Focus Four Hazard Training

For Masonry Construction

Module 1 - Electrical Safety

Susan Harwood Grant Training Program

 Disclaimer/Usage Notes
This material was produced under grant number SH-17793-SH8 from the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily
reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade
names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S.
Government.

Images shown may depict situations that are not in compliance with applicable OSHA
requirements. These photos are clearly marked as non-compliant.

It is not the intent of RMMI to provide compliance-based training in this presentation, the
intent is more to address Focus Four hazard awareness in the masonry construction
industry, and to recognize overlapping hazards present in many construction
workplaces.

It is the responsibility of the employer, its subcontractors, and its employees to comply
with all pertinent rules and regulations in the jurisdiction in which they work. Copies of
all OSHA regulations are available from www.osha.gov. This presentation is intended to
discuss Federal regulations only. If this training is held in a state that is operating under
an OSHA-approved State Plan, State OSHA requirements for that state must be included
in the training. It is assumed that individuals using this presentation or content to
augment their training programs will be "qualified" to do so.

Developed under an OSHA Susan Harwood Grant, # SH-17793-SH8, by

the Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute, Denver, Colorado
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 1

Training Objectives
After completing this unit, you will:
Be familiar with the basic concepts of
electricity.
Understand the potential effects of
electricity on the human body.
Be able to recognize common electrical
hazards associated with masonry work.
Be familiar with electrical protective
devices.
Be knowledgeable of safe work
practices.
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 2

References
29CFR 1926.400; Subpart K
National Electric Code (NEC)
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 3

Take Electricity Seriously

Electricity
is the second leading
cause of death in construction.
Electrocutionsmake up 12% of
construction fatalities annually.
Over30,000 non-fatal shocks occur
each year.
Over600 deaths occur annually
due to electrocution.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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K Masonry Electrical Safety 4

Electrical Accidents
Leading Causes of Electrical Accidents:
Drilling and cutting through cables
Using defective tools, cables and equipment
Failure to maintain clearance distance of 10 feet
Failure to de-energize circuits and follow Lockout/Tagout
procedures
Failure to guard live parts from accidental worker contact
Unqualified employees working with electricity
Improper installation/use of temporary electrical systems
and equipment
By-passing electrical protective devices
Not using GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupters) devices
Missing ground prongs on extension cords
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 5

Hazards of Electricity
Shock Most common and can cause electrocution or
muscle contraction leading to secondary injury which
includes falls
Fires Enough heat or sparks can ignite combustible
materials
Explosions Electrical spark can ignite vapors in the
air
Arc Flash - can cause burns ranging from 14,000
degrees f. to 35,000 degrees f
Arc Blast In a short circuit event copper can expand
67,000 times. The expansion causes a pressure wave.
Air also expands adding to the pressure wave
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 6

Fundamentals of Electricity
Like Water In A Garden Hose

Resistance = Diameter of Hose

Example Larger hose (less resistance),
more water flows

Current = Flow Rate

Voltage = Water Pressure Example 15 gallons per minute
Example 45 PSI
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 7

Fundamentals of Electricity
Electricalcurrent is the flow of
electrons through a conductor.
A conductor is a material that allows
electrons to flow through it.
An insulator resists the flow of
electrons.
Resistance opposes electron flow.
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 8

Current Flows in a
Loop or Circuit
Circuits are AC
(alternating current) or
DC (direct current).
Current is usually AC.
AC current has five
parts:
(1) Electrical source
(2) HOT wire to the tool.
(3) The tool itself
(4) NEUTRAL wire returns
electricity from the tool
(5) GROUND
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 9

How Shocks Occur

Current travels in closed circuits
through conductors (water, metal,
the human body).
Shock occurs when the body
becomes a part of the circuit.
Current enters at one point &
leaves at another.
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 10

Shocks Occur in
Three Ways
Contact with both
conductors
Contact with one
conductor and
ground
With a tool: contact
with hot metal
part and ground (1),
(2) & (3)
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 11

Severity of the Shock

Severity of the Shock depends on:
Amount of current
Determined by voltage and resistance to
flow
Path through the body
Duration of flow through the body
Other factors such as general health
and individual differences.
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 12

He sweats - and he dies...

