Chapter 1
Electrical safety
Electricity can be defined as the flow of electrons through a conductor. This is similar to the
flow of water through a pipe. Electromotive force, measured in volts, causes the current
to flow similar to a pump moving water. The higher the water pressure and the larger the
pipes, the greater the water flow. In electrical circuits the rate of current flow is measured
in amperes, similar to gallons of water per second.
Ohm’s Law:
The Current in Amperes (I) is equal to the electromotive force, or Voltage (V) divided
by the Resistance (R) in “ohms”.
The following values are given for human resistance to electrical current
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Dangers of Electricity include a variety of hazards that include Electric Shock, Psychological
Damage, Physical Burns, Neurological Damage and Ventricular fibrillation resulting in death.
Any form of energy, when not properly controlled or harnessed, can result in serious danger to
those who use it. The risks inherent with electric power can generally be divided into two
categories: direct and indirect. The direct danger is the damage that the power itself can do to
the human body, such as stoppage of breathing or regular heartbeats, or burns. The indirect
dangers of electricity include the damages that can result to the human body as a result of
something caused by electric shock, such as a fall, an explosion, or a fire.
Humans are good conductors
Did you know that the human body is a good conductor of electricity? That means that
electricity flows easily through our bodies. Why? Because electricity moves quickly through
water - and the human body is 70 percent water!
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Another fact you need to remember is that electricity always tries to find the easiest path to
the ground.
Accidents happen quickly
You might think that if you get shocked, you can pull away quickly and not get hurt. But
electricity travels at the speed of light, so a person has almost no chance of pulling away.
And if the electricity is strong enough, it can cause the victim's muscles to tighten up so much
he or she can't let go.
Anyone who touches someone who is being electrocuted can become part of the circuit as well.
That's why you should never grab on to anyone who's been shocked.
Often, the metal case of an electrical appliance is earthed by connecting it to the earth wire to
reduce the chances of a fatal electric shock.
You can reduce electrical injuries and death by doing three things:
Understanding how electricity works
Recognizing potential electrical hazards
Learning about safety devices that prevent shock.
Anyone can be exposed to electrical 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.
There are four main types of electrical injuries: electrocution (death due to electrical shock),
electrical shock, burns, and falls. Burns caused by electricity may be of three types: electrical
burns, arc burns, and thermal contact burns.
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.
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.
Effects of Electrical Current on the Body
Current Reaction
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1 milliamp Just a faint tingle.
5 milliamps Slight shock felt. Disturbing, but not painful. Most people can “let go.”
However, strong involuntary movements can cause injuries.
6–25 milliamps (women)† Painful shock. Muscular control is lost. This is the range where “freezing
9–30 milliamps (men) currents” start. It may not be possible to “let go.
50–150 milliamps Extremely painful shock, respiratory arrest (breathing stops), severe muscle
contractions. Flexor muscles may cause holding on; extensor muscles may
cause intense pushing away. Death is possible.
1,000–4,300 milliamps Ventricular fibrillation (heart pumping action not rhythmic) occurs. Muscles
(1–4.3 amps) contract; nerve damage occurs. Death is likely.
10,000 milliamps Cardiac arrest and severe burns occur. Death is probable.
(10 amps)
What Must Be Done to Be Safe?
(1) Recognize hazards
The first part of the safety model is recognizing the hazards around you. Only then can you
avoid or control the hazards.
You need to be able to recognize that electrical shocks, fires, or falls result from these hazards:
Inadequate wiring
Exposed electrical parts
Overhead powerlines
Defective insulation
Improper grounding
Overloaded circuits
Wet conditions
Damaged tools and equipment
Improper PPE
(2) Evaluate hazards
When evaluating hazards, it is best to identify all possible hazards first, then evaluate the risk of
injury from each hazard. Do not assume the risk is low until you evaluate the hazard. It is
dangerous to overlook hazards. Combination of hazards increases your risk.
Look for “clues” that hazards are present.
Evaluate the seriousness of hazards.
Decide if you need to take action.
Don’t ignore signs of trouble.
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(3) Control hazards
Once electrical hazards have been recognized and evaluated, they must be controlled. You
control electrical hazards in two main ways: (1) create a safe work environment and (2) use safe
work practices.
Controlling electrical hazards (as well as other hazards) reduces the risk of injury or death.
Control contact with electrical voltages and control electrical currents to create a safe work
environment.
Lock out and tag out circuits and machines.
Prevent overloaded wiring by using the right size and type of wire.
Prevent exposure to live electrical parts by isolating them.
Prevent exposure to live wires and parts by using insulation.
Prevent shocking currents from electrical systems and tools by grounding them.
Prevent shocking currents by using GFCI’s.
Prevent too much current in circuits by using over current protection devices.
Control hazards through safe work practices.
Plan your work and plan for safety.
Avoid wet working conditions and other dangers.
Avoid overhead powerlines.
Use proper wiring and connectors.
Use and maintain tools properly.
Wear correct PPE(Personal Protective Equipment).
