Electrical Safety Program

How Electricity Works Operating an electric switch is like turning on a water faucet. Behind the faucet or switch there must be a source of water or electricity with something to transport it, and with a force to make it flow.Operating an electric switch is like turning on a water faucet. Behind the faucet or switch there must be a source of water or electricity with something to transport it, and with a force to make it flow. In the case of water the source is a pump, and the force to make it flow through the pipes is provided by the pump.In the case of water the source is a pump, and the force to make it flow through the pipes is provided by the pump. For electricity, the source is the power generator. Current travels through electrical conductors (wires) and the force to make it flow, measured in volts, is provided by a generator.For electricity, the source is the power generator. Current travels through electrical conductors (wires) and the force to make it flow, measured in volts, is provided by a generator.

Electrical Shock Received when current passes through the bodyReceived when current passes through the body –You become part of the circuit Severity of a shock depends on:Severity of a shock depends on: –Path of current through the body –Amount of current flowing through the body –Length of time the body is in the circuit

If Electrocution Occurs Call for helpCall for help DO NOT touch the victim or the conductorDO NOT touch the victim or the conductor Shut off the current at the control boxShut off the current at the control box If the shutoff is not immediately available, use a non- conducting material to free the victimIf the shutoff is not immediately available, use a non- conducting material to free the victim If necessary and you know how, begin CPR when current is stoppedIf necessary and you know how, begin CPR when current is stopped In dealing with electricity, never exceed your expertiseIn dealing with electricity, never exceed your expertise

Electrical Burns Most common shock-related, nonfatal injuryMost common shock-related, nonfatal injury Occurs when you touch electrical wiring or equipment that is improperly used or maintainedOccurs when you touch electrical wiring or equipment that is improperly used or maintained Typically occurs on the handsTypically occurs on the hands Very serious injury that needs immediate attentionVery serious injury that needs immediate attention

Controlling Electrical Hazards Most electrical mishaps are caused by a combination of three factors:Most electrical mishaps are caused by a combination of three factors: Unsafe equipment and/or installation,Unsafe equipment and/or installation, Workplaces made unsafe by the environmentWorkplaces made unsafe by the environment Unsafe work practicesUnsafe work practices

Clues that Electrical Hazards Exist Tripped circuit breakers or blown fusesTripped circuit breakers or blown fuses Warm tools, wires, cords, connections, or junction boxesWarm tools, wires, cords, connections, or junction boxes GFCI that shuts off a circuitGFCI that shuts off a circuit Worn or frayed insulation around wire or connectionWorn or frayed insulation around wire or connection

Overload Hazards If too many devices are plugged into a circuit, the current will heat the wires to a very high temperature, which may cause a fireIf too many devices are plugged into a circuit, the current will heat the wires to a very high temperature, which may cause a fire If the wire insulation melts, arcing may occur and cause a fire in the area where the overload exists, even inside a wallIf the wire insulation melts, arcing may occur and cause a fire in the area where the overload exists, even inside a wall

Preventing Electrical Hazards Ways of protecting workers and preventing electrical hazards are: Insulation Grounding Electrical protective devices (GFCI) Safe work practices

Insulation Check insulation prior to using cables, tools, or equipmentCheck insulation prior to using cables, tools, or equipment Remove from service any tools or equipment with damaged insulationRemove from service any tools or equipment with damaged insulation

Cabinets, Boxes, and Fittings Junction boxes, pull boxes and fittings must have approved coversJunction boxes, pull boxes and fittings must have approved covers Unused openings in cabinets, boxes and fittings must be closed (no missing knockouts)Unused openings in cabinets, boxes and fittings must be closed (no missing knockouts) 29 CFR (b)(1) and (2)

Grounding Grounding creates a low- resistance path from a tool to the earth to disperse unwanted currentGrounding creates a low- resistance path from a tool to the earth to disperse unwanted current When a short or lightning occurs, energy flows to the ground, protecting you from electrical shock, injury and deathWhen a short or lightning occurs, energy flows to the ground, protecting you from electrical shock, injury and death

Improper Grounding Tools plugged into improperly grounded circuits may become energizedTools plugged into improperly grounded circuits may become energized Broken wire or plug on extension cordBroken wire or plug on extension cord Some of the most frequently violated OSHA standardsSome of the most frequently violated OSHA standards

Hand-Held Electric Tools Hand-held electric tools pose a potential danger because they make continuous contact with the handHand-held electric tools pose a potential danger because they make continuous contact with the hand To protect you from shock, burns, and electrocution, tools must:To protect you from shock, burns, and electrocution, tools must: –Have a three-wire cord with ground and be plugged into a grounded receptacle, or –Be double insulated 29 CFR (f)(5)(v)(C)(3)

Panel Boxes Panel boxes are used to house circuit breakers that block or isolate energyPanel boxes are used to house circuit breakers that block or isolate energy – Ensure panel boxes remain clear – Label all circuits for what they control – Label panel boxes for what they control – Replace circuit breakers with blanks when not in use

Final Advice Treat electricity with the respect it demands, and it will serve you efficiently and effectively Questions?

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS MARINE CORPS COMMUNITY SERVICES Certificate of Training This is to certify that HAS SATISFACTORILY COMPLETED Electrical Safety Online Training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina Date Type name here Employee ID # Type date here Type here