Safety & Prevention of Accidents:

1.1 Definition of terminology used in safety

1.2 I.E. Act & statutory regulations for safety of persons & equipments working with electrical installation
1.3 Dos & don’ts for substation operators as listed in IS.
1.4 Meaning & causes of electrical accidents factors on which severity of shock depends,
1.5 Procedure for rescuing the person who has received an electric shock, methods of providing artificial respiration,
1.6 Precautions to be taken to avoid fire due to electrical reasons, operation of fire extinguishers

Objective Better awareness and understanding on:

• The possible hazards caused by electricity
• Safety measures and practices to avoid those hazards
• Duties of building/premises management in ensuring safety of electrical installations
• Applicable Statutory requirements on safety standards regarding electrical works, equipment and installations.
Definition of terminology used in safety
HAZARD Event or situation with potential harm in terms of injury, damage to property, damage to workplace
environment or combination of these.
ELECTRICAL HAZARD
An electrical hazard can be defined as a serious workplace hazard that exposes workers to electrical injuries
Types of Electrical Injuries
Direct: 1 Electrocution or death due to Electrical shock, Burns
Indirect: 1. Falls 2. Fire
COMMON ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
Improper Grounding, Exposed Electrical Parts, Inadequate Wiring, Damaged Insulation, Overloaded Circuits, Damaged
Tools & Equipment, Wet Conditions
ELECTRICAL HAZARD
In recognizing, avoiding and protecting against electrical hazards keep in mind – safety.
BURNS
A burn is the most common shock related injury. Burns from electricity are one of three types:
1. Electrical 2. Arc/Flash 3. Thermal Contact
ELECTROCUTION
Electrocution results when a human is exposed to a lethal amount of electrical energy.
SHOCK
• Shock results when the body becomes part of the electrical circuit;
• Electrical shock is defined as a reflex response to the passage of electric current through the body.
ARC FLASH/BLAST
An arc flash is the sudden release of electrical energy through the air when a high voltage gap exists and there is a
breakdown between conductors.
FIRE
Most electrical fires result from problems with faulty electrical outlets, old wiring, problems with cords (such as extension
and appliance cords), plugs, receptacles, and switches.
EXPLOSION An explosion can occur when electricity ignites an explosive mixture of material in the air.
CONTACT WITH ENERGIZED SOURCES
The major hazards regarding contact with energized sources are electrical shock and burns.

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WHAT TO DO?
 Do not go near to the casualty until the electricity is proven off
 Break the current
 Call for emergency assistance
 If the victim is unconscious, check to see if they are breathing and have a pulse
 Check A – Airway ( Is it open?) B – Breathing (Is the casualty breathing normally?) C – Circulation (Does the
casualty have normal pulse?)
 Do not attempt to move the victim unless they are in further danger.
 Stay with them until help arrives

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FACTORS INFLUENCING SEVERITY
The severity of electric shock or the amount of current which flows on the body depends on
Frequency of supply
 Level of voltage
 State of the point of contact with the body
 Duration of exposure
 Resistance of the body
FREQUENCY OF SUPPLY
The frequency of supply here in India is 50Hz. This frequency is close to that of heart when functioning properly. It can
have an effect of disrupting the operation of the heart causing it to beat in a disagreeing manner, to fibrillate
LEVEL OF VOLTAGE
It is the driving force behind the flow of electricity. According to ohm’s law: I = V/R
Current is proportional to the voltage LOW VOLTAGE DOES NOT MEAN LOW HAZARD
DANGERS IN LOW VOLTAGE SYSTEM
Secondary shock hazards, Arc in a low-voltage system has the same potential for igniting explosive materials Short
circuit
CURRENT PATH
•From one finger to another finger the effect will be concentrated between two points
• From one hand to another hand, current will pass through the heart
• From left hand to right foot, current will pass through vital organs
DURATION OF EXPOSURE For an electric shock to have an effect a person needs to be in contact with the circuit for
sufficient time. The longer the person is in contact with the current the more harm it may cause
RESISTANCE
A rough value for the resistance of the human body is 300-1,000 Ohms. Naturally, the resistance also depends on the path
that electricity takes through the body - if the electricity goes in the left hand and out the right foot, then the resistance will
be much higher than if it goes in and out of adjacent fingers. Other factors affecting resistance are Body’s chemical
make – up
 Dryness
 Thickness of skin
 Clothing being worn such as shoes and gloves
HAZARD OF STATIC ELECTRICITY The main hazard of static electricity is the creation of sparks in an explosive or
flammable atmosphere. These sparks can set off an explosion or fire. The danger is greatest when flammable liquids are
being poured or transferred.
HAZARD OF STATIC ELECTRICITY
For static electricity to be a hazard, four conditions must be met: There must be a means for a static charge to develop.
Enough energy must build up to cause ignition. There must be a discharge of this energy (a spark). The spark must occur
in an ignitable vapour or dust mixture.
HOW TO IDENTIFY WORKPLACE HAZARDS Create a hazard scenario
 Where it is happening (environment),
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 Who is affected or what it is happening (exposure),
 What causes the hazard (trigger)
, The outcome that would occur should it happen
 (consequence), and Any other contributing factors.
Definition of terminology used in safety
Primary Hazards
Primary Hazards Electrocution (Electric Shock) (Electric Shock) Fire and Explosion 15% of all causes of fire.
Secondary Hazards
Secondary Hazards • Burns –Contact Burn –Flash Burn- falling from height etc.
–Flash Burn When performing maintenance work inside a switch room, a technician accidentally dropped his torch into a
switch cubicle, resulting in an explosive short circuit. The technician was seriously burnt.

