Electrical Workplace Hazards and Courses

 

Professionals such as engineers, electricians, and others deal directly with electricity, working on circuit assemblies, cable harnesses, and overhead lines. Others, like office employees and salespeople, indirectly work with electricity and may be exposed to electrical risks. In addition, electrical equipment, including computers and machinery, is potentially dangerous and can result in shock and burn injuries if handled or maintained incorrectly.

 

Hazard Identification 

 

1- Contact with Overhead Powerlines   

At your site, underground and overhead electricity lines are hazardous because of their extremely high voltage. The primary danger is fatal electrocution, although other risks include burns and falls from heights. In addition, utilizing tools and equipment that could come in contact with power wires raises the danger.

As per recorded data, it is estimated around 36 percent of all electricity-related workplace accidents and deaths were prompted by overhead powerlines. 

Therefore, the first and foremost crucial measure to prevent such dangers is to look around to identify all the powerlines on and surrounding the job site. Once you know the powerlines' location, taking proper safety precautions can help shield you and your crew from severe harm and even death.

Hazard Prevention Tips:

• Look for signs of buried power wires and overhead power lines. Place cautionary signage.
• Contact utilities to find underground electrical lines.  
• Keep a minimum of 10 feet distance from any overhead electrical powerlines.
• Unless you are informed, assume that overhead lines are energized.
• When operating close to lines, de-energize and ground them. Guarding or insulating the lines are further preventative measures.
• When working close to electricity lines, use fiberglass or wood ladders that are non-conductive.

 

2- Inadequate Grounding

The process of getting rid of unwanted voltage is known as grounding. The ground is a physical, electrical connection to the earth thus it reduces the risk of being shocked or electrocuted.

When an electrical system is not grounded correctly, a hazard exists. The most common OSHA electrical violation is the improper grounding of equipment and circuitry. Suppose the power supply to the electrical equipment at your job site is not grounded or the path has been inttrupted, there's a high chance of the passing of a fault current through the worker's body, leading to electrical burns or even death.

In addition, even when the power system is grounded correctly, electrical equipment can change from safe to hazardous because of extreme conditions and rough treatment.

Hazard Prevention Tips:

• Ground all electrical equipment, electrical connections, and power supply systems.
• Electrical systems should be regularly inspected to ensure that the path to the ground is continuous.
• Before usage, give all electrical equipment a visual inspection. Remove any damaged machinery from service. 
• Never take the ground prongs out of extension cables or connected devices.
• Use double-insulated tools and equipment.
• All exposed metal parts of equipment should be grounded.

 

3- Exposed Electrical Components

Nothing should be exposed when working on a construction site. However, hanging wires, loose connections, and dangling outlets should be a warning sign that something is wrong.

Employees should notify their bosses as soon as they know of any exposed electrical components. Additionally, everyone should be alert for defective parts and machinery, such as circuit breakers with missing panels or a setup with exposed cables.

Hazard Prevention Tips:

• Never use a panel that has exposed wires.
• To avoid electrocution, the outer insulation of cables should be intact when checking and handling them. 
• In order to stop the spread of dust and potentially dangerous mishaps, openings should be kept closed. 
• Temporary lighting should be guarded to prevent fire and broken bulbs.
• Temporary lighting must be adequately guarded and secured on construction sites to avoid contact with broken bulbs and dangerous shocks.

 

4- Underrated wiring

Electrical equipment, receptacles or outlets, wires, and extension cords should be labeled according to amperage and voltage levels. Using wires with the wrong size for current can lead to overheating and fires in electrical equipment. Electrical cords come with different electrical ratings and different sizes. Therefore, before energizing the tool, employees should be able to identify these sizes. 

Hazard Prevention Tips:

• Use the appropriate wire for the operation and the electrical load you are working on.
• Use an extension cord that is appropriate for heavy-duty use.
• Do not overload an outlet by using outlet adaptors.

 

5- Damaged Insulation

Electrical wires come with insulation, which protects the user from the electrical conductors traveling underneath. Damage or Low-quality insulation is not only an electrocution hazard but a fire hazard. Be alert for cracked insulation on wires and wiring and report it right once.

Hazard Prevention Tips:

• Remove the apparatus from service and wait for repairs or a replacement. 
• Never try to tape over the deteriorated insulation. The wire should ideally be replaced entirely.

 

6- Damaged Tools and Equipment

Workers require access to high-quality tools and equipment when working with or near electricity. A risk of electrocution exists when electrical tools and equipment are exposed. Every worker should be able to recognize and report defective devices in the workplace. Before beginning the assigned task, workers should have time to check their equipment. Workers may become exposed to the risks of electricity due to cracks, cuts, rips, and tears. Before beginning any electrical maintenance or repairs, lockout/tagout procedures should always be followed.

Hazard Prevention Tips:

• Do not use electric tools that are damaged.
• Remove faulty tools from service and mark them as "Out of service for repair" if they need to be fixed.
• Do not use " temporary " broken tools; replace them immediately.
• Do not try field repairs; instead, have your tools repaired by a professional.

 

7- Overload Circuits

Overloaded receptacles and circuits carry high currents, which dissipate heat in a considerable amount. As it causes ear on the internal wiring system, fire can be ignited. Circuit breakers or fuses are built into every wiring system and cut electricity when a circuit is overloaded. However, a fuse or breaker not the right size can disable this built-in safety measure.

Hazard Prevention Tips:

• Use proper circuit breakers.
• Never overload an outlet. 
• Do not use power strips on construction sites.

 

8- Humid or Wet Conditions

Moisture and equipment should be kept from electrical components to prevent injury, as water and electricity are dangerous. Never allow workers to approach a piece of machinery or a power line exposed to dampness. Water can contact the conductors due to damaged insulation, which raises the danger of electrocution.

Hazard Prevention Tips:

• Always avoid using tools in wet locations.
• Proper and secure electrical connections should be installed outdoors, and utilizing electrical equipment in foggy or damp weather.
• Keep equipment, wiring, and tools away from wet areas.
• To stop the spread of moisture, build a temporary shelter.

 

Safety Training:

Electrical hazards are common but dangerous in the workplace. Therefore, work with electrical components should only be performed by someone qualified in such domains. Otherwise, avoiding contact with live electrical currents is always best for you. If your team is seeking workplace electrical safety training, OSHA Online Center provides a complete overview of fundamental electrical safety for employees. 

Our Safety training is designed per OSHA's electrical standards to protect employees exposed to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions. In addition, OSHA Online Center has various OSHA-authorized electrical safety courses on our website.