Electrical Safety: Safety and Health For Electrical Trades. Student Manual

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Electrical Safety: Safety and Health for Electrical Trades. Student Manual
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
This document is in the public domain and may be freely
copied or reprinted.
DISCLAIMER
Mention of any company or product does not constitute endorsement by the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). In addition, citations to Web sites external to
NIOSH do not constitute NIOSH endorsement of the sponsoring organizations or their pro-
grams or products. Furthermore, NIOSH is not responsible for the content of these Web sites.
All Web addresses referenced in this document were accessible as of the publication date.
ORDERING INFORMATION
This document is in the public domain and may be freely copied or reprinted. To receive
NIOSH documents or more information about occupational safety and health topics, contact
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DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2009–113

(supersedes 2002–123)
April 2009
Safer • Healthier • People™

Foreword
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) esti-
mates that 230,000 young workers under the age of 18 suffer work-related
injuries in the United States each year. Young and new workers have a high
risk for work-related injury compared with more experienced workers.
Occupational safety and health training remains a fundamental element of
hazard control in the workplace, and there is great potential to reduce these
incidents through pre-employment training. Effective pre-employment
training should include realistic environments and hands-on exercises.
However, NIOSH recommends that actual employment in the electrical
trades or any of the other construction trades be delayed until individuals
reach the minimum age of 18.
This student manual is part of a safety and health curriculum for secondary
and post-secondary electrical trades courses. The manual is designed to
engage the learner in recognizing, evaluating, and controlling hazards associ-
ated with electrical work. It was developed through extensive research with
vocational instructors, and we are grateful for their valuable contributions.
Christine M. Branche, Ph.D.

Acting Director
National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
iii
Acknowledgments
This document was prepared by Thaddeus W. Fowler, Ed.D. and Karen
K. Miles, Ph.D., Education and Information Division (EID) of the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Editorial
services were provided by John W. Diether and Rodger L. Tatken.
Pauline Elliott, Gino Fazio, and Vanessa Becks provided layout and
design services.
The authors wish to thank John Palassis and Diana Flaherty (NIOSH),
Robert Nester (formerly of NIOSH), and participating teachers and stu-
dents for their contributions to the development of this document.
This document was updated by Michael McCann, Ph.D., CIH, Director

of Safety Research, CPWR-Center for Construction Research and
Training and Carol M. Stephenson, Ph.D., NIOSH.
iv
Contents
Page
Section 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Electricity Is Dangerous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
How is an electrical shock received? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Summary of Section 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Section 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Dangers of Electrical Shock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Section 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Burns Caused by Electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Arc Blasts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Electrical Fires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
First Aid Fact Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Section 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Overview of the Safety Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
What must be done to be safe? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Section 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Safety Model Stage 1—Recognizing Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
How do you recognize hazards? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Section 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Safety Model Stage 2—Evaluating Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
How do you evaluate your risk? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Section 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Safety Model Stage 3—Controlling Hazards:
Safe Work Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
How do you control hazards? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
How do you create a safe work environment? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Lock out and tag out circuits and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Lock-out/tag-out checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Control inadequate wiring hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Control hazards of fixed wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Control hazards of flexible wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Use flexible wiring properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
v
Page
Use the right extension cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Control hazards of exposed live electrical parts: isolate
energized components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Control hazards of exposure to live electrical wires:
use proper insulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Control hazards of shocking currents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Ground circuits and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Use GFCIs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Bond components to assure grounding path . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Control overload current hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
When You Must Work on or Near Live Circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Live-work Permit System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Section 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Safety Model Stage 3—Controlling Hazards:
Safe Work Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
How do you work safely? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Plan your work and plan for safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Ladder safety fact sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Avoid wet working conditions and other dangers . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Avoid overhead powerlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Use proper wiring and connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Use and maintain tools properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Wear correct PPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
PPE fact sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Glossary of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Endnotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Photo and Graphics Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
vi
Electrical Safety
Section 1 Note to the learner—This manual
describes the hazards of electrical work
and basic approaches to working safely.
Electricity Is Dangerous You will learn skills to help you recognize,
evaluate, and control electrical hazards.
Whenever you work with power tools or on electrical circuits, there This information will prepare you for addi-
is a risk of electrical hazards, especially electrical shock. Anyone tional safety training such as hands-on
can be exposed to these hazards at home or at work. Workers are exercises and more detailed reviews of
exposed to more hazards because job sites can be cluttered with regulations for electrical work.
tools and materials, fast-paced, and open to the weather. Risk is also Your employer, co-workers, and communi-
ty will depend on your expertise. Start
higher at work because many jobs involve electric power tools.
your career off right by learning safe prac-
tices and developing good safety habits.
Electrical trades workers must pay special attention to electrical haz- Safety is a very important part of any job.
ards because they work on electrical circuits. Coming in contact with Do it right from the start.
an electrical voltage can cause current to flow through the body,
resulting in electrical shock and burns. Serious injury or even death ❚ E
lectrical shock may cause injury
may occur. As a source of energy, electricity is used without much or death!
thought about the hazards it can cause. Because electricity is a famil-
iar part of our lives, it often is not treated with enough caution. As a
result, an average of one worker is electrocuted on the job every day
of every year!
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal

Occupational Injuries Research File for 1992–2005, electrocution
is the fifth leading cause of work-related deaths for 16- to
19-year-olds, after
motor vehicle deaths,
contact with objects
and equipment, work-
place homicide, and
falls. Electrocution is
the cause of 7% of all
workplace deaths
among young workers
aged 16–19, causing an
average of 10 deaths
per year.1
Electrical work can be deadly if not done safely.
Section 1 Page 1
E L E C T R I C I T Y I S DA N G E RO U S
This manual will present many topics. There are four main types of
electrical injuries: electrocution (death due to electrical shock),
electrical shock, burns, and falls. The dangers of electricity, electri-
cal shock, and the resulting injuries will be discussed. The various
electrical hazards will be described. You will learn about the safety
model, an important tool for recognizing, evaluating, and control-
ling hazards. Important definitions and notes are shown in the mar-
gins. Practices that will help keep you safe and free of injury are
emphasized. To give you an idea of the hazards caused by electricity,
case studies about real-life deaths will be described.
❚ current—the movement of How is an electrical shock received?

electrical charge
An electrical shock is received when electrical current passes
❚ voltage—a measure of through the body. Current will pass through the body in a variety of
electrical force
situations. Whenever two wires are at different voltages, current will
❚ circuit—a complete path for the
pass between them if they are connected. Your body can connect the
flow of current
wires if you touch both of them at the same time. Current will pass
❚ You will receive a shock if you
touch two wires at different through your body.
voltages at the same time.
Wires carry current
❚ ground—a physical electrical In most household wiring, the black wires and the red wires are at
connection to the earth 120 volts. The white wires are at 0 volts because they are connected
to ground. The connection to ground is often through a conducting
❚ energized (live, “hot”)—similar ground rod driven into the earth. The connection can also be made
terms meaning that a voltage is
present that can cause a current, so through a buried metal water pipe. If you come in contact with an
there is a possibility of getting
shocked
Page 2 Section 1
❚ conductor—material in which an
energized black wire—and you are also in contact with the neu- electrical current moves easily
tral white wire—current will pass through your body. You will
receive an electrical shock. ❚ neutral—at ground potential (0 volts)
because of a connection to ground
Metal electrical boxes should be grounded

