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Working Safely With Electrical Equipment
Working Safely With Electrical Equipment
Working Safely With Electrical Equipment
Case study 1
A worker received a fatal electric shock while attempting to operate an electric stirrer to mix some
cement for plastering work at a construction worksite. Investigation revealed that a hand-twisted
joint, taped with PVC insulation tape, was found on the power cord of the electric stirrer. Some
loose strands of wires were found exposed at the joint. These strands of wires were live at the time
of accident.
Case study 2
A worker received a fatal electric shock while carrying out arc welding work on a metal structure in
a factory.
Investigation showed that:
a. The welding electrode holder was not fully insulated.
b. The insulation on the handle of the welding electrode holder was damaged.
c. The voltage measured between the exposed metallic parts of the welding electrode holder and
the metal structure where the welding work was carried out was 70 volts.
d. There was no low voltage shock preventor built in the welding set.
Results of studies from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Report Publication 479
showed that an adult person coming into contact with 70 volts a.c. would have a current of
between 35mA (milli-ampere) and 70mA passing through his body, and he would be exposed to
risk of ventricular fibrillation. The higher the current, the higher the risk.
Ensure proper grounding of electrical equipment such that any electrical leakage current can
flow from the equipment to the ground.
ii) Attend a prescribed refresher course once every 5 years for all licensed electrical workers.
iii) Check the electrical equipment voltage rating to ensure that it is suitable for connection to the
electrical supply.
iv) Provide basic electrical safety training to workers who are exposed to electrical hazards.
v) Practice good housekeeping such as keeping the electrical equipment area dry and free of dust
to maintain a safe work environment.
vi) Report hazards to supervisors immediately.
vii) Conduct visual inspections on electrical equipment before starting work daily.
viii) Use the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided in the correct manner. Such items
include insulating gloves, safety footwear and non-conducting clothing.
Electrical equipment should always be included for safety audits or checks. Items to check
for include defective parts, faulty insulation, improper grounding, and loose connections. Take
appropriate corrective actions before working on or near live parts.
ii)
ii)
Have been fully trained to identify electrical hazards such as exposed electrical parts
and the corresponding voltage.
Know the safety procedures to follow when they need to work on such exposed parts or
in the vicinity of such hazards.
iii)
Disconnect machine / electrical equipment The Lock Out / Tag Out (LOTO) System:
Deactivate energy isolating devices the circuit breaker, disconnect switch, or other
devices that provide energy to the machine.
Set lockout and/or tag out control switches to an "off" or "safe" position to prevent
accidental start-up or energy release.
Test operating controls by pressing / turning the "on" position to ensure the machine
does not start up. Then return operating controls to the "off" position.
Only authorised personnel should have the key for the LOTO device.
If work is not completed before the next shift, lock should be applied by the next
authorised shift worker before the departing personnel removes his/her lock.
Remove tools and other items, and reinstall machine guards when work is completed.
Remove locks and tags, turn on energy and test to make sure machine is working
properly.
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Singapore Standard CP 88: Part 1: 2001. Code of Practice for Temporary Electrical
Installations. Part 1: Construction and Building Sites.
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Singapore Standard CP 88: Part 2: 2001. Code of Practice for Temporary Electrical
Installations. Part 2: Festive lighting, trade-fairs, mini-fairs and exhibition sites.
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Singapore Standard CP 88: Part 3: 2004. Code of Practice for Temporary Electrical
Installations. Part 3: Shipbuilding and ship-repairing yards.
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