Occupational Health and Safety

LECTURE 13 - Workplace Health and Safety – Electrical Hazards

INSTRUCTOR: ASST. PROF. DR. SEVKET C. BOSTANCI

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ELECTRICAL HAZARDS AT WORKPLACE - DEFINITION

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 DEFINITION
• The voltage of the electricity and the available electrical current in regular
businesses and homes has enough power to cause death by electrocution.

• Even changing a light bulb without unplugging the lamp can be hazardous because
coming in contact with the "hot", "energized" or "live" part of the socket could kill
a person.

• All electrical systems have the potential to cause harm.

• Basically, there are four main types of injuries due to electricity: electrocution
(fatal), electric shock, burns, and falls.
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 HOW IT WORKS?
• Electricity can be either "static" or "dynamic".

• Dynamic electricity is the uniform motion of electrons through a conductor (this is

known as electric current).

• Conductors are materials that allow the movement of electricity through it.

• Most metals are conductors. The human body is also a conductor.

• Electric current cannot exist without a path to and from the conductor. If there is an
interruption, electricity will form a "path" or "loop".

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 HOW IT WORKS?

• When you plug in a device (e.g., a power tool), the electricity takes the easiest
path from the plug-in, to the tool, and back to the power source.

• This action is also known as creating or completing an electrical circuit.

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 ELECTRICAL SHOCK
• Electric shock occurs when the body becomes part of an electrical
circuit. This could happpen if
• a person comes in contact with both wires (conductors) in a circuit.

• a person provides a path between an ungrounded wire (conductor) and the ground.

• a person provide a path between a metal part that accidentally becomes energized
due, for example, to a break in its insulation.

• An electric shock can result in anything from a slight tingling sensation

to immediate cardiac arrest.

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 ELECTRICAL SHOCK
• The severity of an electric shock depends on;
• The level of voltage
• The amount of body resistance against the current flow
• The path the current takes through the body
• The length of time the current flows through the body

❖If a worker has come into contact with electricity the worker may not be able to
remove themselves from the electrical source. If you touch a person while they
are in contact with the electrical source, the electricity will flow through your
body causing electrical shock. Firstly attempt to turn off the source of the
electricity (disconnect).
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 ELECTRICAL SHOCK
• Injuries that may result in because of an electrical shock;
• A severe shock can stop the heart or the breathing muscles
• The heating effects of the current can cause severe burns, especially at points where the electricity
enters and leaves the body (electrical burn, arc burn, thermal contact burn or a combination)
• Severe bleeding
• Breathing difficulty
• Ventricular fibrillation (heart rhythm problem that occurs when the heart beats with rapid, erratic
electrical impulses)

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 ELECTRICAL SHOCK
❖Electrical burns are among the most serious burns and require immediate
medical attention.
❖In addition, you may strike something, or have some other accident as a result
of your response to the shock.

• Why do people sometimes " freeze" when they are shocked?

• When a person receives an electrical shock, sometimes the electrical stimulation causes
the muscles to contract.
• This " freezing" effect makes the person unable to pull free of the circuit.
• It is extremely dangerous because it increases the length of exposure to electricity and
because the current causes blisters, which reduce the body's resistance and increases the
current.

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 ELECTRICAL SHOCK

• How can you tell if a shock is serious?

• A severe shock can cause considerably more damage than meets the eye.
• A victim may suffer internal hemorrhages (= an escape of blood from a ruptured blood vessel)
and destruction of tissues, nerves, and muscles that aren't readily visible.
• Renal (=related to kidneys) damage also can occur.

❖ If you or a co-worker receives a shock, seek emergency medical help immediately.

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ELECTRICAL SHOCK

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 POWER ARC
• A lightning strike, which might have an electrical potential of millions of volts, is an
electrical arc that could span miles.

• Similarly, in electrical work, when there is a 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.

• 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. (≈ 19500 degrees).
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 POWER ARC
• Injuries that may result in because of a power arc;

• Burns associated with high energy arcs can be fatal even if the victim is several feet from the arc.
• Thermal burns from the heat radiated from an electric arc flash. Ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) light
emitted from the arc flash can also cause damage to the eyes.
• An arc blast can include a potential pressure wave released from an arc flash. This wave can cause
physical injuries, collapse your lungs, or create noise that can damage hearing.

