Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Electrical Safety
Table of Content
Part I:Introduction
II: Electricity is Dangerous III: The Danger of Electrical Shock IV: Electrical Hazards V: Electrical Safety Measures
Part I : Introduction
Fundamentals of Electricity
Like Water In A Garden Hose
Resistance = Diameter of Hose Example Larger hose (less resistance), more water flows
What is electricity ?
A source of Energy Essential to Modern Life Extremely Dangerous Cannot be seen Cannot be smelt
Part II
Electricity is Dangerous
Electricity is the second leading cause of death in construction. Electrocutions make up 12% of construction fatalities annually. Over 30,000 non-fatal shocks occur each year. Over 600 deaths occur annually due to electrocution.
muscle contraction leading to secondary injury which includes falls Fires Enough heat or sparks can ignite combustible materials Explosions Electrical spark can ignite vapors in the air Arc Flash - can cause burns ranging from 14,000 degrees f. to 35,000 degrees f Arc Blast In a short circuit event copper can expand 67,000 times. The expansion causes a pressure wave. Air also expands adding to the pressure wave
Fires
Arcs
Generated during faults / flashover (Lightning) Very high temperatures / causing burns
Explosions
Flammable substances give off vapours Electrical sparks can ignite (ie. domestic light switch)
Arc Flash:
Arc Blast:
80%-Burns due to ignition of clothing Temperature-35,000 F Fatal Burns-10 ft. 2000 people hospitalized with burns Molten metal
Arc Blast
Cause
Dropped Tool
15 tons of pressure
Arc Blast
ARC-BLAST. The three primary hazards associated with an arc-blast are: Thermal radiation. Pressure Wave. Projectiles.
Explosions.
Explosions occur when electricity provides a source of ignition for an explosive mixture in the atmosphere.
Fires
Electricity is one of the most common causes of fires both in the home and in the workplace. Defective or misused electrical equipment is a major cause.
VOLTAGE unit of measurement of electromotive force (EMF) CURRENT - Continuous movement of electrons past a given point. (measured in amperes) RESISTANCE Opposition to movement of electrons. Makes it possible to generate heat, control current flow, & supply correct voltage to devices
Always flows in one direction Used to charge batteries, run some motors, operate magnetic lifting devices and welding equipment.
More common in electrical work Changes rapidly in both direction and value Power companies produce power cheaper with alternating current
Electric Current
Electric current
Conductors
Metals such as copper, silver, gold and aluminium. Loose electrons in abundance so charge can be transferred easily Copper very common on cost basis
Electric current
Summary
Potential Difference
Charge on an object Measured with respect to earth Also known as Pressure Water Analogy
Horizontal pipe water does not flow Raise one end water flows out A pressure difference exists
Potential Difference
Raising pipe created a pressure difference Raising electric charge has same effect only electric current will flow Amount of current that flows dependant on conductor (more water could flow in a bigger pipe)
Potential Difference
Summary
(water analogy)
i.e. 230V
Conductors conduct electricity Insulators dont Metals conduct Wood, plastic, air, oil and rigid glass do not conduct electricity (most of the time)
Resistance
A larger diameter pipe allows more water to flow than a smaller one If a small diameter section of pipe is inserted into the large pipe the flow of water is restricted
Some materials conduct electricity better than others (atomic structure different)
Resistance
Small diameter wires (conductors) allow less electricity to flow than in similar bigger diameter wires The ease by which a material conducts electricity is known as resistance
Relationships
Electric Current - Amperes Potential Difference Voltage Electrical Resistance All above are related to each other
Ohms Law
French physicist Ohm studied the relationship between Potential difference (V), Amperes, and Resistance. I V
Sources of power
Battery DC Mains Supply Portable Generators Solar panels
Electricity supplied to factories, offices and homes at 230 volts Large factories at 11000 volts or above Supply has alternating current (a.c.) Alternates at (frequency) of 50 cycles per second (50 Hertz or Hz)
Power
When current flows energy is transmitted and usually consumed by a load Examples heaters, lights, motion
Such devices must consume electricity because we have to pay for it!
Power
Power = Volts X Amps (work done) Measured in Watts (W) Example 2300 Watt electric kettle
Electrical circuits
Consist of
Very important for safety ! Prevents conducting parts of equipment (ie. metal frames or lids), which do not normally conduct electricity from becoming live during faults.
