Electrical

Safety
Training
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 Learning Outcomes
Electrical
Safety  Basic principles of electricity
 The hazards, Risk and danger of electricity
Training  Control measures
 Safe Working Practice
Scope of
the Traffic
Accident
Problem
Principles
Basic Principles
• An electrical circuit comprises 3 elements:
• Pressure = potential difference
- Measures in Volts (V).

• Flow rate = current

• -measured in amps (I).
• Resistance = obstruction in circuit
• -measured in ohms (R).
• Linked together by ohm’s law:
•V=IxR
Current
Current can be thought of “flow”.

Electrons flow through the material, making up

a circuit.

Current unit= amps (A).

When two wires have different potential

voltages, current will flow if they are connected.
Resistance

“resistance to flow”

The resistance of circuit to the passage

of the electrons.

Resistance: unit = ohm (Ω)

Ohm’s Law
•V=IXR

• I = V/R

• R = V/I

• NB current od given the symbol “I”

• So, if you know the values for 2 of the
elements, you can calculate the third
The hazards, Risk and danger of
electricity
• Electric shock.
• Electrical burns.
• Fire and explosion.
• Arcing
• Secondary effects.
Electrical shock

Current (mA) flowing through the body Effect

0.5 - 2 • Threshold of sensation

• Tingling sensations
2 -10 • Muscle tremor
• pain
• Muscle contractions
10 -60 • Unable to release grip
• Unable to breathe
• Ventricular fibrillation
• Cardiac arrest
60+
• Extreme muscular contractions
• burns
Severity of Shock Influenced by...

Voltage – higher the voltage, greater the current

Duration – exposure time

Current path – route through the body

Resistance – skin condition, clothing, etc.

Contact surface area – more skin contact, more severe injury

Environmental factors – metal surfaces, humidity, etc.

Frequency – AC more harmful than DC at same shock current

Electrical Burns

Direct contact
• Current flowing through the body.
• Entry and exit point, and internal.

Indirect contact
• As result of arcing, fire, or explosion
following an electrical accident.
Electrical Fire
Causes:
• Electrical equipment may be faulty and so
overheat.
• The system may be overloaded.
• Equipment may be misused.
• A flammable atmosphere may be present.
• Electrical equipment may produce heat or
sparks as part od its normal operation.
• Poor internal connections.
Arcing
• Ability of electricity to “jump” across an
air gap.
• Usually involves high voltage.

Main hazards:
- Electric shock.
- Burns(direct,indirect)
- Damage to eyes for UV radiation
emitted.
Portable Electrical Equipment

Conditions and practices likely to

lead to accidents:
• Improper repairs, e.g. taped up joints.
• Use of faulty, defective equipment.
• Chemical/abrasion damage to the flex.
• Lack of inspection testing or
maintenance.
Secondary Effects

Physical injury caused by an

electrical incident, e.g., falling off a
ladder causing:
• Cuts.
• Bruises.
• Broken bones.
• Fall
Dangerous Activities
• Use of poorly maintained electrical
equipment.
• Use of electrical equipment in wet
environments.
• Work near overhead power lines.
• Contact with underground power
cables.
• Work on mains electricity supplies.
Protection of Conductors
• Insulated to prevent contact with live
conductor:
• Cable coverings unbroken.
• Equipment casing intact.
• Inspect to ensure protection is in place.
• Ensure electrical panels are locked.
Strength and Capability of Equipment
Electrical equipment must be carefully selected to
ensure that it is suitable for the:

• Electrical system that it will become a part of.

• Task that it will perform.
• Environment in which it will be used.

No electrical equipment should be put into use

where its electrical strength and capability may be
exceeded.
Strength and Capability of Equipment
Consider:
• Weather.
• Natural hazards, e.g. gnawing by rats.
• Extremes of temperature, e.g. heat from motors.
• Dirty conditions.
• Corrosive conditions.
• Liquids and vapours, e.g. splashing.
• Flammable substances.
• Foreseeable mechanical damage.
Protective Systems and Devices
• Fuses and miniature circuit breakers.
• Earthing.
• Isolation of supply.
• Double insulation.
• Residual Current Devices (RCDs).
• Reduced and low voltages.
• Competent persons.
Fuses
• Prevents current overload:

- An overcurrent protection device.