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POWER ARC

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POWER ARC

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 ELECTRICAL ARC BLAST

• 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, vapours or combustible dusts.
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 ELECTRICAL ARC BLAST
• Injuries that may result in because of an electrical arc blast;
• 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.

• Inhaling the hot vaporized particles will cause serious damage to your respiratory system by burning the
lungs, throat and esophagus.

• The tremendous pressure blast from the vaporization of conducting materials and superheating of air
can fracture ribs, collapse lungs and knock workers off ladders or blow them across a room.

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ELECTRICAL ARC BLAST

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 PROTECTION AGAINST ELECTRICAL HAZARD
• Most electrical accidents result from;
• unsafe equipment or installation,
• unsafe environment
• unsafe work practices

• Ways to prevent accidents are through the use of;

• Insulation
• Guarding
• Grounding
• Electrical protective devices
• Safe work practices

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 PROTECTION AGAINST ELECTRICAL HAZARD -
INSULATORS
• Insulators such as glass, mica, rubber, or plastic used to coat metals and other
conductors help stop or reduce the flow of electrical current.

• Insulators helps prevent shock, fires, and short circuits.

• The insulation must be suitable for the voltage used and conditions such as
temperature and other environmental factors like moisture, oil, gasoline, corrosive
fumes, or other substances that could cause the insulator to fail.

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 PROTECTION AGAINST ELECTRICAL HAZARD -
GUARDING
• Guarding involves locating or enclosing electric equipment to make sure people don't
accidentally come into contact with their live parts.

• Effective guarding requires equipment with exposed parts operating at 50 volts or more
to be placed where it is accessible only to authorized people qualified to work with it.

• Sturdy, permanent screens also can serve as effective guards.

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PROTECTION AGAINST ELECTRICAL HAZARD - GUARDING

• Conspicuous signs must be posted at the entrances to electrical rooms and similarly
guarded locations to alert people to the electrical hazard and to forbid entry to
unauthorized people.

• Signs may contain the word " Danger," " Warning," or " Caution," and beneath that,
appropriate concise wording that alerts people to the hazard or gives an instruction,
such as " Danger/High Voltage/Keep Out."

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 PROTECTION AGAINST ELECTRICAL HAZARD -
GROUNDING
• " Grounding" a tool or electrical system means intentionally creating a low-resistance
path that connects to the earth. This prevents the build-up of voltages that could cause
an electrical accident.

• Grounding is normally a secondary protective measure to protect against electric shock.

• It does not guarantee that you won't get a shock or be injured or killed by an electrical
current. It will, however, substantially reduce the risk.

• An equipment ground helps protect the equipment operator. It furnishes a second path
for the current to pass through from the tool or machine to the ground.

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 PROTECTION AGAINST ELECTRICAL HAZARD –
CIRCUIT PROTECTION DEVICES
• Circuit protection devices limit or stop the flow of current automatically in the event of a
ground fault, overload, or short circuit in the wiring system.

• Examples of these devices are;

• Fuses

• Circuit breakers

• Ground-fault circuit interrupters

• Arc-fault circuit interrupters

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 PROTECTION AGAINST ELECTRICAL HAZARD –
CIRCUIT PROTECTION DEVICES
• Fuses and circuit breakers open or break the circuit automatically when too much
current flows through them. When that happens, fuses melt and circuit breakers trip
the circuit open.

• Fuses and circuit breakers are designed to protect conductors and equipment.

• They prevent wires and other components from overheating and open the circuit
when there is a risk of a ground fault.

• Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI), are used in wet locations, construction sites,
and other high-risk areas.

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 PROTECTION AGAINST ELECTRICAL HAZARD –
CIRCUIT PROTECTION DEVICES
• GFCIs interrupt the flow of electricity within as little as 1/40 of a second to prevent
electrocution.

• GFCIs compare the amount of current going into electric equipment with the amount
of current returning from it along the circuit conductors. If the difference exceeds 5
milliamperes, the device automatically shuts off the electric power.

