Element 6:- Electrical Hazards and Control

Main Hazards of Electricity

Burns
Shock
Arcing
Fire
Explosions

Secondary Effects of Electricity

Falls from height

Unintentional movement of machine
De-activation of control measures
Loss of information
Throw off

Health effects of Electricity on the body

Damage to nervous system

Irregular heartbeat (Fibrillation)
Internal burns
External burns
Muscular contractions
Stopping breathing
Stopping of the heart

Factors Influencing severity of electrical shock

Voltage
Current
Time
Conductivity or resistance
Current path

Action on finding someone in contact with electricity

Isolate the supply if possible

Summon help
Give first-aid if capable
Remain with casualty until emergency services arrive
Causes of Electrical Fire

Inadequate circuits
Overloaded circuits
Incorrect fuses
Damaged insulation
Loose connections
Flammable materials too close to electrical equipment
Overheating of cables

Safety of Portable Electrical Appliances

The appliance:-

Battery operated
Checked before use
Suitable selected equipment
Properly maintained equipment

The Lead:-

Ensure not run over by vehicles

Dragged over rough services
Trapped in machinery
Exposed to hot surfaces or corrosive chemicals
Continuous flexing

Joints, Connections and plugs:-

Makeshift temporary connections

Leads getting pulled out
Poor made connections
Fuse being replaced
Battery operated

Fuse:-
A weak link designed to melt, breaking the circuit at excessive currents

Circuit Breakers:-
Electromagnetic device which perform the same function as fuses i.e.
break the circuit at excessive current although slightly faster
Earthing:-
Electricity will always try reach earth and earthing means providing a
path to earth lower than the human body

Isolation:-
The disconnection and separation of the electrical equipment from
every source of electrical equipment in such a way that the
disconnection and separation is secure

Reduced voltage systems:-

By reducing the voltage present system the consequences of electrical
shock can be greatly reduced

Residual Current Devices (RCD):-

It compares the current flowing into the system with the current flowing
out. When the level differs by a preset value the RCD will open rapidly
and interrupt the supply

Double Insulation:-
Covering live parts by two separated layers of insulation

User checks

Equipment is of an approved standard

Wiring and casing are free from damage
Cables are correctly routed
System not overloaded
Correct fuses
Plug properly wired and gripped
Competent users
Using reduced voltage in wet conditions
Using RCDs

Office Environments

Suitable equipment manufactured to appropriate standards

Avoid the use of trailing cables
Avoid multi-socket extensions
Control private electrical equipment brought from home
Report defective and damaged equipment
Ensure effective heating
Switch off overnight
 Test appliances at regular intervals

Test ( 6 )
a) Describe the possible health effects of electricity on the
body

For part (a), most candidates were bale to specify the

two main effects of electricity on the human body as
interference with nerve/muscle action & tissue burns
Although some were content to rely on vague references
to shock or heart attack, which were insufficient as a
description
More able candidates included reference to
Cardio-respiratory effects
In particular the risk of fatal injury due to disruption of
heart rhythm
As far as tissue burns are concerned, candidates should
have referred to the
Main sites of damage as being the entry & exit points
& to the possibility of damage to internal organs

(b) Outline the emergency action to take if a person suffers a

severe electrical shock

For part (b), the first action on discovering a person having

suffered an electric shock should always be
To summon help & following this
If the person is still in close proximity to the live part
Iisolate the supply
 Or push the person clear using a non-conductive
implement
First-aid should then be administered, which, depending on
the severity of the shock, may include cardio-pulmonary
resuscitation
If successful, an airway should be maintained by placing
the victim in the recovery position & breathing should be
monitored until medical help arrives

(a)Describe the possible health effects of electricity on the body

For part (a), most candidates were able to specify the two main
effects of electricity on the human body as interference with
nerve/muscle action & tissue burns, although some were
content to rely on vague references to shock or heart
attack, which were insufficient as a description
More able candidates included reference to
Cardio-respiratory effects
In particular the risk of fatal injury due to disruption of heart
rhythm
As far as tissue burns are concerned, candidates should have
referred to the main sites of damage as being
The entry & exit points
& to the possibility of damage to internal organs

(b)Outline FOUR factors that may affect the severity of harm of

injury from contact with electricity

For part (b), many answers concentrated almost entirely on the

voltages involved
Relatively few candidates outlined additional factors such as
The route taken through the body
The length of contact time
The general health & age of the person involved
& those factors that might affect the size of current passing
through the body
 In particular, there was little understanding of resistance, based
on such things as
Dryness of the skin
Natural body resistance
Ground conditions
& type of footwear

