New Electrical Safety Present

Today's Training for Tomorrow's Needs

Basic Electrical Theory
• Voltage [driving force] causes current [e - ] to flow
• AC / DC - from safety perspective - negligible difference
• Single Phase / Three Phase. 3 get a professional
• Circuit / loop is necessary for current to flow

• a start point - a route - an end point
Voltage, Current and Resistance
• Voltage increases => Current increases
• Resistance decreases => Current increases
Voltage = Current / Resistance - Ohms Law
The complete circuit
A complete Circuit or loop is
necessary for current to flow
A complete circuit
complete Circuit or loop
is necessary for current to flow
Current takes the path of least resistance

Basic Electrical Theory
• Voltage causes a
Current to flow
• Water analogy
• A complete Circuit is
necessary for current to
flow
• Bird on HT wires
Voltages
• Low Tension 0 => 50V
– Batteries: AA, AAA, MP3 player
– Car, trucks, busses 12 / 24 / 48
– Garden lights, domestic halogen lights
• High Tension 100 => 300V

– EU Mains, Electrophoresis, DART, Capacitors SM PSUs
• Very High Tension 1KV +

– ESB pylons, TV tubes, photocopiers, X-Ray machines, Mass
Spectrometers
Mains cable
– Brown Live - power
– Blue Neutral
– Green/yellow Earth
Electrical cables & plugs

Mains cable
– Brown Live
power
– Blue Neutral
– Green/yellow Earth
Electrical cables & plugs

L
E
Live, Neutral, Earth &
Live, Neutral, Earth & Fuses
N
RCD Residual Current Device
RCCB Residual Current Circuit Breaker
ELCB Electric Leakage Circuit Breaker
MCB Magnetic Circuit Breakers
RCBO Residual Current Breaker
with Overcurrent protection
– current difference of >30 mA
– for a duration of >30 ms
L
L
N N
E
Live, Neutral, Earth & Fuses
– The Live and Neutral wires carry current around the circuit
– The Earth wire is there to protect you.

• The Earth wire can act like a back-up Neutral wire,
• Many appliances have metal cases e.g. kettles, toasters, dishwashers,
washing machines etc.
– The Fuse is very thin piece of wire.
• The wire has a quite low melting point. As current flows through the wire
it heats up.
• If too large a current flows it melts, thus breaking the circuit
• Use appropriate fuse size/rating
– Additional safety devices - RCDs, ELCBs, MCBs

WHAT ARE THE
LEADING CAUSES
OF ELECTRICAL
ACCIDENTS ?
?
Unsafe Acts
There are 2 reasons for unsafe

acts:
1.We know better but intentionally

do something unsafe.
2.We don't know better.

Unsafe Work Practices
Avoid the following unsafe acts:
•Failure to de-energize, lockout & tagout hazards during
maintenance, repair or inspections.
•Use of defective and unsafe tools.
•Use of tools or equipment too close to energized parts.

•Not draining off stored energy in capacitors.
•Using 3-wire cord with a 2-wire plug.
•Removing the third prong (ground pin) to make a 3-
prong plug fit a 2-prong outlet.
•Overloading outlets with too many appliances.

•Using the attached electrical cord to raise or lower
equipment.
•Not verifying power is off when making repair (drilling
into a 110 Volt a.c. line can kill).
•Working in an elevated position near overhead lines.
Unsafe Equipment
Some common causes of

unsafe equipment:
Loose connections
Faulty insulation
Improper grounding (removal of 3rd prong)

Use of "homemade" extension cords
Defective parts
Unguarded live parts--for example:
Bare conductors or exposed terminals
Metal parts of equipment may become energized when
connected by cord or plug. Capacitance may cause up to
55% of line voltage to be stored on the casing of metal
tools.
Water is VERY conductive!
Overloading!
Missing grounding prong!
Missing outlet cover!
Electrical tape is not a fix!
Pinched cord!
Damaged casing!
HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS
Use special precautions when working in potentially

hazardous environments and situations. Even an
accidental static discharge can cause a fire or
explosion in areas where the following are present:
Flammable vapors, liquids and gasses

Combustible dusts
Corrosive atmospheres
Explosive environments
Poor housekeeping: blocked electrical boxes,
flammable materials stored in equipment rooms, lack
of proper hazard signs, excess clutter.

Special care is also need in wet or damp locations - water and electricity are a bad
combination. If the wire is frayed or damaged, a fatal electrical shock can result .
HOW
ELECTRICITY
CAN HARM YOU
Current passing through your body can
cause electric shock, resulting in 3 types of
potential injuries:
•Burns (arcs burn with heat & radiation)
•Physical injuries (broken bones, falls, & muscle

damage)
At 10 mA, the muscles clamp on to
whatever the person is holding.
•Nervous system effects (stop breathing at 30 to 75

mA alternating current at 60Hz, fibrillation at 75 to
100 mA at 60Hz)
Fibrillation = heart is "twitching" and there
is no blood flow to the body.
ELECTRICITY IS DANGEROUS
Whenever you work with power tools or on

electrical circuits there is a risk of electrical
hazards, especially electrical shock.
Anyone can be exposed to these hazards at

home or at work.
Workers are exposed to more hazards

because job sites can be cluttered with tools
and materials, fast-paced, and open to the
weather.
Risk is also higher at work because many

