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This project deals with some common methods present in the electrical safety. It
also tells about the unknown facts about electricity. Electrical industries and department
had been considered as a risky sector due to large amount of accidents. Actually, these
accidents arise due to inexperienced work lack of training, lack of experience when
working with electrical machine etc. Step potential, touch potential, power arc, arc blast,
burns etc. are some major accidents. Many injuries, deaths and property damage caused by
workplace electrical hazards can be avoided. The first step in avoiding these hazards begins
with safety awareness. There are many associations such as NFPA, ESFI, OSHA etc.
provides awareness of electrical safety in home as well as in workplace. They help
employees for ensuring safe environment.
Electrical safety is a very important factor that needs urgent attention. This project
provides an overview of basic electrical safety on the job and at home. Electricity is
essential to modern life, both at home and on the job. The main objective of this project is
to inform the community and users of electricity about the electrical safety and the serious
consequence when it is not properly and regularly performed. As a part of case study we
visited Central Power Training Institute (CPTI), Hyderabad.
INDEX
CONTENTS PAGE NO
List of figures i-ii
CHAPTER 1 1-11
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
1.1 ELECTRICAL SHOCK 1
CHAPTER 2 12-22
ELECTRIC HAZARDS FACED BY SPECIFIC GROUPS
2.1 WELDERS 12
2.3 EXCAVATORS 16
2.5 PAINTERS 18
3.4.1 PROCEDURES 26
3.4.2 DOCUMENTATION 26
CHAPTER 4 27-40
PRINCIPLES FOR SAFETY
4.1 SHOCK AND BURN RECOMMENDATIONS 27
4.5.1 FUSES 32
4.5.4 EARTHING 35
4.7 CLEARANCE 39
CHAPTER 5 41-46
ELECTRICAL SAFETY IN CONSTRUCTION
5.1 INTRODUCTION 41
CHAPTER 6 48
CONCLUSION 48
REFERENCES 49
LIST OF FIGURES
S.NO NAME OF THE FIGURES PAGE N0.
1. 1.1 Step potential 04
6. 2.1 Welder 12
i
21. 4.1 Fuse 33
ii
CHAPTER 1
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
Electric shock occurs when the body becomes part of an electrical circuit. Shocks
can happen in three ways.
• A person may come in contact with both conductors in a circuit.
• A person may provide a path between an ungrounded conductor and the ground.
• A person may provide a path between the ground and a conducting material that is in
contact with an ungrounded conductor.
The terms high voltage and low voltage are relative terms. In transmission-line
terminology, "low voltage" is much higher than the 600 volts. At home, you would not
think of 600 volts as being low voltage.
Even when applied to 120-volt circuits, the term low voltage is deceiving. To some
people low voltage means low hazard. Actually, low voltage does not necessarily mean
low hazard, because potential difference is only one factor making up the dangerous effects
of electricity. For purposes of this Lesson, you can think of "low voltage" as being a
potential difference of 24-600 volts.
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The amount of the current depends on the potential difference and the resistance.
The effects of low current on the human body range from a temporary mild tingling
sensation to death. An electric shock can injure you in either or both of the following.
• A severe shock can stop the heart or the breathing muscles, or both.
• The heating effects of the current can cause severe burns, especially at points where the
electricity enters and leaves the body.
30 to 75 Respiratory paralysis
75mA to 4 amps Ventricular Fibrillation
Over 4 amps Tissue begins to burns. Heart muscles
Clamp and heart stops beating
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Current is the killing factor in electrical shock. Voltage is important only in that it
determines how much current will flow through a given body resistance. The current
necessary to operate a 10 watt light bulb is eight to ten times more current than the amount
that would kill a person. A pressure of 120 volts is enough to cause a current to flow which
is many times greater than that necessary to kill.
The tremendous increase in use of household electric devices, the proliferation of
current operated tools in industry, and the continual introduction of new techniques for
improved hospital care have created, if only statistically, an additional hazard to human
life. During the last two years, the activities of concerned engineers, medical experts, and
even consumer advocates have probably speeded new codification of existing
precautionary standards. United toward an end result of greater safety, groups and
individuals sometimes are in conflict as to the best means. The discussion, very
properly,continues. Never use energized appliances or tools when standing in water or on
a wet floor. Do not grasp water pipes and energized appliances at the same time.
With 120 volts and a skin resistance plus internal resistance totaling 1200 Ohms, we
would have 1/10 ampere electric current, that is 100 milliamperes. If skin contact in the
circuit is maintained while the current flows through the skin, the skin resistance gradually
decreases.
