Working Safety With Electricity

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SAFETY TALK

WORKING SAFETY WITH ELECTRICITY

Electrical Safety 

Electricity is created when electrons flow through a conducting material, such as the copper or aluminum used in power lines. Working with electricity [230 Volts / 400 Volts] can be dangerous.

There are four main types of electrical injury:

1. Burns: These happen when the skin comes into direct contact with an electrical source.
2. Falls: Working at height can take an electrical incident—like a small shock—from minor to deadly.
3. Electric Shock: An electric shock occurs when someone comes into contact with an electrical energy source.
4. Electrocution: An electric shock becomes electrocution when the electrical current that enters the body is powerful enough to stop the heart and cause death or severe injury.

Hazards of Electricity

Electricity, even at very low voltages, can be hazardous. Under the right conditions, a 30 volt circuit can carry enough current to cause severe injury or death

Electrical Shock. Electrical shock injuries are less severe when the current does not pass through or near nerve centers or vital organs. The majority of electrical injuries in industry, the electrical current flows from hands to feet. Since such a path involves both the heart and the lungs and are usually very serious.

Electrical shock may cause; 

• Loss of muscle control
• Paralysis of respiratory system
• Internal or external burns 
• Organ damage
• Cardiac arrest
• Effects of contact of various current levels
• 1 mA ;Threshold of perception (you can feel it )
• 6-25-mA;Painfull and lack of muscular control.
• 25-100 mA; Muscular contraction, Breathing difficulty, Heart attack.
• 100 mA and higher; Heart can stop, Burns, Breathing can be inhibited, Nervous system shock (paralysis)

Burns. Another type of injury is burns from electrical flashes. These burns are usually very deep and are slow to heal and can involve large areas of the body. Even persons at a reasonable distance from the arc can receive eye burns.

Fall: Quite a few injuries result from falls from one level to another caused by the worker receiving a shock from defective or malfunctioning equipment.

FIRE. Another hazard of electricity is the fire caused by an electrical short circuit or fault. These are very common and can be prevented.

Common causes for Electrical Hazards. Loose connections.

• Improper Earthing / Bonding.
• Faulty or damaged wiring / equipment. 
• Handling with wet body parts. 
• Handling by incompetent person.
• Poor housekeeping.
• Improper identification. 
• Lack of warning signs.
• Lack of safe working procedures etc;

Guidelines to overcome Electrical Hazards. 

• Plan every job and evaluate all the possibilities.
• Only authorized persons to carry out electrical repairs.
• Work on electrical equipment and conductors only when de-energized.(Multi-locking to be followed when multiple crafts are involved)
• Follow KNPC work permit system for electrical Isolation. - Use the right tools for the job.
• Always follow approved written down procedures, drawings, and other documents to do the job.
• Lockout / Tag out and ground (where appropriate) before working on equipment. - Access to electrical swit/ cApphareatsus shall not be blocked.
• Wear protective clothing and equipment and use insulated tools.
• Check and double check safety regulations when a ladder or parts of any vehicle or mechanical equipment structure are elevated near energized overhead power lines.

Basic Electrical Safety Tips

• Avoid working with or around electricity whenever possible. If you think it will be necessary, get an electrician in. 
• Always wear the appropriate PPE when working with electricity. This may include specialized electrical gloves and footwear. 
• Ensure all extension cords and power strips are in good condition and use cord protectors. Tape extension cords up high or cover them with cable covers on the floor to ensure no one trips on them or damages them. 
• Don’t take shortcuts when using power tools. Be mindful of following the correct process for safe use, handling, and storage every time. 
• Always use the correct size fuse. 
• Keep a lookout for any warm or hot power outlets or cords, as these may indicate poor wiring. 
• Do not touch someone involved in an electrical incident until the power source has been disabled. 
• Whenever power not required, ensure Zero Energy before work start and apply LOTO. 
• DON’T overload sockets with more than one equipment. 
• Use appropriate extension board with ELCB/RCCB. 
• Use appropriate insulated tools

Electric Shock Treatment

Electricity is created when electrons flow through a conducting material, such as the copper or aluminum used in power lines. Working with electricity [230 Volts / 400 Volts] can be dangerous.
If you find someone collapsed and you suspect the cause to be electric shock take the following actions.

