REPORTERS:

DALENDEG, FARHANA S.
DEQUITO, WEILAND ELEFSON T.
BSCE-CEM 4B

ELECTRICAL HAZARDS AND CONTROL

Hazard - Event or situation with potential harm in terms of injury, damage to

property, or damage to workplace environment.

Electrical Hazard - An electrical hazard can be defined as a serious workplace

hazard that exposes workers to electrical injuries.

To avoid injuries, you should be aware of electrical hazards. Some of the

most common electrical hazards are:

 Exposed electrical parts

Exposed Electrical Parts can include:

Breaker boxes without a cover.
Electrical terminals in motors, and electronic equipment.

 Overloaded circuits

Overloading a circuit increases the potential for fires to occur. Overload

hazards exist if:

Too many devices are plugged into a circuit.

The wire insulation melts.
An improper over-current protection device is used.
No over-current protection used.

 Defective insulation

To protect you, electrical wires are insulated by a plastic or rubber

covering. Insulation prevents conductors from coming in contact with
each other and with people.Make sure the insulation of tools and cords
you are using is not damaged.

 Improper grounding

When an electrical system is properly grounded, there is a path that allows

the current to travel to the earth (the ground). When any electrical system
is not properly grounded, a hazard exists.

 Damaged power tools

Power tools that are damaged or not properly maintained can cause you to
be seriously injured. If you touch a metallic part of a power tool that is
energized because of damaged insulation or improper grounding, you
could be shocked.
 Overhead power lines

Overhead power lines are not usually insulated, and cause more than a
half of all electrocutions.

 Wet conditions

Wet conditions are hazardous because you can become an easy path for
electrical current. There are many circumstances that create wet
conditions:

 Standing in water
 Wet clothing
 High Humidity
 Perspiration

ELECTRICAL INJURIES

Electrical Injuries are classified into 2:

1. Direct - It is damage to the skin or internal organs when a person comes

into direct contact with an electrical current.
Ex. Electrocution, Electric Shock, Burns

2. Indirect - Concomitant (or indirect) injuries occur when a patient receives

an injury associated with an electric shock. While these may not always
include burns, they can nonetheless still produce grave damage and death.
Ex. Falls, Fire

SAFETY PRACTICES

 Inspect cords before each use

 Never overload a circuit
 Stay away from all unguarded conductors
 To unplug, pull on the plug, not the cord
 Don’t wear jewelry or use other metal objects around electrical equipment

Electrical Improvement Project - This training provides additional electrical

safety training for electrical hazards non-electrical skilled workers that are
exposed to in the work place. It is developed as an add-on module to the basic
electrical safety training module for non-electrical workers. This training
covered the hazards associated with electrical energy – Shock, Arc and Blast.

You were taught how to recognize electrical hazards and basic electrical safety:
 Ground-fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
 Basic electrical cord safety
 Resetting Breakers
 Conductive Apparel
 Wall Penetrations
 Safe Work Practices for Equipment Applications
 What to do in case of an electrical emergency.
 To inspect your work area for unsafe electrical conditions.
 To use equipment per its Listing and Labeling instructions i.e. no daisy
chaining, no overloading of circuits, etc.

What to do if you identify an electrical hazard?

Contact your Site Electrical Safety Officer or Safety Engineer for specific
electrical safety items

FIRE HAZARDS AND CONTROL

Since the introduction of the Fire Services Act of 1947, the fi re authorities
have had the responsibility for fighting fires in all types of premises. In 1971,
the Fire Precautions Act gave the fire authorities control over certain fire
procedures, means of escape and basic fire protection equipment through the
drawing up and issuing of Fire Certificates in certain categories of building.
The Fire Certification was mainly introduced to combat a number of serious
industrial fires that had occurred, with a needless loss of life, where simple
well-planned protection would have allowed people to escape unhurt.

In 2000 the Fire Safety Advisory Board was established to reform the fire
legislation to simplify, rationalize and consolidate existing legislation. It would
provide for a risk-based approach to fi re safety allowing more efficient,
effective enforcement by the fire and rescue service and other enforcing
authorities.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO)

The RRFSO reforms the law relating to fi re safety in non-domestic

premises. The main emphasis of the changes is to move towards fire
prevention. Fire certificates under the Fire Precautions Act 1971 are abolished
by the Order and cease to have legal status. The RRFSO replaces fire
certification with a general duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable,
the safety of employees.

Meanings
The Order defines a responsible person, as the person who may be in control
of the premises – this may be the owner or somebody else.The meaning of
general fire precautions is set out, which covers:

➤ Reduction of fi re risks and fi re spread

➤ Means of escape
➤ Keeping means of escape available for use
➤ Fire fighting
➤ Fire detection and fi re warning
➤ Action to be taken in the event of fi re
➤ Instruction and training of employees.

