Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety
Electrical safety deals with industrial safety practice of workers that helps to handle and maintain
electrically powered equipments. It provides a set of guidelines to be followed by the workers to mitigate
electrical hazards and controls dangerous causes at the workplace. Electric current can severely injure
people and cause equipment damage, but the chance of danger can be minimal by taking simple
preventive measures while working at workplace.
1. Overhead power lines: The electric power lines usually have high voltages that cause
major burns and electrocution to workers while touching the cables out of their knowledge.
2. Using damaged tools: Cracked wires, cables, and cords result in high equipment damage
and may produce electric shocks while operating that device.
3. Inadequate wiring and overloaded circuits: Using wires at the wrong size for connecting
the current causes overheating and fire.
4. Exposed electrical parts: It includes improper lighting, open power distribution units,
and detached insulation parts on electrical cords, which causes potential shocks and burns.
5. Improper Grounding: Improper Grounding highly increases the unwanted voltage and
produces risk.unwanted voltage and produces risk.
6. Damaged insulation: While using damaged insulation, metal wires inside the cable get
exposed. When a person touches the exposed wires, they could be electrically shocked.
7. Wet condition: Operating electrical equipment at wet locations highly increases the risk
of electrocution.
The Do’s & Don’ts of Electrical Safety:
Do’s:
4. Use one hand while working where the other hand may be placed at your side or in the
pocket to avoid the chance of current passing through your chest.
Don’ts:
1. Don’t try to modify any permanent connections of test equipment without the
knowledge of the relevant supervisor.
2. Don’t cross-check the high voltage electric circuit, which is not isolated.
3. Don’t try to probe or fix electrical equipment with objects like pencils where metallic
substance produces the electric shock.
4. Don’t place any liquids near the switchboard or any electrical devices.
5. Don’t place the electrical equipment in a very cold place, and try to keep it in a
condensed place.
This training ensures the workers learn various types of electrical risk, how it occurs, and
what safety protection is needed at the workplace.
Green World offers numerous safety training for every industrial worker, which helps to equip
themselves from various potential risks. Our Experts Training will help you to gain practical knowledge on
workplace hazards that an employee may encounter in their working environment
Who is at risk?
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO IMPROVE ELECTRICAL SAFETY IN YOUR WORKPLACE [ACCESS NOW]
The possibility of physical harm is what defines an electrical hazard. As such, harm potential is the main
driving force of quantifying, documenting, and mitigating electrical hazards. The main causes are:
Electric shock;
Electric burn;
Who Is at Risk?
Since electricity is a major part of modern society, anyone who works in or around electrical
devices/structures is at risk, especially if not properly trained. Arc flash and shocks can cause life altering
damage and even death and should not be taken lightly.
Most Common Electrical Hazards in the Workplace
There are plenty of potential hazards in and around the workplace. The following electrical hazards will
be covered below as follows:
Defective insulation
Wet Environment
Insufficient Grounding
Overloaded Circuits
Incorrect Wiring
Overloaded Sockets
Overhead power lines exist everywhere around us and are responsible for transferring almost all
generated electrical power across the electrical grid. Furthermore, overhead power lines carry extremely
high voltages (typically 138000 Volts or higher) which can cause very serious burns and even
electrocution. Due to the widespread nature of overhead power lines as the serious hazards they pose, it
is no surprise that overhead transmission line account for many work-related electrical fatalities.
Therefore, the main rules of thumb around live transmission lines are as follows:
A minimum distance of 10 feet from any electrical equipment and transmission lines should be
practised by personnel.
Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working near or on transmission
lines.
Defective Insulation
Defective insulation is a potential electrical hazard that can occur on job sites and in households.
Insulation, when defective or insufficient, in components like:
transformers;
Can potentially cause electric shocks due to arc flash and disable equipment breakdowns. Defective
insulation is not immediately obvious in some cases which makes it a dangerous hazard to navigate.
Wet Environment
Water is one of the best conductors of electricity and therefore one should never handle electrical
equipment near water. Handling electrical circuitry with wet hands can cause electrocution. Additionally,
electric outlets must be placed at an ample distance from the water source or pathways. This can be
especially dangerous when there is water leaking into electrical areas from burst pipes or damaged
roofs.
Exposure to damaged tools or equipment can be dangerous. All electric equipment is prone to wear and
tear and damaged or compromised devices should never be plugged in, lest they make the situation
worse. All equipment should be checked at regular intervals for wear and tear. The risks of shock from
faults in damaged equipment can cause serious injuries if not wearing proper PPE.