jobs involve electric power tools.
Electrical trades workers must pay special
attention to electrical hazards because they work
on electrical circuits.
Coming in contact with an electrical voltage can

cause current to flow through the body, resulting in
electrical shock and burns.
Serious injury or even death may occur. As a

source of energy, electricity is used without much
thought about the hazards it can cause.
Because electricity is a familiar part of our lives, it

often is not treated with enough caution.
As a result, an average of one worker is

electrocuted on the job every day of every year!
Electrocution is the third leading
cause of work-related deaths
among 16- and 17-year-olds, after
motor vehicle deaths and workplace
homicide.
Electrocution is the cause of 12% of

all workplace deaths among young
workers. 1
WHAT IS AN ELECTRICAL INSULATOR?
 A material having few free

electrons that cannot move easily.
 Rubber, dry wood, porcelain, and

clay are good insulators.
 Insulators prevent electricity from

flowing where it should not flow
and control the flow of electricity
in order to prevent accidents.
WHAT IS AN ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR?
 A material having many
free electrons that can
move easily.
 Metals (especially copper)
are good conductors
 A copper wire will allow
billions of electrons to flow
in the same direction to
create a great source of
electrical current.
How is an Electrical Shock Received ?
Current-
Current the movement of electrical
charge
Voltage-
Voltage a measure of electrical force
Circuit-
Circuit a complete path for the flow of
current
You will receive a shock if you touch

two wires at different voltages at the
same time.
An electrical shock is received when
electrical current passes through the
body. Current will pass through the
body in a variety of situations.
Whenever two wires are at different

voltages, current will pass between
them if they are connected. Your body
can connect the wires if you touch
both of them at the same time. Current
will pass through your body.
You will receive 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
DANGERS OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK
The severity of injury from electrical shock
depends on the amount of electrical current
and the length of time the current passes
through the body. For example, 1/10 of an
ampere (amp) of electricity going through the
body for just 2 seconds is enough to cause
death.
The amount of internal current a person can

withstand and still be able to control the
muscles of the arm and hand can be less than
10 mill amperes (milliamps or mA). Currents
above 10 mA can paralyze or "freeze"
muscles.
When this "freezing" happens, a person is no
longer able to release a tool, wire, or other object.
In fact, the electrified object may be held even
more tightly, resulting in longer exposure to the
shocking current. For this reason, hand-held
tools that give a shock can be very dangerous. If
you can't let go of the tool, current continues
through your body for a longer time, which can
lead to respiratory paralysis (the muscles that
control breathing cannot move).
You stop breathing for a period of time. People

have stopped breathing when shocked with
currents from voltages as low as 49 volts.
Usually, it takes about 30 mA of current to cause
respiratory paralysis.
Currents greater than 75 mA may cause
ventricular fibrillation (very rapid,
ineffective heartbeat).
This condition will cause death within a

few minutes unless a special device called
a defibrillator is used to save the victim.
Heart paralysis occurs at 4 amps, which

means the heart does not pump at all.
Tissue is burned with currents greater
than 5 amps. 2
ampere (amp)- the unit used to measure
current
milliampere (milliamp or mA)-1/1,000 of an

ampere
shocking current-electrical current that

passes through a part of the body
- You will be hurt more if you can't let go of a

tool giving a shock.
- The longer the shock, the greater the injury

LOW VOLTAGE…
DOES NOT MEAN

LOW HAZARD!
THE RESISTANCE OF THE HUMAN BODY
The inner resistance of human bodies is
about 500 to 1000 ohms, but the skin
resistance greatly depends on the content
of moisture. When sweaty, the skin
resistance decrease to 1 ½ of dry time.
The skin resistance changes with the

applied voltage. Several tens of thousands
of ohms of skin resistance of 100 V in dry
condition results in, at 1000V at wet,
insulation breakdown. This leaves only the
human inner resistance making the
situation very dangerous.
THE RESISTANCE OF MATERIALS
1. Most metals …..10 to 50 ohms
2. Human body (wet,ear to ear) ……100 ohms
3. Human body (damp-hand to foot ….400 to
600 ohms
4. Human body ( wet skin) …………..1000
ohms
5. Human body (dry skin) ………100,000 to
800,000
6. Dry wood……………………………100,000
ohms
7. Wet wood ……………………………1,000
ohms
8. Rubber ………………100,000,000,000 ohms
EFFECTS
OF ELECTRICAL
CURRENT ON
THE HUMAN
BODY
EFFECTS ON ELECTRICAL CURRENT ON THE BODY
Current Reaction
1 milliamp Just a faint tingle.
Slight shock felt. Disturbing, but not painful. Most

