Many workers are unaware of the potential electrical hazards present in their work environment which makes them more vulnerable to the danger of electrocution and arc flash incidents. The following is a checklist of workplace conditions that have been associated with. To determine if there are health and safety problems that need to be addressed in your workplace, use these questions. Of course, there is a danger of electrical shock when directly performing manual work on an electrical power system. Managing electrical hazards annotated instructors guide module overview this module covers electrical shock and arc flash hazards and provides an introduction to nfpa 70e, standard for electrical safety in the workplace. Our personal and professional lives would not be the same without electricity. Physical hazards cause injury to workers when an object. The actual arc hazard is based on available energy, not available. Although the continuity and low resistance of the equipment grounding system is a major concern for reducing the risk of electrical shock. Every year several accidents at work involving electric shock or burns are reported. Oct 12, 2015 the most common causes of electrical hazards in office environments are faulty or defective equipment, unsafe installation, or misuse of equipment particularly extension cords, power strips, and surge protectors.
International hazard datasheets on occupations hdo ilo. Ensure the extension lead is placed appropriately, shielded or taped down to reduce tripping hazards. Eliminating andor reducing these hazards require a basic knowledge of electric circuits. Simply put, workplace hazards are any aspect of work that cause health and safety risks and have the potential to harm. The electrical safety guide for non electrical workers document does not replace any relevant regulations or codes for which the university must comply with nor does it authorize university, faculty, staff and students to perform electrical work for which they are not trained or qualified to perform.
Electrical hazards in the workplace how to prevent injury and work in a. Check what you should do when there are fallen powerlines, and actions to take in the event of an electric shock. Fact sheet electrical risks at the workplace august 2012 page. Check the licence status of electrical contractors and electrical workers. Home hazards electricity electrical hazards electrical hazards the managing electrical risks at the workplace code of practice, march 2012 has been approved by safe work australia members and is ready for endorsement by the select council on workplace relations ministerial council. An approved code of practice is a practical guide to achieving the standards of health, safety.
A 7 part series covering the 6 types of workplace hazards. Stay informed about public health recommendations related to the coronavirus and other health threats by visiting the cdc website at. The flash causes an explosive expansion of air and metal. How to identify workplace hazards staff in the workplace should provide answer to the following questions what can go wrong. Electrical equipment is one of the most important parts of the workplace, but it can also be one of the largest risks if used improperly. It is important to identify all electrical fire hazards in the workplace and understand the possible harm that these hazards may cause. Workplace tips for employees the following is general workplace health and safety information from the centers for disease control and prevention cdc. An electrical risk is a risk to a person of death, shock or other injury caused directly or indirectly by electricity. Fire fighters exposed to electrical hazards during wildland fire operations. Electricity is a powerful force which can seriously injure and in the worst cases, can be fatal.
Electrical safety in the workplace this easytouse leaders guide is provided to assist in conducting a successful presentation. The list is broken down into the four main categories of hazards. As we saw earlier, skin and body resistance has a lot to do with the relative hazard of electric circuits. How to identify workplace hazards create a hazard scenario where it is happening environment, who is affected or what it is happening exposure, what causes the hazard trigger, the outcome that would occur should it happen consequence, and any other contributing factors. It is especially important for those who install and service. Providing your employees with a clear safety program and detailed training also plays a key role in electrical safety.
Objectives upon completion of this module, the trainee will be able to do the following. Electrical safety should be treated as a priority in every workplace. For more information on hazards, contact workplace health and safety services. Definitions of hazards anything or condition with the potential to cause harm the potential of a substance, person, activity or process to cause harm injury or illness anything materialsubstance, machine, methods or matters in the workplace that has the potential to cause harm 3. Identifying hazards is essential to preventing injuries at the workplace. Nov 24, 2015 however, the georgia institute of technology states that electrical equipment used in offices can be hazardous and result in serious injuries if not properly maintained. However, the georgia institute of technology states that electrical equipment used in offices can be hazardous and result in serious injuries if not properly maintained. Nearly every workplace has some sort of electrical service, and that makes electrical safety a workplace issue. Nonelectrical skilled worker this training provides additional electrical safety training for electrical hazards non electrical skilled workers are exposed to in the work place. Many workers are exposed to electrical energy while completing their daily responsibilities, and many are unaware of the potential electrical hazards present in their work environment making them more vulnerable to the danger of electrocution. Preventing electrical hazards on the job is truly a matter of life and death.