Insufficient Grounding
Improper grounding is a serious hazard because a circuit lacks a path to the ground, it will find an
alternative path. This path could be jumping to another live component or passing through the user
causing electrocution.
Overloaded Circuits
Overloaded Circuits are caused by putting too many electrical devices on a particular branch. This may
compromise the circuitry and especially the wiring and will cause meltdowns, burns or arc flash hazards
if not properly protected.
Incorrect Wiring
Overloaded Sockets
Overloaded sockets are common in extension cords with multiple sockets. Connecting many devices to a
single extension cord might seem like a good idea to get all your electrical devices running, but power
outlets are designed to produce a specified amount of electricity. Overloading circuits can cause arcing
and pose fire hazards.
What Should You Do if You Spot an Electrical Hazard?
Unfortunately, certain hazards are more difficult or impossible to visually identify and therefore
precautionary measures must be taken when accessing equipment by ensuring that PPE is available and
worn. The main things to remember are:
If you are unsure if the hazard exists, seek professional help immediately.
If you spot a hazardous area, mark a safe area around the potentially faulty device.
To fully ensure that there is no voltage present, the voltage much be measured across the device when it
has been shut down. However, in order to measure the voltage, a person must directly near or close to
the system or electrical cabinet. As a result, the potential stored energy in certain devices such as large
motors, present a threat of electrocution and/or explosion.
Unfortunately, many hazard preventions are introduced after the fact. That is why it is important to
perform adequate mitigation and prevention strategies for systems, starting from the design stage. There
are many strategies to ensure that proper steps are taken to mitigate or even prevent electrical hazards.
Furthermore, the ability to mitigate or even prevent electrical hazards from happening in the first place
is arguably as important as spotting one. Precautionary measures for working with electricity vary on the
worker’s job instructions and their working environment. Nevertheless, it is important to always keep
these basic precautions in mid when dealing with hazards:
Keeping appropriate distance between yourself and any possible life equipment
Etc.
Furthermore, having a full arc flash study, combined with training, done on your facility can help mitigate
hazard and allow for:
help workers around the equipment understand the dangers as well as read them before
assessing equipment.
Overhead power lines are one of the many overhead hazards on a construction site. When working
construction, there is always going to be the chance that there are going to be power lines running
above you. In fact, more likely than not, there will be some somewhere on the property. Knowing the
right regulations and safety precautions to take when working around power lines is important. It is
advised that all employees are trained and educated on the dangers and precautions that should be
taken when working around overhead power lines.
The CPWR has many records and research on different reasons for electrocution incidents on a job site. It
can be a matter of life or death when it comes to being electrocuted, and between the years of 2008 and
2010, there were 255 workers killed due to it. A large number of those electrocution incidents were
endured from contact with overhead power lines—47% of them, in fact.
There are many deaths that occurred from touching machinery or other objects that electrocuted the
worker. The objects that were touched were in direct contact with a live power line, unnoticed by the
workers. 58.2% of the deaths that are endured from non-electrical workers were from power line
contact. 20.8% of power line electrocution deaths were results of full contact with a live power line.
All employees who work in construction, or even other fields, should be educated on electrical
safety and the risks that come from electrocution. How to prevent electrocution and other electrical
injuries should be know. A lot of times, these types of incidents can happen purely from not being fully
informed about situations that can occur.
How To Avoid Electrocution From Overhead Power Lines
The best way to avoid someone getting electrocuted from a power line is to not go near them
whatsoever. However, depending on the task and jobsite, that may not always be possible. When you are
working on a jobsite and not able to completely stay clear of power lines, here are some safety
precautions that should be taken.
When you arrive at a job site, you should always thoroughly inspect all the areas of it and locate where
the hazards are. That way, when briefing your crews on the job that is to be done, all employees know
what the risks are and what to be careful of.
All employees should have proper training and education on this topic to ensure the safety of every
employee. There are many times that the person doing the task is not the one injured, but the one
standing close by.
3. Post Signage
Even though employees have been briefed about the risks and where they are located on the worksite.
There should be proper signs put up in the area that is of risk to make sure everyone remembers and
doesn’t accidentally come in contact with power lines.
There are certain circumstances and locations that can de-energize the power lines for you while the
work is being performed. This is going to help ensure the safety of your employees and help to eliminate
the risk of someone being electrocuted.
5. Keep A Safe Distance
If the power lines that you are working near are not able to be de-energized, then a safe distance should
always be kept between the lines and the worker. Depending on the voltage that is being put off from
the power line will determine exactly how far away you need to be from it.