Winter typically means spending more time indoors and using more electricity – to heat our homes, power devices that
keep us entertained and light up our houses indoors and out during the holidays.

But electricity is a hidden danger to the residents in your community. Because it is so frequently used, most people tend to
underestimate the risk potential and dangers that come with electrical fires.

Electricity is a hidden danger to the residents in your community. Because it is so frequently used, most people tend to
underestimate the risk potential and dangers that come with electrical fires. (Photo/State Farm via Flicker)
Fire safety standards: What you should know
The hard lessons of others on fire safety
In fact, approximately 7 percent of all residential fires stem from an electrical source, and because they tend to be difficult
to identify, they are usually much more dangerous and destructive than other types of fires.
In an effort to keep your community safe, please keep these tips for combatting an electrical fire handy in the
event of an emergency, and share them with friends and family. Knowing how to respond quickly could be the difference
between a small fire and a devastating disaster.
If An Electrical Fire Starts
1. If the device that is causing the electrical fire is found, and you can reach the cord and outlet safely, unplug it.
2. If the fire is small, you may put it out by smothering it with baking soda.
3. It may also be put out by removing the oxygen source with clothing or a heavy blanket if the fire is small and it is safe
to do so.
4. Don’t use water to put it out. Water is a natural conductor of electricity and if you throw water on an electrical fire, you
can get shocked or electrocuted. Also, water may enable to fire to spread by conducting electricity throughout the room
and potentially igniting flammable materials.
5. Check your fire extinguisher. Electrical fires are a class C fire, which means that you will need an extinguisher that is
appropriate for this type of fire. Most residential fire extinguishers are multi-purpose and labeled ABC, but it is crucial to
verify this before using it on an electrical fire.

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IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE ELECTRICAL FIRE

1. GET OUT. You and any family members need to leave as soon as you can to prevent injury or loss of life. Do not
try to be a hero.
2. Close the door as you leave to contain the fire.
3. Call emergency contact number as soon as you are at a safe distance from the fire.
4. Do not re-enter your home until the fire has been contained by firefighters.

While it is important to remember these steps in order to take appropriate action during an electrical fire, it’s equally, if
not more, important to take actions to prevent them from occurring in the first place.

HOW TO STOP AN ELECTRICAL FIRE FROM OCCURRING

1. Invite an electrician to inspect the home to ensure it meets the safety provisions. They can also identify if the
potential electrical hazards that are not detected by standard breakers and can be especially helpful in older
homes. They can prevent between 50-75% of certain types of electrical fires.
2. Always use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage for the fixture or lamp.
3. Install child precautions when they are present to prevent accidental electrocution.
4. Never use extension cords with heating units or air conditions. They should only be used temporarily.
5. Do not overload the outlets. If additional circuits are necessary, consult with an electrician.
6. Pay attention if you notice any warning signs of electrical failure. This includes flickering lights, buzzing sounds
from the electrical system, and circuit breakers that often trip or fuses that frequently blow.
7. Inspect electrical devices periodically to determine if there is wear or fraying of the wires. Do not use devices that
show signs of fraying or wear.
8. Contact an electrician if you smell anything burning or see smoke coming from an appliance, cord or the plug, or
if you see an outlet that is discolored.
9. Only use portable space heaters with a safety mechanism that shuts them off if they tip over. Do not leave them
on overnight or place them next to combustible materials.

