ELECTRICAL SAFETY

ELECTRICITY THE DANGERS

About 5 workers are electrocuted every week

Causes 12% of young worker workplace
deaths

Takes very little electricity to cause harm

Significant risk of causing fires

ELECTRICITY HOW IT WORKS
Electricity is the flow of energy from one place
to another

Requires a source of power: usually a generating
station

A flow of electrons (current) travels through a
conductor

Travels in a closed circuit



ELECTRICAL TERMS

Current -- electrical movement (measured in amps)

Circuit -- complete path of the current.
Includes electricity source, a conductor, and the output device or
load (such as a lamp, tool, or heater)

Resistance -- restriction to electrical flow

Conductors substances, like metals, with little resistance to
electricity that allow electricity to flow

Grounding a conductive connection to the earth which acts as a
protective measure

Insulators -- substances with high resistance to electricity like glass,
porcelain, plastic, and dry wood that prevent electricity from
getting to unwanted areas


ELECTRICAL INJURIES

There are four main types of electrical
injuries:

Direct:
Electrocution or death due to electrical shock
Electrical shock
Burns

Indirect - Falls





ELECTRICAL SHOCK

An electrical shock is received
when electrical current passes
through the body.




You will get an electrical shock if a part of your body
completes an electrical circuit by
Touching a live wire and an electrical ground, or
Touching a live wire and another wire at a different
voltage.




SHOCK SEVERITY
Severity of the shock depends on:
Path of current through the body
Ear to ear 100 ohms
Hand to foot 500 ohms
Dry skin- 350 K ohm
Wet skin-1000 ohm



SHOCK SEVERITY

Amount of current flowing through the body (amps)

Depends on-

The voltage of the source

Body resistance along the current path
The current capacity of the source

an automobile ignition system puts out approximately
30,000 volts but the current capacity of the source is well
below lethal current levels

at the opposite extreme touching a 30 vlts battery with a
high current capacity can result in death.


SHOCK SEVERITY

Duration of the shocking current through the
body,


LOW VOLTAGE DOES NOT
MEAN LOW HAZARD


DANGERS OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK

Currents above 10 mA* can paralyze or
freeze muscles.
Currents more than 75 mA can cause a rapid,
ineffective heartbeat -- death will occur in a
few minutes unless a defibrillator is used
75 mA is not much current a small power
drill uses 30 times as much
* mA = milliampere = 1/1,000 of an ampere

READINGS EFFECTS
SAFE CURRENT VALUES
1 mA or less


Causes no sensation not felt
1 mA to 8 mA Sensation of shock, not painful;
individual can let go at will since
muscular control is not lost
8 mA to 15 mA Painful shock; individual can let go at
will since muscular control is not lost
15 mA to 20 mA Painful shock; control of adjacent
muscles lost; victim cam mot let go
UNSAFE CURRENT VALUES
50 mA to 100 mA
Ventricular fibrillation a heart
condition that can result in death is
possible
100 mA to 200 mA Ventricular fibrillation occurs
200 mA and over Severe burns, severe muscular
contractions so severe that chest
muscles clamp the heart and stop it for
the duration of the shock. (this prevents
ventricular fibrillation)
As the current rises, the shock becomes more severe.
Below 20 mA, breathing becomes labored; it ceases
completely even at values below 75 mA. As the current
approaches 100 mA ventricular fibrillation occurs. This
is an uncoordinated twitching of the walls of the
heart's ventricles

it is necessary to perform artificial respiration to try to
get the person breathing again; or if the heart is not
beating, cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is
necessary.

Artificial ventilation should be given only when the
breathing has stopped. Do not give artificial
ventilation to any person who is breathing naturally



The comparison between the dangers of alternating
current and direct current has been a subject of
debate. DC tends to cause continuous muscular
contractions that make the victim hold on to a live
conductor, thereby increasing the risk of deep tissue
burns. On the other hand, mains-frequency AC tends to
interfere more with the heart's electrical pacemaker,
leading to an increased risk of fibrillation. AC at higher
frequencies holds a different mixture of hazards, such
as RF burns and the possibility of tissue damage with
no immediate sensation of pain. Generally, higher
frequency AC current tends to run along the skin rather
than penetrating and touching vital organs such as the
heart. While there will be severe burn damage at
higher voltages, it is normally not fatal.