Step 1.

1. Check the scene is safe 
2. Turn the power off at mains 
3. If this is not possible stand on dry insulated material such as newspapers, books or rubber matting. 
4. Push the casualty away from the power source using non- conductive items such as the safety hook, broom or chair.

 Step 2. 

1. Check the casualty response – if they respond by answering or moving, providing they are no further danger, leave them in the position you found them 
2. Check for visible injuries and call for help & ambulance.

 Step 3.

1. Remove any obvious obstruction from their mouth. 
2. Open the airway by tilting their head back and lifting their chin

 Step 4.

1. Check for sign of breathing by looking for the chest movements, listen at the mouth for breath sounds and feel for air on your cheek-Look, listen and feel for 5 Second.

 Step 5.

1. Feel the pulse for 5 second – if the pulse and breathing are present, place in the recovery position. 
2. If pulse is present but breathing is absent commence rescue breaths. 
3. If pulse and breathing are absent commence CPR, whilst waiting for ambulance, Alternate 30 Chest compressions with 2 rescue breaths, repeat this sequence if necessary. 
4. Move the victim to hospital at the earliest for medical assistance.

STATIC ELECTRICITY

Static electricity is a fact of nature. It has been and will always be a concern to everyone, everywhere. Whether at work or play we all have experienced static electricity in one form or another. Shuffle your feet across the carpet on a cool, dry day and touch something or someone — you'll get a static shock.

Watch a thunderstorm and witness nature’s power in the form of lightning -another example of static electricity. What is static electricity ? Electricity is simply the flow of free electrons. Each electron is a part of atom, which is the basic makeup of all matter. Matter is everything in the universe.

When these electrons build up in unequal amounts on two different objects, and when the buildup becomes large enough, electricity flows in the form of static discharge or a spark. The static charge on one object can transfer to another in two ways — conduction or induction. The difference is that in conduction, the objects have to be touching in order for the charges transfer. In induction, the objects do not have to be touching. A charge on one object will transfer electrons to non-charged object until there is a balance of charges on both items. This balance is known as equilibrium.

Since everything is matter, charges build up on everything (gases, dust particles, liquids, pipes, machinery and people.)

To avoid explosion in the workplace, injury to employees and destruction to equipment, static buildup must be discharged to a non-charged object. This return to equilibrium can be safely achieved in two ways —Bonding and Grounding.

Bonding is the procedure of electrically connecting two objects so they are at the same electrical potential, or equilibrium. It is accomplished by the use of a bonding wire connecting two objects. The same effect can be achieved by direct contact betweerrthe two objects as long as paint or other coating does not interrupt the contact. Bonded objects are also connected to ground, so static charges can be completely dissipated. Always keep containers closed until after bonding has taken place. When you are finished, close containers before disconnecting the bonding wire. 

Grounding is the procedure of connecting an object to an electrical ground or earth potential. It provides electrical path into the earth, or to any Large metal structure of a bonding that allow the charges to dissipate. Grounding is the surest method of controlling static charges !

TEMPORARY CONNECTIONS

Several accidents and near misses were reported which were caused by temporary electrical connections. A flash was observed in a hazardous area whena faulty cable was energized. Another time, a big flash and fire was seen from a starter of a portable pump. A roll of wire kept on top of a portable halogen fitting caught fire when this light was unknowingly kept switched on for long time.

All these incidents were caused from unsafe acts or lack of awareness. These wake up calls emphasize the importance of establishing strict procedure for connecting temporary power. Consider following points while making temporary connections.

• Only 24 V hand lamps are permitted inside a confined space. Any floodlights shall be provided only through a GFCI .
• Obtain proper advise ticket from respective department before providing temporary power to portable tools and testing equipments inside a confined space.
• All portable pumps and cables shall be tested before connecting in the area.
• Follow STANDARDS standing instructions on movement and connections for portable pumps and equipments.
• All defective equipments shall be promptly tagged and kept out of service.
• Make sure starters and connections of portable pumps comply with standards for the respective area classification.
• Make sure of ground continuity for all portable equipments. An external grounding for 3 phase equipments is preferred even when 4 core cables are used.
• Power supply to portable tools shall be connected only through a GFCI.
• No live power cables shall be laid across a road unless the traffic is completely blocked.
• Only armored / shielded power cables to be used for providing power to 3 phase portable pumps and equipments.
• All floodlights used for shut down jobs must be explosion proof and suitable for the area classification.
• No power shall be connected to unmanned port cabins and portable tool rooms.
• All temporary power connections shall be supported by relevant document for this job duly signed by concerned authorities.

