CHAPTER 3

Electrical hazard
Fundamental of Electricity
• An understanding of the hazard and the safeguards of electricity begins with
an understanding of basic electric phenomena.
Current density:- The amount of current flowing through a conductor per unit
of cross sectional area. Current and current density are important for safety.
Resistance:-The opposition that a substance offers to the flow of electric
current.
Voltage:- The potential difference in charge b/n two points in electrical field.
current:- The continuous movement of electrons past a given
point.
Cont’d…
Arcing:- Arcing occurs when current flows through air between two conductors that are not in direct
contact.
Causes of Arc Flash
Improper training
 Improper work procedure
 Dropped tools
 Accidental contact with electrical systems
 Installation failure
 Improper Design/Repair
 Buildup of dust, corrosion on insulating surfaces
 Lack of maintenance
Electrical hazards

• Electricity and electrical equipment's creates or contributes a number of

hazards . The most common ones are :

1 Electrical Shock

2 Heat and fire (BURN)

3 Explosion
Con’td……
The primary hazards associated with electricity and its use are:

1. SHOCK. Electric shock occurs when the human body becomes part of a path through which
electrons can flow. Current enters the body at one point and leaves at another The resulting
effect on the body can be either direct or indirect.

• Direct. Injury or death can occur whenever electric current flows through the human body.

• Indirect. Although the electric current through the human body may be well below the values
required to cause noticeable injury, human reaction can result in falls from ladders or scaffolds,
or movement into operating machinery. Such reaction can result in serious injury or death.
Contnd…

Electricity may produce other hazards indirectly

some electrically powered devices produce harmful levels of X-rays, microwaves,

or laser light

Mechanical hazard because of electricity energized equipment's.

Failure of electrical power can make other hazard

• Failure of computer equipment and electronic sensor
Con’td…..
• electric shock depends on three factors.

• The amount of current conducted through the body.

• The path of the current through the body.

• The length of time a person is subjected to the current.

 How Electrical Current Affects the Body
Current Human Reaction
(Amps)
0.001 Perception level. Just a faint tingle.
0.005 Slight shock felt; not painful but disturbing.
Average individual can let go.
0.006-0.025 Painful shock, muscular control is lost.
(Women)

0.009-0.030 This is called the freezing current or "let-go"

(Men) range.
0.050-0.150 Extreme pain, respiratory arrest, severe muscular
contractions.
1 - 4.3 Ventricular fibrillation.
10 Cardiac arrest, severe burns and probable death.
 Water and Conduction

Conductors- Substances with relatively little resistance to the flow of

electrical current (e.g., metals).

Water- influences the conductive properties of some materials

 Dry wood is a poor conductor
 Wood saturated with water becomes a ready conductor

Use extreme caution when working with electricity where there is water in
the environment or on the skin.
 Human Skin & Resistance
Dry Conditions Human Skin have Resistant
Wet Conditions Skin’s Resistance drops dramatically
A low voltage electrocution becomes much more hazardous in a wet
condition

High voltage electrical energy greatly reduces the

body's resistance by quickly breaking down
human skin. Once the skin is punctured, the
lowered resistance results in massive current flow.
 2. Burns: (Heating and fire)
The most common shock-related injury is a burn. Burns suffered in
electrical incidents may be one or more of the following three types:
Electrical Burns, are the result of heat generated by the flow of
electric current through the body, cause tissue damage. Electrical
burns are one of the most serious injuries you can receive and need
to receive immediate medical attention.
High temperatures near the body produced by an electric arc or
explosion cause Arc or Flash Burns (also need prompt medical
attention)
Thermal Contact Burns occur when skin comes in contact with
overheated electric equipment, or when clothing is ignited in an
electrical incident.
 Burn contnd…

1.Electrical Burns 2.Arc or Flash Burns 3.Thermal Contact Burns

Current flows through the

body from the entrance point,
until finally exiting where the
body is closest to the ground.
This foot suffered massive
internal injuries, which
weren't readily visible, and
had to be amputated a few
days later
This man was near a power box
when an electrical explosion
occurred. Though he did not
touch the box, electricity arced
through the air and entered his
body. The current was drawn to
his armpits because
perspiration is very conductive
Current exited this
man at his knees,
catching his clothing
on fire and burning
his upper leg.
Burn contnd….

• internal injuries and muscle contraction

•This worker fell and grabbed a

•This worker was shocked by
power line to catch himself. The
a tool he was holding. The
resulting electric shock mummified
entrance wound and thermal
his first two fingers, which had to be
burns from the overheated tool
removed. The acute angle of the
are apparent
wrist was caused by burning of the
tendons, which contracted, drawing
the hand with them.
3.Explosion and Fire
• Arcing in the presence of an atmosphere containing
combustible dust or static electricity can ignite major disaster .
• Since arcing occurs when current flows through air between two
conductors that are not in direct contact. (which is used as an
ignition source ).
• Most of industrial fires and explosions are facilitated by an
ignition source of electrical lines (Arcing)
• E.g. Textile industries having a massive amount of
combustible dust environment so that if an electrical circuit
forming a shot or arcing, it may probably produce an explosion.
 Control of Electrical hazards
• There are a variety of controls that can reduce or eliminate
hazards.
• These are categorized in to
Physical Controls
Over current Devices:
Switching Devices
Grounding
Ground fault Circuit Interrupter and
procedure.
Con’td…
Physical controls:- refer to materials used, design of components, and
placement of equipments.
Shielding , enclosing, and positioning of electrical devices can reduces
contact with human , other equipments, of hazardous materials and
environments.
Wire size and length
Location (where electrical equipments should be placed, where people and
other equipment cannot come in to contact to it.
E.g. Pole keep power distribution line out of people’s reach and above most
vehicles and equipments
 Cont’d…….
• Conduit and Protective Coverings: -One of the reasons for placing
electrical lines in metal conduits is to prevent physical damage to
them. Another reason is to reduce the chance that people will
contact Nonconductive materials cover most electrical wires
• Sealed Equipment: sealed to separate heat and sparks from the
hazardous environment and to reduce the chance of physical
damage.
• Proper Connections: - There are many ways to connect electrical
conductors: plugs, receptacles, screw terminals, wire nuts, and other
special fasteners.
Con’td….
• Isolation and Double Insulation:-Another form of physical control is separating
energized portions of electrical equipment from those components that people
can contact (isolation).
• Several means can accomplish this. Conductors can be separated from
contact by covering them with nonconductive materials (insulation).
• Another method is to provide two layers of enclosure for energized
components. At least one of the layers must be nonconductive, and the
nonconductive layer must separate a user from possible contact with any
energized component (double insulation)
Contnd…
Over current devices:- limit the current that can flow
through a circuit or electrical device. If current exceeds
a given limit, the device shuts off power.the major
OCD are:-
. Fuses
Circuit breakers
 Procedures
• Work procedures for installation, use of, and maintenance of
electrical systems and equipment can reduce risk. Procedures
differ for high-voltage power distribution, low voltage, and
safety low voltage. Workers must learn these procedures.
Electrical equipment for consumers must have instructions
that explain electrical hazards and how to prevent electrical
injury.
• First Aid anyone working with electrical circuits and equipment
should know rescue methods and first aid for electrical
accidents. Too often, attempts at rescue in electrical accidents
result in a rescuer becoming part of the circuit and an
additional victim.
• Because respiratory arrest and fibrillation are common effects,
knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential
for those who work with electrical circuits and equipment.
Without immediate treatment for these injuries, chances of
survival are minimal.
End