Luling, La. - A man was electrocuted when his
sweat dripped into the electric drill he was using
to build a swing set in his backyard, the coroner
said.
Richard Miller was pronounced dead
Sunday at St. Charles Hospital, said David Vial,
St. Charles Parish coroner. Miller, 54, had been
using an electric drill in 90 degree heat, Vial said
Monday.
Apparently the man was sweating
profusely, Vial said. He probably was pushing
against the drill with his chest and his
perspiration went into the drill itself and made a
contact.
The Associated Press
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 13

Effects of Current Flow

More than 3 milliamps (ma): painful shock
More than 10 ma: muscle contraction
More than 20 ma: considered severe shock
More than 30 ma: lung paralysis - usually
temporary
More than 50 ma: possible ventricular
fibrillation (usually fatal)
100 ma to 4 amps: certain ventricular fibrillation
(fatal)
Over 4 amps: heart paralysis; severe burns
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 14

Using a 120 volt circuit and resistance

for wet & dry skin:
E=IR: Voltage=Current x Resistance
(Volts) (Amps) (Ohms)
So: I=E/R

Dry Skin =120/100,000=.0012 amps

=1.2ma flowing through
body to ground

Wet skin =120/1000=.120 amps

=120ma flowing through
body to ground

Remember: 1 Amp = 1000 milliamps

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K Masonry Electrical Safety 15

Effects of Current Flow

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K Masonry Electrical Safety 16

Controlling Electrical Hazards

Employers must follow the OSHA
Electrical Standards (Subpart K)
Electrical installation
Subpart K includes four proactive
methods:
Electrical Isolation
Equipment Grounding
Circuit Interruption
Safe Work Practices
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 17

Electrical Isolation
Wecan be safe by keeping electricity
away from us. We can:
Insulate the conductors.
Example: The insulation on extension
cords.
Elevate the conductors.
Example: Overhead powerlines.
Guard the conductors by enclosing
them.
Example: Receptacle covers, boxes, &
conduit.
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 18

Insulating the Conductors

The first way to safeguard workers
from electrically energized wires is
through insulation.
Rubber and plastic is put on wires to
prevent shock, fires, short circuits
and for strain relief.
It is always necessary to check the
insulation on equipment and cords
before plugging them in.
Remember, even the smallest defect
will allow leakage!
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 20

19

Defective Extension Cords

Photos depict hazardous condition

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K Masonry Electrical Safety 20

Defective Cord Incident

Worker attempted to
climb scaffold with
electric drill.
Drills cord was
damaged with bare
wires showing.
The bare wire contacted
the scaffolding.
The worker died!
Depicts hazardous condition
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 21

Elevating the Conductors

The second way to safeguard workers
from electrically energized wires is by
elevating them.
Wires are often elevated by the power
company.
It is always necessary to check the
location of overhead lines before you
begin work each day.
Remember, never allow yourself, your
tools, or the materials you are working
with to be within 10 feet of energized lines!

Photo depicts hazardous condition

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K Masonry Electrical Safety 22

Working Near Overhead Lines

Clearance of worker and any
equipment, tools, materials, or
scaffold near uninsulated
lines is 10 feet!

Photo depicts hazardous condition

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K Masonry Electrical Safety 23

Overhead Line Incident

A worker was
attempting to
move mobile
scaffold.
Scaffold made
contact with
7200 volt line.
The worker died.

Photo depicts hazardous condition

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K Masonry Electrical Safety 24

Guarding the Conductors

The third way to safeguard workers
from electrically energized wires is by
guarding them.
Covers, boxes, and enclosures are
often put around conductors to prevent
worker contact.
It is always necessary to check that
electrical boxes and panels are covered
and free from missing knock-outs.
Remember, electric equipment
operating at 50 volts or more must be
guarded!
Photo depicts hazardous condition
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 25

Guarding the Conductors

Photos depict hazardous condition

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K Masonry Electrical Safety 26

Guarding the Conductors

Photos depict hazardous condition

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K Masonry Electrical Safety 27

Equipment Grounding
We can be safe by providing a
separate, low resistance pathway for
electricity when it does not follow
normal flow (ground prong).

