Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard, exposing employees to electric shock, electrocution, burns, fires, and explosions. Most of these fatalities could have been easily avoided.
OSHA standards cover the exposed or operating elements of an electrical installation such as lighting, equipment, motors, machines, appliances, switches, controls, and enclosures, requiring that they be constructed and installed to minimize workplace electrical dangers. Also, the standards require that certain approved testing organizations certify electrical equipment before use in the workplace to ensure it is safe. Common mistakes include:
- Using multi-receptacle boxes designed to be mounted by fitting them with a power cord and placing them on the floor.
- Using equipment outdoors that is labeled for use only in dry, indoor locations.
- Attaching ungrounded, two-prong adapter plugs to three-prong cords and tools.
- Using circuit breakers or fuses with the wrong rating for over-current protection, e.g. using a 30-amp breaker in a system with 15- or 20-amp receptacles. Protection is lost because it will not trip when the system’s load has been exceeded.
- Using modified cords or tools, e.g., removing ground prongs, face plates, insulation, etc.
- Using cords or tools with worn insulation or exposed wires.
Some ways to prevent these accidents are through the use of insulation, guarding, grounding, electrical protective devices, and safe work practices.
- Ground all power supply systems, electrical circuits, and electrical equipment.
- Frequently inspect electrical systems to insure that the path to ground is continuous.
- Do not remove ground prongs from cord- and plug-connected equipment or extension cords.
- Use double-insulated tools and equipment, distinctively marked.
- Ground all exposed metal parts of equipment.
Insulation covering flexible cords such as extension cords is particularly vulnerable to damage.
Conspicuous signs should also be posted at the entrances to electrical rooms and similarly guarded locations to alert people to the electrical hazard and to forbid entry to unauthorized people. such as “Danger/High Voltage/Keep Out.”
Ground-fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, are used in wet locations, construction sites, and other high-risk areas. These devices interrupt the flow of electricity within as little as 1/40 of a second to prevent electrocution. GFCIs compare the amount of current going into electric equipment with the amount of current returning from it along the circuit conductors. If the difference exceeds 5 milliamperes, the device automatically shuts off the electric power.
An electric shock can result in anything from a slight tingling sensation to immediate cardiac arrest. The severity depends on the amount of current flowing through the body. When skin is moist or wet, it acts as a conductor. This means that anyone working with electricity in a damp or wet environment needs to exercise extra caution to prevent electrical hazards.
For more information, contact our offices at Diversified Safety Services.
