Hazard category

Exposure to damaged electrical equipment, welding machines, and power sources used in the welding process which typically operate at high voltage levels
to produce the necessary heat for welding can result in an electric shock if they come into direct contact with live electrical parts, welding cables, or faulty
equipment and in extreme cases, electric shock can lead to electrocution, causing fatal injuries.

Who might be harmed?

Any worker or electrician who is getting contact with naked live electrical cables, faulty or defective electrical equipment, portable tools or other electrical
installation on site.

Depending on the strength of the current and the duration of exposure, the electric shock due to the direct contact of human body with electrical
appliances, power lines, faulty wiring, and electrical equipment can lead to a range of effects, from mild discomfort to severe injuries and burns that can
require immediate surgery and permanent disabling, the worst-case scenario is the electrocution that led to fatal injuries.

What are you already doing?

1. All welding machines and electrical tools and equipment are properly grounded to divert electrical current safely to the ground and eliminate the
excessive voltage.
2. Safe system of work with LOTO (Lockout/tagout) procedure is well implemented to ensure that the machine and all electrical equipment cannot be
inadvertently turned-on during maintenance and inspection activities reducing the risk of electric shock.
3. All welding machines, electrical wires, plugs, and cables are inspected periodically for signs of damage or wear to identify potential electrical hazards
before they lead to accidents or injuries and promptly repair or replace any defective components.
4. Only qualified and trained personnel operate welding machines, and proper training is delivered regularly to the workers to ensure they understand
the electrical hazards and safe operating procedures.

What further controls/actions are required?

1. Limit the usage of auxiliary electrical sockets exclusively to double-insulated tools and equipment that do not require an earth connection to ensure
safety standards are upheld.
2. The installation of adequate circuit breakers to protect the electrical tools and equipment from overload which can lead to accidents.
3. Defective electrical equipment and tools to be removed from the workshop and quarantined immediately in a dedicated quarantine box tagged
” Out of Service, prohibited to use” and replaced with safe equipment.
4. Tool box talk TBT to be conducted explaining to the workers potential hazard and risk of the use of electricity.
5. Create communication kits like informative posters and signs that focus on promoting electrical safety, and ensure they are prominently and
permanently displayed in the workshop.
6. An emergency response plan procedure should be implemented in case of any electrical accident.
7. Overload/overcurrent and earth fault circuit interrupters devices to be installed in the welding generators with a 220 V auxiliary supplying sockets to
prevent electrical shock.
8. Specific PPE like fire resistant coverall and electrically insulated gloves and footwear to be purchased for the workers when operating welding
machines.

Action Timescales for further actions to be completed Responsible person’s job title
1 01 Week Competent Electrician
2 01 Week Competent Electrician
3 02 Weeks HSE Advisor
4 01 Week HSE Advisor
5 01 Month HSE Advisor
6 02 Months Project Manager
7 01 Month Competent Electrician
8 04 Months Project Manager