6. Have a Spotter
In many situations on a construction site, it is the safest when you have a spotter with you, near power
lines are no exception to that. Someone to help communicate and make sure there are not any barriers
to hearing what is being discussed.
For example, one of the many reasons that there should always be a spotter is in the instance of a
hazardous situation occurring. If you are unable to exit your equipment due to a risk of electrocution,
the spotter can contact the person in charge to help execute the situation. 911 should always be
contacted when there is a situation involving a power line.
It is far more often that you will find electricians dealing with being electrocuted more than you will a
construction worker, but these instances still occur. There are a large number of records that can be
shown resulting in many deaths due to electricity. It is important that anyone who is dealing with a
situation that has the potential of electrocution, use proper PPE. Some of the items that should be worn
are:
Safety glasses
Hard hats
face shield
Insulating sleeves
Safety shoes
All of these PPE items are going to help keep you as safe as possible while on the job, but like all PPE,
these items should be a last resort. This is not going to eliminate your risk 100%, so you should still use
extreme caution when dealing with electricity. Having this protective gear though can definitely lower
your risk of death and serious injuries.
When working on a construction site, you must stay aware of many different safety risks. One of the
biggest hazards to construction workers and electrical contractors in particular is electricity.
Understanding the dangers of electricity and knowing how to avoid them is the first step of electrical
safety.
Unfortunately, many people are completely unaware of the risks electricity poses until it’s too late.
According to Electrical Safety Foundation International, between 1992 and 2010 there were 5,096
fatalities in the United States due to contact with electricity. There were a total of 66,748 injuries that
required days away from work in the same time period due to electricity. The majority of these electrical
injuries and fatalities were in the construction industry.
These statistics do not include injuries caused by secondary events. A secondary event is an injury
indirectly caused by electricity—for example, an individual falling from a ladder due to getting shocked.
If these types of injuries were included, the numbers would be even higher.
Also, every day there are workers who suffer some type of shock but do not seek or require treatment
for their injuries. Because of this, it is difficult to fully track the total impact of electrical shock in the
workplace.
In order to properly protect yourself and everyone else on the jobsite, you will need to be sure everyone
is aware of common electrical hazards. The first step to avoiding accidents and injuries is knowing the
potential dangers.
Improper grounding
Grounding is the process used to eliminate unwanted voltage. A ground is a physical connection to the
earth. This allows leakage voltage to dissipate to the ground instead of going through you and possibly
causing an injury.
When a power tool is not grounded properly, a hazard exists because unwanted voltage cannot be safely
eliminated. The metal parts of an electrical wiring system that we touch (switch plates, ceiling light
fixtures, conduit, etc.) should be grounded and at 0 volts. If the system is not grounded properly, these
parts may become energized.
If you contact a defective electrical device that is not grounded (or grounded improperly), the electrical
current will take the path of least resistance which will be you, and you will experience an electric shock.
When covers of electrical panels or equipment are broken, incomplete, or missing this creates a serious
hazard. Some exposed electrical parts hazards to look out for are:
Overhead wires coming into the job site that may be exposed
Temporary lighting has to be installed with safety in mind. Light fixtures should be properly grounded,
with a cage around the bulb, and wires should be dressed properly.
You must always keep safety in mind when working near electricity.
Inadequate wiring
An electrical hazard exists when the gauge of a wire is too small for the current it will carry.
Normally, the circuit breaker is matched to the wire size. When the gauge of a wire is too small for the
current it is supposed to carry, the wire will heat up, and the heated wire could cause an electrical fire.
Make sure to use properly rated extension cords when working with power tools. When you use
an extension cord, make sure the gauge of the wire you are placing into the circuit is not too small for
the equipment. Even if the circuit breaker is the right size, if the gauge of the wire is too small, you are
creating an electrical hazard.
A tool plugged into the extension cord may use more current than the cord can handle without tripping
the circuit breaker. This could damage the tool in addition to causing a fire. Always make sure that any
extension cord you are going to use is properly rated for the equipment you are going to plug into it.
Damaged insulation
Insulation that is defective or inadequate is an electrical hazard. Usually, insulation is made of plastic or
rubber covering over the wires. Insulation prevents conductors from coming in contact with each other
or people. Insulation also protects the wires from getting damaged due to the environment.
When insulation is damaged, exposed metal parts may become energized if a live wire touches them.
