Electrical Safety

Why is it Electrical Safety is Paramount?

Electrocutions rank 4
th
in work related fatalities
Nearly 8,000 electrical related injuries occur annually
3,600 disabling and 4,000 non-disabling injuries each
year
Myths of Electricity
It takes a lot of voltage to kill someone,
current alone dont kill, it take a little voltage
to push it.
Electricity will take the path of least
resistance
Electricity takes every path to complete the
circuit
Electricity can cause damage on the outside
with little or no wounds visible.
General Electrical Safety Requirements
All electrical work practices must comply with
applicable sections of the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA), National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA), Philippine Electrical
Code
Qualified Person
Personnel who are familiar and
experienced in the type work may
work on electrical circuits and
equipment.
Basic Electrical Terms
Basic Electrical Terms
V = IR, I = V/R, R = V/I
Dangers of Electricity
Boundaries
Limited Approach Boundaries A shock protection boundary to be crossed only
by qualified persons (at a distance from a live part. Unqualified persons must not
cross this boundary unless accompanied by a qualified person.
Restricted Approach Boundaries A shock protection boundary to be crossed
only by qualified persons (at a distance from a live part). The boundary proximity
to a shock hazard requires then use of shock protection techniques and
equipment when crossed.
Prohibited Approach Boundaries A shock protection boundary to be crossed
only by qualified persons (at a distance from live part). When crossed by a body
part or object, this boundary requires the same protection as if direct contact is
made with a live part (i.e., requires a voltage rated tools, voltage rated gloves and
clothing in some cases).
Working on Electrical Equipment and System
Boundaries
Working Spaces around enclosures and
Equipment
Equipment Clearance for Operations near
Energized Overhead Lines
Voltage Level Distance
Up to 50 kV 10 feet
69 kV 11 feet
115 kV 12 feet
230 kV 16 feet
500 kV 25 feet
Note: Use the 10-foot minimum and add 4 inches every 10 kV over 50 kV
rounding up to the nearest foot. It is required because clearance is usually
an estimate.
Equipment Clearance in Transit
Voltage Level Distance
Up to 50 kV 4 feet
50 kV up to 345 kV 10 feet
Over 345 kV up to 750 kV 16 Feet
oA flag person must guide cranes, high lifts and other equipment in transit near
exposed energized lines at all times.
oDo not move any equipment or machinery under energized overhead high
voltage lines or near exposed energized parts.
oUnload and lower any boom or mast to transport position.
oGround the equipment while it is being transported.
Working on Electrical Equipment and System
Electrical installation must comply with the applicable
provisions of the current editions of PEC, OSHA and NFPA
Flash hazard analysis shall be done before a person
approaches any exposed electrical conductor or circuit part
that has not been placed in an electrically safe working
condition.
Observe a safe approach distance from exposed energized
electrical conductors or circuit parts. As distance between a
person and the exposed energized conductors decreased,
the potential for electrical accident increases.
Safety Requirement Before Starting
Electrical Works
SWP
Hazard Identification
Job Briefing
PPE requirement