Where in the workplace are safety or health problems occurring. How to prevent electrical hazards in the workplace ntt training. Electrical hazards awareness page 32 of 49 efcog electrical safety improvement project clothing. Form for reporting a hazard or other safety concern. Joan burton, bsc, rn, med, is a temporary advisor to who, and the senior strategy advisor, healthy workplaces, for the. Chemical hazards are hazardous substances that can cause harm. Notice of that approval was published in the nsw government gazette referring to this code of practice as managing electrical risks in the workplace page 2695 on friday, 18 july 2014. Rules and regulations regarding electrical hazards. Using electrical equipment near a source of water or with wet hands. In 1999, for example, 278 workers died from electrocutions at work, accounting for almost 5 percent of all on the job fatalities. This standard addresses arc flash and shock hazards, and there is a need for more empirical incident data on the actual hazards that may be experienced when equipment faults or adverse electrical events occur. How to manage work health and safety risks safe work australia. Ask each group to identify at least three things that could have been done to.
Identifying and reporting hazards in the workplace is one of the most powerful ways in which workers and companies can improve workplace safety. Electrical hazards in the workplace how to prevent injury and work in a safe manner. Identifying hazards in the workplace involves finding things and situations that could potentially cause. Reports show that about 1,000 electrical related accidents occur a year in the workplace, which leads to about 30 recorded fatalities. Electrical risks at the workplace heading fact sheet. It is also an important part of keeping your workplace in compliance with health and safety laws. Energized work shall be permitted where the employer can demonstrate that deenergizing introduces additional hazards or increased risk. Oct 25, 2016 preventing electrical hazards on the job is truly a matter of life and death. Department of labor occupational safety and health. Take precautions to reduce injury and fatality risk. The full force of an arc flash usually has no other course of travel than directly at an operator or technician and the results can be devastating. Identifying electrical hazards electricity in the workplace. Git recommends following these tips to help prevent exposure to workplace electrical hazards.
Electrical safety in the workplace platinum electricians. Learning objectives as you work through this session you will learn to 9 distinguish between the concepts of hazard, hazard event, secondary hazards, multiple hazards and disaster 9 classify and describe types of hazards 9 explain hazard characteristics such as magnitude. This standard also includes safe work practices for employees performing other work activities that can expose them to electrical hazards as well as safe work practices for the following. The niosh researchers analyzed 224 electrocutions that resulted in 244 workplace fatalities. Analyzing electrical hazards in the workplace occupational. Electrical safety at the workplace 2 introduction electricity plays a vital role in our daily lives but it can also kill or severely injure people and cause damage to property.
The purpose of this document is to provide an abbreviated version of the electrical safety workplace guidelines to help broaden the understanding of the standard regarding the various safety components cementex products, inc. It is developed as an addon module to the basic electrical safety training module for nonelectrical workers. Occupational health and safety in forestry can be improved through training, supervision and the use of safety equipment, among other things. Assessment and control of psychological hazards in the workplace. Outlines the legal obligations of employers and the selfemployed relating to electrical safety. It applies to all workplaces where a person conducting a business or undertaking. Nov 22, 2019 electrical current exposes workers to a serious, widespread workplace hazard. The high volume of electrical equipment in a typical office can expose workers to serious electrical hazards, including shocks, burns and fire, the rosslyn, vabased electrical safety foundation international warns. Electrical accidents that occur in an office environment are usually a result of faulty or defective equipment, unsafe. The information below relates to workplaces using 230 and 400 volt supplies. Electrical injuries an arc flash is a release of energy caused by an electric arc figure 262.
Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard, exposing employees to electric shock, electrocution, burns, fires, and explosions. Many workers are injured and killed at the workplace every day in the united states. Unsafe equipment, unsafe acts, and working with live electrical circuits can lead to electrical. Electrical hazards a major cause of accidents involving electricity comes from the failure to identify the hazards associated with live electrical equipment and wiring figure 261. Examples of additional hazards or increased risk include, but are not limited to, interruption of lifesupport equipment, deactivation of. Be wary of heavy equipment rolling over or impacting the lead as it may damage the insulation and wires causing shorting. Places of work generally have power nominally supplied at 230 volt single phase and 400 volt 3 phase although some larger workplaces will receive electricity at a higher supply voltage. High temperatures reduce work capacity and may lead to heat stress and dehydration. Understand and know the occupational safety and health administrations osha five types of workplace hazards and take steps to mitigate employee risk. The body stressing sources of risk checklist pdf, 187.
Many workplace injuries and incidents are a result of unidentified hazards, or a lack of action on controlling the risk associated with a specific hazard. It is a common misconception that arc hazards are an effect of only high voltage. All of the topics covered in this checklist may not apply to your particular workplace. Ensure all appliances are turned off before leaving work at the end of the day. By identifying hazards at your workplace, you will be. While many of the electrical improvements you undertake will involve electrical equipment, that should not be the only area of focus. Nevertheless, working on or near electrical hazards is dangerous and can be fatal. Employers need to identify potential electrical hazards in the workplace, create the necessary policies and programs, provide personal protective equipment as appropriate, and provide training on how to safely work with or near electrical hazards. Under the electricity at work regulations 1989, employers need to take action for. Chemicals in the workplace there are 750,000 hazardous chemicals used in the workplace around the world. The standard for electrical safety in the workplace get your team the uptodate safety training they need to identify electrical hazards and reduce potential injuries or even death. The most common causes of electrical hazards in office environments are faulty or defective equipment, unsafe installation, or misuse of equipment particularly extension cords, power strips, and surge protectors.
