Electrical Safety Review Compliance Assistance Region IV

What is Electricity? Electricity is the movement of electrons. Fundamental quantities include: Volts Current Resistance

Common Hazards Shocks. Burns. Explosions. Fires. Shocks: Occurs when electrical current flows through parts of the body. Results can be: a. Indirect (falling from ladders, scaffolds, … b. Direct (damage or death caused by the flow of electricity through the body. Burns: Are usually caused by excessively hot electrical conductors (as in heaters or faulty wiring) or by arc blasts. Arc blast occurs from high amperage currents arcing through the air after contact has initiated large current flows, as in short circuits. Explosions: Can be caused when electricity provides a source of ignition for an explosive mixture in the atmosphere. Excessively high conductor temperatures, or normal arcing-sparking at switch contacts, can provide this ignition source. The removal of electrical equipment or installation of explosion proof can prevent explosions. Fires: Are most commonly caused by deterioration of insulation on bad or old wiring, defective or misused appliances, loose connections and misused devices.

Electricity and the Human Body ~1ma: Sensation on hands. >3ma: Painful shock which can cause indirect accidents. >10ma: Muscle contraction, “no-let-go” danger. >30ma: Lung paralysis >50ma: Possible ventricular fibrillation. 100ma - 4A: Certain ventricular fibrillation Let Go current is that current above which one cannot let go of the conductive surface being grasped. This causes involuntary contraction of both extensor and flexor muscle groups. Because flexors are stronger than extensors, the resultant effect is that one cannot extend or let go.

Protective Triangle Keep Away Grounding GFCI Keep Away: Insulation, Elevation, Isolation, Buried, Covered. Grounding: Provides current with a low resistance path. GFCI: Will not prevent a shock, but is designed to prevent a fatal shock. Remember current will take all paths to ground. GFCI

Electrocution Triangle Electricity Path In order to receive a shock you must have electricity, a path, and time. All three must be present. The longer the duration the more severe the injury Time

Fatality An employee received a fatal electric shock while operating a high pressure water sprayer which was connected to a portable light with a receptacle built into the handle. The portable light was being used as an extension cord, and was not approved for wet or damp locations. The electrical cord had been spliced and the cord had been laying in water at the time of the accident.

Fatality Several employees were trying to isolate a shortage problem in the plant before lunch. The problem resulted in some lights and several machines going out. Maintenance personnel used a volt meter to check fuses in the main switch box. The employees checked the continuity of the 3 fuses, and then switched the meter to 1000VAC and attempted to measure the voltage across the top of the switch. An explosion occurred and 2 employees were burned and the third was killed. Switch voltage was 13,200VAC. Employees were not trained in Electrical Safety Work Practices, Employees did not utilize rubber gloves, or mats. Employees were not qualified to work on energized parts.

Commonly Cited Violations 1910.305(b)(1): Unused openings 1910.303(g)(2): Exposed live parts 1910.305(b)(2): Missing covers 1910.304(f): Defective Ground 1910.305(g)(1)(iii): Prohibited uses of flexible cords. 1 - 1910.305(b)91): Conductors entering boxes not protected against abrasions. Unused opening in boxes not effectively closed. {611} 2 - 1910.303(g)(2): Exposed live parts {553} 3 - 1910.305(b)(2): Electrical boxes missing covers {485} 4 - 1910.304(f)(4): Grounding path not permanent and continuous {454} 5 - 1910.305(g)(1)(iii): Prohibited uses of flexible cords and cables. Prohibited uses include: Used in place of fixed wiring. Run through walls, doorways, windows or similar. Attached to building surfaces. Concealed behind building walls, ceilings, or floors.

Commonly Cited Violations 1910.303(f): Unlabeled disconnects 1910.305(g)(2)(iii): Strain relief 1910.303(b)(2): Listed & labeled 1910.303(b)(1): General Duty Clause 1910.303(g)(1): Access & working space. 6 - 1910.303(f): Unlabelled disconnects {440} 7 - 1910.305(g)(2)(iii): No strain relief on flexible cords {370} 8 - 1910.303(b)(2): Listed / labeled equipment was not used in accordance with instructions included in listing/labeling {325} 9 - 1910.303(b)(1): Equipment not free from recognized hazards {238} 10 - 1910.303(g)(1): Sufficient access and working space was not provided and maintained about all electric equipment {210} 0-150VAC: 3’ 151-600VAC: 3’ 3.5 if live parts on one side and grounded on other 4 if live parts on both sides

Blocked Electrical Panels

Strain on Conductors

Inadequate Strain Relief on Cord

Exposed Live Parts Employee’s cap is hung on power strip energized to 120VAC

Exposed Live Parts

Exposed live parts Missing breakers inside of circuit breaker panel

Ungrounded Cords Ground pin missing on extension cord

Damaged Faceplate

Utility Boxes Utility boxes are not approved for usage as extension cords.

Receptacles in Wet Locations Receptacles in wet or damp locations need covers.

Receptacles in Wet Locations Receptacles in wet or damp locations need covers.

Damaged Faceplate

Portable Electric Tools Inspect before usage. Remove from service tools with damaged cords. Use grounded or double insulated tools. Check continuity of tool.

Hazard Assessment Employers are required to assess the workplace to determine if hazards that require the use of personal protective equipment are present or are likely to be present.

Personal Protective Equipment Head protection - overhead hazards Eye protection - grinding, chipping, or sawing operations. Hearing protection - noisy environments Respiratory protection - exposure levels exceed permissible exposure limits. Foot protection - falling, rolling, or sharp object.

Rubber Gloves Must be air tested daily before usage. Must be electrically tested every 6 months or replaced. Before issuance gloves may be stored for up to 1 year without being tested.

Wrapping It Up Education and training without follow-up and enforcement, is INEFFECTIVE

Region IV - OSHA