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Figure 1.1 Step potential
The wider apart a person's legs are, the larger the voltage difference across the body.
Protection from the step potential hazard should be to stay in the zone of equipotential
while working. Simply being alert to this hazard is the best defense. For this reason,
unqualified personnel standing on the ground are cautioned to stay clear of structures.
This means that a person standing near the point where fault current enters the earth
may have a large potential difference from foot-to-foot. The potential difference over the
same span will be less and less as the span is moved away from either the fault current
entry point or the fault current return point at the source.
1.1.2 Touch potential
Touch potential is a problem similar to step potential – see Figure 4. It involves a
fault current flow in the earth establishing a potential difference between the earth contact
point and some nearby conductive structure or hardware.
Protection for step and touch potential is the use of switch operating platforms and
ground grids. The worker must remain upon a local conductive mat as the highest voltage
gradient has been moved to the mat's edges. Sub stations on Site have a ground grid located
under the rocks, but if an individual is located outside this area and while standing on the
earth, touches a ground or a grounded object, a difference in potential may exist during a
ground fault.
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Figure 1.2 Touch potential
1.2 Causes of Electrical Accidents
Electrical accidents are common, if not unavoidable, in the manufacturing
environment. They occur for a number of reasons, whether it concerns the management,
equipment, or employees. There’s often no one person to blame; as the old saying goes,
accidents just happen.
The problem is, they happen too frequently, and have far too many dangerous
consequences to be complacent about them. In fact, according to the International
Electrical Safety Foundation, between 2000-2005 the number of deaths caused by electrical
accidents ranged between 150 and 200 a year: in 2000, there were about 253 deaths; in
2005, there were 251.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK, who collect and
analyze data on electrical accidents, among other things, there are 12 common causes of
electrical accidents that happen while the equipment is being maintained:
1.Unsafe system of work
2.Inadequate information
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3.No training
4.Inadequate isolation
5.Unsafe Rule
6.Poor control of work activities
7.Working Live
8.Unsuitable test equipment
9.Poor maintenance
10.Failure to manage work
11.Person not competent
12.Uninsulated electrical wiring
The True Culprit: Lack of Training
Interestingly, nearly half of these causes are directly related to employees’ training
and level of proficiency on the job. More often than not, electrical workers involved in
accidents are ill-equipped, ill-prepared, or ill-informed to work safely and confidently at
their own jobs.
Let’s take a closer look at five of those causes:
1.No Training: The worker in question has inadequate training to perform the tasks at
hand.
Example: In one case, an untrained worker was ordered to work on an electrical
control panel. Because the worker had never been trained, he attempted to work while the
panel was still live, resulting in an electrical short. The worker sustained severe burns to
his face and arms, while the employer was both prosecuted and fined.
With adequate training, this worker would have known to isolate the circuit before
beginning work, avoiding the accident altogether.
2.Person not competent: Despite some training, the worker in question does not have
enough knowledge to adequately perform the tasks at hand.
Example: Though a worker had received some training, the employer did not
realize that he was still not knowledgeable enough to perform the task he was given. He
wired a machine incorrectly, and received a severe electrical shock in the process. Although
competent people were available to perform the task, the employee was assigned and
expected to complete the job, resulting in serious body injuries.All employees should be
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proven competent at their jobs, for their own safety and the safety of others.
The Memorandum of Guidance on the Electricity at Work Regulations articulates the
minimum standard of worker competency for electrical personnel
3. Inadequately Isolating Circuits: Worker does not properly isolate electrical circuits,
resulting in electrical injuries.
Example: An electrician received a severe electrical shock when working on
building refurbishments. The electrical supply had not been properly isolated and locked
out, causing the accident. Moreover, no management system was in place to monitor the
isolation of said supply. As a result, the company was prosecuted and fined.
Businesses need to have safety systems in place to monitor the isolation
of electrical circuits. In addition, workers should have enough training and
experience to know how to isolate, lockout and test for no voltage potential on
circuits before beginning work.
4. Unsafe Rules and Training: Workers are unsure of the safety regulations and
procedures in their work environment.
Example: One worker received a shock of 33,000 volts when he climbed a live
apparatus in a substation. The company did not have adequate demarcations of safe / unsafe
working zones, leading the worker to believe the apparatus was dead and therefore safe to
climb. Furthermore, the training of the staff concerning safety zones was negligible. The
shock resulted in the amputation of both the worker’s arms and the company receiving a
fine of about $90,000.
