Electrical Safety and Arc Prevention

OSHA found that up to 80 percent of its electrical injuries involve thermal burns due to
arcing faults. Arcs are miniscule, spark-like upsurges of voltage that occur when a current’s
flow is disrupted, such as in the occasion of a short circuit.

Do’s:
• Use properly insulated wires, probes, and tools which allows the flow of currents to
be blocked out, protecting against arcs.
• Treat every electrical device like it is energized, even if it does not look like it is
plugged in or operational.
• Unplug appliances before performing any service or repairs on them.
• When working on electrical devices, only use tools that have official “non-
conducting” handles.
• When handling electrical equipment, make sure your hands are dry.
• If you spill any kind of liquid on electrical equipment, first immediately shut off
power to the equipment via the main switch or circuit breaker and then unplug the
equipment itself.
• If utilizing the electrical apparatus in wet conditions is a must, use double-insulation
and a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter).
• Work with only grounded accessories and tools and install them only into grounded
electrical outlets.

Don’ts:
• First and foremost – don’t touch active electrical circuits.
• Never touch electrical equipment when any part of your body is wet, (that includes
fair amounts of perspiration).
• Do not store liquids of any sort near electrical equipment.
• If a person comes into contact with an energized electrical conductor, do not touch
the equipment, its cords, or the person affected because the charge may pass to you.
• Do not wear metal of any sort if you are working on electrical equipment.
• Also, do not try to poke, probe, or fix electrical equipment with objects like pencils
or rulers because the metal in them can serve as a form of conductor.
Caution if a person gets electrically shocked:
• Don't touch the injured person if he or she is still in contact with the electrical
current.
• Call the local emergency number if the source of the burn is a high-voltage wire or
lightning. Don't get near high-voltage wires until the power is turned off.
• Don't move a person with an electrical injury unless he or she is in immediate
danger.
• Turn off the source of electricity, if possible. If not, move the source away from you
and the person, using a dry, nonconducting object made of cardboard, plastic or
wood.
• Begin CPR if the person shows no signs of circulation, such as breathing, coughing
or movement.
• Try to prevent the injured person from becoming chilled.
• Apply a bandage. Cover any burned areas with a sterile gauze bandage, if available,
or a clean cloth. Don't use a blanket or towel, because loose fibers can stick to the
burns.