to prevent shocks.
Black and red wires are usually

energized, and white wires are
usually neutral.
If you are in contact with a live wire or any live component of an ❚ You will receive a shock if
you touch a live wire and are
energized electrical device—and also in contact with any
grounded at the same time.
grounded object—you will receive a shock. Plumbing is often
grounded. Metal electrical boxes and conduit are grounded. ❚ When a circuit, electrical
component, or equipment is
energized, a potential shock
Your risk of receiving a shock is greater if you stand in a puddle of hazard is present.
water. But you don’t even have to be standing in water to be at risk.
Wet clothing, high humidity, and perspiration also increase your
chances of being electrocuted. Of course, there is always a chance of
electrocution, even in dry conditions.
Section 1 Page 3
E L E C T R I C I T Y I S DA N G E RO U S
You can even receive a shock when you are not in contact with an
electrical ground. Contact with both live wires of a 240-volt cable
will deliver a shock. (This type of shock can occur because one live
wire may be at +120 volts while the other is at -120 volts during an
alternating current cycle—a difference of 240 volts.). You can also
receive a shock from electrical components that are not grounded
properly. Even contact with another person who is receiving an elec-
trical shock may cause you to be shocked.
30-year-old male electrical technician was helping a company service representative test the
A voltage-regulating unit on a new rolling mill. While the electrical technician went to get the equip-
ment service manual, the service representative opened the panel cover of the voltage regulator’s
control cabinet in preparation to trace the low-voltage wiring in question (the wiring was not color-coded).
The service representative climbed onto a nearby cabinet in order to view the wires. The technician
returned and began working inside the control cabinet, near exposed, energized electrical conductors.
The technician tugged at the low-voltage wires while the service representative tried to identify them from
above. Suddenly, the representative heard the victim making a gurgling sound and looked down to see
the victim shaking as though he were being shocked. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was admin-
istered to the victim about 10 minutes later. He was pronounced dead almost 2 hours later as a result of
his contact with an energized electrical conductor.
To prevent an incident like this, employers should take the following steps:
• Establish proper rules and procedures on how to access electrical control cabinets without getting
hurt.
• Make sure all employees know the importance of de-energizing (shutting off) electrical systems before
performing repairs.
• Equip voltage-regulating equipment with color-coded wiring.
• Train workers in CPR.
maintenance man rode 12 feet above the floor on a motorized lift to work on a 277-volt light fix-
A ture. He did not turn off the power supply to the lights. He removed the line fuse from the black
wire, which he thought was the “hot” wire. But, because of a mistake in installation, it turned out
that the white wire was the “hot” wire, not the black one. The black wire was neutral. He began to strip
the white wire using a wire stripper in his right hand. Electricity passed from the “hot” white wire to the
stripper, then into his hand and through his body, and then to ground through his left index finger. A co-
worker heard a noise and saw the victim lying face-up on the lift. She immediately summoned another
worker, who lowered the platform. CPR was performed, but the maintenance man could not be saved.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
You can prevent injuries and deaths by remembering the following points:
• If you work on an electrical circuit, test to make sure that the circuit is de-energized (shut off)!
• Never attempt to handle any wires or conductors until you are absolutely positive that their electrical
supply has been shut off.
• Be sure to lock out and tag out circuits so they cannot be re-energized.
• Always assume a conductor is dangerous.
Page 4 Section 1
Always test a circuit to make
sure it is de-energized before
working on it.
Summary of Section 1
You will receive an electrical shock if a part of your body com-
pletes an electrical circuit by • • •
touching a live wire and an electrical ground, or

touching a live wire and another wire at a different voltage.
Section 1 Page 5
DA N G E R S O F E L E C T R I C A L S H O C K
Section 2
Dangers of Electrical Shock
The severity of injury from electrical shock depends on the amount
of electrical current and the length of time the current passes
❚ ampere (amp)—the unit used to through the body. For example, 1/10 of an ampere (amp) of elec-
measure current
tricity going through the body for just 2 seconds is enough to cause
death. The amount of internal current a person can withstand and
❚ milliampere (milliamp or mA)— still be able to control the muscles of the arm and hand can be less
1/1,000 of an ampere than 10 milliamperes (milliamps or mA). Currents above 10 mA
can paralyze or “freeze” muscles. When this “freezing” happens, a
❚ shocking current—electrical cur- person is no longer able to release a tool, wire, or other object. In
rent that passes through a part of fact, the electrified object may be held even more tightly, resulting
the body in longer exposure to the shocking current. For this reason, hand-
❚ You will be hurt more if you can’t held tools that give a shock can be very dangerous. If you can’t let
let go of a tool giving a shock. go of the tool, current continues through your body for a longer
time, which can lead to respiratory paralysis (the muscles that con-
trol breathing cannot move). You stop breathing for a period of
❚ The longer the shock, the greater time. People have stopped breathing when shocked with currents
the injury. from voltages as low as 49 volts. Usually, it takes about 30 mA of
current to cause respiratory paralysis.
Currents greater than 75 mA cause ventricular fibrillation (very

rapid, ineffective heartbeat). This condition will cause death within a
few minutes unless a special device called a defibrillator is used to
save the victim. Heart paralysis occurs at 4 amps, which means the
heart does not pump at all. Tissue is burned with currents greater
than 5 amps.2
The table shows what usually happens for a range of currents

(lasting one second) at typical household voltages. Longer exposure
times increase the danger to the shock victim. For example, a cur-
rent of 100 mA applied for 3 seconds is as dangerous as a current of
900 mA applied for a fraction of a second (0.03 seconds). The mus-
cle structure of the person also makes a difference. People with less
muscle tissue are typically affected at lower current levels. Even low
voltages can be extremely dangerous because the degree of injury
depends not only on the amount of current but also on the length of
time the body is in contact with the circuit.
Defibrillator in use.
LOW VOLTAGE DOES NOT MEAN LOW HAZARD!
Page 6 Section 2
Effects of Electrical Current in the Human Body3,4
Current Reaction
Below 1 milliampere Generally not perceptible.
1 milliampere Faint tingle.
5 milliamperes Slight shock felt; not painful but disturbing. Average individual can let go.
Strong involuntary reactions can lead to other injuries.
6–25 milliamperes Painful shock, loss of muscular control. The freezing current or "let-go" range.
(women) Individual cannot let go, but can be thrown away from the circuit if extensor
9–30 milliamperes (men) muscles are stimulated.*
50–150 milliamperes Extreme pain, respiratory arrest (breathing stops), severe muscular contrac-
tions. Death is possible.
1,000–4,300 Rhythmic pumping action of the heart ceases. Muscular contraction and nerve
milliamperes damage occur; death likely.
10,000 milliamperes Cardiac arrest and severe burns occur. Death is probable.
15,000 milliamperes Lowest overcurrent at which a typical fuse or circuit breaker opens a circuit!
*If the extensor muscles are excited by the shock, the person may be thrown away from the power source.
The lowest overcurrent at which a typical fuse or circuit breaker will open is 15,000 milliamps (15 amps).
Sometimes high voltages lead to additional injuries. High voltages ❚ High voltages cause additional
can cause violent muscular contractions. You may lose your balance injuries!
and fall, which can cause injury or even death if you fall into
machinery that can crush you. High voltages can also cause severe
burns (as seen on pages 9 and 10).
At 600 volts, the current through the body may be as great as

4 amps, causing damage to internal organs such as the heart. High ❚ Higher voltages can cause larger
currents and more severe shocks.
voltages also produce burns. In addition, internal blood vessels may
clot. Nerves in the area of the contact point may be damaged.
Muscle contractions may cause bone fractures from either the con-
tractions themselves or from falls.
A severe shock can cause much more damage to the body than is ❚ Some injuries from electrical
visible. A person may suffer internal bleeding and destruction of tis- shock cannot be seen.
sues, nerves, and muscles. Sometimes the hidden injuries caused by
electrical shock result in a delayed death. Shock is often only the
beginning of a chain of events. Even if the electrical current is too
small to cause injury, your reaction to the shock may cause you to
fall, resulting in bruises, broken bones, or even death.
The length of time of the shock greatly affects the amount of injury.
If the shock is short in duration, it may only be painful. A longer
Section 2 Page 7
shock (lasting a few seconds) could be fatal if the level of current is

high enough to cause the heart to go into ventricular fibrillation.
This is not much current when you realize that a small power drill
uses 30 times as much current as what will kill. At relatively high
currents, death is certain if the shock is long enough. However, if
the shock is short and the heart has not been damaged, a normal
heartbeat may resume if contact with the electrical current is elimi-
nated. (This type of recovery is rare.)
The amount of current