Grounding gives the stray current

somewhere to go and keeps you from
becoming part of the circuit.
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 28

Can You Rely on Grounding?

Grounding will not work if the
electricity can flow through you more
easily than the ground. This can
happen when:
Your tool doesnt have a ground pin.
Youre working in wet locations.
Youre touching a metal object.
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 29

What Must be Grounded?

All circuits and

extension cords.
All noncurrent carrying
metal parts.
Portable & semi-portable
tools and equipment
unless double insulated.
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 30

Do Not Eliminate the Ground!

You become the next-best path for current!

Photos depict hazardous condition
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 31

Do Not Reverse Polarity

The prongs are different
sized so you cant turn
the plug around. If you
do, the electrical fields
within the motor are always
energized. If there is
moisture present, the case
is likely to be hot. Even
with double-insulated tools,
you still could get a shock.

Photo depicts hazardous condition

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K Masonry Electrical Safety 32

Circuit Interruption
We can be safer by automatically
shutting off the flow of electricity in the
event of leakage, overload, or short
circuit.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)
are circuit protection (or overcurrent)
devices that protect you, the worker.
Circuit breakers & fuses protect
equipment, not you, because they take
too much current & too much time to trip.
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 33

Circuit Protective Devices

Circuit Breakers and Fuses
Only protect the building, equipment,
and tools from heat build-up!
Never depend on circuit breakers or
fuses to prevent shocks!
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
(GFCI)
Is the only device which will protect the
worker from shock and electrocution!
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 34

GFCI Protection
Alltemporary circuits are required to
have GFCI protection or:
Equipment & cords must be included
in an Assured Equipment Grounding
Conductor Program
An extension cord is a temporary circuit.
Types of GFCIs: receptacle, circuit
breaker and portable
Must be wired correctly and tested.
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 35

How a GFCI Works

The GFCI detects
leakage of 4-6
milliamps & opens
the circuit in 1/40th
of a second.

It will work without

the ground plug
but not fast
enough if you are
the ground .
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 36

Types of GFCI Protection

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K Masonry Electrical Safety 37

Types of GFCI Protection

A GFCI breaker must be installed to protect

workers using 220V masonry saws.
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 38

GFCI Testers
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 39

Assured Equipment Grounding

Conductor Program
Requires the following:

-Written program and specific procedures

-Program implemented by a Competent Person (one
who is capable of identifying existing and predictable
hazards in the surroundings or working conditions
which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to
employees, and who has authorization to take prompt
corrective measures to eliminate them.
-Equipment grounding conductors must be tested
(tools, extension cords, and circuits):
At least every three months for cords & tools
At least every six months for receptacles
Results recorded - equipment coded (colored tape)
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 40

Checking for Ground Continuity

What else we should we notice here?

Photo depicts hazardous condition
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 41

Temporary Wiring
There must be separate circuits for
electric tools and lighting, each
labeled as such.
Light circuits do not require a GFCI.
Unless used in a wet location.
Test branch circuits before use.
Maintain vertical clearances.
Insulate wires from their supports.
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 42

Permanent Equipment in Temporary Use

What is wrong with using this as a splitter?

Photo depicts hazardous condition
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 43

Extension Cords and Cables

Must be in good shape without splices.
Cannot be secured with staples, nails or
bare wire.
Must be protected from damage.
Must have a ground pin.
Should be inspected regularly and pulled
from service if defective.
Cannot be repaired with electrical or duct
tape. Must repair with heat-shrink sleeve or
bonding/vulcanizing tape to retain original
insulation properties.