5 milliamps people can "let go." However, strong involuntary
movements can cause injuries.
Painful shock. Muscular control is lost. This is the range
6-25 milliamps (women)† where "freezing currents" start. It may not be possible
9-30 milliamps (men) to "let go."
Extremely painful shock, respiratory arrest (breathing
50-150 milliamps stops), severe muscle contractions. Flexor muscles may
cause holding on; extensor muscles may cause intense
pushing away. Death is possible.
Ventricular fibrillation (heart pumping action not
1,000-4,300 milliamps (1-4.3 amps) rhythmic) occurs. Muscles contract; nerve damage
occurs. Death is likely.
Cardiac arrest and severe burns occur. Death is
10,000 milliamps (10 amps) probable.
Lowest overcurrent at which a typical fuse or circuit
15,000 milliamps (15 amps) breaker opens a circuit!
EFFECTS ON ELECTRICAL CURRENT
ON THE BODY
*Effects are for voltages less than about 600
volts. Higher voltages also cause severe
burns.
†Differences in muscle and fat content

affect the severity of shock.
High voltages cause additional injuries!
- Higher voltages can cause larger currents

and more severe shocks.
-Some injuries from electrical shock cannot

be seen.
ON THE BODY
High voltages can cause violent muscular
contractions. You may lose your balance and
fall, which can cause injury or even death if you
fall into machinery that can crush you. High
voltages can also cause severe burns.
At 600 volts, the current through the body may

be as great as 4 amps, causing damage to
internal organs such as the heart. High voltages
also produce burns.
In addition, internal blood vessels may clot.

Nerves in the area of the contact point may be
damaged. Muscle contractions may cause bone
fractures from either the contractions
themselves or from falls.
ON THE BODY
The greater the current, the greater the shock!
- Severity of shock depends on voltage,
amperage, and resistance.
resistance-a material's ability to decrease or

stop electrical current
ohm-unit of measurement for

electrical resistance
- Lower resistance causes greater currents.
- Currents across the chest are very

dangerous.
ON THE BODY
A severe shock can cause much more
damage to the body than is visible. A person
may suffer internal bleeding and destruction
of tissues, nerves, and muscles.
Sometimes the hidden injuries caused by

electrical shock result in a delayed death.
Shock is often only the beginning of a chain
of events.
Even if the electrical current is too small to

cause injury, your reaction to the shock may
cause you to fall, resulting in bruises, broken
bones, or even death.
ON THE BODY
The length of time of the shock greatly affects
the amount of injury. If the shock is short in
duration, it may only be painful. A longer shock
(lasting a few seconds) could be fatal if the
level of current is high enough to cause the
heart to go into ventricular fibrillation.
At relatively high currents, death is certain if

the shock is long enough.
However, if the shock is short and the heart has

not been damaged, a normal heartbeat may
resume if contact with the electrical current is
eliminated.
ON THE BODY
The amount of current passing

through the body also affects the
severity of an electrical shock.
Greater voltages produce greater

currents. So, there is greater
danger from higher voltages.
EFFECTS ON ELECTRICAL CURRENT ON THE BODY
The path of the electrical current through the

body affects the severity of the shock.
Currents that passes through the heart or

nervous system are most dangerous.
If you contact a live wire with your head, your

nervous system will be damaged.
Contacting a live electrical part with one

hand-while you are grounded at the other
side of your body-will cause electrical current
to pass across your chest, possibly injuring
your heart and lungs.
ON THE BODY
The danger from electrical shock

depends on...
•the amount of the shocking current

through the body,
•the duration of the shocking current

through the body, and
•the path of the shocking current

through the body
Figure : Effect of entry points on current distribution (a) Macroshock,
externally applied current spreads throughout the body. (b) Microshock, all the
current applied through an intracardiac catheter flows through the heart.
BURNS CAUSED BY ELECTRICITY
The most common shock-related, nonfatal injury is a
burn. Burns caused by electricity may be of three
types: electrical burns, arc burns, and thermal
contact burns.
Electrical burns can result when a person touches

electrical wiring or equipment that is used or
maintained improperly.
Typically, such burns occur on the hands. Electrical

burns are one of the most serious injuries you can
receive.
Arc-blasts occur when powerful, high-
amperage currents arc through the air.
Arcing is the luminous electrical discharge

that occurs when high voltages exist across a
gap between conductors and current travels
through the air.
This situation is often caused by equipment

failure due to abuse or fatigue. Temperatures
as high as 35,000°F have been reached in arc-
blasts.
Electrical shocks cause burns.
arc-blast-explosive release of molten

material from equipment caused by
high-amperage arcs
arcing-the luminous electrical

discharge (bright, electrical sparking)
through the air that occurs when high
voltages exist across a gap between
conductors
Burns are the most common

injury caused by electricity.
The three types of burns are . . .
•electrical burns,
•arc burns, and
•thermal contact burns
Entrance Wound Exit Wound

Arc or Flash Burns Thermal Contact Burns

Arc Flash & Arc Blast
• Arc Flash – electrical
short circuit that occurs
when air flashes from an
exposed live conductor,
to either another
conductor or to ground.
• Arc Blast – pressure
wave caused by the arc
flash.
Arc Flash/Blast
• Concentrated energy
explodes outward
• High intensity flash
• Temperatures can
reach 35,000
• Pressure wave can
reach 200lbs/sq. inch
• Vaporize conductors
and copper and explode
particles like buckshot.
Arc Flash Effects
• Severe burns
• Broken bones
• Vision damage
• Hearing loss
• Brain/internal injuries
• Punctures and
lacerations
• Death
Causes of Arc Flash
• Improper training
• Improper work procedures
• Dropped tools
• Accidental contact with electrical
systems
• Installation failure
• Inadequate SCCR
• Voltage testing with inappropriate
equipment
Causes of Arc Flash (cont.)
• Buildup of dust, corrosion on
insulating surfaces
• Improper maintenance
• Sparks produced during
racking of breakers,
replacement of fuses and
closing into faulty lines.
• Inattentiveness/
Overconfidence
INVOLUNTARY MUSCLE CONTRACTION
WORST CASE
ELECTRICAL-RELATED ACCIDENT!
WORST CASE
WORST CASE
WORST CASE
PREVENTING
ELECTRICAL
SHOCKS AND
BURNS
PREVENTING ELECTRICAL SHOCKS AND
BURNS
Electric shocks, electrocution and burns, which cause more
than 12,000 injuries a year in the U.S., happen when electricity
uses your body as a path to its ultimate destination—the
ground.
As the electricity passes through you, it can do grave harm,