❚ The greater the current, the passing through the body
greater the shock!
also affects the severity of
❚ Severity of shock depends on an electrical shock. Greater
voltage, amperage, and resis- voltages produce greater
tance. currents. So, there is great-
er danger from higher volt-
ages. Resistance hinders
current. The lower the
resistance (or impedance in
❚ resistance—a material's ability to AC circuits), the greater the
decrease or stop electrical current current flow will be. Dry
skin may have a resistance
of 100,000 ohms or more.
Wet skin may have a resis-
tance of only 1,000 ohms.
Wet working conditions or
broken skin will drastically
❚ ohm—unit of measurement for reduce resistance. The low
electrical resistance resistance of wet skin
Power drills use 30 times as
allows current to pass into
much current as what will kill.
the body more easily and
give a greater shock. When
❚ Lower resistance causes greater
currents. more force is applied to the contact point or when the contact area is
larger, the resistance is lower, causing stronger shocks.
The path of the electrical current through the body affects the severi-
ty of the shock. Currents through the heart or nervous system are
most dangerous. If you contact a live wire with your head, your ner-
vous system may be damaged. Contacting a live electrical part with
one hand—while you are grounded at the other side of your body—
will cause electrical current to pass across your chest, possibly injur-
❚ Currents across the chest are
very dangerous.
ing your heart and lungs.
Page 8 Section 2
male service technician arrived at a customer’s house to perform pre-winter maintenance on an
A oil furnace. The customer then left the house and returned 90 minutes later. She noticed the ser-
vice truck was still in the driveway. After 2 more hours, the customer entered the crawl space with
a flashlight to look for the technician but could not see him. She then called the owner of the company,
who came to the house. He searched the crawl space and found the technician on his stomach, leaning
on his elbows in front of the furnace. The assistant county coroner was called and pronounced the tech-
nician dead at the scene. The victim had electrical burns on his scalp and right elbow.
After the incident, an electrician inspected the site. A toggle switch that supposedly controlled electrical
power to the furnace was in the “off” position. The electrician described the wiring as “haphazard and
confusing.”
Two weeks later, the county electrical inspector performed another inspection. He discovered that incor-
rect wiring of the toggle switch allowed power to flow to the furnace even when the switch was in the
“off” position. The owner of the company stated that the victim was a very thorough worker. Perhaps the
victim performed more maintenance on the furnace than previous technicians, exposing himself to the
electrical hazard.
This death could have been prevented!
• The victim should have tested the circuit to make sure it was de-energized.
• Employers should provide workers with appropriate equipment and training. Using safety equipment
should be a requirement of the job. In this case, a simple circuit tester may have saved the victim’s life.
• Residential wiring should satisfy the National Electrical Code (NEC). Although the NEC is not retroac-
tive, all homeowners should make sure their systems are safe.
❚ NEC—National Electrical Code—

a comprehensive listing of
practices to protect workers and
equipment from electrical hazards
such as fire and electrocution
Electrical burn on hand and arm.
Section 2 Page 9
There have been cases where an arm or leg is severely burned by

high-voltage electrical current to the point of coming off, and the
victim is not electrocuted. In these cases, the current passes through
only a part of the limb before it goes out of the body and into another
conductor. Therefore, the current does not go through the chest area
and may not cause death, even though the victim is severely disfig-
ured. If the current does go through the chest, the person will almost
surely be electrocuted. A large number of serious electrical injuries
involve current passing from the hands to the feet. Such a path
involves both the heart and lungs. This type of shock is often fatal.
Arm with third degree burn from

high-voltage line.
Page 10 Section 2
The danger from electrical shock depends on • • •
the amount of the shocking current through the body,

the duration of the shocking current through the body, and
the path of the shocking current through the body.
Section 2 Page 11
B U R N S C AU S E D B Y E L E C T R I C I T Y
Section 3
Burns Caused by Electricity
The most common shock-related, nonfatal injury is a burn. Burns
❚ Electrical shocks cause burns. caused by electricity may be of three types: electrical burns, arc
burns, and thermal contact burns. Electrical burns can result when
a person touches electrical wiring or equipment that is used or main-
tained improperly. Typically, such
burns occur on the hands.
Electrical burns are one of the
most serious injuries you can
receive. They need to be given
immediate attention. Additionally,
❚ arc-blast—explosive release of mol- clothing may catch fire and a
ten material from equipment caused thermal burn may result from the
by high-amperage arcs
heat of the fire.
Contact electrical burns. The
knee on the left was energized,
Arc Blasts and the knee on the right was
Arc-blasts occur when powerful, grounded.
❚ arcing—the luminous electrical dis- high-amperage currents arc
charge (bright, electrical sparking) through the air. Arcing is the luminous electrical discharge that
through the air that occurs when
high voltages exist across a gap
occurs when high voltages exist across a gap between conductors
between conductors and current travels through the air. This situation is often caused by
equipment failure due to abuse or fatigue. Temperatures as high as
35,000°F have been reached in arc-blasts. A common example of
arcing is the flash you sometimes see when you turn a light switch
on or off. This is not dangerous because of the low voltage.
There are three primary hazards associated with an arc-blast.
(1) Arcing gives off thermal radiation (heat) and intense light, which
can cause burns. Several factors affect the degree of injury, includ-
ing skin color, area of skin exposed, and type of clothing worn.
Proper clothing, work distances, and overcurrent protection can
reduce the risk of such a burn.
(2) A high-voltage arc can produce a considerable pressure wave

blast. A person 2 feet away from a 25,000-amp arc feels a force of
about 480 pounds on the front of the body. In addition, such an
explosion can cause serious ear damage and memory loss due to
Page 12 Section 3
concussion. Sometimes the pressure wave throws the victim away
from the arc-blast. While this may reduce further exposure to the
thermal energy, serious physical injury may result. The pressure
wave can propel large objects over great distances. In some cases,
the pressure wave has enough force to snap off the heads of steel
bolts and knock over walls.
(3) A high-voltage arc can also cause many of the copper and alumi-
num components in electrical equipment to melt. These droplets of
molten metal can be blasted great distances by the pressure wave.
Although these droplets harden rapidly, they can still be hot enough
to cause serious burns or cause ordinary clothing to catch fire, even
if you are 10 feet or more away.
ive technicians were performing preventive maintenance on the electrical system of a railroad main-
F tenance facility. One of the technicians was assigned to clean the lower compartment of an electri-
cal cabinet using cleaning fluid in an aerosol can. But, he began to clean the upper compartment
as well. The upper compartment was filled with live circuitry. When the cleaning spray contacted the live
circuitry, a conductive path for the current was created. The current passed through
the stream of fluid, into the technician’s arm, and across his chest. The current
caused a loud explosion. Co-workers found the victim with his clothes on fire. One
worker put out the fire with an extinguisher, and another pulled the victim away
from the compartment with a plastic vacuum cleaner hose. The paramedics
responded in 5 minutes. Although the victim survived the shock, he died 24
hours later of burns.
This death could have been prevented if the following precautions had been
taken:
• Before doing any electrical work, de-energize all circuits and equipment,
perform lock-out/tag-out, and test circuits and equipment to make sure
they are de-energized.
• T
he company should have trained the workers to perform their jobs safely.
• P
roper personal protective equipment (PPE) should always be used.
• N
ever use aerosol spray cans around high-voltage equipment.
Thermal burns may result if an explosion occurs when electrici-

