Employee Safety Toolkit 1
Electrical Hazards 2
Electricity is a strong invisible force that gives power to machinery, lights, and many other forms of equipment. However, electricity can be very dangerous. Accidental contact with electrical currents can cause injury, fire, extensive damage, and even death. It s very important to remember that working with and around electricity requires your full attention and respect. 3
Inspect your electrical tools on a regular basis to make sure they are in good condition. Test your equipment first before starting to work. If any tool gives you a slight shock or smokes and sparks when the power is turned on, don't use it, but notify your supervisor immediately. Check the insulation around the power cord to make sure it is in good condition. You should not see any exposed wires or frayed ends. Power cords in poor condition should be replaced, never taped or spliced. 4
Check the plug to make sure the prongs are secure and none are missing. If one of the prongs is missing, do not use the tool. If you notice one of the prongs on the plug is slightly larger than the other, do not attempt to trim it down to match the smaller one. When you unplug cords from the outlet, remember to pull on the plug and not the cord. 5
If you find electrical equipment that is unsafe, immediately inform your supervisor. Your supervisor will get the equipment repaired or replaced. Don't attempt to repair the tool yourself. Lockout the equipment or, at the very least, tag it out so others are aware that the equipment is damaged. 6
Working with electricity is more dangerous in wet or damp areas. Make sure to always wear protective gear when working around water. Wear rubber gloves and rubber-soled shoes or boots when working around electricity in a damp environment. 7
A ground-fault-circuit-interrupter is a is a device that shuts off an electric power circuit when it detects that current is flowing along an unintended path, such as through water or a person. Any circuitthat is exposed to water or damp conditions should have a ground-faultcircuit-interrupters (GFCIs). This includes all outdoor circuits and all portable electrical equipment. 8
Don t use extension cords that have been kinked, tied in a knot, crushed, cut, or bent; they may cause a short circuit, fire or even electrical shock. Don't use extension cords in areas that receive a lot of traffic. People can trip over cords and constant traffic will wear out the insulating rubber cover. Do not overload an outlet and keep all electrical cords away from heat sources. Do not hang heat lamps with the electrical cord. Have your supervisor show you where the electrical supply or breaker box is. This way you know how to turn off the power in case of an emergency. Make sure you can get to the main power source as quickly as possible without climbing over obstructions in the event of an emergency. 9
If you see an electrical fire, stop the flow of electricity by pulling the plug out or switching off the power at the fuse box. This may stop the fire immediately. Never throw water on an electrical fire. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, and therefore puts you at risk of electrical shock. Instead, use a Class C fire extinguisher. The C classification means the extinguishing agent is non-conductive. Make sure you know how to operate a Class C fire extinguisher and where the nearest one is in case of emergency. If you have questions or have difficulty locating an extinguisher, ask your supervisor for help. 10
Remain alert and cautious while working around electrical equipment to prevent electric shocks. Inspect your equipment regularly to make sure they are in good working order. If you find faulty equipment, tell your supervisor and tag the equipment. Always wear rubber boots while working with electricity in damp areas. Make sure you know where the main power breaker is so you can shut off the power in case of an emergency. 11