Duties

Duties are placed on a ‘Responsible Person’ who is:

➤ the employer in a workplace, to the extent they have control

➤ other person who has control of the premises or the owner of the premises.

Premises Covered

The RRFSO does not cover domestic premises, offshore installations, a ship
(normal shipboard activities under a master), remote fi elds, woods or other
land forming part Figure 13.1 Fire is still a major risk in many workplaces.

Fire hazards and control 203 of an agricultural, or forestry operation (it does
cover the buildings), means of transport, a mine (it does cover the buildings at
the surface), and a borehole site. Other alternative provisions cover premises
such as sports grounds.

Basic Principles of Fire

Fire Triangle

Sources of fuel
 If it will burn it can be fuel for a fi re. The things which will burn easily are
the most likely to be the initial fuel, which then burns quickly and spreads the
fi re to other fuels. The most common things that will burn in a typical
workplace are: and clothing), wall paper, hardboard and chipboard used as
building materials, waste materials, hair.

Solids – these include, wood, paper,

Liquids – these include, paint, varnish, thinners and other chemicals. In
addition some chemicals such as nitrates, chlorates, chromates and peroxides
can release oxygen as they burn and therefore need no external source of air.
Gases – flammable gases include LPG, gas in cylinders, usually butane or
propane) and hydrogen. An explosion can occur if the air/gas mixture is
within the explosive range.

Sources of Ignition
Workplaces have numerous sources of ignition, some of which are obvious but
others may be hidden inside machinery. Most of the sources may cause an
accidental fire from sources inside but, in the case of arson (about 13% of
industrial fires),
The following are potential sources of ignition in the typical workplace:

➤ Naked Flames – from smoking materials, cooking appliances, heating

appliances and process equipment
➤ External sparks – from grinding metals, welding, impact tools, electrical
switch gear
➤ Internal sparking – from electrical equipment (faulty and normal),
machinery, lighting
➤ Hot Surfaces – from lighting, cooking, heating appliances, process
equipment, poorly ventilated equipment, faulty and/or badly lubricated
equipment, hot bearings and drive belts
➤ Static Electricity – causing signifi cant high voltage sparks from the
separation of materials such as unwinding plastic, pouring highly fl ammable
liquids, walking across insulated fl oors, or removing synthetic overalls.

Oxygen
Oxygen is of course provided by the air all around but this can be enhanced by
wind, or by natural or powered ventilation systems which will provide
additional oxygen to continue burning. Cylinders providing oxygen for
medical purposes or welding can also provide an additional very rich source of
oxygen. In addition some chemicals such as nitrates, chlorates, chromates and
peroxides can release oxygen as they burn and therefore need no external
source of air.

Classification of Fire

Class A – fires which involve solid materials such as wood, paper, cardboard,
textiles, furniture and plastics where there are normally glowing embers
during combustion. Such fi res are extinguished by cooling which is achieved
using water.
Class B – fires which involve liquids or liquefi ed solids such as paints, oils or
fats. These can be further subdivided into:
 Class B1 – fires which involve liquids that are soluble in water such as
methanol. They can be extinguished by carbon dioxide, dry powder,
water spray, light water and vaporizing liquids.
Class B2 – fires which involve liquids not soluble
in water, such as petrol and oil. They can be extinguished by using
foam, carbon dioxide, dry powder, light water and vaporizing liquid.
Class C – fires which involve gases such as natural Methods of extinction gas
or liquefi ed gases such as butane or propane. They can be extinguished using
foam or dry powder in conjunction with water to cool any containers involved
or nearby
Class D – fi res which involve metals such as aluminium or magnesium.
Special dry powder extinguishers are required to extinguish these fi res, which
may contain powdered graphite or talc.
Class F – fi res which involve high temperature cooking oils or fats in large
catering establishments or restaurants

Principles of Heat Transmission and Fire Spread

Fire Risk Assessment

Stage 1 – Identify Fire Hazards

There are five main hazards produced by fire that should be considered when
assessing the level of risk:
➤ oxygen depletion
➤ fl ames and heat
➤ smoke
➤ gaseous combustion products
➤ structural failure of buildings.
Stage 2 – Identify Location and Persons

Who are at significant risk the risk(s) identified will not be significant, and
specific measures for persons in this category will not be required. There will,
however, be some occasions when certain people may be especially at risk
from the fire, because of their specific role, disability, sleeping, location or the
workplace activity. Special consideration is needed if:
➤ sleeping accommodation is provided
➤ persons are physically, visually or mentally challenged
➤ people are unable to react quickly
➤ persons are isolated.

Stage 3 – Reduce the risks

If the building has been built and maintained in accordance with Building
Regulations and is being put to its designed use, it is likely that the means of
escape provisions will either be adequate, or it will be easy to decide what is
required in relation to the risk. Having identified the hazards, the next stage is
to reduce the chance of a fire occurring and spreading, thereby minimizing the
chance of harm to persons in the workplace. The principles of prevention laid
down in the RRFSO should be followed at this stage.