In addition to these tips, it is also imperative to practice good fire safety habits. This includes installing smoke detectors in
every room of the house and testing them monthly to ensure their batteries are working. Sixty-five percent of fire deaths
occur in homes without working smoke detectors. Develop an evacuation plan for the home, with family members
practicing it periodically to ensure preparedness in the event of an emergency.

Electrical fires can pose a huge danger, but proper precautions and safe, appropriate reactions to combat the fire can help
to minimize the risk of injury or death.

Types of fire extinguisher

There are 5 main fire extinguisher types – Water, Foam, Dry Powder, CO2 and Wet Chemical.
You should have the right types of fire extinguisher for your premises, or you may not meet current regulations.
The various types of fire extinguisher put out fires started with different types of fuel - these are called 'classes' of
fire. The fire risk from the different classes of fire in your business premises will determine which fire extinguisher types
you need.
You will also need to make sure that you have the right size and weight of fire extinguisher as well as the right kind.
Whilst there are 5 main types of fire extinguisher, there are different versions of both the Water and Dry Powder
extinguishers, meaning there are a total of 8 fire extinguisher types to choose from. The 8 types of fire extinguisher are:
- Water
- Water Mist
- Water Spray
- Foam
- Dry Powder - Standard
- Dry Powder - Specialist
- Carbon Dioxide ('CO2')
- Wet Chemical
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There is no one extinguisher type which works on all classes of fire.
Below is a summary of the classes of fire, and a quick reference chart showing which types of extinguisher should be used
on each. We then provide a detailed explanation of each type of fire extinguisher below.
The classes of fire
There are six classes of fire: Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, 'Electrical', and Class F.
- Class A fires - combustible materials: caused by flammable solids, such as wood, paper, and fabric
- Class B fires - flammable liquids: such as petrol, turpentine or paint
- Class C fires - flammable gases: like hydrogen, butane or methane
- Class D fires - combustible metals: chemicals such as magnesium, aluminium or potassium
- Electrical fires - electrical equipment: once the electrical item is removed, the fire changes class
- Class F fires - cooking oils: typically a chip-pan fire
Types of fire extinguisher - a detailed guide
Water Extinguishers
Overview:
Water extinguishers are the most common fire extinguisher type for class A fire risk. Most premises will require either
water or foam extinguishers.
Label Colour:
- Bright Red
Use for:
- Organic materials such as:
o Paper and cardboard
o Fabrics and textiles
o Wood and coal
Do not use for:
- Fires involving electrical equipment
- Kitchen fires
- Flammable gas and liquids
How water extinguishers work:
The water has a cooling effect on the fuel, causing it to burn much more slowly until the flames are eventually
extinguished.
Types of premises/business who may need water extinguishers:
- Buildings constructed of wood or other organic materials
- Premises where there are organic materials to be found such as:
o Offices
o Schools
o Hospitals
o Residential properties
o Warehouses
In fact, most buildings need either water or foam extinguishers.
Where to locate water extinguishers:
- By the exits on a floor where a Class A fire risk has been identified
Water spray extinguishers - what's the difference?:
Water spray extinguishers are equipped with a spray nozzle, rather than a jet nozzle, meaning a greater surface area can be
covered more quickly and the fire put out more rapidly.
Water mist extinguishers - what's the difference?:
Water mist extinguishers have a different type of nozzle again which releases microscopic water particles. These particles
'suffocate' the fire and also create a wall of mist between the fire and the person using the extinguisher, reducing the
feeling of heat.
Foam Extinguishers

Overview:
Foam extinguishers are most common type of fire extinguisher for Class B fires, but also work on Class A fires as they are
water-based.