Outline the practical measures to reduce the risk of injury from

electricity when using a portable electrical appliance on a
construction site

For this question, there was a large range of issues available to those
candidates who could envisage working conditions on a construction
site & outline the practical measures required to reduce the risk of
injury from the use of portable electrical equipment
Relevant measures include
The appropriate selection of equipment such as battery-
operated appliances or those operating at a reduced voltage
(typically 110v)
Cables connected to the power supply with proper connectors
The use of RCDs
Training of operators in the checking procedures to be
followed before use
The introduction of a regular appliance inspection & testing
procedure
& the avoidance of using in wet conditions
As with past questions on electricity, there was a mixed response,
with some candidates showing their knowledge of the subject to
good effect & others struggling to gain marks
Many candidates appeared confused with terms such as reduced
low voltage, & abbreviations such as PAT & rcd
Answers generally tended to concentrate on maintenance &
inspection issues although, as always, there were some generic,
rather vague & decidedly optimistic references to PPE & training
when nothing else came to mind
Outline a range of checks that should be made to ensure electrical
safety in an office environment
Surprisingly few candidates offered comprehensive answers for the
range of checks required to achieve electrical safety in an office
environment
Answers could have included reference to visual inspections
for
Damage to cables
Plugs & sockets
The need to ensure that all fuses are of the correct rating
& checking that equipment is sited such that outlets are not
overloaded & cable are not in vulnerable positions
The equipment itself should be checked to ensure suitability &
conformity with recognised standards (e.g. CE marking) & a specific
testing procedure for portable appliances should be in place
As well as a procedure for reporting defects or damage
Many answers were based on best practice in factories or on
construction sites
Rather than the range of routine checks that should be
undertaken in an office environment
Several candidates concentrated solely on PAT, some
describing it in great detail, but omitted any information on the other
checks required

List the items that should be included on an inspection

checklist designed to ensure the safety of portable
electrical appliances.

the need to check that the appliance is of a suitable type for the
operations to be carried out;
that the connecting plugs are in sound condition & sockets not
overloaded; that the fuses fitted are of the correct rating;
that the appliance is operated at reduced voltage (where
appropriate) &/or protected by a RCD;
that cables are undamaged & routed safely;
& that the casing of the appliance is in good condition.
 need to check that a PAT has been carried out & is current, &
that the relevant information is provided.

Outline a range of checks that should be made to ensure

electrical safety in an office environment.

Equipment manufactured to appropriate standards

Avoid the use of trailing cables
Avoid multi-socket extension boards
Control private electrical equipment brought from home
Report defective and damaged equipment
Ensure effective heating
Disconnect electrical equipment overnight
Avoid using extension cables
Switch off overnight
Position equipment close to suitable sockets
Test appliances at regular intervals
System of pre use checks

Describe options for reducing the risk of electric shock when

using a portable electric drill on a construction site

Ensuring suitable equipment

Reduced voltage supply
Use of RCDs
Double insulated tools
Battery operated tools
Suitable connections
Pre-use visual check on the plug, the lead and the drill
Equipment tested frequently
Avoid using in wet conditions
a) Describe the function and limitations of a fuse as
an electrical protection device

Explain ONE advantage a residual current device

(RCD) has over a fuse
a) A fuse is designed as a weak link to melt breaking
the circuit at excessive currents

Limitations
Does not protect the individual from shock
Slow to operate
Inaccurate
Unsuitable or wrong fuse may be used
Easy to override
Needs tool to replace

b) A circuit breaker will break the circuit slightly faster

than a fuse

Describe the principles of operation of the following

types of electrical protection:
1) Earthing
 Electricity will always try reach earth and earthing means
providing a path to earth lower than the human body

2) Reduced voltage

By reducing the voltage present system the consequences of

electrical shock can be greatly reduced

(a) Describe the possible health effects of electricity on

the body.

interference with nerve/muscle action

o tissue burns the entry & exit points & to the
possibility of damage to internal organs.
Cardio-respiratory effects,
the risk of fatal injury due to disruption of heart
rhythm.

(b) Describe how earthing can reduce the risk of

receiving an electric shock

o Earthing:- Electricity will always try reach earth

and earthing means providing a path to earth
lower than the human body

(a) Outline
1) The effects on the body of electric shock

interference with nerve/muscle action

tissue burns the entry & exit points & to the possibility
of damage to internal organs.
 Cardio-respiratory effects,
the risk of fatal injury due to disruption of heart
rhythm. Secondary effects such as falling from height

2) The emergency action to take if a person suffers a

severe electrical shock.