Foundation for a safe workplace is an oregon osha standards and technical. How to prevent electrical hazards in the workplace ntt. Safety and health topics electrical hazard recognition. Standard for electrical safety in the workplace was born out of this understanding and is quickly becoming mandatory on jobsites around the nation. Arcflash and other electrical safety hazards 27 electrical safety hazards 27 electric shock 27 arcflash and arc blasts 28 arcflash metrics 29 arcblast effect 31 light and sound effects 31 electrical hazard analysis 32 shock hazard analysis 32 approach boundaries 32 flash hazard analysis 34 arcflash calculations 35. By following these basic rules, you can avoid workplace electrical hazards. When thinking about where electrical hazards are commonly found, your first thought likely isnt your office. Electrical hazards pose a serious threat to worker safety. Give students handout c electrical safety scenario. These hazards can result in both health and physical impacts, such as skin. Four strategies to reduce or prevent electrical hazards can do a lot to make workers safer in the workplace, even in work sites that are inherently hazardous. Identifying safety and health problems in the workplace identifying health and safety problems can be as easy as answering basic questions.
Department inspection form pdf use this generic checklist to identify common workplace hazards. Most of the electrical health and safety regulations can be found in t8ccr, chapter. Recognizing electrical hazards in the workplace networx. Analyzing electrical hazards in the workplace by dennis k. Even non fatal shocks can cause severe and permanent injury. Electrical hazards in the workplace are no laughing matter, but they can be avoided by taking the aforementioned precautions. Electrical work on an electrical installation or electrical equipment may pose a risk of inadvertent contact with adjacent energised parts. Hazard identification is the foundation of a safe workplace pdf use these tools to document workplace hazards and eliminate, reduce, or manage risk. Are you aware of these 6 types of workplace hazards. Workplace hazards can be broken down into different categories, such as safety hazards, chemical and biological hazards, and. Occupational health and safety in forestry issues of. Typically, osha cites the same workplace injuries or hazards over and over. Identifying safety and health problems in the workplace osha. These regulations are contained in title 8 of the california code of regulations t8ccr.
While some accidents may not be caused by human mistakes, most accidents within the workplace are entirely preventable. Esopdf179 electrical safety code of practice 20 managing electrical risks in the workplace page 6 of 57 scope and application this code provides practical guidance for persons conducting a business or undertaking on managing electrical risks in the workplace. Some hazards are more likely to be present in some workplaces than others, and depending on the work that you do, there will be hazards that are more or. Educate employees on the safe use of electrical equipment such as extension cords and power strips. Electrical safety in the workplace 2 course goal the aim of this program is to provide comprehensive onsite training to highrisk workers i. However, electric shock hazards exist in many other places, thanks to the widespread use of electric power in our lives. Electrical hazards at work and how to prevent them.
To download a highresolution pdf of the infographic. There are several different areas to consider with electrical hazards in the workplace, each with different levels of risk that should be assessed accordingly. Electric shock electric current passes through the body 1 milliamp can feel the current 15 milliamps cant let go of electrical source 100 milliamps through chest can result in ventricular fibrillation which is usually fatal. Safe work practices for homeowners and consumers working with electrical appliances and generators. Cdc electrical safety niosh workplace safety and health topic.
As part of a safety and health curriculum for secondary and postsecondary electrical trades courses, this manual is designed to engage the learner in recognizing, evaluating, and controlling hazards associated with electrical work. Hazard assessments should be carried out as part of regular workplace inspections whether it is by the business owner or manager, or by an assigned employee. According to the centers for disease control and prevention, some workers are unaware that they work among potential electrical hazards. Electrical hazards at work and how to prevent them safety. Safety in the workplace is job number one for employer and employee alike. Safety hazards exist in every workplace, but how do you know which ones have the most potential to harm workers. In addition to the assessment of work practices, a shock hazard analysis must include an assessment of the physical condition of the electrical system. This hazard exists when a conductor is too small to safely carry the current flowing through it, such as using a portable tool with an extension cord that has a wire too small for the tool. This information may assist when testing foil insulation for possible touch voltages. Common sources of hazard electrical safety electronics. Electricity in the workplace health and safety authority.
Electrical safety in the workplace ionapex electric. The need for analyzing electrical hazards in the workplace has been recognized by a small segment of the industry for many years. This checklist covers a wide variety of workplace safety and health hazards. Acknowledgements this document was written by joan burton, canada, as result of agreement for performance of work no. Examples of common workplace hazards the following is a list of common workplace hazards encountered within ahs. Calosha regulations on electrical safety require california employers to provide workers with a safe and healthful workplace.