BURNS
Most common shock-related injury

Occurs when you touch
electrical wiring or equipment
that is improperly used or
maintained

Typically occurs on hands

Very serious injury that needs immediate
attention



FALLS
Electric shock can also
cause indirect injuries

Workers in elevated
locations who experience
a shock may fall,
resulting in serious injury
or death



ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
ELECTRIC SHOCK

ELECTRICAL BURNS

FIRE AND EXPLOSION

FAILURE OF EQUIPMENT CONTROL

INADVERTANT START OF MACHINE

FALL OF PERSON DUE TO SHOCK

CANCER DUE TO ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATIONS

LIGHTINING STROKE


CAUSES OF ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS

MANUAL

UNAUTHORISED WORKING

WORK BY INEXPERIENCED PERSON

OVER CONFIDENCE

POOR SUPERVISION

IMPROPER SHUT DOWN

VIOLATION OF SAFE WORKING PROCEDURES


CAUSES OF ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS

TECHNICAL

FAULTY EQUIPMENT

LACK OF EARTHING

POOR ILLUMINATION

INSULATION FAILURE

SUBSTANDARD MATERIAL

LIVE CONDUCTOR TOUCHING ENCLOSURE

OVERLOADING

IN CORRECT FUSES

WRONG SETTING OF RELAYS

POOR MAINTENANCE

STATIC ELECTRICITY



CAUSES OF INSULATION FAILURE
HIGH TEMPERATURE

ENTRY OF MOISTURE

LOOSE CONTACT

VIBRATION

ENTRY OF INSECTS AND LIZARDS

TRACKING THROUGH DIRTY AND

MOISTURE INSULATION SURFACES

AGING


STATIC ELECTRICITY

Static electricity is often created when two objects that are not good electrical conductors are
rubbed together, and electrons from one of the objects rub off onto the other. This happens, for
example, when combing one's hair or taking off a sweater. Sudden releases of built-up static
electricity can take the form of
an electric arc .


Positive ions

Negative ions

Flow of liquid hydrocarbons

Movement of belt away from
the pulley

Risk of fire can be avoided by
providing conducting path
for flow of static charges or
by eliminating flammable
Atmosphere




MEASURES TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS
EARTHING

LOW VOLTAGE IN CONFINED PLACES

ISOLATING TRANSFORMERS-AS THE SECONDARY WINDING IS NOT EARTHED , NO CURRENT
WILL FLOW EVEN LIVE CONUCTOR OF EQPT COMES IN TO CONTACT

LIGHTNING PROTECTION

PROTECTIVE RELAYS

DOUBLE INSULATED TOOLS-SECOND LAYER OF INSULATION
PROTECTIVE INSULATION-INTERPOSED BETWEEN FUNCTIONAL INSULATION AND ACCESSIBLE
METAL PARTS

ALL INSULATION APPLIANCES-COPLETE OUTER CASE OF EQUIPMENT-NOT REQUIRED EARTHING

USE OF SPECIALLY DESIGNED EQUIPMENT IN HAZARDOUS AREAS

PPE


ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENTS FOR HAZARDOUS AREAS

FLAME PROOF- COVERS/ACCESS DOORS ARE DESIGNED TO WITH
STAND THE INTERNAL EXPLOSION OF FLAMMABLE GAS/VAPOUR

INCREASED SAFETY-DESIGNED SUCH THAT TEMP. RISE IS 10 DEG. C
LESS THAN THAT NORMALLY PERMITTED FOR THAT CLASS

NON SPARKING-ADEQUATE CREEPAGE AND CLEARANCES/SPECIALLY
EMBEDDED ROTOR BARS AND RINGS/RESTRICTION OF SURFACE
TEMP

PRESSURISED-ENCLOSED IN A HOUSING THAT IS MAINTAINED AT A
HIGHER PRESSURE THAN ATMOSPHERIC BY AIR/INERT GAS

INTRINSIC SAFETY-DESIGNED SUCH THAT THE ENERGY /SPARK
PRODUCED UNDER NORMAL/ABNORMAL CONDITIONS IS VERY
LOW AND IGNITION WILL NOT TAKES PLACE-LOW VOLTAGE
CIRCUITS



ELECTRICAL HAZARDS AND HOW TO CONTROL THEM

Electrical accidents are caused by a
combination of three factors:

Unsafe equipment and/or
installation
Workplaces made unsafe
by the environment
Unsafe work practices.