ty ignites an explosive mixture of material in the air. This igni-
tion can result from the buildup of combustible vapors, gases, or ❚ OSHA—Occupational Safety and
Health Administration—the Federal
dusts. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
agency in the U.S. Department of
standards, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) stan- Labor that establishes and enforces
dards, and other safety standards give precise safety require- workplace safety and health
ments for the operation of electrical systems and equipment in regulations
such dangerous areas. Ignition can also be caused by overheated
conductors or equipment, or by normal arcing at switch contacts
or in circuit breakers.
Section 3 Page 13
B U R N S C AU S E D B Y E L E C T R I C I T Y
Electrical Fires
Electricity is one of the most common
causes of fires and thermal burns in
homes and workplaces. Defective
or misused electrical equipment is a
major cause of electrical fires. If
there is a small electrical fire, be
sure to use only a Class C or mul-
tipurpose (ABC) fire extinguisher,
or you might make the problem
worse. All fire extinguishers are
marked with letter(s) that tell you the
kinds of fires they can put out. Some
extinguishers contain
symbols, too.
The letters and symbols are explained below (including suggestions on how to remember them).
A (think: Ashes) = paper, wood, etc.
B (think: Barrel) = flammable liquids
C (think: Circuits) = electrical fires
Here are a couple of fire

extinguishers at a worksite.
Can you tell what types of
fires they will put out?
This extinguisher can only This extinguisher can only

be used on Class B and be used on Class A and
Class C fires. Class C fires.
Learn how to use fire

extinguishers at work.
However, do not try to put out fires unless you have received
proper training. If you are not trained, the best thing you can
do is evacuate.
Page 14 Section 3
Burns are the most common injury caused by electricity.
The three types of burns are • • •
electrical burns,
arc burns, and
thermal contact burns.
All fire extinguishers are marked with a letter(s),

which identifies the kinds of fires they put out.
Sometimes the label is marked with both a letter
and symbol. Be sure to read the label and use the
appropriate extinguisher.
Section 3 Page 15
First Aid Fact Sheet
What Should I Do if a Co-worker is
Shocked or Burned by Electricity?
Shut off the electrical current if the victim is still in contact

with the energized circuit. While you do this, have
someone else call for help. If you cannot get to the
switchgear quickly, pry the victim from the circuit with something that does not
conduct electricity such as dry wood. Do not touch the victim yourself if he or
she is still in contact with an electrical circuit! You do not want to be a victim, too!
Do not leave the victim unless there is absolutely no other option. You should stay
with the victim while emergency medical services (EMS) are contacted. The caller
should come back to you afterwards to verify that the call was made. If the victim is
not breathing, does not have a heartbeat, or is badly injured, quick response by a
team of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or paramedics gives the best chance
for survival.
Learn first aid
Page 16
Once you know that electrical current is no longer flowing through the victim, call out
to the victim to see if he or she is conscious (awake). If the victim is conscious,
tell the victim not to move. It is possible for a shock victim to be seriously injured but
not realize it. Quickly examine the victim for signs of
major bleeding. If there is a lot of bleeding, place a cloth
(such as a handkerchief or bandanna) over the wound
and apply pressure. If the wound is in an arm or leg and
keeps bleeding a lot, gently elevate the injured area
while keeping pressure on the wound. Keep the victim
warm and talk to him or her until help arrives.
If the victim is unconscious, check for signs of breathing. While you do this, move
the victim as little as possible. If the victim is not breathing, someone trained in
CPR should begin artificial breathing, then check to see if the victim has a pulse.
Quick action is essential! To be effective, CPR must be performed within 4 minutes
of the shock.
If you are not trained in CPR or first aid, now is the time to get trained—before you
find yourself in this situation! Ask your instructor or supervisor how you can become
certified in CPR. You also need to know the
location of (1) electricity shut-offs
(“kill switches”), (2) first-aid
supplies, and (3) a telephone so
you can find them quickly in an
emergency.
and CPR now!

Page 17
OV E R V I E W O F T H E S A F E T Y M O D E L
Section 4:
Overview of the Safety Model
What must be done to be safe?
❚ Use the safety model to recog-
Use the three-stage safety model: recognize, evaluate, and control
nize, evaluate, and control haz- hazards. To be safe, you must think about your job and plan for
ards. hazards. To avoid injury or
death, you must understand
and recognize hazards. You
need to evaluate the situation
you are in and assess your
risks. You need to control haz-
ards by creating a safe work
environment, by using safe
work practices, and by report-
ing hazards to a supervisor or
teacher.
If you do not recognize, evalu-

ate, and control hazards, you
may be injured or killed by the
electricity itself, electrical
fires, or falls. If you use the Report hazards to your supervisor
safety model to recognize, or teacher.
evaluate, and control hazards,
you are much safer.
(1) Recognize hazards

❚ Identify electrical hazards.
The first part of the safety model is recognizing the hazards around
you. Only then can you avoid or control the hazards. It is best to
discuss and plan hazard recognition tasks with your co-workers.
Sometimes we take risks ourselves, but when we are responsible for
❚ Don’t listen to reckless, others, we are more careful. Sometimes others see hazards that we
dangerous people. overlook. Of course, it is possible to be talked out of our concerns
by someone who is reckless or dangerous. Don’t take a chance.
Careful planning of safety procedures reduces the risk of injury.
Decisions to lock out and tag out circuits and equipment need to be
made during this part of the safety model. Plans for action must be
made now.
Page 18 Section 4
OSHA regulations, the NEC, NFPA 70E Standard for
Electrical Safety in the Workplace, and the National
Electrical Safety Code (NESC) provide a wide range of
safety information. Although these sources may be diffi-
cult to read and understand at first, with practice they
can become very useful tools to help you recognize
unsafe conditions and practices. Knowledge of OSHA
standards is an important part of training for electrical
apprentices. See the Appendix for a list of relevant stan-
dards.
Always lock out and tag out circuits.
(2) Evaluate hazards

When evaluating hazards, it is best to identify all possible hazards ❚ Evaluate your risk.
first, then evaluate the risk of injury from each hazard. Do not
assume the risk is low until you evaluate the hazard. It is dangerous
to overlook hazards. Job sites are especially dangerous because they
are always changing. Many people are working at different tasks.
Job sites are frequently exposed to bad weather. A reasonable place
to work on a bright, sunny day might be very hazardous in the rain.
The risks in your work environment need to be evaluated all the
time. Then, whatever hazards are present need to be controlled.
(3) Control hazards

Once electrical hazards have been recognized and evaluated, they
❚ Take steps to control hazards:
must be controlled. You control electrical hazards in two main ways: Create a safe workplace.
(1) create a safe work environment and (2) use safe work practices. Work safely.
Controlling electrical hazards (as well as other hazards) reduces the
risk of injury or death.
Section 4 Page 19
OV E R V I E W O F T H E S A F E T Y M O D E L
One way to implement this safety model is to conduct a job hazard analysis (JHA). This involves development
of a chart: 1) Column 1, breaking down the job into its separate task or steps; 2) Column 2, evaluating the
hazard(s) of each task, and 3) Column 3, developing a control for each hazard. See the example below.
JHA: Changing a Wall Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

Task analysis Hazard analysis Hazard abatement
Removing the cover Electric shock from exposed De-energize by opening circuit
live wires breaker or removing fuse
Removing old GFCI Possible other live wires in Test wires with appropriate voltmeter
opening to ensure all wires are de-energized
Installing new GFCI Possible connecting wires Check wiring diagrams to ensure
incorrectly proper connections
Replace cover and re-energize Possible defective GFCI Test GFCI
Use the safety model to recognize, evaluate, and control workplace hazards like those in
this picture.
Page 20 Section 4
The three stages of the safety model are • • •
Stage 1— Recognize hazards

Stage 2— Evaluate hazards
Stage 3— Control hazards
Section 4 Page 21
S A F E T Y M O D E L S TAG E 1 — R E C O G N I Z I N G H A Z A R D S
Section 5
Safety Model Stage 1—
Recognizing Hazards
How do you recognize hazards?
The first step toward protecting yourself is recognizing the many
hazards you face on the job. To do this, you must know which situa-
tions can place you in danger. Knowing where to look helps you to
recognize hazards.
❑ Inadequate wiring is dangerous.
❑ Exposed electrical parts are dangerous.

