OSHA - Avoiding Electrocution Hazards (Construction)

What does BE SAFE mean?

. The acronym BE SAFE can help you remember the types of hazards electricity can pose to the worker: B stands for burns, E stands for electrocution S stands for shock A stands for arc flash F stands for fire E stands for explosion.

What does Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) do?

A GFCI protects workers by detecting ground faults and interrupting the flow of electric current, which limits the duration of an electrical shock.

What happens if you have contact with power lines?

Contact with Power Lines o Overhead and buried power lines are especially hazardous because they carry extremely high voltage. o Cranes, ladders, and man-baskets under or near power lines pose electrocution risks. o If you touch a power line, covered or bare, death is probable.

When must electrical circuits be locked-out/tagged-out?

Electrical circuits must be locked-out/tagged-out before electricians work on any equipment. If a switch is not in the "on" position, ALWAYS ask a supervisor if it is safe to turn the switch on. Never attempt to flip a tripped switch especially if it is tagged. Leave this task for trained electricians.

How does electrocution happen?

Electrocution results when a person is exposed to a lethal amount of electrical energy.

Although you must make sure that you are being safe in the workplace, what are the overarching responsibilities of your employer to keep you safe from electrical hazards while on the job?

Employer responsibilities include: · Ensuring that electrical parts and conductors are isolated and protected, any electrical equipment with exposed parts operating at 50 volts or more are adequately guarded so that only qualified workers may access them, and training be provided to any workers who deal with electric equipment. · Additionally, if your employer chooses not to use GFCIs on your worksite, they must ensure that an assured equipment grounding conductor program is in place and that proper recordkeeping takes place.

How are extension cords hazardous?

Even when extension cords are used and maintained correctly, they are prone to damage because they are exposed, flexible, and unsecured.

In a case where electrical current leakage from the circuit occurs, what does the GFCI do?

In a case where electrical current leakage from the circuit occurs, the GFCI would: 1.Sense the current leakage 2.Trip the circuit 3.Cut off the electricity

What is lockout/tagout?

Lockout/tagout (LOTO) is a safety procedure that: · Protects workers from injury while working on or near electrical circuits and equipment. · Locks the device or power source and prevents anyone from turning on the hazardous power sources while someone is performing maintenance or servicing work. · Requires workers to place a tag on the locked device indicating that it should not be turned on. · Prevents contact with operating equipment parts such as blades, gears, shafts, etc. · Prevents the unexpected release of hazardous gases, fluids, or solid matter in areas where workers are present. · Electrical circuits must be locked-out/tagged-out before electricians work on any equipment. If a switch is not in the "on" position, ALWAYS ask a supervisor if it is safe to turn the switch on. Never attempt to flip a tripped switch especially if it is tagged. Leave this task for trained electricians.

Why are overhead and buried power lines are especially hazardous

Overhead and buried power lines are especially hazardous because they carry extremely high voltage. when working on cranes, ladders, or man-baskets. Touching overhead power lines, whether covered or bare, almost always results in death.

How do you prevent extension cord hazards?

Prevent hazards by not putting excess tension on the cords and preventing damage from window and door edges, sharps and so on. Replace aging cords.

Why does OSHA inspect workplaces

To make sure that workplace environments are safe, OSHA inspects workplaces and issues fines for violations to safety standards.

What happens when you touch overhead power lines?

Touching overhead power lines, whether covered or bare, almost always results in death.

How do workers typically come into contact with overhead power lines

Workers typically come into contact with overhead power lines when working on cranes, ladders, or man-baskets.

What is defined as an electrical hazard?

as a serious workplace hazard that exposes workers to any of the following: •Burns •Electrocution •Shock •Arc flash •Fire •Explosions

What happens if you have contact with Energized Sources?

o The main hazards involved with energized sources are electrical shock and burns. o Electrical burns require immediate medical attention. o If the power supply to electrical equipment is not grounded or if the path has been broken, electrical current may travel through a worker's body, causing electrical burns or death.

What happens if you have contact with Extension and Flexible Cord Hazards?

oEven when extension cords are used and maintained correctly, they are prone to damage because they are exposed, flexible, and unsecured. oFlexible power cords can be damaged by sharp or abrasive materials and aging. oDamaged cords can expose the conductors inside the cords, increasing the danger of shocks, burns, or fire.

What is a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) designed to do?

· A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is designed to: · Protect people from severe and sometimes fatal electrocution by monitoring for electrical leakage to ground · Detect when the current leakage is greater than 5 mA · Interrupt the flow of electric current by tripping quickly enough to prevent electrocution from leakage.