1. Obtain/summon help
2. Isolate victim from supply. (switch off or
push clear with non-conductive implement)
3. Administer first aid if trained
4. Place in recovery position
5. Remain with victim until medical help arrives

b) Outline the practical measures to reduce the risk of

electric shock when using portable electrical appliances

the appropriate selection of equipment such as battery-

operated appliances or those operating at a reduced
voltage (typically 110v);
cables connected to the power supply with proper
connectors;
the use of RCDs;
training of operators in the checking procedures to be
followed before use;
the introduction of a regular appliance inspection &
testing procedure;
avoidance of using in wet conditions

(a) Outline the dangers associated with electricity.

interference with nerve/muscle action

 tissue burns the entry & exit points & to the possibility
of damage to internal organs.
Cardio-respiratory effects,
the risk of fatal injury due to disruption of heart
rhythm. Secondary effects such as falling from height

(b) Outline the emergency action to take if a person

suffers a severe electrical shock.

1. Obtain/summon help
2. Isolate victim from supply. (switch off or
push clear with non-conductive implement)
3. Administer first aid if trained
4. Place in recovery position
5. Remain with victim until medical help arrives

In relation to the use of 230 volt hand-held electrical

tools:
1) Outline the possible dangers

interference with nerve/muscle action

tissue burns the entry & exit points & to the possibility
of damage to internal organs.
Cardio-respiratory effects,
the risk of fatal injury due to disruption of heart
rhythm. Secondary effects such as falling from height

3) Describe suitable precautions that should be taken

to control such dangers
 Apparatus and cables should be protected against
overload by fuses and/or circuit breakersAll cables
should be insulated and protected against mechanical
damage
Correct types of sheathing to suit working conditions
Sufficient socket outlets to minimise the need for
trailing cables
The use of cable drums wherever possible
Correct maintenance and repair
Correct connections
Reduced voltage operation
Use of residual current circuit breakers
Regular inspections and checks to remove damaged
equipment
Properly trained operators

Out the precautions to take to protect against electrical

contact when:
a) Excavating near underground cables

Plan, isolate, identify, dig

b) Working in the vicinity of overhead power lines

Isolation of power if possible

Safe path clearly marked by using fencing and
barriers.
Height restrictions by using Goal posts
Warning notices.
Prohibiting equipment capable of reaching
overhead lines
Travel limiters fitted to cranes etc.
Supervision.
a) Outline the main electrical hazards arising from work
on a construction site

Underground/overhead electrical lines

Use of portable power tools
Working in wet conditions

b) Describe the precautions that should be taken to

minimise the hazards

Plan, isolate, identify, dig

Isolation of power if possible
Safe path clearly marked by using fencing and barriers.
Height restrictions by using Goal posts
Warning notices.
Prohibiting equipment capable of reaching overhead
lines
Travel limiters fitted to cranes etc.
Supervision.

List two types of fire extinguisher that can be used on an

electrical fire

Outline the measures that should be taken to minimise

the risk of an electrical fire

A) CO2, Dry powder,

 Sufficient circuits
No overloading of circuits
Correct fuses
No damage to insulatio insulation
No loose connections
do not store flammable materials too close to electrical
equipment
Ensure cables do not overheat
Suitable inspections
Proper maintenance procedures

A decorator uses a large portable electric steamer for

wallpaper stripping.

(i) Identify FOUR hazards associated with the

use of the steamer.

manual handling,
contact with the steam & hot surfaces,
ergonomic & electrical hazards,
slips, trips & falls.

(ii) Outline the checks that should be made to

ensure electrical safety when using the steamer.

visual inspection of cables, plugs & sockets.

the equipment conforms to relevant standards (CE
marking),
that it has been subject to portable appliance testing,
that the equipment does not show signs of damage,
that fuses are of the correct rating,
that residual current devices are in use,
 & that there are appropriate means of isolating the
steamer.

In relation to electrical safety, explain the meaning of the

following terms:

(1) isolation

Isolation refers to shutting off the electrical supply to an

item of equipment or part of an electrical system &
preventing inadvertent reconnection in order, for instance, to
carry out maintenance work.

(2) earthing

Earthing, on the other hand is a means whereby electrical

equipment & conductive items are connected to earth by a
cable or metal pipework such that the route to earth provides
the path of least resistance to a current flowing under fault
conditions.

(3) reduced low voltage

Reduced low voltage, commonly used on construction

sites, involves the reduction of mains voltage by a
transformer to a lower, safer voltage typically 110 or 55
volts;
(4) overcurrent protection.

Overcurrent protection is a method of preventing the flow

of excess current by cutting the supply under fault
conditions by means of a fuse or circuit breaker.

a) Describe the possible effects of electricity on the body

interference with nerve/muscle action

tissue burns the entry & exit points & to the possibility
of damage to internal organs.
Cardio-respiratory effects,
the risk of fatal injury due to disruption of heart
rhythm.

b) Outline FOUR factors that may affect the severity of

injury from contact with electricity

Voltage
the route taken through the body,
the length of contact time,
the general health & age of the person involved,
dryness of the skin,
natural body resistance,
ground conditions,
type of footwear.