❚ Workers face many hazards
on the job. ❑ Overhead powerlines are dangerous.
❑ Wires with bad insulation can give you a shock.
❑ E
lectrical systems and tools that are not grounded or double-
insulated are dangerous.
❑ Overloaded circuits are dangerous.
❑ Damaged power tools and equipment are electrical hazards.
❑ Using the wrong PPE is dangerous.
❑ Using the wrong tool is dangerous.
❑ Some on-site chemicals are harmful.
❑ Defective or improperly set up ladders and scaffolding are

dangerous.
❑ Ladders that conduct electricity are dangerous.
❑ Electrical hazards can be made worse if the worker, location, or

equipment is wet.
Page 22 Section 5
Worker was electrocuted while removing
energized fish tape.
n electrician was removing a metal fish tape from a hole at the base of a metal light pole. (A
A fish tape is used to pull wire through a conduit run.) The fish tape became energized, electro-
cuting him. As a result of its inspection, OSHA issued a citation for three serious violations of
the agency’s construction standards.
If the following OSHA requirements had been followed, this death could have been
prevented.
• De-energize all circuits before beginning work.
• Always lock out and tag out de-energized equipment.
• Companies must train workers to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions
associated with their work.
Fish tape.
Section 5 Page 23
Inadequate wiring hazards

An electrical hazard exists when the wire is too small a gauge for the
❚ wire gauge—wire size or diameter
(technically, the cross-sectional area) current it will carry. Normally, the circuit breaker in a circuit is
matched to the wire size. However, in older wiring, branch lines to
permanent ceiling light fixtures could be wired with a smaller gauge
than the supply cable. Let’s say a light fixture is replaced with another
❚a
mpacity—the maximum amount
of current a wire can carry safely
device that uses more current. The current capacity (ampacity) of the
without overheating branch wire could be exceeded. When a wire is too small for the cur-
rent it is supposed to carry, the wire will heat up. The heated wire
❚ Overloaded wires get hot! could cause a fire.
When you use an extension cord, the size of the wire you are plac-
ing into the circuit may be too small for the equipment. The circuit
breaker could be the right size for the circuit but not right for the
smaller-gauge extension cord. A tool plugged into the extension cord
may use more current than the cord can handle without tripping the
circuit breaker. The wire will overheat and could cause a fire.
The kind of metal used as a conductor can cause an electrical haz-

ard. Special care needs to be taken with aluminum wire. Since it is
more brittle than copper, aluminum wire can crack and break more
easily. Connections with alu-
minum wire can become
loose and oxidize if not made
properly, creating heat or arc-
❚ Incorrect wiring practices can
ing. You need to recognize
cause fires!
that inadequate wiring is a
hazard.
Exposed electrical
parts hazards
Electrical hazards exist when
wires or other electrical parts
are exposed. Wires and parts
can be exposed if a cover is
removed from a wiring or
breaker box. The overhead
wires coming into a home
may be exposed. Electrical
❚ If you touch live electrical parts,

you will be shocked. This hand-held sander has
exposed wires and should not
be used.
Page 24 Section 5
terminals in motors, appliances, and electronic equipment may be
exposed. Older equipment may have exposed electrical parts. If you
contact exposed live electrical parts, you will be shocked. You need
to recognize that an exposed electrical component is a hazard.
Approach boundaries
The risk from exposed live parts depends on your distance from the
parts. Three “boundaries” are key to protecting yourself from elec-
tric shock and one to protect you from arc flashes or blasts. These
boundaries are set by the National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA 70E).
The limited approach boundary is the closest an unqualified per-

son can approach, unless a qualified person accompanies you. A
qualified person is someone who has received mandated training on
the hazards and on the construction and operation of equipment
involved in a task.
The restricted approach boundary is the closest to exposed live

parts that a qualified person can go without proper PPE (such as,
flame-resistant clothing) and insulated tools. When you're this close,
if you move the wrong way, you or your tools could touch live parts.
Same for the next boundary:
The prohibited approach boundary—the most serious—is the dis-

tance you must stay from exposed live parts to prevent flashover or
arcing in air. Get any closer and it's like direct contact with a live
part.
Electric Shock Boundaries To Live

Parts for 300–600 Volts
Prohibited Restricted Limited

Approach Approach pproach
A
Boundary Boundary Boundary
1 inch 1 ft. 3 ft. 6 in.
Power source ➔
Section 5 Page 25
APPROACH BOUNDARIES
To protect against burns, there’s one more boundary: The flash pro-
tection boundary is where you need PPE to prevent incurable
burns, if there’s an arc flash.
Flash Protection Boundary For

Live Parts For 300–600 Volts
Flash Protection Boundary

4 ft.
Power source ➔
Keep outside the flash protection boundary

❚ Overhead powerlines kill many
workers!
Photo from Fluke Corporation "Electrical Safety Video" by

Franny Olshefski (reprinted in IBEW Local 26 Newsletter May
2005)
Page 26 Section 5
Overhead powerline hazards
Most people do not realize that overhead powerlines are usually not
insulated. More than half of all electrocutions are caused by direct
worker contact with energized powerlines. Powerline workers must
be especially aware of the dangers of overhead lines. In the past,
80% of all lineman deaths were caused by contacting a live wire
with a bare hand. Due to such incidents, all linemen now wear spe-
cial rubber gloves that protect them up to 36,000 volts. Today, most
electrocutions involving overhead powerlines are caused by failure
to maintain proper work distances.
Watch out for exposed electrical wires around

electronic equipment.
Electrical line workers need special

training and equipment to work safely.
Section 5 Page 27
Shocks and electrocutions occur where phys-

ical barriers are not in place to prevent con-
tact with the wires. When dump trucks,
cranes, work platforms, or other conductive
materials (such as pipes and ladders) contact
overhead wires, the equipment operator or
other workers can be killed. If you do not
maintain required clearance distances from
powerlines, you can be shocked and killed.
(The minimum distance for voltages up to
50kV is 10 feet. For voltages over 50kV, the
minimum distance is 10 feet plus 4 inches
for every 10 kV over 50kV.) Never store
materials and equipment under or near over-
head powerlines. You need to recognize that
Operating a crane near overhead wires is overhead powerlines are a hazard.
very hazardous.
ive workers were constructing a chain-link fence in front of a
F house, directly below a 7,200-volt energized powerline. As they

prepared to install 21-foot sections of metal top rail on the
fence, one of the workers picked up a section of rail and held it up
vertically. The rail contacted the 7,200-volt line, and the worker was
electrocuted. Following inspection, OSHA determined that the
employee who was killed had never received any safety training from
his employer and no specific instruction on how to avoid the hazards
associated with overhead powerlines.
In this case, the company failed to obey these regulations:
• Employers must train their workers to recognize and avoid unsafe
conditions on the job.
• Employers must not allow their workers to work near any part of an
electrical circuit UNLESS the circuit is de-energized (shut off) and
grounded, or guarded in such a way that it cannot be contacted.
• Ground-fault protection must be provided at construction sites to
guard against electrical shock.
Defective insulation hazards