burning tissue and even stopping your heart. And it doesn't
take much to do a lot of damage. In fact, folks have been killed
by shocks from as little as 60 milliamps, the amount of
electricity it takes to light a Christmas tree bulb.
To help protect yourself and your loved ones from
electrical shocks or burns:
1. Never yank, twist or severely bend electrical cords or carry
appliances by their cords. This can cause the appliance wires to
fray, which might lead to electrical shocks or burns, as well as fires.
2. Never use an appliance that has a frayed, smashed or broken

cord. (Wrapping a frayed cord with electrical tape might help protect
you against being shocked or burned, but it probably will not
prevent the possibility of an electrical fire.
3. Never remove the third prong of an electrical plug. This is the

ground wire, which helps protect you against shock should the
appliance ever short-circuit.
To help protect yourself and your loved ones from
electrical shocks or burns:
4. Install GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlets in your home
or business and use GFCI adapters—especially in bathrooms and
kitchens or other places where electrical appliances might be used
near water or in damp conditions. GFCIs can detect imbalances in the
amount of electricity flowing through an appliance (which might
indicate some electricity has "jumped its circuit" and taken an
alternate route—possibly through you) and will shut off power to the
appliance.
5. Do not touch electrical appliances with wet hands or cleaning rags

unless the appliances are unplugged.
6. Keep electrical appliances away from water. Pools, tub surrounds,

and counters next to kitchen or bathroom sinks are not appropriate
places for radios, hair dryers, curling irons, toasters, or other
plugged-in appliances.
To help protect yourself and your loved
ones from electrical shocks or burns:
7. Never stick anything into an outlet, except a properly working
electrical plug.
8. If you have young children in the home—even as visitors—equip your
outlets with child safety plugs to prevent curious youngsters from
sticking their fingers or other items into unused outlet openings.
9. Never stick knives, forks, screwdrivers or other items inside toasters

or other electrical appliances unless the appliances are unplugged.
10. Keep away from outdoor power lines. Many of these lines are
uninsulated and any contact with them—either direct or indirect—can be
fatal. When working in the yard, be sure to maintain a safe distance
between power lines and ladders, rakes and other long tools. You do not
actually have to touch a power line to be shocked by it. Electricity can
jump (arc) from a nearby wire to you (or to the ladder or tool you are
carrying).
To help protect yourself and your loved ones
from electrical shocks or burns:
11. Do not climb trees that are located near overhead lines (read #10
to see why).
12. Fly kites only in open fields far from overhead lines. If a kite
should become entangled in a power line, call CWLP immediately
(789-2121). Do not attempt to retrieve it yourself.
13. Before digging in your yard, call JULIE (Joint Utilities Location
Information for Excavators) at 811 or 1-800-892-0123 to find out where
underground electrical (and other) services are buried. You need to
allow 48 hours for the locations to be marked.
14. Always turn off a tool or appliance before unplugging it.
15. Never enter an electrical substation or tamper with a pad- or pole-
mounted transformer.
PREVENTING
ELECTRICAL
FIRES
PREVENTING ELECTRICAL FIRES
Many electrical fires start when a combustible (burnable) material

comes into contact with a hot electrical appliance, like a stove
burner, portable heater or light bulb.
Electrical fires can also start when combustibles come into

contact with frayed or broken electrical cords or when wires
inside the house or inside an electrical cord overheat.
Overheating can occur when too many appliances are plugged
into one outlet or one extension cord. The wires inside your home
and inside extension cords are designed to carry a certain
amount of current. If you plug in too many appliances, or plug in
an appliance that requires more current than a wire is designed to
carry, the wire can overheat and cause a fire.
Here's a list of ways you can help prevent electrical fires:
Here's a list of ways you can help prevent
electrical fires:
1. Protect electrical cords from damage by
avoiding twisting or severely bending them. Also,
keep cords away from heat sources—such as
stoves, light bulbs and open fires—that might
damage the cord's insulation.
2. Never use an appliance if its cord insulation is

damaged. A fire could start if paper or another
combustible material should come into contact
with the exposed wire. (You could also be injured
if you should touch the damaged wire.
3. Never run electrical cords underneath rugs. They can become frayed
from being walked on or might simply overheat.
4. Do not plug too many appliances into one outlet or extension cord.
electrical fires:
5. If you are having a problem with blown fuses or tripped
circuit breakers, find out why. These are indications that
you have an overloaded circuit and might be at risk for an
electrical fire.
6. Never replace a blown fuse with one of a higher
amperage rating. You circuits are designed to handle a
specific amount of current. Increasing a fuse amperage in
an attempt to increase the load a circuit will carry is a
guaranteed ticket to disaster. Never ever use a penny or
other metal object as a replacement for a fuse.
7. If you must use an extension cord, make sure it is
designed to carry as much current as the appliance needs.
Appliances that draw a lot of power need a heavy gauge
extension cord.
8. When operating outdoor electrical appliances or
equipment, be sure to use extension cords that are rated for
outdoor use.
electrical fires:
9. Keep curtains, towels, furniture, paper and other

