-Electrical Hazards and how to control them
electrical accidents are caused by a combination of three factors
--Unsafe equipment and installation
--workplaces made unsafe by the environment
--unsafe work practices
1.Hazard - exposed electrical parts
-cover removed from wiring or breaker box
2.control - isolate electrical parts
- use guards or barriers
- replace covers
"guard live parts of electric equipment operating at 50 volts or more against accidental contact"
"missing grounding prong"
"missing outlet cover"
"damaged casing"
3.hazard - overhead power lines
- usually not insulated
- examples of equipment that can contact power lines
"crane"
"ladder"
"scaffold"
"backhoe"
"scissors lift"
"raised dump truck bed"
4.control - overhead power lines
- post warning
- assume that lines are energized
- use wood or fiberglass ladders , not mental
- power line workers need special training and PPE
5 control - use the correct wire
- wire used depends on operation, building materials, electrical lode, and environmental factors
- Use fixed cords rather than flexible cords
- use the correct extensions cord
"must be 3-wire type and designed for hard or extra-hard use
6.hazard - defective cords and wires
- plastic or rubber covering is missing
- damaged extension cords and tools
7.grounding
- grounding creates a low-resistance path from a tool to the earth to disperse unwanted current
- when a shot or lightning occurs, energy floes to the ground, protecting you from electrical shock, injury and death.
8.hazard - improper grounding
- tools plugged into improperly grounded circuits may become energized
- broken wire or plug on extension cord
- some of the most frequently violated OSHA standards
9.control - ground tools and equipment
- ground power supply systems electrical circuits, and electrical equipment
- frequently inspect electrical systems to insure path to ground is continuous
- inspect electrical equipment before use
- don't remove ground prongs from tools or extension cords
- ground exposed metal parts of equipment
10. power tool requirements
- have a three-wire cord with ground plugged into a grounded receptacle
- be double insulated
- be powered by a low-voltage isolation transformer
11.safety - related work practices
"to protect workers from electrical shock
- use barriers and guards to prevent passage through areas of exposed energized equipment
- pre-plan work, post hazard warnings and use protective measures
- keep working spaces and walkways clear of cords
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