Insulation that is defective or inadequate is an electrical hazard.
Usually, a plastic or rubber covering insulates wires. Insulation pre-
❚ insulation—material that does not vents conductors from coming in contact with each other. Insulation
conduct electricity easily
also prevents conductors from coming in contact with people.
Page 28 Section 5
Extension cords may have damaged insulation. Sometimes the insu-
lation inside an electrical tool or appliance is damaged. When insula-
tion is damaged, exposed metal
parts may become energized if
a live wire inside touches them.
Electric hand tools that are old,
damaged, or misused may have
damaged insulation inside. If ❚ A damaged live power tool that is
you touch damaged power tools not grounded or double-insulated
or other equipment, you will is very dangerous! If you touch a
damaged live power tool, you will
receive a shock. You are more be shocked!
likely to receive a shock if the
tool is not grounded or double-
insulated. (Double-insulated
tools have two insulation barri-
ers and no exposed metal parts.)
You need to recognize that
defective insulation is a
hazard.
This extension cord is

damaged and should
not be used.
Improper grounding hazards

When an electrical system is not grounded properly, a hazard exists.
The most common OSHA electrical violation is improper grounding
of equipment and circuitry. The metal parts of an electrical wiring
system that we touch (switch plates, ceiling light fixtures, conduit,
etc.) should be grounded and at 0 volts. If the system is not grounded
properly, these parts may become energized. Metal parts of motors,
appliances, or electronics that are plugged into improperly grounded
circuits may be energized. When a circuit is not grounded properly, a
hazard exists because unwanted voltage cannot be safely eliminated. ❚ fault current—any current that is
If there is no safe path to ground for fault currents, exposed metal not in its intended path
parts in damaged appliances can become energized.
Extension cords may not provide a continuous path to ground if there ❚ ground potential—the voltage a
grounded part should have;
is a broken ground wire or plug. If you contact a defective electrical 0 volts relative to ground
Section 5 Page 29
❚ If you touch a defective live device that is not grounded (or grounded improperly), you will be
component that is not grounded, shocked. You need to recognize that an improperly grounded elec-
you will be shocked. trical system is a hazard.
Electrical systems are often grounded to metal water pipes that serve
as a continuous path to ground. If plumbing is used as a path to ground
for fault current, all pipes must be made of conductive material (a type
of metal). Many electrocutions and fires occur because (during renova-
tion or repair) parts of metal plumbing are replaced with plastic pipe,
which does not conduct electricity. In these cases, the path to ground
is interrupted by nonconductive material.
A ground fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, is an inexpensive life-

❚ GFCI—ground fault circuit saver. GFCIs detect any difference in current between the two circuit
interrupter—a device that detects
current leakage from a circuit to
wires (the black wires and white wires). This difference in current
ground and shuts the current off could happen when electrical equipment is not
working correctly, causing leakage cur-
rent. If leakage current (a ground fault)
❚ leakage current—current that does
not return through the intended path
is detected in a GFCI-protected circuit,
the GFCI switches off the current in the GFCI receptacle.
but instead "leaks” to ground
circuit, protecting you from a dangerous
❚ ground fault—a loss of current from shock. GFCIs are set at about 5 mA and are
a circuit to a ground connection
designed to protect workers from electrocution.
GFCIs are able to detect the loss of current
resulting from leakage through a person who is
beginning to be shocked. If this situation occurs, the
GFCI switches off the current in the circuit. GFCIs are different from
circuit breakers because they detect leakage currents rather than over-
loads.
Circuits with missing, damaged, or improperly wired GFCIs may

allow you to be shocked. You need to recognize that a circuit
improperly protected by a GFCI is a hazard.
Overload hazards
❚ overload—too much current
Overloads in an electrical system are
in a circuit
hazardous because they can produce
heat or arcing. Wires and other compo-
nents in an electrical system or circuit
❚ An overload can lead to a fire or have a maximum amount of current
electrical shock.
they can carry safely. If too many devic-
es are plugged into a circuit, the electri-
cal current will heat the wires to a very
high temperature. If any one tool uses Overloads are a major cause
too much current, the wires will heat up. of fires.
Page 30 Section 5
The temperature of the wires can be high enough to cause a fire. If
their insulation melts, arcing may occur. Arcing can cause a fire in
the area where the overload exists, even inside a wall.
❚ circuit breaker—an overcurrent
In order to prevent too much current in a circuit, a circuit breaker or protection device that automatically
fuse is placed in the circuit. If there is too much current in the cir- shuts off the current in a circuit if an
overload occurs
cuit, the breaker “trips” and opens like a switch. If an overloaded
❚ trip—the automatic opening
circuit is equipped with a fuse, an internal part of the fuse melts,
(turning off) of a circuit by a GFCI or
opening the circuit. Both breakers and fuses do the same thing: open circuit breaker
the circuit to shut off the electrical current.
❚ fuse—an overcurrent protection
If the breakers or fuses are too big for the wires they are supposed to device that has an internal part that
protect, an overload in the circuit will not be detected and the cur- melts and shuts off the current in a
circuit if there is an overload
rent will not be shut off. Overloading leads to overheating of circuit
❚ Circuit breakers and fuses that
components (including wires) and may cause a fire. You need to are too big for the circuit are
recognize that a circuit with improper overcurrent protection dangerous (e.g., using a 30 amp
devices—or one with no overcurrent protection devices at all— fuse in a 20 amp circuit).
is a hazard. ❚ Circuits without circuit breakers
or fuses are dangerous.
Overcurrent protection devices are built into the wiring of some
electric motors, tools, and electronic devices. For example, if a tool
draws too much current or if it overheats, the current will be shut off
from within the device itself. Damaged tools can overheat and cause
a fire. You need to recognize that a damaged tool is a hazard. ❚ Damaged power tools can cause
overloads.
Damaged equipment can overheat and

cause a fire.
Wet conditions hazards

Working in wet conditions is hazardous because you may become an
easy path for electrical current. If you touch a live wire or other
electrical component—and you are standing in even a small puddle ❚ Wet conditions are dangerous.
of water—you will receive a shock. Damaged insulation, equipment,
Section 5 Page 31
or tools can expose you to live electrical parts. A damaged tool may
not be grounded properly, so the housing of the tool may be ener-
gized, causing you to receive a shock. Improperly grounded metal
switch plates and ceiling lights are especially hazardous in wet con-
ditions. If you touch a live electrical component with an uninsulated
hand tool, you are more likely to receive a shock when standing in
water.
But remember: you don’t have to be standing in water to be electro-

cuted. Wet clothing, high humidity, and perspiration reduce resis-
tance and increase your chances of being electrocuted. You need to
recognize that all wet conditions are hazards.
❚A
n electrical circuit in a damp
place without a GFCI is danger-
ous! A GFCI reduces the danger. Additional hazards
In addition to electrical hazards, other types of hazards are present at
job sites. Remember that all of these hazards can be controlled.
❚T
here are non-electrical hazards
at job sites, too. ❑ There may be chemical hazards. Solvents and other substances
may be poisonous or cause disease.
❑ Frequent overhead work can cause tendinitis (inflammation) in

your shoulders.
Overhead work can cause

long-term shoulder pain.
Page 32 Section 5
❑ Intensive use of hand tools that involve force or twisting can
cause tendinitis of the hands, wrists, or elbows. Use of hand
tools can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome, which results
when nerves in the wrist are damaged by swelling tendons or
contracting muscles.
Frequent use of some hand tools can cause wrist

problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
22-year-old carpenter’s apprentice was killed when he was struck in the head by a nail
A fired from a powder-actuated nail gun (a device that uses a gun powder cartridge to
drive nails into concrete or steel). The nail gun operator fired the gun while attempting
to anchor a plywood concrete form, causing the nail to pass through the hollow form. The
nail traveled 27 feet before striking the victim. The nail gun operator had never received train-
ing on how to use the tool, and none of the employees in the area was wearing PPE.
In another situation, two workers were building a wall while remodeling a house. One of the
workers was killed when he was struck by a nail fired from a powder-actuated nail gun. The
tool operator who fired the nail was trying to attach a piece of plywood to a wooden stud.
But the nail shot though the plywood and stud, striking the victim.
Below are some OSHA regulations that should have been followed.
• Employees using powder- or pressure-actuated tools must be trained to use them safely. ❚ PPE—personal protective
• Employees who operate powder- or pressure-actuated tools must be trained to avoid fir- equipment (eye protec-
ing into easily penetrated materials (like plywood). tion, hard hat, special
clothing, etc.)
• In areas where workers could be exposed to flying nails, appropriate PPE must be used.
Section 5 Page 33
❑ Low back pain can result from lifting objects the wrong way or
carrying heavy loads of wire or other material. Back pain can
also occur as a result of injury from poor working surfaces such
as wet or slippery floors. Back pain is common, but it can be
disabling and can affect young individuals.
❑ Chips and particles flying from tools can injure your eyes. Wear
eye protection.
❑ Falling objects can hit you. Wear a hard hat.
❑ Sharp tools and power equipment can cause cuts and other
injuries. If you receive a shock, you may react and be hurt
by a tool.
❑ You can be injured or killed by falling from a ladder or