Leading Causes of Electrical Accidents: Drilling and cutting through cables Using defective tools, cables and equipment Failure to maintain clearance distance of 10 feet Failure to de-energize circuits and follow Lock-out/Tag-out procedures Failure to guard live parts from accidental worker contact Unqualified employees working with electricity Improper installation/use of temporary electrical systems and equipment By-passing electrical protective devices Not using GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupters) devices Missing ground prongs on extension cords
Current travels in closed circuits through conductors (water, metal, the human body). Shock occurs when the body becomes a part of the circuit. Current enters at one point & leaves at another.
Severity of the Shock depends on: Amount of current Determined by voltage and resistance to flow Path through the body Duration of flow through the body Other factors such as general health and individual differences.
Electric shock
0.5mA 6mA tingling sensation Threshold of perception. 10mA 16mA muscular contraction sets Threshold of danger 30mA 60mA & above prolonged exposure can be FATAL Death can occur in a fraction of a second
More than 3 milliamps (ma): painful shock More than 10 ma: muscle contraction More than 20 ma: considered severe shock More than 30 ma: lung paralysis - usually temporary More than 50 ma: possible ventricular fibrillation (usually fatal) 100 ma to 4 amps: certain ventricular fibrillation (fatal) Over 4 amps: heart paralysis; severe burns
Burns
Surface Deep tissue Muscular Contraction Asphyxia Respiratory Arrest Ventricular Fibrillation
Electric Shock
Ventricular Fibrillation
Factors are Current / Time & Physiological Structure of body Can occur at 30mA (0.03 A) Causes heart to flutter Muscle cannot open / close properly Does not pump Lack of oxygen to brain - DEATH
Zone 1 - No danger Zone 2 - Usually No effects Zone 3 Reversible damage, no fibrillation, breathing difficulties Zone 4
Isolate supply immediately Dial 999 If you cannot isolate DO NOT attempt to touch casualty Physically remove victim using nonconducting implements Check for pulse / breathing, give artificial respiration if necessary
Employers must follow the Electrical Standards Electrical installation The Four Proactive Methods:
Electrical Isolation
We can be safe by keeping electricity away from us. We can:
The first way to safeguard workers from electrically energized wires is through insulation. Rubber and plastic is put on wires to prevent shock, fires, short circuits and for strain relief. It is always necessary to check the insulation on equipment and cords before plugging them in.
Double Insulation
Lots of portable equipment is Double Insulated Extra layer of insulating material over live conductors to prevent exposure of conductors Can mean that an earth conductor is not required risk reduced by additional insulation.
Worker attempted to climb scaffold with electric drill. Drills cord was damaged with bare wires showing. The bare wire contacted the scaffolding. The worker died!
The second way to safeguard workers from electrically energized wires is by elevating them. Wires are often elevated by the power company. It is always necessary to check the location of overhead lines before you begin work each day. Remember, never allow yourself, your tools, or the materials you are working with to be within 10 feet of energized lines!
Clearance of worker and any equipment, tools, materials, or scaffold near uninsulated lines is
10 feet!
A worker was attempting to move mobile scaffold. Scaffold made contact with 7200 volt line. The worker died.
The third way to safeguard workers from electrically energized wires is by guarding them. Covers, boxes, and enclosures are often put around conductors to prevent worker contact. It is always necessary to check that electrical boxes and panels are covered and free from missing knock-outs. Remember, electric equipment operating at 50 volts or more must be guarded!
Equipment Grounding
We can be safe by providing a separate, low resistance pathway for electricity when it does not follow normal flow (grounding).
Grounding gives the stray current somewhere to go and keeps you from becoming part of the circuit
No earthing of equipment
Grounding will not work if the electricity can flow through you more easily than the ground. This can happen when:
Your tool doesnt have a ground pin. Youre working in wet locations. Youre touching a metal object
All equipment bonded together No potential (voltage) difference between live casing and handrail If case becomes live fuse should blow
Equipotential Bonding
All circuits and extension cords. All noncurrent carrying metal parts. Portable & semiportable tools and equipment unless double insulated.
Circuit Interruption
We can be safer by automatically shutting off the flow of electricity in the event of leakage, overload, or short circuit. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) are circuit protection (or overcurrent) devices that protect you, the worker. Circuit breakers & fuses protect equipment, not you, because they take too much current & too much time to trip.