Employers should ensure that working methods, materials, and worker training
meet the minimum safety standards. Otherwise, workers move in and out of unsafe
environments all day without knowing the difference. For the minimum safety standards,
view the free HSE leaflet “Controlling the Risks in the Workplace.”
5. Employees, knowingly or unknowingly, working on live electrical equipment.
Example: After receiving a shock, an employee’s heart actually stopped beating
while working live on electrical equipment. The equipment should have been isolated and
locked out before the work began but, due to the worker’s under-training and
incompetency, the equipment was left live. Although his heart was resuscitated, the worker
suffered severe brain damage from the accident.Personnel must be trained sufficiently on
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how to isolate, lockout and test for no voltage potential before beginning work in order to
eliminate risks. If even one worker cannot tell the difference between a live and dead
circuit, every worker is in danger.
The Simutech Solution:
Clearly, employee training and proficiency testing is critical to minimizing
accidents at the workplace. Each of the real-life accidents described above could have been
mitigated or prevented had the worker in question been properly trained and had the
employers been aware of the level of their proficiency.
That’s why Simu tech offers our Troubleshooting Skills Training System. Through
our real-life simulations and five step process, users gain hands-on experience
troubleshooting electrical problems. By first encountering concepts in online training and
then working in our real-life simulations, users solve a variety of electrical faults/problems,
from troubleshooting basic electrical circuits to complex industrial controls.
Moreover, users are exposed to a variety of learning tools, such as videos,
flowcharts, and wiring diagrams, ensuring that all kinds of learners can learn quickly and
effectively. In addition, the Simu tech Course Manager tracks each user’s progress
1.3 Power Arc
An electric arc, or arc discharge, is an electrical breakdown of a gas that produces
a prolonged electrical discharge. The current through a normally nonconductive medium
such as air produces a plasma; the plasma may produce visible light. An arc discharge is
characterized by a lower voltage than a glow discharge and relies on thermionic
emission of electrons from the electrodes supporting the arc. An archaic term is voltaic arc,
as used in the phrase "voltaic arc lamp".
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difference of potential between two points, an arc can occur under the right set of
conditions. Not only could an electrical arc jump from a conductor to a person and give
them a shock but arcing can result in serious burns and explosive blasts.
Typically, arcing distances are rather small. Safe approach distances should include
a safety factor to the arcing distances in order to account for such things as inadvertent
movement and variable work conditions.
Workers should always be aware of the arcing hazard when handling tools and
equipment near energized electrical conductors. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may
be required in certain situations depending on the amount of energy available at the source.
The power arc is a discharge of electricity through a combination of ionized air and
vaporized conductor material. The conductive material is vaporized by temperatures in an
arc which can be as high as 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Burns associated with high energy arcs can be fatal even if the victim is several feet
from the arc, and severe burns at distances up to ten feet are common. Clothing may also
be ignited at distances of several feet. This may also be fatal, because the clothing cannot
be removed or extinguished quickly enough to prevent serious burns over much of the
body's skin.
1.3.2 Electrical Arc Blasts:
In addition to an electrical shock and burns, another hazard to employees is the blast
effect that can result from arcing. If the current involved is great enough, these arcs can
cause injury and start fires. Extremely high-energy arcs can damage equipment causing
fragmented metal to fly in all directions. Low-energy arcs can cause violent explosions or
blasts in atmospheres containing explosive gases, vapors or combustible dusts
The hot vaporized metal from the arc blast will combine with oxygen and become
an oxide of the metal of the arc. These molten particles will stick to almost anything
actually melting into many surfaces. Clothing may ignite as a result of contact with this
molten material and a victim may receive serious burns. Also, your body has an instinctive
reaction when you are suddenly startled to breath in heavy or gasp. Inhaling the hot
vaporized particles will cause serious damage to your respiratory system by burning the
lungs, throat and esophagus.
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There is no equipment available to completely protect electrical workers from the
effects of blast. However, safe practices, such as standing to the hinged side of a cubicle
door when operating a breaker, and other precautions listed below can be taken to minimize
the effect of a blast. The main protections against arc blasts are listed in the following chart:
Exposure Limitation The amount of time you spend around high
energy equipment; don't loiter
.
Distance Always stay as far away as possible from
high energy equipment unless you have a
need to be there.
