Electrical Safety Training
Electricity is something we use on an everyday basis, it is something we cannot see, but can become very dangerous if not handled with the proper respect and care. Even exposure to low voltages can cause severe injury or even death.
The following are a list of safety rules to follow when working with electrical equipment:
- Inspect equipment before use to ensure it is in good working order. If the equipment is defective remove from service, tag it out and report it to your supervisor immediately. Inspect extension cords, power tools and equipment before each use for cuts, exposed wires, missing ground, etc.
- Electrical equipment shall be grounded or double insulated in accordance with subpart K.
- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) shall be used at all times at the power source with electrical equipment and power tools. They shall be inspected and tested before each use.
- Extension cords shall not be run through doorways, walkways, windows or roads unless they are protected.
- A minimum clearance of 10 ft must be maintained from any uninsulated overhead power line. No work shall be conducted within 10 ft of an overhead power line unless the line has been de-energized and visibly grounded.
- Never remove the ground prong or use power tools or extension cords with the ground prong missing.
- Never overload electrical receptacles.
- Only employees trained and authorized may repair electrical equipment.
- Appropriate PPE shall be used when it is possible to come in contact with exposed electrical parts. It shall be inspected before each use and if found defective removed from service.
- Non-conductive head protection shall be worn if there is a chance of electrical burns or shock from contact with exposed energized parts. Protective eye or face equipment shall be used if the employee is exposed to electrical arcs/flashes or from flying objects due to electricity.
- All temporary lighting must have cage guards over them to prevent breakage of the bulbs and shall be hung by its insulator. If a bulb is broken the power source must be disconnect and the bulb replace immediately.
- Remember even low voltages can cause severe injury or even death.
- Never mix electricity and water.
- All temporary power panels shall have covers.
- Do not use electrical cords for hoisting or lowing power tools, materials or equipment.
- If work must be done on equipment the equipment must be deenergized and locked and tagged out. The equipment must be verified to be deenergized before work begins. If equipment is locked or tagged out no employee shall attempt to operate the machinery.