HAZARD EXPOSED ELECTRICAL PARTS







Cover removed from wiring box

CONTROL ISOLATE ELECTRICAL PARTS

Use guards or barriers




Replace covers


Guard live parts of electric
equipment operating at 50 Volts
or more against accidental
contact


CONTROL ISOLATE ELECTRICAL PARTS -
CABINETS, BOXES & FITTINGS

Conductors going into them must be protected, and unused openings must be closed

CONTROL CLOSE OPENINGS

Junction boxes, pull boxes and fittings must
have approved covers

Unused openings in cabinets
boxes and fittings must
be closed

Photo shows violations of these two
requirements

HAZARD - OVERHEAD POWER LINES

Usually not insulated

Examples of equipment
that can contact power lines:
Crane
Ladder
Scaffold
Backhoe
Scissors lift
Raised dump truck bed
Aluminum paint roller




CONTROL - OVERHEAD POWER LINES



Stay at least 10 feet away

Post warning signs

Assume that lines are energized

Use wood or fiberglass ladders,
not metal

Power line workers need special
training & PPE




STEP POTENTIAL
Step Potential: Voltage between the feet of a
person
When current is flowing from
the tower to the earth
ground, the ground potential
rises at the tower and a
Voltage gradient will occur
based on the resistivity of the soil,
resulting in a potential difference between two
points on the ground. This is called a Step Potential
as it can cause voltage between a persons feet.
TOUCH POTENTIAL
Touch Potential: Voltage between energized
object and feet of a person
If the ground connection
between the tower and the
soil is high resistance (common
with some soil conditions), the
tower itself (and any conductive
item touching the tower) can be energized. Touch
potential is the voltage between the energized
object and the feet of a person in contacT.t with the
object.


HAZARD - INADEQUATE WIRING

Hazard - wire too small for the current
Example - portable tool with an extension
cord that has a wire too small for the tool
The tool will draw more current than the cord can
handle, causing overheating
and a possible fire without
tripping the circuit breaker
The circuit breaker could be
the right size for the circuit
but not for the smaller wire
extension cord
Standard Wire Gauge measures various
sizes of wires

CONTROL USE THE CORRECT WIRE

Wire used depends on operation, building materials,
electrical load, and environmental factors
Use fixed cords rather than flexible cords
Use the correct extension cord

Must be 3-wire type and designed for hard or extra-hard use

HAZARD DEFECTIVE CORDS & WIRES

Plastic or rubber covering
is missing



Damaged extension cords
& tools


HAZARD DAMAGED CORDS

Cords can be damaged by:
Aging
Door or window edges
Staples or fastenings
Abrasion from adjacent materials
Activity in the area

Improper use can cause
shocks, burns or fire


CONTROL CORDS & WIRES

Insulate live wires
Check before use
Use only cords that are 3-wire type

Use only cords marked for hard or extra-hard usage
Use only cords, connection devices, and fittings
equipped with strain relief

Remove cords by pulling on the plugs, not the cords

Cords not marked for hard or extra- hard use, or which
have been modified, must be taken out of service
immediately


PERMISSIBLE USE OF FLEXIBLE CORDS

DO NOT use flexible wiring where frequent
inspection would be difficult or where damage would
be likely.
Flexible cords must not be . . .
run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors;
run through doorways, windows, or similar openings
(unless physically protected);
hidden in walls, ceilings, floors,
conduit or other raceways.


GROUNDING

Grounding creates a low
Resistance path from a tool
To the earth to disperse
Unwanted current
When a short or lighting
Occurs, energy flow to the
Ground, protecting you from
Electrical shock, injury and
death

HAZARD IMPROPER GROUNDING

Tools plugged into improperly
grounded circuits may
become energized

Broken wire or plug on extension cord




CONTROL GROUND TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

Ground power supply systems, electrical circuits, and
electrical equipment

Frequently inspect electrical
systems to insure path to
ground is continuous

Inspect electrical equipment
before use

Dont remove ground prongs from tools or extension
cords

Ground exposed metal parts of equipment




CONTROL USE GFCI
(GROUND-FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER)

Protects you from shock
Detects difference in current
between the black and white
wires
If ground fault detected, GFCI
shuts off electricity in 1/40th of a second
Use GFCIs on all 120-volt,
single- phase, 15- and
20-ampere receptacles, or have
an assured equipment
grounding conductor program.

