ELECTRICAL HAZARDS Copyright 2019 by PECPremier Safety Operations

Electricity is a form of energy that can be carried through wires and is used to operate machines, lights, and more. Every time you press a button, pull a lever, or talk with a coworker on your cell phone, you are using electricity. 2 PPT-SM-EH-2019

It is important for you to know the hazards of working on or near electrical equipment, how to work safely on or near electrical equipment, and the different types of electrical equipment. Electrical incidents cause an average of 13 days away from work and approximately one fatality every day. 3 PPT-SM-EH-2019

Some occupations that put workers at risk of electrical injuries include: • Electrical and electronic engineers, assemblers, and technicians • Electricians • Industrial machine operators • Painters • Riggers and roustabouts • Stationary engineers • Welders 4 PPT-SM-EH-2019

Workers are divided into two categories when working on or near energized equipment: • Qualified • Unqualified 5 PPT-SM-EH-2019

Qualified workers are those who are allowed to work on or near exposed energized parts. These workers have had training in and have demonstrated skills and knowledge in the construction and operation of electrical equipment and installations and the hazards involved. 6 PPT-SM-EH-2019

Whether a worker is considered to be a qualified person will depend upon various circumstances in the workplace. For example, it is not uncommon for a worker to be considered qualified to work on certain equipment in the workplace, but unqualified to work on other equipment. 7 PPT-SM-EH-2019

Unqualified workers are those with little or no training on working on or near premises wiring, wiring for connections to supply electricity, outside conductor installations, and optical fiber cables. This safety meeting does not qualify you to work on or near energized parts. 8 PPT-SM-EH-2019

Workers should receive either classroom or on-the-job training required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Training must include the risks involved with certain job assignments. Only respond to your level of training. If you are not a qualified electrician, you should not repair or work on electrical equipment. 9 PPT-SM-EH-2019

Electrical hazards include: • Shock • Electrical arcs and blasts • Ground faults • Fires and explosions • Burns 10 PPT-SM-EH-2019

Certain conditions increase the chances of an electrical incident, such as: • Hazardous atmospheres • Wet and damp surroundings • Working outdoors or in cramped spaces • Live electric lines and equipment • Equipment wear 11 PPT-SM-EH-2019

Minor sparks can ignite gases. Make sure the electrical equipment you are using is appropriate for the area where you are working. Electrical tools used in hazardous locations must be explosion-proof or intrinsically safe. 12 PPT-SM-EH-2019

Avoid working in wet areas because water increases your skin’s ability to conduct electricity. Reduce the possibility of electrical injuries by waiting until an area is dry, using special wet environment electrical tools, or using tools powered by an alternative source. 13 PPT-SM-EH-2019

Sometimes it is best to avoid using electrical equipment altogether. In these cases, alternative energy, such as hydraulic, pneumatic, or hand-powered equipment, can be used. If you do not know what type of electrical equipment to use, ask your supervisor. 14 PPT-SM-EH-2019

Careful inspection of electrical tools can also help prevent you from accidentally contacting electricity. If you notice worn insulation, exposed wires, loose parts, or missing covers, immediately tag the equipment out of service and tell your supervisor. 15 PPT-SM-EH-2019

Never use broken or faulty equipment and tools. All electrical equipment should be maintained in good condition and inspected regularly. If any piece of equipment trips, it should be assessed by an electrician before it is used again. 16 PPT-SM-EH-2019

Other unsafe work practices include: • Failure to use proper lockout/tagout (LOTO) • Unauthorized work on energized circuits • Not using personal protective equipment (PPE) • Putting materials or tools too close to energized circuits • Poor working positions • Using defective equipment • Reaching into or near energized circuits • Not using a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) 17 PPT-SM-EH-2019

Safety related work practices must be used to prevent electric shock or other injuries. Specific safety related work practices must be consistent with the nature and extent of the associated electrical hazards. 18 PPT-SM-EH-2019

Safe work practices include: Following specialized procedures in wet work areas Using LOTO Conducting inspections 19 PPT-SM-EH-2019 Using GFCIs Following assured grounding programs Guarding energized parts

Protective shields, barriers, or insulating materials must be used to protect workers from electrical injuries while they work near exposed energized parts. 20 PPT-SM-EH-2019

Safety signs, safety symbols, or accident prevention tags must be used where necessary to warn workers about electrical hazards. Barricades must be used with safety signs to prevent or limit access to work areas that expose workers to uninsulated energized conductors or circuit parts. 21 PPT-SM-EH-2019

Electrical hazards are common and electrical accidents can result in worker deaths. Always follow your company’s safe work practices when you are working around electrical hazards. Remember, if you are not a qualified electrician, you should not repair or work on electrical equipment. 22 PPT-SM-EH-2019

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