• Use the GFCIs as an extra protective measure rather than a replacement for safe work
practices

• Arc-fault devices provide protection from the effects of arc-faults by recognizing

characteristics unique to arcing and by functioning to de-energize the circuit when an
arc-fault is detected.
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 PROTECTION AGAINST ELECTRICAL HAZARD –
CIRCUIT PROTECTION DEVICES
• GFCIs interrupt the flow of electricity within as little as 1/40 of a second to prevent
electrocution.

• GFCIs compare the amount of current going into electric equipment with the amount
of current returning from it along the circuit conductors. If the difference exceeds 5
milliamperes, the device automatically shuts off the electric power.

• Use the GFCIs as an extra protective measure rather than a replacement for safe work
practices

• Arc-fault devices provide protection from the effects of arc-faults by recognizing

characteristics unique to arcing and by functioning to de-energize the circuit when an
arc-fault is detected.
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 PROTECTION AGAINST ELECTRICAL HAZARD –
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes protective clothing and equipment
that limit employee injuries from a harmful event.
• Gloves
• steel-toed boots
• hard hats
• arc-rated clothing
• high-visibility clothing
• a fall harness
• safety glasses
❖ This is the least effective type of hazard control.

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 7 COMMON ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
1. Overhead Power Lines : Overhead powered and energized electrical lines have
high voltages which can cause major burns and electrocution to workers.
• Remember to maintain a minimum distance of 10 feet from overhead power lines and nearby
equipment.
• Also, safety barriers and signs must be installed to warn nearby non-electrical workers of the hazards
present in the area.
2. Damaged Tools and Equipment : Exposure to damaged electrical tools and
equipment can be very dangerous. Do not fix anything unless you are qualified to
do so.
❖ Thoroughly check for cracks, cuts or abrasions on cables, wires, and cords before
start working

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 7 COMMON ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
3. Inadequate Wiring and Overloaded Circuits: Using wires with inappropriate size
for the current can cause overheating and fires to occur.
❖ Use the correct extension cord designed for heavy-duty use.
4. Exposed Electrical Parts: Examples of exposed electrical parts include temporary
lighting, open power distribution units, and detached insulation parts on
electrical cords.
5. Improper Grounding
6. Damaged Insulation
7. Wet Conditions

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 GENERAL SAFETY TIPS
1. Inspect portable cord-and-plug connected equipment, extension cords, power
bars, and electrical fittings for damage or wear before each use. Repair or
replace damaged equipment immediately.
2. Always tape extension cords to walls or floors when necessary. Do not use nails
and staples because they can damage extension cords and cause fire and
shocks.
3. Use extension cords or equipment that is rated for the level of amperage or
wattage that you are using.
4. Always use the correct size fuse. Replacing a fuse with one of a larger size can
cause excessive currents in the wiring and possibly start a fire.

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 GENERAL SAFETY TIPS

5. Be aware that unusually warm or hot outlets or cords may be a sign that unsafe
wiring conditions exists. Unplug any cords or extension cords from these outlets
and do not use until a qualified electrician has checked the wiring.

6. Always use ladders made with non-conductive side rails (e.g., fibreglass) when
working with or near electricity or power lines.

7. Place halogen lights away from combustible materials such as cloths or curtains.
Halogen lamps can become very hot and may be a fire hazard.

8. Make sure that exposed receptacle boxes are made of non-conductive materials.

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 GENERAL SAFETY TIPS

9. Risk of electric shock is greater in areas that are wet or damp. Install Ground Fault
Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) as they will interrupt the electrical circuit before a
current sufficient to cause death or serious injury occurs.

10. Use a portable in-line Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) if you are not certain
that the receptacle you are plugging your extension cord into is GFCI protected.

11. Know where the panel and circuit breakers are located in case of an emergency.

12. Label all circuit breakers and fuse boxes clearly. Each switch should be positively
identified as to which outlet or appliance it is for.

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 GENERAL SAFETY TIPS
13. Do not use outlets or cords that have exposed wiring.

14. Do not use portable cord-and-plug connected power tools if the guards are
removed.

15. Do not block access to panels and circuit breakers or fuse boxes.

16. Do not touch a person or electrical apparatus in the event of an electrical

incident. Always disconnect the power source first.