GROUND-FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER


CONTROL - ASSURED EQUIPMENT GROUNDING
CONDUCTOR PROGRAM


Program must cover:
All cord sets
Receptacles not part of a building or structure
Equipment connected by plug and cord

Program requirements include:
Specific procedures adopted by the employer
Competent person to implement the program

Visual inspection for damage of equipment
connected by cord and plug



HAZARD OVERLOADED CIRCUITS

Hazards may result from:
Too many devices plugged
into a circuit, causing
heated wires and
possibly a fire
Damaged tools overheating
Lack of overcurrent
protection
Wire insulation melting,
which may cause arcing and
a fire in the area where the overload exists, even
inside a wall



CONTROL - ELECTRICAL PROTECTIVE DEVICES

Automatically opens circuit if excess current
from overload or ground-fault is detected
shutting off electricity

Includes GFCIs, fuses,
and circuit breakers

Fuses and circuit breakers
are overcurrent devices.
When too much current:
Fuses melt

Circuit breakers trip open


POWER TOOL REQUIREMENTS

Have a three-wire cord with ground plugged
into a grounded receptacle, or
Be double insulated, or
Be powered by a low-voltage
isolation transformer


TOOL SAFETY TIPS

Use gloves and appropriate footwear
Store in dry place when not using
Dont use in wet/damp conditions
Keep working areas well lit
Ensure not a tripping hazard
Dont carry a tool by the cord
Dont yank the cord to disconnect it
Keep cords away from heat, oil, & sharp edges
Disconnect when not in use and when changing
accessories such as blades & bits
Remove damaged tools from use



PREVENTING ELECTRICAL HAZARDS - TOOLS

Inspect tools before use
Use the right tool correctly
Protect your tools
Use double insulated tools


TEMPORARY LIGHTS







Protect from contact and damage, and dont
suspend by cords unless designed to do so.


CLUES THAT ELECTRICAL HAZARDS EXIST

Tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses

Warm tools, wires, cords, connections, or
junction boxes

GFCI that shuts off a
circuit

Worn or frayed insulation
around wire or connection




LOCKOUT AND TAGGING OF CIRCUITS

Apply locks to power source after de- energizing

Tag deactivated controls

Tag de-energized equipment
and circuits at all points
where they can be energized

Tags must identify equipment or circuits being
worked on



SAFETY-RELATED WORK PRACTICES
To protect workers from electrical shock:
Use barriers and guards to prevent passage
through areas of exposed
energized equipment

Pre-plan work, post hazard
warnings and use protective
measures

Keep working spaces and walkways clear of cords

SAFETY-RELATED WORK PRACTICES
Use special insulated tools
when working on fuses
with energized terminals

Dont use worn or frayed
cords and cables

Dont fasten extension cords
with staples, hang from nails,
or suspend by wire.




PREVENTING ELECTRICAL HAZARDS - PLANNING

Plan your work with others

Plan to avoid falls

Plan to lock-out and tag- out
equipment

Remove jewelry

Avoid wet conditions and overhead power lines


AVOID WET CONDITIONS

If you touch a live wire or other electrical component while
standing in even a small puddle of water youll get a shock.

Damaged insulation,
equipment, or tools can
expose you to live electrical
parts.

Improperly grounded metal
switch plates & ceiling lights are
especially hazardous in wet
conditions.

Wet clothing, high humidity, and perspiration increase your
chances of being electrocuted.




PREVENTING ELECTRICAL HAZARDS - PPE

Proper foot protection
Rubber insulating gloves,
hoods, sleeves, matting, and
blankets
Hard hat (insulated
nonconductive)




PREVENTING ELECTRICAL HAZARDS PROPER WIRING
AND CONNECTORS


Use and test GFCIs

Check switches and insulation

Use three prong plugs

Use extension cords only when
necessary & assure in proper
condition and right type for job

Use correct connectors


TRAINING

Train employees working with electric
equipment in safe work practices, including:

De-energize electric equipment before inspecting or
repairing

Using cords, cables, and electric tools that are in good
repair

Lockout / Tag-out recognition and procedures

Use appropriate protective equipment


SUMMARY HAZARDS & PROTECTIONS
HAZARDS
Inadequate wiring
Exposed electrical parts
Wires with bad insulation
Ungrounded electrical systems
and tools
Overloaded circuits
Damaged power tools and
equipment
Using the wrong PPE and tools
Overhead power lines
All hazards are made worse in
wet conditions