combustible materials away from electrical appliances—
including stoves, ovens, toasters, portable heaters and
light bulbs—that generate a lot of heat.
10. Keep electrical equipment and tools in good, clean

condition. Oil and dirt buildup can cause equipment to
overheat.
8
WORKING SAFELY
WITH AND
AROUND ELECTRICITY
How can you protect yourself from
electrical current?
Understand the basics:
 How current flows through a circuit
(the greater the current the greater
the danger).
 Which materials are conductors

and which are insulators.
 How small measurements of

electrical current can still be very
dangerous, especially if there is no
resistance.
3-6
electrical current?
When working around electrical

equipment, NEVER:
 Make repairs unless the power is off

and unplugged from the circuit.
 Use equipment or appliances with

frayed cords.
 Operate, repair, submerge or work

with equipment in or around water.
electrical current?
When working around
electrical equipment,
ALWAYS:
 Remove all conductors such as

metal jewelry and watches.
 Remove pagers and portable
phones.
 Use required PPE such as
insulated tools, gloves, and
floor mats.
 Keep your skin dry!
Working Safely With and Around Electricity
RESPECT THE POWER OF

ELECTRICITY
Electricity is a strong invisible force

that gives power to machinery, lights,
heaters, air conditioners, and many
other forms of equipment that we have
come to depend upon. However,
electricity can be very dangerous, too.
Accidental contact with electrical
currents can cause injury, fire,
extensive damage and even death. It is
very important to remember that
working with and around electricity
requires your full attention and
respect.
INFORM YOUR SUPERVISOR

OF FAULTY EQUIPMENT
Contact with electricity does not have

to happen if you follow a few simple
guidelines. It is very important that you
immediately inform your supervisor of
any faulty equipment so it can get
repaired or replaced. Don't attempt to
repair the tool yourself. Lock out the
equipment or, at the very least, tag it
so others are aware that the equipment
is damaged.
WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
You should make it part of your routine

to wear rubber gloves and rubber-soled
shoes or boots, especially if you are
working around electricity in a damp
environment. Of course, you know that
water and electricity do not mix, but how
often do you think about other liquids,
such as grease, oil or solvents?
Operating a drill with sweaty hands can
also be a potential for electrical shock.
However, do not make the mistake of
believing that, regardless of your action,
protective articles alone will protect you.

Remember to do your best to avoid
making any contact with electricity.

WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
• Proper foot protection
(not tennis shoes)
• Rubber insulating gloves,
hoods, sleeves, matting,
and blankets
• Hard hat (insulated -
nonconductive)
Voltage-rated Gloves
• First line of defense

• Choose the right size
• Leather protectors must be worn over the rubber gloves
• Gloves must be tested
– Before first issue and every 6 months
– If tested, but not issued for service, glove may not be put into
service unless tested within previous 12 months.
• Checked before use
– Roll-up test
– Inflator test
Arc-Rated FR Clothing & PPE
• Layering
– Outer layers must be flame resistant
– Under layers must be non-melting
• Fit – Clothing shall fit properly (loose), w/ least
interference
• Coverage – Clothing must cover potentially exposed
areas (wrist, neck)
• Care & Maintenance
– Inspect before use
– Launder according to mfg’s instructions
*Photo courtesy of Salisbury

PPE - Hazard Risk Category 0
0-1.2 cal/cm2
• 100% cotton long
sleeve shirt
• Long pants
• Safety glasses
• Hearing protection
• Leather and insulated
gloves (as required)
• Leather work boots
1.2 - 4 cal/cm2
• 4+ cal long sleeve shirt &
long pants (or) coveralls
• Hardhat
• Safety glasses
• Arc rated faceshield
• Hearing protection (inserts)
• VR gloves
• Leather gloves
4 - 8 cal/cm2
• 8+ cal long sleeve shirt & long
pants (or) coveralls
• Hardhat
• Safety glasses
• VR gloves
• Leather gloves
8 - 25 cal/cm2
• 25+ flashsuit w/ hood over
long sleeve shirt and long
pants
• Safety glasses
• Hearing protection
(inserts)
• VR gloves
• Leather gloves
25 - 40 cal/cm2
• 40+ flashsuit w/ hood over FR
long sleeve shirt and long pants
• Safety glasses
• VR gloves
• Leather gloves
Hands-On Training
• How to use a multi-meter
• Set up a safe scenario
– Lockout upstream before class!
• Trainee performs
• Unacceptable performance = NOT qualified!
REGULARLY INSPECT YOUR