scaffolding. If you receive a shock—even a mild one—you may
lose your balance and fall. Even without being shocked, you
Lift with your legs, not could fall from a ladder or scaffolding.
your back!
❑ You expose yourself to hazards when you do not wear PPE.
All of these situations need to be recognized as hazards.
You need to be especially

careful when working on
scaffolding or ladders.
Page 34 Section 5
You need to be able to recognize that electrical shocks,
fires, or falls result from these hazards:
Inadequate wiring
Exposed electrical parts
Overhead powerlines
Defective insulation
Improper grounding
Overloaded circuits
Wet conditions
Damaged tools and equipment
Improper PPE
Section 5 Page 35
S A F E T Y M O D E L S TAG E 2 — E VA L UAT I N G H A Z A R D S
Section 6
Evaluating Hazards
How do you evaluate your risk?
❚ risk—the chance that injury or After you recognize a hazard, your next step is to evaluate your risk
death will occur from the hazard. Obviously, exposed wires should be recognized as
a hazard. If the exposed wires are 15 feet off the ground, your risk is
low. However, if you are going to be working on a roof near those
same wires, your risk is high. The risk of shock is greater if you will
be carrying metal conduit that could touch the exposed wires. You
❚ Make the right decisions.
must constantly evaluate your risk.
Combinations of hazards increase your risk. Improper grounding and

a damaged tool greatly increase your risk. Wet conditions combined
with other hazards also increase your risk. You will need to make
decisions about the nature of hazards in order to evaluate your risk
and do the right thing to remain safe.
There are “clues” that electrical hazards exist. For example, if a

GFCI keeps tripping while you are using a power tool, there is a
problem. Don’t keep resetting the GFCI and continue to work. You
must evaluate the “clue” and decide what action should be taken to
control the hazard. There are a number of other conditions that indi-
Combinations of hazards increase risk. cate a hazard.
❑ tripped circuit breakers and blown fuses show that too much
❚ short—a low-resistance path current is flowing in a circuit or that a fault exists. This condition
between a live wire and the could be due to several factors, such as malfunctioning
ground, or between wires at equipment or a short between conductors. You need to determine
different voltages (called a fault the cause in order to control the hazard.
if the current is unintended)
❑ An electrical tool, appliance, wire, or connection that feels warm
may indicate too much current in the circuit or equipment or that
a fault exists. You need to evaluate the situation and determine
your risk.
❑ An extension cord that feels warm may indicate too much current
for the wire size of the cord or that a fault exists. You must
decide what action needs to be taken.
Page 36 Section 6
❑ A cable, fuse box, or junction box that feels warm may indicate
too much current in the circuits. Any of these conditions, or
“clues,” tells you something
❑ A burning odor may indicate overheated insulation. important: there is a risk of fire
and electrical shock. The equip-
❑ Worn, frayed, or damaged insulation around any wire or other ment or tools involved must be
conductor is an electrical hazard because the conductors could be taken out of service. You will fre-
exposed. Contact with an exposed wire could cause a shock. quently be caught in situations
Damaged insulation could cause a short, leading to arcing or a
where you need to decide if these
fire. Inspect all insulation for scrapes and breaks. You need to
clues are present. A maintenance
evaluate the seriousness of any damage you find and decide how
to deal with the hazard. electrician, supervisor, or instruc-
tor needs to be called if there are
❑ A GFCI that trips indicates there is current leakage from the signs of overload and you are not
circuit. First, you must decide the probable cause of the leakage sure of the degree of risk. Ask for
by recognizing any contributing hazards. Then, you must decide help whenever you are not sure
what action needs to be taken. what to do. By asking for help, you
will protect yourself and others.
Look for “clues” that hazards are present.
Evaluate the seriousness of hazards.
Decide if you need to take action.
Don’t ignore signs of trouble.
n 18-year-old male worker, with 15 months of experience at a fast food restaurant, was plugging a toast-
A er into a floor outlet when he received a shock. Since the restaurant was closed for the night, the floor
had been mopped about 10 minutes before the incident. The restaurant manager and another employee
heard the victim scream and investigated. The victim was found with one hand on the plug and the other hand
grasping the metal receptacle box. His face was pressed against the top of the outlet. An employee tried to take
the victim’s pulse but was shocked. The manager could not locate the correct breaker for the circuit. He then
called the emergency squad, returned to the breaker box, and found the correct breaker. By the time the circuit
was opened (turned off), the victim had been exposed to the current for 3 to 8 minutes. The employee checked
the victim’s pulse again and found that it was very rapid.
The manager and the employee left the victim to unlock the front door and place another call for help. Another
employee arrived at the restaurant and found that the victim no longer had a pulse. The employee began
administering CPR, which was continued by the rescue squad for 90 minutes. The victim was dead on arrival
at a local hospital.
Later, two electricians evaluated the circuit and found no serious problems. An investigation showed that the
victim’s hand slipped forward when he was plugging in the toaster. His index finger made contact with an
energized prong in the plug. His other hand was on the metal receptacle box, which was grounded. Current
entered his body through his index finger, flowed across his chest, and exited through the other hand, which
was in contact with the grounded receptacle.
To prevent death or injury, you must recognize hazards and take the right action.
• If the circuit had been equipped with a GFCI, the current would have been shut off before injury occurred.
• The recent mopping increased the risk of electrocution. Never work in wet or damp areas!
• Know the location of circuit breakers for your work area.
Section 6 Page 37
S AF ET Y M O D EL S TAG E 3—C O N T ROLLING HAZARDS: SAFE WORK ENVIRON M EN T
Section 7
Controlling Hazards:
Safe Work Environment
How do you control hazards?
In order to control hazards, you must first create a safe work envi-
ronment, then work in a safe manner. Generally, it is best to remove
the hazards altogether and create an environment that is truly safe.
When OSHA regulations and the NFPA 70E are followed, safe work
environments are created.
But, you never know when materials or equipment might fail.

Prepare yourself for the unexpected by using safe work practices.
Use as many safeguards as possible. If one fails, another may pro-
tect you from injury or death.
How do you create a safe work environment?

❚ Guard against contact with
A safe work environment is created by controlling contact with elec-
electrical voltages and control trical voltages and the currents they can cause. Electrical currents
electrical currents to create a need to be controlled so they do not pass through the body. In addi-
safe work environment. tion to preventing shocks, a safe work environment reduces the
chance of fires, burns, and falls.
You need to guard against contact with electrical voltages and con-
trol electrical currents in order to create a safe work environment.
Make your environment safer by doing the following:
❑ Treat all conductors—even “de-energized” ones—as if they are
energized until they are locked out and tagged.
❑ Verify circuits are de-energized before starting work.
❑ Lock out and tag out circuits and machines.
❑ Prevent overloaded wiring by using the right size and
type of wire.
❑ Prevent exposure to live electrical parts by isolating them.
❑ Prevent exposure to live wires and parts by using insulation.
❑ Prevent shocking currents from electrical systems and tools by
grounding them.
❑ Prevent shocking currents by using GFCIs.
❑ Prevent too much current in circuits by using overcurrent
protection devices.
Page 38 Section 7
t about 1:45 a.m., two journeyman electricians began replacing bulbs and making repairs on light
A fixtures in a spray paint booth at an automobile assembly plant. The job required the two
electricians to climb on top of the booth and work from above. The top of the booth was filled
with pipes and ducts that restricted visibility and movement. Flashlights were required.
The electricians started at opposite ends of the booth. One electrician saw a flash of light, but continued
to work for about 5 minutes, then climbed down for some wire. While cutting the wire, he smelled a burn-
ing odor and called to the other electrician. When no one answered, he climbed back on top of the booth.
He found his co-worker in contact with a single-strand wire from one of the lights. Needle-nose wire
strippers were stuck in the left side of the victim’s chest. Apparently, he had been stripping insulation from
an improperly grounded 530-volt, single-strand wire when he contacted it with the stripper. In this case,
the electricians knew they were working on energized circuits. The breakers in the booth’s control panel
were not labeled and the lock used for lock-out/tag-out was broken. The surviving electrician stated that
locating the means to de-energize a circuit often takes more time than the actual job.
The electrician would be alive today if the following rules had been observed.
• Always shut off circuits—then test to confirm that they are de-energized—before starting a job.
• Switchgear that shuts off a circuit must be clearly labeled and easy to access.
• Lock-out/tag-out materials must always be provided, and lock-out/tag-out procedures must always
be followed.
• Always label circuit breakers.
Lock out and tag out circuits and equipment