PROTECTIVE MEASURES
Proper grounding
Use GFCIs
Use fuses and circuit
breakers
Guard live parts
Lockout/tagout
Proper use of flexible cords
Close electric panels
Training

ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

No work should be taken up without obtaining SWP / AVI
as applicable.
Ensure the isolations are carried out properly and
equipment on which work is to be carried out is isolated
from all supply sources no person shall work on any line or
apparatus unless it is made dead by cutting off the supply
at the concerned switch or switches near the line or
apparatus. Main fuses, if any shall be removed and red
tags shall be placed on the modules.
Before closing the earth switch / Earthing the system
through earth rods, ensure that the live equipment has
been isolated physically. Wherever possible. The circuit
shall be checked for non-availability of supply through
available HT/LT voltage test rods before touching the
equipment.



ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

When using a test lamp for checking any circuit, the glowing of the
lamp positively indicates presence of working voltage in the circuit,
but the converse is not correct. A test lamp not burning may reduce
to insufficient voltage to light the lamp or due to defect in the
connections or in the bulbs or even due to points tested across
being at the same potential etc. Hence where ever possible use the
HT voltage test Rods / Testers etc for ensuing of the circuit is dead.
In case of using test lamps, to avoid flash over in case of touching
across phases by mistake.

All safety devices & tools shall be inspected at periodical
intervals to ensure that they are maintained in perfect working
condition.

No repairs of any kind shall be done on live equipment, except by
authorized persons complying with precautions laid down for the
work.



ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Following instructions shall be followed while working on TGs, GTs & UATs.
Ensure the Generator is at rest unless special permission has been obtained to carry out the
work on line for example the brushes checking / Replacement as per schedule. Ensure safety
while working on line like wearing gloves, reducing the load on Generators etc.

Ensure the field circuit is isolated.

While working on power / distribution transformers, ensure the following

Ensure that both primary and secondary circuit breakers and isolators are opened..


Prevent back feed: While isolating transformers to which potential transformers are
connected, the potential transformers shall be isolated and low voltage fuses with drawn to
prevent the possibility of the transformers being made live through back feed.


The Transformer shall be isolated from all common neutral earthing equipment from which it
may become live. This does not require the disconnection of solidly earthed neutral on which
work is to be done.


ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

While working on CTs ensure the following.
The secondary circuit of current transformers must be
connected to ground at all times when they are in service.

The secondary circuit should never be open circuited while
in service when any instrument connected to a secondary
circuit has to be removed, replaced or freshly introduced
the secondary circuit should be shorted temporarily at an
appropriate place before the point of work. After the work
is over, all open circuits, if any, caused during the job
should be closed & then temporally shorting should
be removed.

The primary side of current transformers should not be
approached unless these transformers are completely
disconnected from circuit and effectively earthed



ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

While working on PTs ensure the following:

The primary parts of PTs should not be approached unless they are
completely disconnected from the circuit and effectively grounded.

Fuses on HT side should be replaced after ensuring isolations &
valid SWP and after discharging properly by earthing in replacing
LT fuses, operator should shield his eyes as far as possible
flashes when fuses are common network or paralleled on LT
side, caution should be exercised to ensure that there is no
possibility of back feed.






ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

While checking testing street lighting , the main
equipment and fixtures should always be
considered as live parts unless they are held off
from all sources of supply and effectively
grounded.

All street lighting work of any descriptions on
energized lines should be done wearing gloves
and taking all necessary precautions.

Use safety devices and special tools like rubber
gloves, rubber mats, safety belts, insulated hand
tools etc. wherever required.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

While carrying out works on Batteries ensure the following.

The storage battery room should be always securely locked and should
have adequate ventilation.

Do not smoke in battery room and do not carry any necked flame or
use of heaters that produce sparks.

Dont block the passages between the racks in storage battery room or
to store any inflammable materials inside.

Protective appliances like acid proof aprons, gloves, boots and eye
glasses must always be worn before starting to do any work concerned
with the battery.
All contains with electrolytic solution and distilled water shall be
identified by properly marking.
While handling acids, a second person should be close at hand ready
with neutralizing solution.
Ensure adequate ventilation in battery rooms.



SUMMARY
Electrical equipment must be:
Listed and labeled
Free from hazards
Used in the proper manner
If you use electrical tools you
must be:
Protected from electrical shock
Provided necessary safety
equipment