ELECTRICAL TOOLS
Inspect your electrical tools on a

regular basis, including the large tools
such as table saws, drill presses and
bench grinders. Test your equipment
first before starting to work. If any tool
gives you a slight shock or smokes
and sparks when the power is turned
on, don't use it, but notify your
supervisor immediately.
REGULARLY INSPECT YOUR
ELECTRICAL TOOLS
INSPECT THE POWER CORD
Check the insulation around the power cord

to make sure it is in good condition. You
should not see any exposed wires or frayed
ends. Power cords in poor condition should
be replaced, never taped or spliced. Check
the plug at the end of the cord to make sure
the prongs are secure in the plug and none
are missing. If one of the prongs is missing,
do not use the tool. If you notice one of the
tongs on the plug is slightly larger than the
other, do not attempt to trim the tong down to
match the smaller one. These tongs are
polarized to prevent you from shock. When
you unplug cords from the outlet, remember
to pull on the plug and not the cord.
Electrical Plugs and Extension Cords
Electrical Plugs and Extension Cords
MAKE SURE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT IS
PROPERLY GROUNDED
Properly grounded electrical equipment can offer you

protection if the equipment should malfunction
electrically. If your electric tool states that it's doubly
insulated on the manufacturer's tag, this means there is
insulation on the inside of the tool to protect you from
shock. This type of tool will only have a two prong plug.
If the tool doesn't state that it is doubly insulated, then
you must have a third prong on the plug. (See Figure 6.)
This third prong, or ground prong, plugs your tool into
ground or earth so that in the event of a malfunction,
the electricity will go through this ground prong to earth
and bypass your body. If the prong is broken off, you
have no protection and all the electricity will go through
your body. A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter should be
used where there is a chance you could make contact
with the moisture on the ground, such as working
outside.
Portable Ground Fault Circuit GFCI Panel Mounts
Interrupters
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
WATCH OUT FOR OVERHEAD POWER
LINES
It is very important to keep your distance from

overhead power lines. (See Figure 7.) Each year,
construction and farm workers are injured or killed
because they have accidentally made contact with the
high voltage lines that pass overhead. To prevent this
from happening to you, preplan your job. Go out to
the area you plan to move large equipment into, stack
bales within, or where irrigation pipe will be laid, and
look around for overhead wires and electric poles.
Then plan your job around them. Remember, high
voltage power lines are not insulated. Also, be aware
that there are laws that prohibit any work within six
feet of lines that carry between 600 and 50,000 volts,
and require a minimum distance of 10 feet from these
lines when operating boom-type lifting equipment.
DO NOT MISUSE EXTENSION CORDS
Extension cords appear harmless, but they can do

quite a bit of damage if they are misused. No
extension cord can be kinked, tied in a knot, crushed,
cut, or bent and still insulate the electrical current
safely. An extension cord that is misused in this
manner may cause a short circuit, fire or even
electrical shock. Don't use extension cords in areas
that receive a lot of traffic because not only will it
cause someone to trip, but constant traffic will wear
out the insulating rubber cover. If you have no choice
and must use cords in high traffic areas, make sure
the cords are taped securely to the flooring or are
hanging high overhead. Extension cords are to be
used temporarily and never as a permanent source of
power to equipment.
NEVER THROW WATER ON AN

ELECTRICAL FIRE
As mentioned, water and electricity do not

mix. In fact, water is an excellent
conductor of electricity, and if water is
thrown on an electrical fire, it will only
spread the fire. Instead, use a chemical fire
extinguisher. Make sure you know how to
operate a chemical fire extinguisher and
where the nearest one is in case of
emergency. If you have questions or have
difficulty locating an extinguisher, ask
your supervisor for help.
PRACTICE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
Electrical safety involves more than just

ensuring that electrical equipment is in good
working order, it also involves ensuring that
you can get to the main power source as
quickly as possible without climbing over
obstructions in the event of an emergency.
Keep the aisles and walkways clean and
clear of garbage, and make sure all
flammable liquid, such as gases or
chemicals, is stored away from the area
where any electric tool will be operated.
Many electric tools produce sparks, which
could ignite the flammable liquid's fumes
and cause extensive damage.
Electrical Hazard Control
• Extension cords should only be used on a
temporary basis in situations where fixed
wiring is not feasible.
• DO NOT use extension cords as permanent
wiring. They may not be able to carry the load.
• However, if it is necessary to use an extension
cord, never run it across walkways or aisles.
– It causes a potential tripping hazard.
– It wears down the insulation.

Electrical Hazard Control continued…
• Wall receptacles should be

designed and installed so that
no current-carrying parts will
be exposed, and outlet plates
should be kept tight to
eliminate the possibility of
shock.
• Replace or repair electrical
appliances that over heated,
sparked, shorted out, smoked
or have damaged cords or
cracked equipment.
• If wires are exposed, they may cause a

shock to a worker comes into contact
with them.
• Cords should not be hung on nails, run
over or wrapped around objects,
knotted or twisted. This may break the
wire or insulation.
• Short circuits are usually caused by
bare wires touching due to breakdown
of insulation.
• Electrical tape or any other kind of tape
is not adequate!
• Cords in areas of water or other
conductive liquid must be approved for
those locations.
• When the outer jacket of a cord is damaged,
the cord may no longer be water-resistant.
• The insulation can absorb moisture, which
may then result in a short circuit or excessive
current leakage to the ground.
• These cords should be replaced immediately.
• Electric cords should be examined on a
routine basis for fraying and exposed wiring.
• Electrical cords should be examined visually before

use on any shift for external defects such as:
– fraying and exposed wiring
– loose parts
– deformed or missing parts
– damage to outer jacket or insulation
– evidence of internal damage such as pinched or
crushed outer jacket
• If any defects are found the electric cords should be
removed from service immediately.
• Pull the plug not the cord. Pulling the

