Module 3

Electrical Hazards

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Lets start with a few case histories

An employee was electrocuted while using a grinder with a frayed cord. The employee was standing in water, wet-grinding stone countertops

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A maintenance employee was electrocuted while attempting to change a light fixture

(no Lockout/Tagout)

An employee was electrocuted when he made contact with a piece of equipment being hoisted from an excavation. The arm of the backhoe hoisting the equipment contacted an overhead power line
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Top Electrical Citations (FY 2005)

Electrical, Wiring Design and Protection

1926.404
Elec. Wiring Methods, Components and Equipment, General Use

1313

1926.405
Electrical, General Requirements

1157

1926.403

660
Electrical, Safety-Related Work Practices, General Requirements

1926.416 0 200

350 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400

4

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Source: Citation statistics from Federal OSHA data for OSHA fiscal year 2005

Causes of Electrocution Fatalities

Contact with Overhead Power lines Contact with Live Circuits Not following Lock/Tagout procedures Poorly Maintained Extension Cords Defective Power Tools

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Electrical Injuries
There are three direct and two indirect types of electrical injuries: Direct:
Electrocution or death due to electrical shock Electrical shock Burns

Indirect:
Falls Fire
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Shock Severity
Severity of the shock depends on:
Path of current through the body Amount of current flowing through the body (amps) Duration of the shocking current through the body,

LOW VOLTAGE DOES NOT MEAN LOW HAZARD

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Overhead Power Lines Hazard

Usually not insulated Examples of equipment that can contact power lines:
Crane Ladder Scaffold Backhoe Scissors lift Raised dump truck bed Aluminum paint roller
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Its Your Job to Know!

Know the hazards of electricity Know the equipment Use Safe Work Practices Inspect your PPE before each use Dont work on energized circuits without permission

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Safety-Related Work Practices

To protect workers from electrical shock:
Use barriers and guards to prevent passage through areas of exposed energized equipment Pre-plan work, post hazard warnings and use protective measures Keep working spaces and walkways clear of cords

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An employee working on a roof made contact with the service entrance riser into the home and was electrocuted

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Caution
Special Training is required for work on electrical equipment. Such training is for Authorized Employees and it covers: Safe Work Practices Isolation of Electrical Sources Test Equipment Tools & PPE Only Authorized Employees may conduct electrical work
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Control Devices
Control circuit devices such as
push buttons selector switches interlocks

may not be used as the sole means for de-energizing circuits or equipment.
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Control Use GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter)

Protects you from shock Detects difference in current between the black and white wires If ground fault detected, GFCI shuts off electricity in 1/40th of a second Use GFCIs on all 120-volt, singlephase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles, or have an assured equipment grounding conductor program.
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ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Effects of Amount of AC Current
ma=1/1000th of an amp

3 ma- painful shock which cause indirect accidents 10ma- muscle contraction...no let go danger 30ma- lung paralysis- usually temporary 50ma- possible ventricular fibrillation (heart dysfunction, usually fatal) 100 ma- certain ventricular fibrillation, fatal 4 amps- heart paralysis, severe burns
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How it works

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Are these safe practices?

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Lock & Tag

Lock & Tag all Sources Place Lock & Tag on each disconnecting means used to de-energize circuits Attach lock to prevent operating the disconnecting means Place Tag with each lock
Note: Only the person who places the lock may remove it.

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Lockout Devices

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If a Lock cannot be applied

A tag used without a lock must be supplemented by at least one additional safety measure that provides a level of safety equal to that of a lock. Examples: Removal of an isolating circuit element such as a fuse Blocking of a controlling switch Opening of an extra disconnecting device.
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Tagout
There many different kinds of tags and Lockout devices.

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Release Stored Energy

Stored electric energy must be released before starting work.

Discharge all Capacitors

Short-Circuit & Ground all high capacitance elements
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Is it Dead?
Verify System is Deenergized Operate the equipment controls to check that equipment cannot be restarted.

Use test equipment to test the circuits & electrical parts for voltage & current
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Alerting others of hazards

Use barricades to prevent or limit access to work areas with un-insulated energized conductors or circuit parts. Use safety signs, safety symbols, or accident prevention tags to warn others about electrical hazards which may endanger them. If signs and barricades do not provide sufficient warning and protection from electrical hazards, an attendant shall be stationed to warn and protect employees.
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Electrical Tools and Cords

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Portable Electric Tools & Cords

Portable equipment must be handled in a manner which will not cause damage. Flexible electric cords connected to equipment may not be used for raising or lowering the equipment. Flexible cords may not be fastened with staples or otherwise hung in such a fashion as could damage the outer jacket or insulation.
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Tools & Equipment

Use insulated tools or handling equipment when working near exposed energized conductors or circuit parts. Use fuse handling equipment to remove or install fuses when the fuse terminals are energized. Ropes and handlines used near exposed energized parts must be nonconductive.

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Power Tool Requirements

Have a three-wire cord with ground plugged into a grounded receptacle, or

Be double insulated, or
Be powered by a low-voltage isolation transformer

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Preventing Electrical Hazards Tools

Inspect tools before use Use the right tool correctly Protect your tools Use double insulated tools
Double Insulated marking
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Any problems?

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Clues that Electrical Hazards Exist

Tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses Warm tools, wires, cords, connections, or junction boxes GFCI that shuts off a circuit

Worn or frayed insulation around wire or connection

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Beware of Old Wiring

Removal of expansion tank (hot water). Old style knob electrical wiring. Victim contacted frayed wiring.

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Wire Pulling
Avoid manual wire pulling and use a tugger or a handtool whenever possible Communication between the puller and feeder to coordinate movements will make the job easier and safer. Use lighter-weight tools.

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Reducing Body Strains

CHANGE BODY POSITIONS. Working overhead, at floor level, or in cramped spaces forces the body into awkward postures. To relieve muscle tension and improve circulation, change body positions, alternate tasks, and stretch throughout the day.
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Summary
Electrical equipment must be: Listed and labeled Free from hazards Used in the proper manner

If you use electrical tools you must:

Be protected from electrical shock Use them in a comfortable position Be provided with necessary safety equipment

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A tree trimmer was electrocuted when he touched an overhead electrical line while descending a palm tree

Always remember Its your life!

An employee was electrocuted while working on an A/C unit
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