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Figure 1.3 Electric arc model
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CHAPTER 2
ELECTRIC HAZARDS FACED BY SPECIFIC GROUPS
2.1 WELDERS
All Welders who use electrical systems to “Weld, Cut, or Braze” must have a working
knowledge of the electrical hazards that’s an inherent part of their job and take positive
steps to eliminate and/or mitigate those hazards – see Figure 2.1. The following are some
of the safety rules and guidelines that apply to welders and may be used in other disciplines.
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The insulation on welding electrode holders is sometimes damaged from rough use
and from moving welding equipment through/around tight spaces – see Figure 2.2.Contact
with skin or damp clothing by the bare metal exposed when this occurs can result in a
shock. Similarly, welding leads and cables can become cut or nicked from rough handling
and use, exposing the bare metal of the conductor. Leads, cables and electrode holders
should be inspected prior to work and more frequently in rough use situations. When
working in tight and confined spaces, care should be taken to prevent hot sparks and slag
from falling onto and damaging welding leads.
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Figure 2.3 Crane coming in contact with power lines
It's easy to prevent serious accidents involving cranes and power lines. The following
safety tips should be adhered to when operating a crane near overhead power lines.
• Keep a safe distance between yourself and power lines. Ten feet is generally considered
the minimum safe distance. Always consider all power lines as energized and dangerous.
Any contact with a crane boom will probably cause serious injury to operators and workers,
and damage to equipment.
• Look up before you unload or load a crane from a truck or lowboy. Make sure there are
no overhead lines before you start.
• Educate your crew, particularly new employees about the dangers of overhead power
lines. Utility companies have a ten feet(10') minimum approach distance to overhead power
lines.
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Figure 2.5 Dump truck contacting power line
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2.3 EXCAVATORS
Buried power and communication lines are more prevalent today than ever before.
These lines pose a special hazard to operators of equipment used during trenching and
excavation activities. Therefore, operators need to be aware of the hazards penetration of
energized power lines poses and take positive steps to eliminate the hazard before digging.
Figure 4.3.1 illustrates some of these hazards.
▪ Locate underground power lines and other utilities before digging. Utility companies
will assist with location and marking and should be contacted prior to digging.
▪ Workers must ensure that power is removed from the lines and a zero energy state
has been verified.
▪ Workers must ensure that the system is locked and tagged out.
▪ All workers must have a questioning attitude about safety and especially electrical
safety.
Remember, penetration of energized underground conductors by workers can result in
shock and even death
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2.4 WAREHOUSE WORKERS
Warehouse workers are exposed to a wide variety of hazards. These may include
chemicals, vehicular traffic, awkward working positions, height, and electrical shock
potential. Of these the least addressed one is electricity. Therefore workers tend to ignore
electrical safety conditions because they simply don’t recognize the hazard. This section
will address some of these hazardous conditions and discuss ways to remove them.
Electricity in warehouses is often encountered during storage and retrieval of parts
that are stored at height and involve the use of some type of lifting device such as a forklift.
Warehouse workers must be aware of the following electrical hazards and implement
positive controls so that they may be avoided.
▪ Use cable guards when running temporary power cords.
▪ Verify that power lifting platforms do not raise high enough to place worker within the
minimum safe approach distance of high energy lighting and equipment conductors.
▪ Ensure that containers used to store explosive/flammable chemicals are properly
grounded.
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▪ All workers should know where disconnects, circuit breakers and switches are located in
their area of responsibility
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buss bars, and power carrying rails in the work place. Figure 2.11 shows some of these
conductors.
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if the generator has just been turned off the equipment could still be hot and present the
possibility of a burn if touched.
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Figure 2.13 Battery bank
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5. If charging is to be conducted on a battery in a mobile piece of equipment, the battery
compartment cover must be left open to vent heat and explosive gases.
6. There must be adequate ventilation in the charging area.
7. The battery charger must be protected from damage. This usually means a physically
protected area.
8. Facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body must be provided at or
near the charging area (approved emergency eyewash and safety shower).
9. Smoking and other ignition sources must be prohibited in the charging area. “No
Smoking” signs must be posted.
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CHAPTER 3
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
6.1 INTRODUCTION
Safety can be defined as the control of recognized hazards to achieve an acceptable
level of risk. Safety precautions need to be taken at every stage and should be documented
in the form of Dos and Don’ts. Warning signs must be displayed. Entry should be regulated.
Personnel involved must be trained in electrical safety. Safety inspection must be carried
out periodically. Indian electricity rules and Acts have clauses formulated and enforced to
ensure safety of every user of electrical equipment. This act and relevant rules impose
several safety requirements as electricity supply undertakings/ manufacturers/ contractors/
and users. They are mandatory for every manufacturers, contractors, and users of electrical
installation equipments and electricity supply undertakings.