cord could break a wire, causing a short
circuit.
• Plug your microwave or any other

large appliances into an outlet that is
not shared with other appliances.
• Do not tamper with fuses as this is a
potential fire hazard.
• Do not overload circuits as this may
cause the wires to heat and ignite
insulation or other combustibles.
• Keep office equipment properly cleaned and

maintained.
• Ensure lamps are free from contact with
flammable material.
• Always use lights bulbs with the
recommended wattage for your lamp and
ceiling fixtures.
• Be aware of the odor of burning plastic or
wire.
• ALWAYS follow the manufacturer

recommendations when using or
installing new office equipment.
• Wiring installations should always be
made by a licensed electrician or other
qualified person.
• All electrical appliances should have
the label of a testing laboratory.
Do you have permission to dig?
Be aware of the potential hazard from buried electrical cables for
the following activities:
•excavation
•drilling
•trenching
•levelling
•digging
•driving of stakes or pegs
Do not commence excavation work near buried cables unless a

permit has been issued by an authorised person
Do you know what precautionary measures need to be taken?
Electrical Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
• The most important administrative control is Lockout/Tagout
• If you see a lock on an electrical circuit, do not attempt to
operate the circuit.
• To gain access to a locked & tagged out circuit, contact the
person named on the tag. Do not remove the tag or restore
the circuit without approval. If and when possible, a qualified
worker will restore the circuit in accordance with the LOTO
procedure.
• Electrical locking devices may be installed on a cord, switch,
breaker, or disconnect device: look before you operate the
equipment.
• Be sure to follow your company’s
LOTO program.
LOTO Device Requirements
Lockouts must be:
• Used only to control energy
• Durable enough for use in their environment
• Standardized by either color, shape or size
• Substantial–withstand all but excessive force
• Identify the employee applying the device
Device Requirements
Tags must be:
• Durable enough for use in their environment
• Substantial–enough to resist accidental or
inadvertent removal
• Standardized by either color, shape or size
• Identify the employee responsible for the Tagout
• Non-reusable attachment device & attachable by
hand
• Withstand 50 lbs of force
9
ELECTRICAL
EMERGENCIES :
HOW TO RESPOND
Protect yourself
•Don't touch the person. That

person might be energized, so
take time to protect yourself.
•Don't try to use a conductive

tool to free the person.
•Don't touch anyone who has

become grounded.
Call 999 for help, IF the
person:
•is obviously injured (loss of

consciousness, significant
trauma, etc.)
•has an altered mental status

(confusion, slow/slurred
speech, etc.)
•has other obvious injury

(laceration, burn, etc.)
•or: at your discretion or that of

the shock victim or supervisor.
•Keep others from being harmed
•Shut off the power ( fuse or circuit-breaker or
pull the plug; this might be difficult because
there might be secondary sources; if you are
not sure, get help)
•Move the victim to safety only when power is
OFF and no neck or spine injuries are possible
•Give necessary first aid (keep CPR training
up-to-date).
•Report accident to supervisor (even minor
shocks and close calls must be reported)
•Secure area
•Collect data for an investigation and to prevent
reoccurrence.
What To Do Until Aid Arrives:
Check for:
Pulse
If person's heart has stopped, start
CPR, if you are trained.
Breathing
If person isn't breathing, begin mouth-
to-mouth resuscitation, if you are
trained.
Treat for shock
Keep person lying down.
If unconscious, put them on their side
to let fluids drain.
Don't move the person if neck or spine
injuries are possible.
Cover the person to maintain body
heat
Stay with patient until
help arrives.
Inform medical
personnel about patient
conditions.
If not emergency
•Often symptoms are delayed and the

person might need medical attention.
•All persons, who have received shocks

but do not fall into the categories above,
must be taken to the University Health
Center by a co-worker or supervisor.
•Medical EVALUATION is a must.

10
Codes
and
Regulations
Qualified and Authorized
According to OSH , Electrical Safety-
related work practices:
"Electrical equipment or electrical

system design, installation,
modification, testing, repair, and
maintenance shall be done by
QUALIFIED AND AUTHORIZED
electrical personnel."
PHYSICAL PLANT SAFETY MANUAL,
ELECTRICAL CHAPTER
Lockout-Tagout Manual (Working Around

Energized Equipment and Systems) must be
adhered to for all electrical work.
NOTE:
The Lockout-Tagout procedure requires
the release of stored energy.
OSH’s purpose and policy is to assure that

every working person has safe and healthful
working conditions.
Here are the OSH requirements that must
be followed:
1.Live parts of 50 volts or more shall be guarded.
2.Systems, Circuits and Equipment shall be grounded to:
Protect people from shock
Safeguard from fire
Protect equipment from damage
3.Exposed non-current carrying metal parts of equipment connected by
cord and plug which may become energized shall be grounded to prevent
shocks.
If housing not connected to ground and if there is any leakage, a
shock could result.
4.Most common wiring violations are:
#1 - Flexible cords shall have strain relief to prevent pull from being
directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws.
60% of fires are caused by poor connections
and faulty outlets, plugs and cords.
xx
#2 - Conductors entering cabinets, etc. shall be protected from
abrasion.
It takes a Minute to write a safety rule
It takes an Hour to hold a safety meeting
It takes a Week to plan a safety program
It takes a Month to put it in practice
It takes a Year to win a safety award
It takes a Lifetime to make a safe worker
But it only takes a Second

