Electrical Safety

Related Courses

Key Questions

The following key questions are answered in this module:

What are the factors that affect shock severity?
The factors that affect shock severity include: 1. The amount of current. 2. The duration of a shock. 3. The path the current takes through the body.

What is the goal of NFPA 70E standard?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) created the 70E standard called the "Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace". It is a guide for establishing safe work practices for personnel working with or near electrical equipment. NFPA 70E requires employers to implement an Electrical Safety Program appropriate to the risk associated with various electrical hazards.

What are some guidelines for preventing electric shock?
Some guidelines for preventing electric shock include: 1. De-energizing equipment. 2. Using only insulated tools and test instruments. 3. Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

What are the basics of a lockout tagout program?
Lockout tagout (LOTO) refers to a set of procedures that protect workers from the unexpected energization of machinery and equipment or the release of hazardous energy during service or maintenance activities. It involves shutting off energy at control points such as switches and circuit breakers and placing locks and tags on those controls to prevent the system from being re-energized. Before working on de-energized, locked or tagged out equipment, verify the equipment is safe.

What are some of the effects of different current flows on the body?
A current of 0.001 amps (1 milliamp) creates a detectable sensation. At 0.01 amps a shock is painful. A current of 0.1- 0.2 amps will lead to ventricular fibrillation and can be lethal. Currents above that will cause internal organ damage in addition to heart problems. Burns can occur on your skin, where electricity enters your body, or within your body as the electricity flows through you.

Sample Video Transcript

Below is a transcript of the video sample provided for this module:

Understanding that electricity is dangerous is the first step to staying safe. To prevent electric shock, follow these guidelines: • De-energize equipment. Whenever possible, unplug or remove power from the device or area of work. Simply switching the power off to a hardwired piece of equipment like a motor is not a sufficient safeguard. Use lockout tagout techniques to assure that not only is the power off, but it is secured and not able to be turned on again by someone else. • Use only insulated tools and test instruments. If you must work on energized equipment, for example when troubleshooting, this is absolutely required. Make sure the insulation is in good condition before using the tools. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, voltage-rated safety rubber insulating gloves and non-conductive footwear. Make sure the insulation on the tools and PPE is rated for a voltage level above what you are working with.