Electrical
OSHA 30 Hour
The Dangers
The Terms
The Hazards
And the Controls
1
Introduction
• An average of one worker is electrocuted
on the job every day
• There are four main types of electrical
injuries:
– Electrocution (death due to electrical shock)
– Electrical shock
– Burns
– Falls
2
Introduction
Lesson objectives:
1. Identify major electrical hazards
2. Describe types of electrical hazards
3. Describe electrical protection methods
4. Recognize employer requirements to protect
workers from electrical hazards
Source:
OSHA
Introduction
Definitions:
• Electricity – movement
of the free electrons between
atoms;
– Related terms:
• Current – the movement of Source:
NIOSH
electrical charge
• Resistance – opposition to current flow
• Voltage – a measurement of electrical force
Introduction
• Conductors – substances, such as metals, that have little
resistance to electricity
• Insulators – substances, such as dry wood, rubber, glass
and Bakelite, that have high resistance to electricity
• Grounding – a conductive connection to the earth which
acts as a protective measure
Electrical Hazards
Serious injuries and death can be caused by electrical hazards such as arc flash, shocks, burns, falls, and fires. Source of graphics: OSHA
Electrical Hazards
Electrical Hazards
Electrical Hazards
BE SAFE:
• Burns
• Electrocution
• Shock
• Arc flash/arc blast
• Fire
• Explosions
Electrical Hazards
Burns:
• Most common shock-related injury
• Three types of electrical burns:
– Electrical
– Arc flash
– Thermal contact
Source:
OSHA
Electrical Hazards
Electrocution:
• Is fatal
• Meaning: to kill with electrical shock
• Results when a human is exposed to a
lethal amount of electrical energy
Electrical Hazards
Shock:
• Body becomes part
of electrical circuit
• Reflex response to
passage of electric
Source:
current through the body OSHA
Electrical Hazards
Arc Flash/Arc Blast
• Arc flash
– Sudden release of electrical
energy through air when a
high-voltage gap exists and
there is a breakdown
between conductors
– Gives off thermal radiation
(heat) and bright, intense
light that can cause burns
– Temperatures as high as Source: Creative Safety Supply
35,000°F
13
Electrical Hazards
• Arc blast – high-
voltage arcs can
also produce
considerable
pressure waves by
rapidly heating the
air and creating a
blast
14
Electrical Hazards
Fire:
• Most result from
problems with "fixed
wiring”
• Problems with
cords, plugs,
receptacles, and
switches also cause
electrical fires
15
Electrical Hazards
Explosions:
• Occur when electricity ignites explosive
mixture of material in the air
• Note:
– Electricity is source of these hazards
– All hazards are of equal importance
– Lesson focuses on eliminating electrical hazards
Electrical Hazards
Examples of fatal accidents:
• Case #1: Worker electrocuted when the ladder
came in contact with overhead power lines
• Case #2: Worker electrocuted when mast
came in contact with high voltage overhead
lines
Electrical Hazards
• Case #3: Worker changing energized ballast
on light fixture was electrocuted and fell to
the concrete floor while working from an 8'
fiberglass stepladder.
Electrical Hazards
Source of graphics:
OSHA
Types of Electrical Hazards
Contact with overhead power lines:
• Overhead and buried
power lines carry
extremely high voltage
• Risks
– Electrocution (main risk)
– Burns and falls
Source: NIOSH
Types of Electrical Hazards
• Cranes are not the only
equipment that can reach
overhead power lines.
• Use of ladders or suspension
in a man-basket under or near Source:
OSHA
power lines are risks.
Types of Electrical Hazards
• Important: the covering on an overhead
power line is primarily for weather
protection; therefore, workers need to
know that if they touch a power line,
covered or bare, death is probable.
• [Link]
on/ladder_powerline_fnl_eng_web.html
Types of Electrical Hazards
Contact with energized sources:
• Live parts
– The major hazards
• Electrical shock and burns
• Electrical shock occurs
when the body becomes
part of the electric circuit
Source:
OSHA
Types of Electrical Hazards
– Severity and effects of an electrical shock
depend on a number of factors
• Pathway through the body
• Amount of current
• Length of time of the exposure
• Whether skin is wet or dry
– Water
• Great conductor
• Allows current to flow more easily in wet conditions
and through wet skin
(1,000 milliamperes = 1 amp; therefore, 15,000 milliamperes = 15 amp circuit)
Current Reaction
Below 1 milliampere Chart
Generally, not perceptible
1 milliampere Faint tingle
5 milliampere Slight shock felt; not painful but disturbing. Average
individual can let go. Strong involuntary reactions can
lead to other injuries
6-25 milliamperes (women) Painful shock, loss of muscular control
9-30 milliamperes (men) The freezing current or “let-go” range. Individual cannot
let go but can be thrown away from the circuit if extensor
muscles are stimulated.
50-150 milliamperes Extreme pain, respiratory arrest, severe muscular
contractions. Death is possible.