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 TIPS FOR WORKING WITH POWER TOOLS

1. Switch all tools OFF before connecting them to a power supply.

2. Disconnect and lockout the power supply before completing any maintenance
work tasks or making adjustments.

3. Ensure tools are properly grounded or double-insulated. The grounded

equipment must have an approved 3-wire cord with a 3-prong plug. This plug
should be plugged in a properly grounded 3-pole outlet.

4. Test all tools for effective grounding with a continuity tester or a Ground Fault
Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) before use

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 TIPS FOR WORKING WITH POWER TOOLS
5. Do not bypass the on/off switch and operate the tools by connecting and
disconnecting the power cord.

6. Do not use electrical equipment in wet conditions or damp locations unless the
equipment is connected to a GFCI.

7. Do not clean tools with flammable or toxic solvents.

8. Do not operate tools in an area containing explosive vapours or gases, unless

they are intrinsically safe and only if you follow the manufacturer's guidelines.

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 TIPS FOR WORKING WITH POWER CORDS

1. Keep power cords clear of tools during use.

2. Suspend extension cords temporarily during use over aisles or work areas to
eliminate stumbling or tripping hazards.
3. Replace open front plugs with dead front plugs. Dead front plugs are sealed
and present less danger of shock or short circuit.
4. Do not use light duty extension cords in a non-residential situation.
5. Do not carry or lift up electrical equipment by the power cord.
6. Do not tie cords in tight knots. Knots can cause short circuits and shocks. Loop
the cords or use a twist lock plug.

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 CHECKLIST FOR BASIC ELECTRICAL SAFETY
• Inspect cords and plugs
• Check extension cords and plugs daily. Do not use, and discard corns and plugs if they are
worn or damaged.

• Have any extension cord that feels more than comfortably warm checked by an electrician.

• Eliminate octopus connections

• Do not plug several items into one outlet.

• Pull the plug, not the cord.

• Do not disconnect power supply by pulling or jerking the cord from the outlet. Pulling the
cord causes wear and may cause a shock.

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 CHECKLIST FOR BASIC ELECTRICAL SAFETY
• Never break off the third prong on a plug
• Replace broken 3-prong plugs and make sure the third prong is properly grounded.

• Never use extension cords as permanent wiring

• Use extension cords only to temporarily supply power to an area that does not have a power
outlet.
• Keep extension cords away from heat, water and oil. They can damage the insulation and
cause a shock.
• Do not allow vehicles to pass over unprotected extension cords. Extension cords should be
put in protective wireway, conduit, pipe or protected by placing planks alongside them.

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 EMPLOYER’S RESPONSIBILITIES
As an Employer it is YOUR responsibility to ensure:
• Use the correct cable connectors or couplers to join lengths of cables together and do not
allow taped joints.
• Electrical installations are installed and maintained by a competent person and checked
regularly
• Socket Outlets are not overloaded by the use of adaptors
• Electrically powered equipment provided is suitable for use
• Fixed electrical equipment should have a clearly identified switch to cut off power in an
emergency
• Portable equipment labelled as being double insulated has had the live and neutral
connected properly to the plug by a competent person unless the plug is of a moulded
type

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 References
• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (no date) Electrical Safety. [online].
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/electrical.html.
• Friend, M.A. and Kohn, J.P. (2007) Fundamentals of Occupational Safety and Health. 4th ed., Government Institutes. The
Scarecrow Press, USA.
• Health and Safety Authority (no date) Electricity in the Workplace. [online].
https://www.hsa.ie/eng/Topics/Electricity/Dangers_of_Electricity/Electricity_in_the_Workplace/.
• OSHA (no date) Electrical Hazards – Anatomy of an Accident. [online]. https://www.safetymanualosha.com/electrical-
hazards-anatomy-of-an-accident/.
• Reese, C.D. (2016) Occupational Health and Safety Management – A Practical Approach. 3rd ed. Taylor and Francis Group.
CRC Press, USA.
• Reese, C.D. (2017) Occupational Safety and Health – Fundamental Principles and Philosophies. Taylor and Francis Group.
CRC Press, USA.
• United States Department of Labor (no date) Controlling Electrical Hazards. [online].
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/3075.html.

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