SUBTOPIC 2 Electrical Safety Subtopic 2 INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES At end of this discussion the student shall be able to: Define electrical safety List importance of electrical safety In previous discussion works that are related in electricity whether repair, generation and installation were included in High Risk Industry. Employee are exposed daily to this risk that is why there must a safety standards. Electrical Engineers follow electrical standards in order to “practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity.” The risk of injury from electricity is strongly linked to where and how it is used and there is greater risk in wet and/or damp conditions. https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy Don't work with exposed conductors carrying 50 volts or more. SOURCE: https://sites.google.com/site/electrichazardsa ndsafety/electric-hazards/electric-shock Extension cords may not be used as permanent wiring and should be removed after temporary use for an activity or event. • Make sure electrical equipment is properly connected, grounded and in good working order. Source: https://twitter.com/bsesdelhi/status/982142280688529410 Surge suppressors with built-in circuit breakers may be used long-term and are available with three, six and 15 foot-long cords. Source: https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/home/surge-protector1.htm • High amperage equipment such as space heaters, portable air conditioners and other equipment must be plugged directly into permanent wall receptacles. • Do not access, use or alter any building’s electrical service, including circuit breaker panels, unless you are specifically qualified and authorized to do so. • Wet environments can increase the risk of an electrical shock. Grounding To prevent electrical hazards, always make sure equipment is properly grounded. Electrical grounding provides an alternate path for electricity to follow, rather than going through a person. Equipment with a grounding prong must be plugged into an extension cord with a ground; the grounding plug should not be removed from the equipment. Grounding Wet Locations When using electricity in a wet or damp location, including outdoor locations, a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) must be used. The GFCI ensures that any electrical shock is brief. Although painful, it wouldn’t be fatal because the GFCI creates a ground fault or leak in the current. Lockout/Tagout When servicing and maintenance tasks involve electricity and electrical equipment, you must prevent the unexpected startup of equipment. There are many different electrical safety standards that need to be followed in the workplace. These standards are often developed by safety companies, governmental agencies, or others that work to find the best practices in given situations. Some of these standards are enforced by government agencies, OSHA Standards The best known name in workplace safety is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA. OSHA regulates many different aspects of workplace safety, including electrical safety. Some of their most important standards are the following: Personal Protection Equipment – OSHA requires that the right electrical protective equipment is worn or used whenever working on dangerous electrical systems. Safety for Electricity Generation – Those who work in electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution need to follow the special instructions for this industry. Maritime Standards – OSHA has specific guidelines for working on electrical systems while at sea. NFPA Standards The National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA, is another group that provides safety standards focused on electricity. Their most famous set of standards is called NFPA 70, and is also known by the name ‘National Electrical Code.’ These standards set forth safety requirements that offer a great balance of workplace safety with productivity. Their standards identify shock protection boundaries, arc flash safety, lockout-tagout systems, and more. While NFPA doesn’t have any legal enforcement power, they are among the most respected agencies in the country, and are voluntarily followed by millions of companies. If a company doesn’t follow the standards, they can’t claim to be NFPA compliant. ElectricalSafetyESA (2013, March 15). 10 Shocking Facts About Electrical Safety by ESA [Video file]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UE7R9AF0Wpw • FAA System Safety Handbook, Chapter 3: Principles of System Safety • https://www.safetyinfo.com/engineering-concepts-safety-index/ • https://www.plantoprotect.com/blog/what-constitutes-a-high-risk-activity/ • https://www.hsa.ie/eng/Topics/Electricity/Dangers_of_Electricity/Electricity_in_the_Workpl ace/ • https://www.ehs.washington.edu/fire-life/basic-electrical-safety • https://www.creativesafetysupply.com/qa/electrical-safety/what-are-electrical-safetystandards