When does ground-fault(GFCI) occur?

· A ground-fault occurs when there is a break in the low-resistance grounding path from a tool or electrical system. The electrical current may then take an alternative path to the ground through the user, resulting in serious injuries or death.

Where is a receptacle GFCI often found?

· A receptacle GFCI is often found on construction worksites, outdoor areas and other locations where damp conditions do or could exist. They should be tested after installation and once a month.

What steps do you do to protect yourself from power lines?

· Be sure the utility company has confirmed the voltage and therefore the safe working distance from the power lines. · Use nonconductive ladders and be sure to retract them before moving. · Ensure that no materials are stored under power lines and use caution tape and signs to cordon off areas under power lines. · Locate and know what the local underground line locator service has marked before digging. Be aware that more than one underground cable may be buried in area of locator markings. · If provided, use installed rider posts under power lines to avoid working too close to the power lines.

What happens if you have contact with energized sources?

· Contact with energized sources causes the body to become part of the electrical circuit, resulting in shock and burns. · The severity of the shock depends on a number of factors, such as the pathway through the body, the amount of current, the length of time of exposure, and whether the skin is wet or dry. · Even when the power system is properly guarded, electrical equipment can instantly change from safe to hazardous because of extreme conditions and rough treatment.

For what equipment must you use cords rated for hard or extra-hard usage?

· For some equipment, such as temporary and portable construction lights, you shouldn't use a regular power cord. · Because these lights require a higher amount of power, you must use cords rated for hard or extra-hard usage with these lights.

What does your employer need to do to make sure that all power tools and equipment are maintained in a safe condition?

· Ground power supply systems, electrical circuits, and electrical equipment. · Frequently inspect electrical systems to ensure path to ground is continuous. · Ensure workers understand to inspect electrical equipment prior to use. · Ensure ground prongs are not removed from tools or extension cords. · Ground exposed metal parts of equipment.

If your employer does not provide a grounding conductor program, what must they do?

· If your employer does not provide a grounding conductor program, they must provide GFCIs for receptacle outlets in use and part of the permanent building or structure. GFCIs can be provided for receptacles on the ends of extension cords or by circuit breakers which protect the entire circuit.

What is the purpose of Lockout/Tagout LOTO

· LOTO is a safety procedure that visually communicates to others that work is being done on electrical circuits and equipment. · Its use ensures that dangerous equipment is shut off and not able to be started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or repair work. · To protect against electrocution, you should follow LOTO procedures. · Only qualified individuals may work on electric circuit parts or equipment that have not been energized.

What safety tips should your follow when using power tools and equipment?

· Never carry a tool by the cord or yank the cord to disconnect it. · Disconnect tools when they are not in use and when changing accessories, such as blades and bits · Use gloves and appropriate footwear around tools and equipment.. · Store power tools in a dry place when you aren't using them, and don't use them in damp or wet environments · Keep any working areas well-lit. · Remove any damaged tools from use. · Use double-insulated tools if you cannot avoid working in damp or wet conditions, but be aware that these tools are not immune to water hazards.

Since coming into contact with power lines is almost always fatal, how must you exercise extreme caution?

· Since coming into contact with power lines is almost always fatal, you must exercise extreme caution when working around them, following all recommendations when working with cranes, ladders, material storage, mobile heavy equipment, and when doing excavations. · In order to keep you safe around overhead power lines, your employer should make sure the work is performed at a safe distance from power lines, have the power company de-energize and ground the power lines, or install insulated sleeves over the power lines.

What does the GFCI circuit breaker control?

· The GFCI circuit breaker controls an entire circuit and is installed as a replacement for a circuit breaker on the main circuit board. One GFCI circuit breaker can protect the entire circuit.

What are the three types of GFIs?

· There are three types of GFCIs: receptacle, temporary or portable, and circuit. · Each of these needs to be tested per the guidelines for each type.

What equipment and tools must you inspect?

· You must inspect extension cords before you use them to check for cuts or abrasions. · Electric hand tools that are old, damaged, or misused may have damaged insulation inside.

Why is your employer obligated to use GFCIs

· Your employer is obligated to use GFCIs on construction sites for receptacle outlets in use and not part of the permanent wiring of the building or structure unless an assured equipment grounding conductor program (AEGCP) is being used.

What responsibility do employers have to keep you safe from power lines?

· Your employer must contact the power company if you will be working near power lines. The power company can install insulated sleeves, called "eels," over the power lines or can de-energize and ground the lines. · Employers are also responsible for training workers who will be working around power line hazards on the hazards and available protection methods.