Stage 4 – The findings (always recommended, see stage 5 review) The findings
of the assessment and the actions (including maintenance) arising from it
should be recorded. If five or more people are employed, or an Alterations
Notice required, a formal record of the signifi cant findings and any measures
proposed to deal with them must be recorded. See summary of the Order in
section 17.17.
The record should indicate:

➤ the date the assessment was made

➤ the hazards identifi ed
➤ any staff and other people especially at risk
➤ what action needs to be taken, and by when (action plan)
➤ the conclusions arising

Stage 5 – Monitor and Review on a Regular Basis

The fire risk assessment is not a one-off procedure. It should be continually

monitored to ensure that the existing fire safety arrangements and risk
assessment remains realistic. The assessment should be reviewed if there is a
significant change in the occupancy, work activity, the materials used or
stored when building works are proposed, or when it is no longer thought to
be valid.

CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL HEALTH HAZARD AND CONTROL

Chemical hazards include, but are not limited to: •

spills (chlorine), dusts (dust from sawing), fumes (fumes from welding),
mists (mists from water and wastewater processes) • smoke (smoke from
grinding metal, fiberglass or wood furnishings), vapours (vapours from
combining various chemicals), insulations (asbestos, urea formaldehyde,
zoneolite)

Biological hazards include, but are not limited to:

micro-organisms (bacteria or viruses from infectious people or animal,
fungi (may grow in moist areas or ventilation systems), parasites (live in the
bodies of plants or animals), plants (substances given off by some plants can
cause allergies. Several plants contain poisonous substances)
Classification of hazardous substances and their associated health risks

Irritant is a non-corrosive substance which can cause skin (dermatitis) or lung

(bronchial) inflammation after repeated contact.Corrosive substances are ones
which will attack, normally by burning, living tissue. Usually a strong acid or
alkali, examples include Sulphur acid and caustic soda. Harmful is the most
used classification and describes a substance which, if swallowed, inhaled or
penetrates the skin, may pose limited health risks.

When personnel are exposed to a hazardous chemical, it is deemed a chemical

health hazard. Hazardous chemical products, such as toxic substances or
corrosive chemicals, can harm human health through being

- ingested
- inhaled
- absorbed through the skin.

The chemical health hazard definition explains that hazardous substances

cause adverse health affects on those who are exposed to them, such as
immediate health problems including breathing difficulties and allergic
reactions, as well as chronic problems such as cancer. That is why the
prevention or limiting of chemical exposure is crucial for controlling chemical
health hazards.

CHEMICAL EXPOSURE CAN OCCUR THROUGH WORKING WITH A VAST

RANGE OF COMMONLY FOUND SUBSTANCES:

- Ammonia
- Chlorine
- Cleaning chemicals
- Disinfectants
- Gas cylinders
- Glues
- Lead
- Paint
- Pesticides
- Petroleum products
- Solvents

HOW CAN A BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL HAZARD AFFECT YOUR

HEALTH?
HEALTH HAZARDS ARE CLASSED AS EITHER.
1. Acute Hazards
Acute hazards may affect a person immediately, within hours or
days. The chemical exposure can result in health problems including:

Asphyxiation
Acid burns

Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting

2. Chronic Hazards

Chronic hazards are issues that may take some time to develop
symptoms. A chronic hazard can result in serious health issues such as:

Asthma
Bronchitis
Dermatitis
Cancer
Liver damage

Measures for preventing or controlling exposure to hazardous substances

include one or a combination of the following:
➤ elimination
➤ substitution
➤ total or partial enclosure of the process
➤ local exhaust ventilation
➤ dilute or general ventilation
➤ reduction of the number of employees exposed to a strict minimum
➤ reduced time exposure
➤ housekeeping
➤ training
➤ personal protective equipment
➤ welfare (including first aid)
➤ medical records
➤ health surveillance

Personal Protective Equipment

There are several types of personal protective equipment, such as footwear,

hearing protectors and hard hats, which are not primarily concerned with
protection from hazardous substances; those which are used for such
protection, include:

Respiratory Protection

Respiratory protection equipment

 Respiratory protection equipment can be sub-divided into two categories –
respirators (or face masks), which filter and clean the air, and breathing
apparatus which supplies breathable air.

Hand and skin protection

Hand and skin protection is mainly provided by gloves (arm shields are also
available). A wide range of safety gloves is available for protection from
chemicals, sharp objects, rough working and temperature extremes. Many
health and safety catalogues give helpful guidance for the selection of gloves.

Eye protection

Eye protection comes in three forms – spectacles (safety glasses), goggles and
face visors. Eyes may be damaged by chemical and solvent splashes or
vapours, flying particles, molten metals or plastics, non-ionizing radiation (arc
welding and lasers) and dust.

Protective clothing.

Protective clothing includes aprons, boots and headgear (hard hats and bump
caps).