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Label Colour:
- Cream
Use for:
- Organic materials such as:
o Paper and cardboard
o Fabrics and textiles
o Wood and coal
Plus:
- Flammable liquids, like paint and petrol
Do not use for:
- Kitchen fires
- Fires involving electrical equipment
- Flammable metals
How foam extinguishers work:
As with water extinguishers, foam extinguishers have a cooling effect on the fuel. On burning liquids, the foaming agent
creates a barrier between the flame and the fuel, extinguishing the fire.
Types of premises/business who may need Foam extinguishers:
- Buildings constructed of wood or other organic materials
- Premises where there are organic materials to be found such as:
o Offices
o Schools
o Hospitals
o Residential properties
o Warehouses
- Buildings where flammable liquids are stored
In fact most buildings need either water or foam extinguishers
Where to locate foam extinguishers:
- By the exits on a floor where a Class A or Class B fire risk has been identified

Dry Powder Extinguishers

Overview:
Standard dry powder extinguishers are also called 'ABC' extinguishers because they tackle class A, B and C fires,
however they are not recommended for use in enclosed spaces. This is because the powder can be easily inhaled, and also
the residue is very difficult to clean up after. ABC powder extinguishers can also be used on some electrical fires.
Specialist dry powder extinguishers are used for flammable metals.
Label Colour:
- Blue
Use for:
- Organic materials such as:
o Paper and cardboard
o Fabrics and textiles
o Wood and coal
Plus:
- Flammable liquids, like paint and petrol
Plus:
- Flammable gases, like liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and acetylene
Plus:
- Fires involving electrical equipment up to 1000 V
Specialist dry powder extinguishers are only used on flammable metals, such as titanium and magnesium.
Do not use for:
- Fires involving cooking oil
- Fires involving electrical equipment over 1000 V
- or in enclosed spaces, such as offices or residential properties

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How dry powder extinguishers work:
Dry powder extinguishers smother fires by forming a barrier between the fuel and the source of oxygen.
Types of premises/business who may need Dry Powder extinguishers:
- Businesses using flammable gases for chemical processes
- Premises where welding and flame cutting takes place
- Garage forecourts
- Liquid petroleum gas (LPG) dispensing plants
- Premises with large, commercial boiler rooms
Where to locate Dry Powder extinguishers:
- Place dry powder extinguishers near to the source of the fire risk.
Specialist Dry Powder extinguishers - what's the difference?:
Specialist dry powder extinguishers work in the same way as standard dry powder extinguishers but are for use with
flammable metals only. There are 2 types of specialist dry powder extinguishers - 'L2' which only tackles lithium fires,
and 'M28', for all other flammable metal fires.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers

Overview:
CO2 extinguishers are predominantly used for electrical fire risks and are usually the main fire extinguisher type provided
in computer server rooms. They also put out Class B fires (flammable liquids, such as paint and petroleum).
Label Colour:
- Black
Use for:
- Flammable liquids, like paint and petrol
- Electrical fires
Do not use for:
- Kitchen fires – especially chip-pan fires
- Combustible materials like paper, wood or textiles
- Flammable metals
How CO2 extinguishers work:
CO2 extinguishers suffocate fires by displacing the oxygen the fire needs to burn.
Types of premises/business who may need CO2 extinguishers:
- Premises with electrical equipment, such as:
o Offices
o Kitchens
o Construction sites
o Server rooms
All work vehicles should also carry a smaller 2kg CO2 extinguisher.
Where to locate CO2 extinguishers:
- Place near to the source of the fire risk and/or near the fire exits.

Wet Chemical Extinguishers

Overview:
Wet chemical extinguishers are designed for use on Class F fires, involving cooking oils and fats. They can also be used
on Class A fires although it is more usual to have a foam or water extinguisher for this type of fire risk.
Label Colour:
- Yellow
Use for:
- Cooking oil/fat fires
- Organic materials such as:
o Paper and cardboard
o Fabrics and textiles
o Wood and coal
Do not use for:
- Flammable liquid or gas fires
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- Electrical fires
- Flammable metals
How wet chemical extinguishers work:
Wet chemical extinguishers create a layer of foam on the surface of the burning oil or fat, preventing oxygen from fuelling
the fire any further. The spray also has a cooling effect.
Types of premises/business who may need wet chemical extinguishers:
- Commercial kitchens
- Canteens
Where to locate wet chemical extinguishers:
- Place near to the source of the fire risk.