TASK 1

 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION – Electrical

INTRODUCTION
The major hazards associated with electricity are electrical shock, fire and arc flash. Electrical shock occurs
when the body becomes part of the electric circuit, either when an individual comes in contact with both
wires of an electrical circuit, one wire of an energized circuit and the ground, or a metallic part that has
become energized by contact with an electrical conductor.
 The severity and effects of an electrical shock depend on a number of factors, such as the pathway through
the body, the amount of current, the length of time of the exposure, and whether the skin is wet or dry.
Water is a great conductor of electricity, allowing current to flow more easily in wet conditions and
through wet skin.

The effect of the shock may range from a slight tingle to severe burns to cardiac arrest. The chart below
shows the general relationship between the degree of injury and amount of current for a 60-cycle hand-to
foot path of one second's duration of shock. While reading this chart, keep in mind that most electrical
circuits can provide, under normal conditions, up to 20,000 milliamperes of current flow.

RISK EVALUATION
Activity Hazard Consequences L S R Control

 Work without any safety • Electrical shock Risk of injury, death & 3 5 13  Inspect wiring of equipment before
amage
equipment each use. Replace damaged or frayed
 Unloading by manual electrical cords immediately.
handling and using  Use safe work practices every time
Forkliftfor heavy load electrical equipment is used.
 Know the location and how to operate
shut-off switches and/or circuit breaker
panels. Use these devices to shut off
equipment in the event of a fire or
electrocution.

L: Likelihood S: Severity R: Relative Risk

HAZARD:

 Electrical shock
 contact with live parts causing shock and burns
 faults which could cause fires;
 fire or explosion where electricity could be the source of ignition in a potentially flammable or explosive
atmosphere, e.g. in a spray paint booth.
 Any place that can have equipment failure
 Loose or improper connections, such as electrical outlets or switches
 Frayed appliance or extension cords
 Pinched or pierced wire insulation, which could occur from, for example, a chair leg sitting on an
extension cord
 Cracked wire insulation caused by heat, age, corrosion or bending
 Overheated wires or cords
 Damaged electrical appliances
 Electrical wire that has been chewed by rodents
 Wet Conditions
 Damaged Insulation
  Improper Grounding
 Inadequate Wiring and Overloaded Circuits

Can cause result in:

 Severe burns
 Confusion
 Difficulty breathing
 Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)
 Cardiac arrest
 Muscle pain and contractions
 Seizures
 Loss of consciousness

RISK CONTROLS

MOST EFFECTIVE  can be obtained by

Elimination or Substitution
Engineering Controls
Warnings
Training & Procedures
LEAST EFFECTIVE
Personal Protective Equipment
changing a work process in
a way that will entirely get
rid of a
 Isolate workers from hazard
 Replace the hazard
 Physically remove the
hazard
 Sign
 Add some more warning
board
 Make sure to work with the
current way
 Avoiding the simple
mistake while working
 Reduce the effects of
hazard
ELECTRICAL PROTECTING PREVENTING POSTER