Extension cords may have damaged insulation or the insulation inside an electrical tool may be
damaged. Electric hand tools that are old, damaged, or misused may have damaged insulation inside. If
you touch these power tools or other damaged equipment, you will receive a shock. You are more likely
to receive a shock if the tool is not grounded or not double-insulated. Double-insulated tools have two
insulation barriers and no exposed metal parts.
Overloaded circuits
Overloads in an electrical system are hazardous because they can produce heat, arcing, or even a fire.
Wires and other components in an electrical system have a maximum amount of electrical current they
can carry safely. If too many devices are plugged into a circuit, the electrical current will heat the wires to
a very high temperature. Also, if any one tool uses too much current, the wires will heat up.
In order to prevent too much electrical current in a circuit, a circuit breaker or fuse is placed in the
circuit. If there is too much current in the circuit, the breaker “trips” and opens like a switch. If an
overloaded circuit is equipped with a fuse, an internal part of the fuse melts, opening the circuit.
Both breakers and fuses do the same thing—open the circuit to shut off the electrical current. If the
breakers or fuses are too big for the wires they are supposed to protect, an overload in the circuit will
not be detected and the current will not be shut off. Overloading leads to overheating of circuit
components (including wires) and may cause a fire.
3. Lockout/tagout procedures
Let's explore each of these tips in detail so you can understand how to improve safety at your
workplace.
Identifying potential electrical hazards is a crucial step in ensuring workplace safety. This process involves
conducting thorough assessments of the work environment to recognize conditions or situations that
may pose a risk of electrical accidents or injuries.
These hazards include exposed electrical wiring, overloaded circuits, faulty equipment, inadequate
grounding, and damaged insulation.
Employers can proactively identify and address potential hazards and implement appropriate safety
engagement ideas and preventive actions to mitigate risks.
Regular inspections and risk assessments play a vital role in maintaining electrical safety in the workplace
and protecting employees from electricity-related dangers.
Proper Electrical safety training and awareness among workers about potential electrical hazards also
create a safer work environment.
Damaged wiring and insulation pose significant electrical hazards in the workplace. Over time, electrical
wiring can deteriorate due to wear and tear, exposure to environmental factors, or accidental damage.
Additionally, rodents or pests can gnaw on wires, compromising their integrity. Damaged insulation
increases the risk of electrical shocks, short circuits, and fires.
Faulty wiring and insulation issues can lead to electrical malfunctions, power outages, and potential
electrocution incidents.
Employers must conduct regular inspections to identify and address any damaged wiring or insulation
promptly.
Qualified professionals should perform electrical maintenance and repairs to ensure the safety of
workers.
Employees should be trained to report any signs of damaged wiring or insulation they notice during their
routine tasks.
Promptly repairing or replacing damaged electrical components can significantly reduce the risk of
electrical accidents and ensure a safe working environment.
3. Lockout/Tagout Procedures
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures are critical safety measures implemented to protect workers from
hazardous energy sources during equipment maintenance or servicing.
These energy sources include electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and thermal energies, posing
significant risks if not appropriately controlled.
The LOTO procedures involve isolating energy sources and applying locks and tags to prevent the
accidental startup or release of stored energy.
Before any maintenance or repair work is conducted, the energy sources must be deactivated and locked
out to ensure the safety of workers.
Effective LOTO procedures help prevent unexpected startups or energization of equipment, reducing the
risk of electrocution, crushing, or other serious types of workplace injuries.
Proper LOTO training is essential to educate workers on the importance of LOTO procedures and how to
implement them correctly.
Employees involved in maintenance tasks should be familiar with the specific LOTO procedures for each
piece of equipment they handle.
Implementing comprehensive LOTO training and procedures protects workers from accidents and
ensures safety regulations and standards compliance.
Properly executed LOTO procedures are vital in creating a safe work environment and preventing
potential injuries and fatalities related to hazardous energy sources.
4. Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential in the workplace, especially in tasks where employees
may be exposed to electrical hazards.
PPE includes protective gear, such as insulated gloves, safety glasses, face shields, and flame-resistant
clothing, designed to minimize the risk of injury from electrical shocks, burns, or other accidents.
Correctly selecting and using appropriate PPE is crucial to ensure workers' safety. Insulated gloves, for
instance, protect against electrical shocks.
In contrast, safety glasses and face shields shield the eyes and face from sparks or debris during electrical
work. Flame-resistant clothing protects against potential fires caused by electrical malfunctions.
Proper PPE training and awareness are essential to ensure workers understand the importance of using
PPE correctly and consistently.
