf4galFKIZsyZLFssQ1GqlkZABTYusj03gd6Kfc_Z0lvWk

Answer Key

WHAT I KNOW WHAT’S IN

1. d 1. Hacksaw
2. a 2. Claw hammer
3. b 3. Push pull rule
4. a 4. It is a device for applying heat to
5. c melt solder in attaching two
6. a metal parts.
7. c 5. Wire gauge
8. c 6. Long nose
9. a 7. Portable electric drill
10. d 8. It is a hand tool specifically
designed to insert and tighten,
or to loosen and remove screws.

WHAT ‘S MORE - Activity 1 WHAT’S MORE – Activity 2

1. Wet - Dry
2. TRUE
3. TRUE
4. Safety - Accidents
5. TRUE
6. TRUE
7. Conductor - Insulator
8. TRUE
9. Wrong - Right
10. TRUE

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 WHAT I CAN DO ASSESSMENT

a. If there is fire, use a fire 1. b

extinguisher. 2. c
b. If there is a burning smell on 3. d
your electronic equipment, 4. d
disconnect the power source. 5. d
c. If the cables are damaged, it’s 6. a
better to replace it than to repair 7. c
with insulating tape. 8. b
9. a
10. c

References
• Dave Collins (2017, October 26). 15 Safety Precautions When Working With
Electricity. atlantic. Accessed October 28, 2020.
https://www.atlantictraining.com/blog/15-safety-precautions-electricity/

• Himanshu Rajak (2020, January 5). Safety in Handling Electrical Equipment. Hm

hub. Accessed October 28, 2020) https://hmhub.me/safety-in-handling-electrical-
equipment/

• Arnold Sharpe. (2017, February 6). Safety Precautions to Take when Working With
Electrical Equipment. Work Safety Blog. Accessed October 28, 2020
http://www.blog4safety.com/2017/02/safety-precautions-to-take-when-working-
with-electronic-equipment/#:~:text=Electric%20Shock,-
One%20of%20the&text=Always%20make%20sure%20that%20all,well%2Dmounted
%20to%20prevent%20accidents.&text=Always%20check%20for%20signs%20of,equi
pment%20cables%2C%20cords%20and%20connectors.&text=Use%20special%20saf
ety%20rubber%20gloves%20and%20shoes.

• You and the Natural World: Physics Textbook for Fourth Year – Third Edition. Delia
Cordero-Navaza. et al. 2010. Accessed October 28, 2020.

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• A2zrao. (2010, November 2). Electrical Safety. Youtube. Accessed October 29, 2020.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNot2owIv8c&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR3GIt
QceLDCpNPITAHimMj-FC_GIQ8V_r3Bi1ROYF4TLXAUWhxn2GYMnxg

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education - Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd-BLR)

Ground Floor, Bonifacio Bldg., DepEd Complex

Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines 1600

Telefax: (632) 8634-1072; 8634-1054; 8631-4985

Email Address: blr.lrqad@deped.gov.ph * blr.lrpd@deped.gov.ph

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