Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard, exposing employees to such dangers as electrical shock, electrocution, burns, and fires. Using safe work practices while working on or near de-energized electrical parts can decrease your chances of being injured from electricity.
You can receive a shock when a part of your body becomes part of an electric circuit. An electric shock can cause serious injury or sometimes even death. You will get a shock if you touch:
The effects of an electric shock on the body can range from a tingle where the body touches the circuit to immediate cardiac arrest. A severe shock can cause more damage than can be easily seen.
The following rules apply to all electrical equipment:
Electricity is an integral part of our lives both at home and in the workplace. In 1994, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 346 deaths were attributed to contact with electric current. Using safe work practices while working on or near de-energized electrical parts can decrease your chances of being injured from electricity.
Workers who work on or near de-energized electrical parts require training on how equipment is de-energized and locked/tagged out, how to safely work on or near de-energized parts, and what safeguards to use.
Electrical currents travel in closed circuits through conducting materials. You can receive a shock when a part of your body becomes part of an electric circuit. An electric current enters the body at one point and exits at another. High-voltage shocks can cause serious injury or sometimes even death.You will get a shock if you touch:
The effects of an electric shock on the body can range from a tingle where the body touches the circuit to immediate cardiac arrest. A severe shock can cause more damage than what can be seen.
The following rules apply to all electrical equipment:
Good work habits soon become second nature. Don’t take chances with electricity. One mistake could cost you your life.
Accidents involving electricity are one of the top four killers at construction sites. Each year, approximately 17% of all construction fatalities are a result of an electrical accident. This tool box talk highlights the recent top five electrical safety violations. This is a good place to start when working with electricity and the problems found at typical job sites.
Electrical circuits and equipment must be protected by either ground fault circuit interrupters or an assured equipment grounding conductor program to protect employees on construction sites.Ground fault electrical shocks are the most common electrical job site hazard. This rule is designed to take away that hazard.
wiringTemporary electrical power and lighting wiring methods may be of a class less than would be required for a permanent installation. Except as specically modied in §1926.405(a)(2) of the construction regulations, all wiring must meet the requirements for permanent wiring. Temporary wiring must be removed immediately upon completion of construction or the pur pose for which the wiring was installed.
The path to ground from circuits, equipment, and enclosures must be permanent and continuous. Temporary wiring and extension cords are a major part of the construction job site. Interrupted equipment grounds are an invitation to disaster.
The OSHA regulations cover the requirements for flexible cords and cables. This is OSHA’s term for extension cords. Covered is requirements for:
Listed, labeled, or certified equipment must be installed and used in accordance with instructions included in the listing, labeling, or certification.At times, electrical equipment is installed or used in a manner for which it was not designed. A good example is the multi-receptacle outlet box. It is designed to be mounted but is sometimes fitted with a power cord and placed on the floor to provide power for various tools. When not installed, tested, inspected, and used properly, electrical equipment can be deadly. Do not use electrical equipment that is obviously bad.
Accidents involving electricity are one of the top four killers at construction sites. Each year, approximately 17% of all construction fatalities are a result of an electrical accident. This tool box talk highlights the recent top five electrical safety violations. This is a good place to start when working with electricity and the problems found at typical job sites.