Why is Electrical Safety so Important?
Electrical hazards have always been recognized, yet serious injuries, deaths, and
property damage occur daily. The earlier mentioned Dangers of electricity, Statistics and
Newspaper articles raise the need for spreading awareness about Electrical Safety.
Organizations like the US Department of Labor and the National Safety Council compile
statistics and facts on a regular basis. The following facts demonstrate the importance of
electrical safety.
1. 97% of all electricians have been shocked or injured on the job.
2. Approximately 30,000 workers receive electrical shocks yearly.
3. Over 3600 disabling electrical contact injuries occur annually.
4. Electrocutions are the 4th leading cause of traumatic occupational fatalities.
5. Over 2000 workers are sent to burn centers each year with severe Arc-Flash burns.
6. 60% of workplace accident deaths are caused by burn injuries.
7. Over 1000 electrical workers die each year from workplace accidents.
Who is exposed?
1. Electric field is invisible and silent. Persons who approach high voltage conductor
encroach into high electric field are exposed to danger of shocks or electrocution.
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2. Persons touching non-effectively earthed, faulted metal parts in electrical installations
are exposed.
3. Persons working in substation, power stations, transmission lines, cables etc. are
exposed.
4. Persons who are unaware of presence of electrical power and are carrying out the work
in the vicinity of live parts are exposed.
3.2 ELECTRICAL SAFETY LEGISLATION
The legislation involving electrical safety is the “Electricity Ordinance (Chapter
406)” as enforced by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and “Factories
and Industrial Undertakings (Electricity) Regulations (Chapter 59)” enforced by the
Labour Department.
3.2.1 ELECTRICAL ORDINANCE
The Ordinance requires that people engaged in electricity work, or with contractors
and electricity generation facilities, must be registered. It also stipulates the safety
requirements of electricity supply, electricity wiring and electrical products, etc.
There are several subsidiary regulations of the Electricity Ordinance, including:
1. Electricity Supply Regulations
2. Electricity Supply (Special Areas) Regulations
3. Electricity (Exemption) Regulations
4. Electricity (Registration) Regulations
5. Electricity (Wiring) Regulations
6. Electrical Products (Safety) Regulation
7. Electricity Supply Lines (Protection) Regulation
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Figure 3.1 Statistics of Industrial Accidents
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personnel, who could be deliberately, or accidentally, exposed to electrical
hazards.
• To encourage, and make it easier for each employee to be responsible for his
or her own electrical safety self-discipline.
3.4 PLANNING WORK PROCEDURES
All electrical work should be planned before the work begins. For non-hazardous
electrical work, the plan is typically unwritten. Written or not, all plans must consider all
hazards and guard against them. Jobs that are done repeatedly should have a written
procedure, which is followed each time the work is performed. If at any time the plan is
not clear, all work must stop and the plan reviewed.
3.4.1 PROCEDURES
Procedures typically come in two varieties: plans written specifically for a
particular job, or one that may take the form of a more general procedure which may
include a check list or simply a verbal plan.
Written procedures should be prepared by a person who understands the work to be
done and the hazards involved (qualified person). He, or she, should also be familiar with
the equipment being worked on. Procedures for work performed should be reviewed with
the appropriate individuals responsible.
Written procedures must include a step-by-step outline of the work to be performed
and a one-line diagram or other appropriate drawings to be used to discuss the job.
3.4.2 DOCUMENTATION
When planning electrically hazardous tasks, the following documentation may be
required:
• Hazard/Risk Analysis. This will include a review of the available hazards
including a flash hazard analysis.
• Approach Distances to Exposed Energized Electrical Conductors and Circuit Device.
• Requirements Checklist for Electrical Hazardous Tasks:
This should be a checklist developed by the proper authorities, which outlines the
protection requirements, requirements for review and approval, etc. for various work tasks,
voltage levels and approach boundaries, etc.
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CHAPTER 4
PRINCIPLES FOR SAFETY
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Employees should be provided training that covers information regarding
electrical risks such as inadequate grounding and reverse polarity and likely electric
shock producing equipment, including extension cords, plugs, and portable power
tools. The dangers of energized and unattended appliances should be stressed in this
training as well as the theory behind lockout and tagout procedures. Employees
working with electricity must also be informed on how to recognize electric shock
victims, safe methods of rescue, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
4.2 TRAINING, PLANNING AND WRITTEN PROCEDURES
Here are some principles which, when implemented, will help ensure
proper preparation for working on electrical equipment:
1.PLAN EVERY JOB:
Most accidents occur when something unexpected happens. Take time to
prepare a plan that considers all possible eventualities. Before you start the job, think
about each step and try to visualize the potential for a hazard. Conduct a “Flash
Protection Boundary” analysis. NFPA 70E Section 2-1.3.3.2 has requirements to
define the safe work distance from potential arc hazards.