1,000-4,300 milliamperes Rhythmic pumping action of the heart ceases. Muscular
contraction and nerve damage occur; death likely
10,000 milliamperes Cardiac arrest, severe burns; death probable
This table shows the body’s reaction when exposed to various levels of current. Source: OSHA
Types of Electrical Hazards
• Damaged or bare wires
– Fault current may travel through a body,
causing electrical burns or death, if
• Power supply is not grounded
• Path has been broken
• There are live parts or bare wires
– Extreme conditions and rough treatment can
change electrical equipment from safe to
hazardous
Types of Electrical Hazards
• Defective equipment or tools
These photos show examples of defective equipment/tools. Source of photos: OSHA
Types of Electrical Hazards
• Improper repairs
– Examples of incidents
• Ballast strap not replaced after repair = Electrocution of
11-year-old boy
• Cutting off a bleed resistor on capacitor = causes 370-
volt shock
• Removing and leaving off terminal insulator on capacitor
= causes 440-volt shock
Types of Electrical Hazards
Improper use:
• Extension and flexible cords
– Care
– Connection
– Capacity
Source: TEEX SH 46F1-
HT06
Types of Electrical Hazards
– Capacity affected by
• Size of wire
– 14 gauge = 15 amps
– 12 gauge = 20 amps
• Length of the cord
– UL tag capacity
– In general, any cord over
100 ft. requires one size
larger cord
(14 gauge to 12 gauge) Source:
OSHA
Types of Electrical Hazards
• Power strips:
– Can be over loaded
because of multiple
plug arrangement
– Most have overload protection Source: UBATC
but often malfunction causing fire
– Use fixed wiring when possible
Types of Electrical Hazards
• Portable heaters and appliances:
– Manufacturer recommendations
not followed
– Do not plug into a power strip!
This causes overloads and fires.
Source of photos: UBATC
Electrical Protection Methods
Maintain safe distance from
overhead power lines:
• Staying away
• Following table shows the safe
power line clearance distance
for various line voltages.
• [Link]
Source of graphics: OSHA
Electrical Protection Methods
Voltage Minimum Clearance Distance
(nominal, kV, alternating current) (feet)
Up to 50 10
Over 50 to 200 15
Over 200 to 350 20
Over 350 to 500 25
Over 500 to 750 35
Over 750 to 1000 45
Over 1000 (As established by the power line
owner/operator or registered
professional engineer who is a
qualified person with respect to
electrical transmission and
distribution)
This table shows the minimum clearance distances, in feet, for different power line voltages. Source: OSHA
Electrical Safety Awareness for Non-
Electrical Workers
35
Electrical Protection Methods
Use ground-fault circuit
interrupters (GFCI):
• Designed to protect people
from electrical shock
• Detects ground faults and
interrupts electric current
• Limit's duration of electrical
shock Source: OSHA
Electrical Protection Methods
Three types of GFCI:
• Receptacle GFCI
• Temporary/portable GFCI
• Circuit Breaker GFCI
These photos show examples of the three types of GFCI. Source of photos: OSHA
Electrical Protection Methods
Inspect portable tools and extension cords:
• Workers need to inspect extension cords prior
to their use for any cuts or abrasion.
• Electric hand tools that are old, damaged, or
misused may have damaged insulation inside.
Electrical Protection Methods
Use power tools and equipment as
designed:
• Follow tool safety tips to avoid misusing
equipment
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions
Electrical Protection Methods
• Common examples of
misused equipment
Source: TEEX SH 46F1-
HT06
Source of photos: OSHA Source of photos: OSHA
These photos show examples of equipment misuse.
Electrical Protection Methods
Tool safety tips
• Never carry a tool by the cord.
• Never yank the cord to disconnect it.
• Keep cords away from heat, oil, and
sharp edges.
• Disconnect when not in use and when
changing accessories such as blades
and bits.
Electrical Protection Methods
• Avoid accidental starting. Do not hold
fingers on the switch button while carrying
a plugged-in tool.
• Use gloves and appropriate footwear.
• Store in dry a place when not using.
Electrical Protection Methods
• Don’t use in wet/damp environments.
• Keep working areas well lit.
• Ensure that cords do not cause a tripping
hazard.
• Remove damaged tools from use.
• Use double-insulated tools.
Electrical Protection Methods
Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO)
procedures:
• Lockout/tagout
– Essential safety procedure
– Protects workers from injury while
working on or near electrical
circuits and equipment Source:
– Prevents contact with operating
OSHA
equipment parts such as, blades,
gears, shafts, etc.
Electrical Protection Methods
– LOTO prevents the unexpected
release of hazardous gases, fluids, or
solid matter in areas where workers
are present.
Source of photos: OSHA
Electrical Protection Methods
Power source identification:
• Mark all breakers accordingly for the circuits
they protect
• Mark all disconnect means accordingly for
the equipment they service
• Identify all voltages with proper labeling
Employer Requirements
Employer requirements to protect workers:
• Ensure overhead power line safety
• Isolate electrical parts
• Supply ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI)
protection
• Establish and implement an AEGCP
• Ensure power tools are maintained in a safe
condition
Employer Requirements
• Ensure proper guarding
• Provide training
• Enforce LOTO safety related work practices
• Ensure proper use of flexible cords and
power strips
• Ensure proper identification of power
sources
What’s Wrong?
Identify the hazards in these photos. Source of photos: TEEX SH 46F1-
HT06
What’s Wrong?
Identify the hazards in these photos. Source of photos: OSHA / Local
Facility