Regular inspection and maintenance of PPE are also necessary to verify its effectiveness and ensure it
meets safety standards.
Incorporating PPE into workplace safety protocols significantly reduces the risk of electrical injuries and
safeguards employees from potential hazards.
Employers must provide the necessary PPE and foster a safety culture where employees are educated
about PPE usage and encouraged to prioritize their well-being while performing electrical tasks.
Accidents involving electricity can lead to severe injuries, burns, or even fatalities, so workplaces must
have well-trained personnel who can respond promptly and appropriately in emergencies.
Having designated individuals trained in First Aid ensures that immediate medical attention can be
provided to injured workers before professional medical help arrives.
This can make a significant difference in the outcome of an accident, potentially preventing further
complications or saving lives.
Emergency response protocols should be in place to guide employees on how to react during an
electrical emergency.
This includes procedures for evacuating the area, reporting the incident, and contacting emergency
services.
Providing First Aid and Emergency Response training empowers employees to take action confidently
and effectively during critical situations, minimizing the impact of electrical accidents and facilitating a
safer work environment.
Regular drills and practice sessions are essential to reinforce these skills and ensure workers are
prepared to handle emergencies efficiently.
Insulated tools and equipment are crucial in maintaining workplace electrical safety. These specialized
tools are designed with non-conductive materials, such as rubber or fiberglass, to prevent the flow of
electricity through them.
By using insulated tools, workers reduce the risk of electrical shock and potential injuries during tasks
involving live electrical circuits.
Insulated tools come in various types, including screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and more, catering to
different electrical applications.
Such tools are especially vital when working on energized equipment or conducting tasks near electrical
sources.
Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure the effectiveness of insulated tools and
equipment.
Any signs of damage or wear should be immediately addressed, and defective tools should be replaced
promptly to maintain their safety features.
Employers must provide proper training and education to workers on the use and maintenance of
insulated tools.
Understanding the importance of these tools and how to use them correctly significantly contributes to a
safer working environment and minimizes the risk of electrical accidents.
Surge protection devices (SPDs) safeguard electrical equipment and systems from transient voltage
surges.
These surges, caused by lightning strikes, power grid switching, or other electrical disturbances, can
damage and malfunction in sensitive electronic devices, posing a significant risk to workers and
equipment.
SPDs are designed to divert excessive voltage from connected equipment, redirecting it harmlessly into
the ground.
Doing so prevents the voltage surge from reaching and damaging the electrical appliances or machinery,
extending their lifespan and reducing the likelihood of costly repairs or replacements.
Employing surge protection devices throughout the workplace, especially in areas with sensitive
electronic equipment, provides a reliable line of defense against unpredictable electrical surges.
It is crucial to select appropriate SPDs for the specific application and comply with relevant safety
standards.
Regularly inspecting and maintaining surge protection devices are essential to ensure their ongoing
effectiveness.
Regular assessments and timely replacements of outdated or damaged SPDs contribute to maintaining a
robust electrical safety system within the workplace.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are electrical safety devices that protect against electric shock
by quickly shutting off power when a ground fault is detected.
They are commonly used in areas where electrical equipment may come into contact with water or
moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor workspaces.
GFCIs are vital for preventing electrical shocks and ensuring the safety of workers and occupants.
Understanding and addressing potential electrical hazards are essential components of a comprehensive
electrical safety program in the workplace.
By proactively adopting these measures, employers can create a safer work environment and protect
employees from electrical accidents and injuries.
Electrical equipment should be inspected regularly, typically monthly or quarterly, before use to ensure
its safety and proper functioning.
1. Flickering lights.
3. Burning smells.
In case of an electrical fire, immediately cut off the power source if safe, evacuate the area, and use a
Class C fire extinguisher or a non-conductive material to smother the fire.
Final Words
Prioritizing electrical safety in the workplace is of utmost importance to protect the well-being of
employees, prevent accidents, and ensure smooth operations.
Remember, ongoing training and awareness programs are vital to ensure that all employees are
equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify potential hazards and respond
appropriately in case of an electrical incident.
CanadaSafetyTraining offers some of the best online safety training certification courses, including:
2. TDG Training
Employers should establish a safety culture at the workplace by promoting continuous learning and
communication around electrical safety.
Organizations can safeguard their employees by prioritizing electrical safety, minimizing the risk of
property damage and business interruptions, and complying with relevant regulations.
In summary, by following the discussed electrical safety tips in the workplace, organizations can create a
safe and secure environment where employees can work confidently and efficiently, knowing that their
well-being is a top priority.