Receptacle
Reverse Polarity
Reversed polarity is a condition when the grounded conductor (neutral) is incorrectly connected to the ungrounded (hot) terminal of a plug, receptacle, or other type of conductor
Reverse Polarity
Normal Wiring Reverse Polarity
Hot
Neutral
Neutral
Hot
Fuses
essential for safety, will cut off supply at a certain current level i.e. 13A, 5A, 3A mains supply fuse Fuse has a fuseable wire element which heats up when current flows Excessive current = excessive heat & wire melts preventing current flow Residual current device Compares current in Live & Neutral if different and above a certain value supply switched off
RCDs
Circuit Breakers and Fuses Only protect the building, equipment, and tools from heat build-up! Never depend on circuit breakers or fuses to prevent shocks! Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Is the only device which will protect the worker from shock and electrocution!
GFCI Protection
All temporary circuits are required to have GFCI protection or: Equipment & cords must be included in an Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program An extension cord is a temporary circuit. Types of GFCIs: receptacle, circuit breaker and portable Must be wired correctly and tested.
A GFCI breaker must be installed to protect workers using 220V masonry saws.
GFCI Testers
Grounding
Equipment
All metal frames & enclosures of equipment are grounded by a permanent connection or bond The equipment grounding conductor provides a path for dangerous fault current to return to the system ground at the supply source should a fault occur
Without Grounding
Grounded
Temporary Wiring
There must be separate circuits for electric tools and lighting, each labeled as such. Light circuits do not require a GFCI. Unless used in a wet location. Test branch circuits before use. Maintain vertical clearances. Insulate wires from their supports.
Must be in good shape without splices. Cannot be secured with staples, nails or bare wire. Must be protected from damage. Must have a ground pin. Should be inspected regularly and pulled from service if defective. Cannot be repaired with electrical or duct tape. Must repair with heatshrink sleeve or bonding/vulcanizing tape to retain original insulation properties
Temporary Lighting
All bulbs must be guarded No broken bulbs or empty sockets Not suspended by wiring Low voltage for wet locations
Portable Generators
the generator supplies only cord and plug connected equipment. The non-current carrying metal parts of equipment and the equipment grounding conductor terminals of the receptacles are bonded to the generator frame. GFCI is required if >5kV or if generator provides 220V as well as 110V.
Before work begins, the employer must determine where exposed and concealed electrical circuits are located. Once found, warning signs/labels must be posted. Workers need to know the location, hazards, and protective measures.
Competent Person determines if performance of work could bring contact with energy. Distance of the worker to the energy source should be considered first. Tools, materials, and processes should also be considered to see if they could potentially shorten the safe separation distance. Examples: Metal Ladders, Re-bar, Forklift, Scaffold Frames, etc.
No metal ladders for or near electrical work. No wet hands when plugging or unplugging cords/equipment. No raising or lowering tools by the cord. Unless equipment is designed for it, cannot be used in damp and wet locations.
Switch off using a device that will create an air gap that should not fail Lock off where possible to prevent inadvertent switching ON whilst work taking place Always test conductors in a reliable way before touching (ie. test the test device before and after use!)
55 VAC systems have not caused anybody to be electrocuted Often referred to as a 110VAC centre tapped earth supply (CTE) yellow coloured equipment Less than 120 VDC considered to be safe
Wet, dusty, flammable gases, mechanical strength, corrosive atmospheres (maggot farms) Must be maintained in good condition Failure to select suitable equipment and maintain it often results in incidents at a later date
Many accidents result from 230 volt portable equipment Pressure Washers / Vacuum Cleaners Resulting from
Visual Inspection
Check flexible mains cable for damage to insulation If insulation is damaged REPLACE DO NOT wrap conductors together and tape up So called Electrical Insulation Tape will not provide a sufficient barrier between you and a potentially fatal electric shock as has been proven on many occasions
Plug
Check that only the outer insulation has been clamped / gripped. Clamping inner conductor insulation will potentially lead to exposure of live terminals. Is fuse correct rating (Instructions should advise correct current value DO NOT use a nail) Check that all 3 pins are present and in good condition
Testing
Only by a competent person Earth bond test Insulation test On-load test
Barricades shall be used in conjunction with safety signs where it is necessary to prevent or limit employee access to work areas exposing employees to uninsulated energized conductors or circuit parts
If signs and barricades do not provide sufficient warning and protection from electrical hazards, an attendant shall be stationed to warn and protect employees
The Law
Require
Safe construction, maintenance & work systems Capability, Environment, Insulation, Grounding, Connections, Fusing, Isolation, Making dead, Live working, Working Space, Competence. Covers ALL aspects at ALL voltages.