2.ANTICIPATE UNEXPECTED RESULTS:
When thinking about a job, break each task into small steps. Understand that
plans can change, so be ready to modify the plan if necessary. Make sure that
everyone involved in the job is working according to the same plan.
Whenever work is required near an electrical hazard, a written plan is needed
to outline the scope of the job.
3.USE PROCEDURES AS TOOLS:
Procedures are the best way to help you prepare, execute, and complete the
job. Like any tools, make sure your procedures are maintained.
4.IDENTIFY THE HAZARD:
After your work plan is complete, review each step. Consider that the
equipment might be perfectly safe under normal conditions and very unsafe
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when systems are not working properly. Also consider potential hazards that
may be unrelated to electrical energy.
5. ASSESS PEOPLE’S ABILITIES:
Any person assigned to tasks associated with electrical energy must be
qualified and trained for the job at hand. He or she must be able to identify electrical
hazards, avoid exposure to those hazards, and understand the potential results of all
action taken. Don’t forget to include yourself in this analysis. And don’t forget to
establish and maintain training records.
4.3 PROVIDING AN ELECTRICALLY SAFE WORK CONDITION
“Electrically Safe Work Condition” is a concept first introduced in a
consensus standard, NFPA 70E. The concept embraces several ideas and suggests
that six different steps must be taken before an electrical circuit is safe to touch
without personal protective equipment. Electricians and other workers tend to
believe that a circuit is safe to touch if it is deenergized. The fact that injuries
continue rather frequently, based upon this belief, proves that additional steps are
needed.
It seems people believe that if a lock and tag are placed on a labeled
disconnecting means, the equipment is safe to work on. However, issues need to be
considered. For example, labels can be marked incorrectly, equipment can be
supplied from more than one source, or a temporary conductor could have been
installed. It’s also feasible that an unrelated energized circuit conductor could
contact the conductor leading to the work area.
In still different instances, other workers or complicated systems can affect
the work area. We sometimes take for granted that if the contact point is tested for
absence of voltage, the point is safe for executing the task. But this only proves that
there is no voltage present at the time of the voltage test. Voltage can be absent due
to a process interlock being open, or a second source of energy could simply be
turned off for the moment. Avoiding accidents and injury requires training, planning
and preparation.
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There are six steps to be executed after which work can be started without
any possible exposure to electrical hazard. The six steps are as follows:
• Determine all possible sources of energy. Review all reliable and up-to-
date drawings, documentation, and identification tags and labels.
Drawings must include ALL energy sources, including temporary and
backup power sources.
• After properly interrupting the load, open all disconnecting devices for
the circuit. At this point, the equipment or circuit is simply de-energized.
• Where possible, visually verify that all disconnecting devices, including
draw out
• circuit breakers are open. Also check that all disconnecting devices meet
proper codes and standards.
• Apply lockout/tagout devices in accordance with documented and
established policy. An established policy is an enforced written procedure
made available to all employees.
• Use adequately rated voltage testers to verify the absence of voltage on
each point where physical contact is expected. Employees are required to
use only voltage testing equipment that is rated by a third party.
• Where the possibility of induced voltage or stored energy exists, ground
the phase conductors before touching them. Where it is reasonable to
expect that the conductors could be re-energized due to accidental contact
with another source of energy, install grounding devices rated for the
available fault current.
Until these six steps have been adequately executed, there exists some
potential of exposure to an electrical hazard.
Here are some additional principles which, when implemented, will help to ensure
a safe work area:
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1. USE THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB: Use the appropriate tools for the
job at hand, keeping them accessible and in good working condition. Using a
screwdriver for a job that requires a fuse puller is an invitation to an accident.
2. ISOLATE THE EQUIPMENT: The best way to avoid an accident is to reduce
exposure to hazards. Keep doors closed. Keep barricades in place. Install temporary
voltage-rated blankets covering exposed live parts.
3. PROTECT THE PERSON:Use the proper personal protective equipment for
the job. This may include safety glasses or goggles, head protection, voltage-rated
gloves, safety belts and harness, or flame-resistant clothing.