• Weak link in a circuit.
• Overheats and melts if the current
exceeds the fuse rating.
• Designed to protect equipment, not
people.
Earthing
• In event of a fault, provides a safe path
to earth.
• Outer metal casing connected to earth
by wire.
• Electric shock should be minor.
Isolation of Supply
• Live parts or parts that might become live
under fault conditions cannot be easily
touched.
• Often achieved by having two layers of
insulation between live conductors and any
external metal surfaces or external
surfaces are non-conducting (plastic).
• Called Class II equipment.
• No need for earth protection.
Double Insulation
• Removal of electrical power from a circuit.
• Switch/isolator or removing the plug.
• Circuit ‘dead’ and safe to work on.
• Physically secured by lock (lock-out/tag-out).
• Should be clearly labelled.
• Circuit should be tested.
• Advantages?
• Disadvantages?
Competent Persons
• Knowledge of electricity.
• Experience of electrical work.
• Understanding of the system.
• Understanding of hazards and
precautions.
• Ability to recognise whether safe to
continue work.
General Safety
• Check the information on your cord.
• Extension cords are labeled with valuable
information as to the use, size and wattage
rating of the cord.
• Determine the gauge needed.
• Decide whether you will be using the appliance
indoors or outdoors.
• outdoors will be clearly marked “Suitable for
Use with Outdoor Appliances.”
• Never use an indoor extension cord outdoors; it
could result in an electric shock or fire hazard.
General Safety
• Determine how long you need the cord to be.
• As cord gets longer, the current carrying capacity
of the cord gets lower.
• Example: 16 gauge extension cord less than 50
feet in length can power a 1625 watt (W)
appliance; 16 gauge cord that is longer than 50
feet can only power an appliance up to 1250W.
• Place the cord correctly.
• Do not place underneath carpets or heavy
furniture.
• Match the length of the cord to the length of your
needs.
Safe Systems of Work
• Work ‘dead’ whenever possible.
• Work on or near live electrical
equipment:
• Only under exceptional
circumstances.
• if controlled tightly.
 Working on a Live System
• No live working unless no alternative.
• If can not, Safe system of work to include:
• Permit to work.
• Competent person.
• Insulating PPE.
• Boots, gauntlets.
• Insulated tools.
• Designated work areas.
Isolation
• Usually requires:
• The breaking of the circuit.
• Physical securing of the break in the
circuit.
• Some form of label (or tag).
Buried Cables
• May be struck during excavations.

Can result in:

• Arcing, shock, burns, fire.

Precautions:
• Check plans.
• Detection equipment (e.g. CAT scanner).
• Expose by hand digging.
• Identify and label.
Work Near Overhead Power Lines
• Usually uninsulated.
• Control measures:
• Arrange isolation or cover (sleeve).
• Safe systems of work and permit to
work.
• Barriers, signs, goal-posts.
• Banksman (signaller).
• Non-conducting equipment.
Emergency Action
• Don’t touch the casualty.
• Call for help.
• Isolate from the power supply.
• Call for ambulance 997/911.
• Check for breathing:
• Recovery position if breathing.
• Start CPR if not breathing.
• Treat burns.
• Treat for physiological shock.
• Ensure medical help is obtained.
Inspection and Maintenance Strategies
• Applies to:
• Fixed wiring systems.
• Portable appliance testing.
• User checks.
• Formal visual inspection.
• Combined inspection and testing.
Frequency of Inspection and Testing

Frequency is determined by:

• Age of the equipment.
• Working environment.
• Frequency and duration of use.
• Foreseeable abuse of the equipment.
• Effects of any modifications or repairs.
• Analysis of previous maintenance
records.
Training
Train employees working with electrical
equipment in safe working practices
including:
• De-energizing electrical equipment before
inspecting or making repairs
• Using electric tools in good repair
• Using good judgment when working near
energized lines
• Using appropriate protective equipment
(PPE)
 Learning Outcomes

Electrical  Basic principles of electricity

Safety  The hazards, Risk and danger of

electricity
Training  Control measures
 Safe Working Practice
Any Questions ?