Photos depict hazardous condition

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K Masonry Electrical Safety 44

Acceptable Cord Types

All cords must meet the National Electric Codes
(NEC) requirement for Hard/Extra Hard type.
Look for markings stamped on cords.
Acceptable Cord Types

Extra Hard Use Markings: S, ST, SO, STO

Hard Usage Markings: SJ, SJO, SJT, SJTO

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K Masonry Electrical Safety 45

Photo depicts hazardous condition

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K Masonry Electrical Safety 46

Extension Cords-Whats the Difference?

No flat cords allowed on construction sites!

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K Masonry Electrical Safety 47

Clever Or Foolish?

Photos depict hazardous condition

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K Masonry Electrical Safety 48

Temporary Lighting
All bulbs must be
guarded
No broken bulbs
or empty sockets
Not suspended
by wiring
Low voltage for
wet locations

Photos depict hazardous condition

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K Masonry Electrical Safety 49

Portable Generators
The frame of the
portable generator need
not be grounded if:
the generator supplies
only cord and plug
connected equipment.
The non-current carrying
metal parts of equipment
and the equipment
grounding conductor
terminals of the
receptacles are bonded
to the generator frame.
GFCI is required if >5kV
or if generator provides
220V as well as 110V.
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 50

Safe Work Practices

Before work begins, the employer
must determine where exposed and
concealed electrical circuits are
located.
Once found, warning signs/labels
must be posted.
Workers need to know the location,
hazards, and protective measures.
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 51

Safe Work Practices

Competent Person determines if
performance of work could bring
contact with energy.
Distance of the worker to the energy
source should be considered first.
Tools, materials, and processes should
also be considered to see if they could
potentially shorten the safe separation
distance.
Examples: Metal Ladders, Re-bar, Forklift,
Scaffold Frames, etc.
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 52

Safe Work Practices

Must not permit work near electric
circuits unless the worker is
protected by:
De-energizing the circuit and grounding
it.
Guarding it effectively by insulation.
Other means (maintaining safe
separation)
De-energized circuits and equipment
must be locked/tagged out.
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 53

Safe Work Practices

No metal ladders for or near
electrical work.
No wet hands when plugging or
unplugging cords/equipment.
No raising or lowering tools by
the cord.
Unless equipment is designed
for it, cannot be used in damp
and wet locations.

Photo depicts hazardous condition

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K Masonry Electrical Safety 54

Electrical Safety
Common OSHA Citations:
.404(b)(1)(i): Branch circuits: GFCI
protection/Assured Equipment Grounding
Conductor Program
.404(f)(6): Grounding path
.403(b)(2): Equipment installation and use
.404(b)(1)(ii): GFCI
.403(i)(2)(i): Guarding live parts

How can the hazards addressed by these

Standards best be corrected, controlled,
or eliminated?
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K Masonry Electrical Safety
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
Damaged extension cords
Unqualified workers doing
electrical work
55
Protective Measures
Proper grounding
Use GFCIs
Use fuses and circuit breakers
Guard live parts
Lockout/Tagout
Proper use of flexible cords
Close electrical panels by
Competent Person
Employee training
Ensure Competent Person on
site
Use proper approved electrical
equipment
Qualified person install
electrical devices
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 56

REVIEW QUESTIONS
True or False?
1. Shocks and Electrocutions are the most
common type of electrical accident and are
the fourth leading cause of worker deaths.
2. The human body will not conduct
electricity.
3. It takes at least 1 amp going through a
worker to kill them.
4. Insulation on extension cords & elevating
power lines are examples of protection
through isolation.
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 57

REVIEW QUESTIONS
True or False?
5. All portable and semi-portable tools and
equipment must be grounded unless
double insulated.
6. You, your tools, and the materials you are
working with, must never be closer than 3
feet of energized power lines!
7. Electric equipment operating at 50 volts or
more must be guarded!
8. All circuits and extension cords must be
grounded.
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K Masonry Electrical Safety 58

REVIEW QUESTIONS
True or False?
9. Circuit breakers and fuses are designed to
protect the worker from electrocution.
10. GFCI protection or Assured Ground
Continuity is required on all temporary
circuits.
11. Extension cords are not required to have
a ground prong when they are GFCI-
protected.
12. It is OK to work on a circuit which has not
been de-energized.