4. MINIMIZE THE HAZARD: If it is impossible to establish an electrically safe
work environment, be sure to shut down every possible energy source. Understand
that sometimes a de-energized circuit can become re-energized and to do something
to lessen the risk.
5. AUDIT THESE PRINCIPLES: A principle is something you believe in enough
to be willing to do. Are you willing to take the steps necessary to avoid injury?
Review these principles often. Add to them when necessary.
4.4 DESIGNING AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR SAFETY
Here are some principles which, when added to electrical system and equipment
specifications, will improve safety for workers.
1. ISOLATE THE CIRCUIT: Electrical systems must be designed to support
preventative maintenance, with easy access to the equipment. Designers need to
make it easy to isolate equipment for repair with a disconnecting means that
provides for proper implementation of lockout/tagout procedures.
A sound design provides disconnecting means at all motor loads. This is in
addition to the disconnecting means required at the controller that can be locked in
the open position. Disconnecting means at the motor provide improved isolation and
safety for maintenance and for use in case of an emergency.
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4.5 SAFETY DEVICES
4.5.1 Fuses
The basic purpose of the fuse is to protect and is composed of an alloy which has a
low melting point. A strip of this fuse is placed in series with the circuit. The working
principle is that if the current is in excess then the strip would melt and break the circuit.
There are different variants of fuse boxes available with different types of circuit breaking.
For instance, in the case of slow blow fuses, a small overload is carried for some period
without the circuit been broken. Other fuse boxes are designed to break the circuit rapidly.
The selection is based upon the kind of device and also the fluctuation level of the current.
Types The main components of a standard fuse unit consist of the following items:
In order to understand Low voltage fuses better, we can further classify it further into:
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• Totally enclosed or Cartridge Type
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perform the duties outlined above, over the range of voltages and currents needed for
system protection.
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Earth Mat or Grid
The primary requirement of earthing is to have a very low earth resistance. If the
individual electrodes driven in the soil are measured it will have a fairly high resistance.
But if these individual electrodes area inter linked inside the soil, it increases the area in
constant with soil and creates a number or paralleled paths and hence the value of earth
resistance in the interlink state, which is called combined earth resistance, will be much
lower than the individual resistance.
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mentioned. Based on these rules we surveyed various public places. After going through
our survey and images shown below, you will observe that these rules are not at all
followed.
RULES
36. Handling of electric supply lines and apparatus:
(1) Every person who is working on an electric supply line or apparatus or both shall be
provided with tools and devices such as gloves, rubber shoes, safety belts, ladders, earthing
devices, helmets, line testers, hand lines and the like for protecting him from mechanical
and electrical injury. Such tools and devices shall always be maintained in sound and
efficient working conditions.
(2) Every telecommunication line on supports carrying a high or extra-high voltage line
shall, for the purpose of working thereon, be deemed to be a high voltage line.
40. Street boxes:
(1) Street boxes shall not contain gas pipes, and precautions shall be taken to prevent, as
far as reasonably possible, any influx of water or gas.
(2) Where electric supply lines forming part of different systems pass through the same
street box, they shall be readily distinguishable from one another and all electric supply
lines at high or extra high. voltage in street boxes shall be adequately supported and
protected to as to prevent risk of damage to or danger from adjacent electric supply lines.
(3) All street boxes shall be regularly inspected for the purpose of detecting the presence
of gas and if any influx or accumulation is discovered, the owner shall give immediate
notice to any authority or company who have gas mains in the neighborhood of the street
box and in cases where a street box is large enough to admit the entrance of a person after
the electric supply lines or apparatus therein have been placed in position, ample provision
shall be made
(a) To ensure that any gas which may by accident have obtained access to the box shall
escape before a person is allowed to enter; and
(b) For the prevention of danger from sparking.
(4) The owners of all street boxes or pillars containing circuits or apparatus shall ensure
that their covers and doors are so provided that they can be opened only by means of a key
or a special appliance
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The following images proving that these rules are not being obeyed are being displayed.
1.It is mentioned in the above rules that a person working on an electric supply lines
must be provided with tools and devices such as gloves, rubber shoes, safety belts, ladders,
earthing devices, helmets, line testers, hand lines and the like for protecting him from
mechanical and electrical injury. The image shows lack of all these safety gears with
electricians. The electrician is not even using a ladder.
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boxes or pillars containing circuits or apparatus must ensure that their covers and doors are
so provided that they can be opened only by means of a key or a special appliance.