Working at Live Elelctrical Equipment 

There is a very tragic way to learn about the dangers of misusing electrical tools and equipment - it is called electrocution.

Electricity is so much part of our modern way of life, pushing in a plug second nature and all items of electrical equipment are produced to strict safety standards, so to all intents and purposed, used correctly, they ARE safe.

Why then do so many people suffer shocks? Everyone knows electricity can and does KILL and still people continue to take stupid risks with it OR they take it for granted where safety is concerned - both of which can lead to shock, burns, serious injury or even a horrible death!

The dangers are particularly increased at work - where electrical equipment is used to adverse conditions, on site in wet or damp areas for instance or where voltages are necessarily more lethal.

Read this guide, know your ABC, follow these simple safety rules in your working situation and if in doubt about the safety of any electrical equipment - report it, get an electrician or the maintenance contractors to repair the defective item IMMEDIATELY!

What are the injuries that can result from arc flash ?

 The following are : 

• Burns from the high temperatures produced by the arc
• Blindness from the ultra-violet light produced by the arc
• Hearing loss caused by the pressure wave from the arc blast

Important point to be remember while working at  ELECTRICITY

1. Don’t monkey with electricity – if you don’t know, call an electrician.
2. Check for defective cables, plugs and sockets.
3. Never overload equipment.
4. Use the correct fuses.
5. Switch off before making repairs or adjustments.
6. Where possible keep loose cables off the floor.
7. Do not use lighting circuit for portable tools.
8. Disconnect appliances when not in use, Don’t withdraw a plug from a socket by pulling the cable.
9. Keep all the equipment's clean and dry.
10. Do not use appliances that are damaged or worn.
11. Avoid standing on wet floor when making adjustments.
12. Start artificial respiration immediately after a person collapses from electric shock, and they have been removed from danger.

DO NOT LET A LIVE TAKE A LIFE - YOURS OR ANYONE ELSES.

Always check for defective plugs, cables, and sockets before using any electrical equipment! 

Be sure that cables are long enough to reach your working place without straining or pulling! 

Correct power supply is important for all equipment - check that it is adequate! – 110 volt only 

Disconnection from the mains supply is important for all equipment - check that is adequate!

240-Volt equipment can only be used when a method statement is in place for use and an RCD is fitted between the equipment and the power supply.

ELECTRICITY KILLS - NEVER FORGET IT

Fuses should always be appropriate to the equipment to which they are fitted!

Get all blown fuses replaced promptly and correctly. Never ‘MAKE DO’!!

Have all the ‘EMERGENCY STOP’ switches on all machinery tested regularly!

Installation of all electrical wiring requires the attention of a qualified contractor!

Jointed lengths of cable should always be attached by the proper contractors and NEVER with insulating tape!

Keep electrical circuits in good repair with regular checks by an approved contractor!

Lighting sockets should NEVER be used by electrical equipment!

Mains cables and flexes should never trail across the floor, where they may get caught or pulled!

New electrical equipment should be thoroughly tested before it goes into service!

Overloading sockets with plugs and adapters is dangerous. Only ONE appliance per power socket is the rule!

Portable power tools must never be used near flammable vapours or gases! 

Qualified help should be sought immediately on ALL types of electrical problems! 

Report all defective tools and equipment!

See that all electrical connections are the correct ones!

Tampering with the internal workings of all types of electrical equipment and machinery should be avoided at all costs!

Under no circumstances should you touch plugs, sockets, or electrical equipment with wet hands!

Very worn, twisted crushed or kinked cables should be discarded and replaced!

Water should be kept away from all electrical equipment and tools should not be used in wet or damp conditions!

Extra care should always be taken when attaching plugs to be sure that all wires are well connected to the right terminals and that the flex is held securely.

You are responsible for seeing that all these safety rules are observed to ensure the safety of yourself and others!

Zzzzzz! Sleep easy in you bed if you have read every one of these safety rules and are always alert to the dangers of electricity!