To destroy it all in one accident.
This module is intended to be used as a source of
evidence in confirming that a learner has achieved
the knowledge and skills critical to:
•Working safely with electricity.
•Ensuring electrical installations are safe and
comply with standards as do relevant installation
tests.
•Selecting equipment that complies with
standards.
•Ensuring electrical protection systems operate
in compliance with standards.
1. INTRO TO ELECTRICAL SAFETY
2. BASIC ELECTRICAL THEORY
3. WHAT ARE THE LEADING CAUSES OF
ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS?
4. HOW ELECTRICITY CAN HARM YOU
5. EFFECTS OF ELECTRICAL CURRENT ON THE
HUMAN BODY
6. PREVENTING ELECTRICAL SHOCKS AND BURNS
7. PREVENTING ELECTRICAL FIRES
8. WORKING SAFELY WITH AND AROUND
ELECTRICITY
9. ELECTRICAL EMERGENCIES : HOW TO RESPOND
10. CODE AND REGULATIONS
1
INTRO TO
ELECTRICAL
SAFETY
ELECTRICAL SAFETY ?
Electricity is nature's most versatile form of
energy. Electrical power lights our homes, streets,
offices and factories. The power of electricity can
be dangerous if it's not used correctly. Electrical
energy can damage property and ignite fires. It can
also hurt and even kill.
Sound safety practices can help minimize

electrical hazards and cut down the risk of
accidents. The hazard of electricity cannot be
eliminated, but it can be controlled though
education and engineering. The more you
understand about electrical energy the safer you'll
be at work and home.
What is management’s role in electrical
safety?
Management must:
 Create and maintain a safe
work environment.
 Determine and arrange for

appropriate safety training.
 Inspect work areas and

equipment for hazards.
What is management’s role in electrical safety?
Management must also:
 Enforce company safety

procedures.
 Report and correct safety

violations or accidents.
 Be a safety role model.

What is the employee’s role in safety?
 Follow all safety procedures
as detailed in specs.
 Report all safety hazards and

violations.
 Ensure all employees

(including contractors and
vendors) comply with safety
procedures.
What is the employee’s role in safety?
 Recognize electrical
hazards and make sound
judgments on your ability
to do a job safely.
 Be qualified and trained to

work on electrically
energized equipment for
your job.
What is a safety violation?
A situation in which:
 The task being performed
contradicts the stated policy,
training, or good common
sense (not wearing proper PPE
for the job).
 Personal safety is imparted by

the way a person works (not
following specs fix equipment
or using shortcuts).
Safety is owned by you!

What are the procedures for reporting
safety violations ?
If you observe a  STOP the violation, if possible.
safety violation,
you should:  REPORT, verbally, the situation
to the supervisor in charge
immediately.
 RECORD the details in written

memo form.
 FOLLOW-UP with the supervisor
on what is being done.
2
Basic Electrical
Theory

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Today's Training for Tomorrow's Needs

• Circuit / loop is necessary for current to flow

Current takes the path of least resistance

• High Tension 100 => 300V

• Very High Tension 1KV +

Electrical cables & plugs

Electrical cables & plugs

– The Earth wire is there to protect you.

– Additional safety devices - RCDs, ELCBs, MCBs

There are 2 reasons for unsafe

1.We know better but intentionally

2.We don't know better.

•Use of tools or equipment too close to energized parts.

•Overloading outlets with too many appliances.

Some common causes of

Improper grounding (removal of 3rd prong)

Use special precautions when working in potentially

Flammable vapors, liquids and gasses

of proper hazard signs, excess clutter.

•Burns (arcs burn with heat & radiation)

•Physical injuries (broken bones, falls, & muscle

•Nervous system effects (stop breathing at 30 to 75

Whenever you work with power tools or on

Anyone can be exposed to these hazards at

Workers are exposed to more hazards

Risk is also higher at work because many

Coming in contact with an electrical voltage can

Serious injury or even death may occur. As a

Because electricity is a familiar part of our lives, it

As a result, an average of one worker is

Electrocution is the cause of 12% of

 A material having few free

 Rubber, dry wood, porcelain, and

 Insulators prevent electricity from

You will receive a shock if you touch

Whenever two wires are at different

•Touching a live wire and an electrical

•Touching a live wire and another wire at a

The amount of internal current a person can

You stop breathing for a period of time. People

This condition will cause death within a

Heart paralysis occurs at 4 amps, which

milliampere (milliamp or mA)-1/1,000 of an

shocking current-electrical current that

- You will be hurt more if you can't let go of a

- The longer the shock, the greater the injury

DOES NOT MEAN

The skin resistance changes with the

1 milliamp Just a faint tingle.

Slight shock felt. Disturbing, but not painful. Most

†Differences in muscle and fat content

High voltages cause additional injuries!

- Higher voltages can cause larger currents

-Some injuries from electrical shock cannot

At 600 volts, the current through the body may

In addition, internal blood vessels may clot.

resistance-a material's ability to decrease or

ohm-unit of measurement for

- Lower resistance causes greater currents.

- Currents across the chest are very

Sometimes the hidden injuries caused by

Even if the electrical current is too small to

At relatively high currents, death is certain if

However, if the shock is short and the heart has