• the type of powerlines near the proposed building or structure e.g. aerial,
underground, high or low voltage.
• the amount of swing or sag of overhead powerlines.
• the location of the building or structure in relation to the powerline – allow
enough space for a safe work environment, future structures or scaffolds, and trees.
Scaffolding is considered a structure. When designing a building you should allow
for the width of any scaffold you may need to erect. This is to ensure that the
scaffold can be positioned in a way that legal clearance distances are met.
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4.7.1 Safe clearance distances
If a fence, sign or notice is lower than 2 meters, it may be exempt from minimum
clearance distances. It must not restrict safe access to powerlines for repair and
maintenance. You may need to install gates to allow trucks to access the powerlines.
Always check with Electra Net when considering fencing near transmission lines.
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CHAPTER 5
ELECTRICAL SAFETY IN CONSTRUCTION
5.1 INTRODUCTION
• Electrical safety is highly important.
• Ratio of fatalities to injuries is higher for electrical accidents compared to other
categories of injury
• Electricity constitutes a hidden danger which cannot be seen.
• Devastating accidents cause due to fire or electrocution.
• Hence, it should be used in construction industry with utmost care.
Some of the statutory standards which cover the rules and regulations related to electrical
safety are:
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4.National Electric code,1985.
2.It provides procedure and guidelines for selection of equipment to meet certain
requirements.
3.According to Indian Electricity Rules, all installation work should be carried out in
accordance with the National Electrical Code and various codes of practices issued by the
BIS.
1.Study the network carefully, and formulate the electric safety plan.
4.Before carrying out any work, check with the control room for any last minute
alternation.
7.Do not earth a conductor line unless it is provided to be dead by live line detector or any
other suitable gadgets.
9.Plug all your feedback points; while working on bus keep it shortened and earthed with
shorting clips
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10.Check and recheck any activity related to electricity.
2.Reinforcing steel bars or metallic parts of structure should not be used for supporting
electrical wires and cables, earthing etc.
3.Buried cables should be protected and de-energised before taking up any excavation
activity.
4.Power supply cables other than illumination should be switched off beyond the working
hours.
Protection against direct and indirect contact with electricity should be provided by suitable
means such as:
1.Enclosure
2.Insulation
4.safety isolation
5.Earthing of neutral
8.Isolated neutral
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5.7 FIRST AID FOR ELECTRIC SHOCK
If anyone suffers an electric shock, the electricity source should be cut off
immediately. Only conduct the first-aid when the victim is in a safe place. Check the
victim’s breath and pulse. If the person is unconscious but is breathing normally, he or she
should be placed in a recovery position. If the victim is not breathing and has no pulse,
cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be conducted.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation:
STEP 1: OPEN THE AIRWAY:
Lift the jaw and tilt the head back to open the airway. Clear any obstacles.
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STEP 6: EXTERNAL CHEST COMPRESSION:
If the casualty has no pulse, cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be carried out
(combining the expired air resuscitation and external chest compression)
.
Figure 5.6 External chest compression
For all premises apply on Factories and Industrial Undertaking Ordinance, the
treatment notice of persons receiving electric shock in Chinese and English shall be
displayed in all parts of the premises where electricity is generated, transformed, or used.
Kit components
Every employer employing not more than five workers in any one shift at a worksite
must provide and maintain a first aid station with a first aid kit containing as a minimum
• first aid manual
• 1 card of safety pins
• dressings consisting of:
➢ 12 adhesive dressings individually wrapped
➢ 4 sterile gauze pads, 3 inches square
➢ 2 rolls of gauze bandage, 2 inches wide
➢ 2 field dressings, 4 inches square, or 2 four-inch sterile bandage
compresses
➢ 1 triangular bandage.
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Figure 5.7(a)
Figure 5.7(b)
Figure 5.7 (a) & (b) Group photo of batch at CPTI ,HYDERABAD
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CHAPTER 6
CONCLUSION
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REFERENCES
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BIO-DATA
Communication Address:
Town: Hyderabad District: Rangareddy
Pincode:500068
Permanent Address:
Town: Suryapet District: Suryapet
Pincode:508213
Signature
BIO-DATA
Communication Address:
Town: Hyderabad District: Rangareddy
Pincode:500097
Permanent Address:
Town: Ponugodu District: Suryapet
Pincode:508213
Signature
BIO-DATA
Communication Address:
Town: Hyderabad District: Rangareddy
Pincode:500097
Permanent Address:
Town: Mahabubnagar District: Mahabubnagar
Pincode:508213
Signature