Create a safe work environment by locking out and tagging out
circuits and machines. Before working on a circuit, you must
turn off the power supply. Once the circuit has been shut off and
de-energized, lock out the switchgear to the circuit so the power
cannot be turned back on inadvertently. Then, tag out the circuit
with an easy-to-see sign or label that lets everyone know that you are
working on the circuit. If you are working on or near machinery,
you must lock out and tag out the machinery to prevent startup.
Before you begin work, you must test the circuit to make sure it is
de-energized.
Always test a circuit to make sure it is Lock-out/tag-out saves lives.

de-energized before working on it.
Section 7 Page 39
Lock-Out/Tag-Out Checklist
Lock-out/tag-out is an essential safety procedure
that protects workers from injury while working on
or near electrical circuits and equipment. Lock-out
involves applying a physical lock to the power
source(s) of circuits and equipment after they have
been shut off and de-energized. The source is then
tagged out with an easy-to-read tag that alerts other
workers in the area that a lock has been applied.
When performing lock-out/tag-out on circuits
I
n addition to protecting workers from electri- and equipment, you can use the checklist below.
cal hazards, lock-out/tag-out prevents contact ✔ Identify all sources of electrical energy for the
with operating equipment parts: blades, equipment or circuits in question.
gears, shafts, presses, etc. ✔ Disable backup energy sources such as gener-
A worker was replacing a V-belt on a dust collector
ators and batteries.
blower. Before beginning work, he shut down the ✔ Identify all shut-offs for each energy source.
unit at the local switch. However, an operator in the ✔ Notify all personnel that equipment and
control room restarted the unit using a remote circuitry must be shut off, locked out, and
switch. The worker’s hand was caught between the
pulley and belts of the blower, resulting in cuts and tagged out. (Simply turning a switch off is
a fractured finger. NOT enough.)
hen performing lock-out/tag-out on machinery,
W ✔ Shut off energy sources and lock switchgear
you must always lock out and tag out ALL energy in the OFF position. Each worker should
sources leading to the machinery. apply his or her individual lock. Do not give
your key to anyone.
Also, lock-out/tag-out prevents the unexpected ✔ Test equipment and circuitry to make sure
release of hazardous gases, fluids, or solid matter they are de-energized. This must be done by a
in areas where workers are present. qualified person.*
✔ Deplete stored energy (for example, in capaci-
An employee was cutting into a metal pipe using a tors) by bleeding, blocking, grounding, etc.
blowtorch. Diesel fuel was mistakenly discharged
into the line and was ignited by his torch. The work- ✔ Apply a tag to alert other workers that an
er burned to death at the scene. energy source or piece of equipment has been
ll valves along the line should have been locked
A locked out.
out, blanked out, and tagged out to prevent the ✔ Make sure everyone is safe and accounted for
release of fuel. Blanking is the process of inserting before equipment and circuits are unlocked
a metal disk into the space between two pipe flang-
es. The disk, or blank, is then bolted in place to pre-
and turned back on. Note that only a qualified
vent passage of liquids or gases through the pipe. person may determine when it is safe to
re-energize circuits.
*OSHA defines a “qualified person” as someone who has

received mandated training on the hazards and on the
construction and operation of equipment involved in a task.
Page 40 Section 7
Control inadequate wiring hazards
❚ Use the right gauge and type of
Electrical hazards result from using the wrong size or type of wire. wire.
You must control such hazards to create a safe work environment.
You must choose the right size wire for the amount of current ❚ AWG—American Wire Gauge—
expected in a circuit. The wire must be able to handle the current a measure of wire size
safely. The wire’s insulation must be appropriate for the voltage and
tough enough for the environment. Connections need to be reliable
and protected.
14 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 10 AWG 8 AWG 6 AWG 2 AWG 1/0 AWG

(stranded) (solid)
20 amps 25 amps 30 amps 40 amps 55 amps 95 amps 125 amps
Wires come in different gauges. The maximum current each gauge can conduct safely is
shown.
Section 7 Page 41
Control hazards of fixed wiring

The wiring methods and size of conductors used in a system depend
on several factors:
❑ intended use of the circuit system
❑ building materials
❑ size and distribution of electrical load
❑ location of equipment (such as underground burial)
❑ environmental conditions (such as dampness)
❑ presence of corrosives
❑ temperature extremes
Fixed, permanent wiring is better than extension cords, which can be

❚ fixed wiring—the permanent
misused and damaged more easily. NEC requirements for fixed wir-
wiring installed in homes and
other buildings ing should always be followed. A variety of materials can be used in
wiring applications, including nonmetallic sheathed cable
(Romex®), armored cable, and metal and plastic conduit. The choice
of wiring material depends on the wiring environment and the need
to support and protect wires.
Aluminum wire and connections should be handled with special

care. Connections made with aluminum wire can loosen due to
heat expansion and oxidize if they are not made properly. Loose
or oxidized connections can create heat or arcing. Special clamps
and terminals are necessary to make proper connections using
aluminum wire. Antioxidant paste can be applied to connections to
prevent oxidation.
Control hazards of flexible wiring

Use flexible wiring properly
Electrical cords supplement fixed wiring by providing the flexibility
required for maintenance, portability, isolation from vibration, and
emergency and temporary power needs.
Nonmetallic sheathing helps pro-

tect wires from damage.
Page 42 Section 7
❚ flexible wiring—cables with
Flexible wiring can be used for extension cords or power supply insulated and stranded wire that
cords. Power supply cords can be removable or permanently bends easily
attached to the appliance.
29-year-old male welder was assigned to work on an outdoor concrete platform attached to the
A main factory building. He wheeled a portable arc welder onto the platform. Since there was not
an electrical outlet nearby, he used an extension cord to plug in the welder. The male end of the
cord had four prongs, and the female end was spring-loaded. The worker plugged the male end of the
cord into the outlet. He then plugged the portable welder’s power cord into the female end of the exten-
sion cord. At that instant, the metal case around the power cord plug became energized, electrocuting
the worker.
An investigation showed that the female end of the extension cord was broken. The spring, cover plate,
and part of the casing were missing from the face of the female connector. Also, the grounding prong on
the welder’s power cord plug was so severely bent that it slipped outside of the connection. Therefore,
the arc welder was not grounded. Normally, it would have been impossible to insert the plug incorrectly.
But, since the cord’s female end was damaged, the “bad” connection was able to occur.
Do not let this happen to you. Use these safe practices:
• Thoroughly inspect all electrical equipment before beginning work.
• Do not use extension cords as a substitute for fixed wiring. In this case, a weatherproof receptacle
should have been installed on the platform.
• Use connectors that are designed to stand up to the abuse of the job. Connectors designed for
light-duty use should not be used in an industrial environment.
DO NOT use flexible wiring in situations where frequent inspection

would be difficult, where damage would be likely, or where long- ❚ Don’t use flexible wiring where it
may get damaged.
term electrical supply is needed. Flexible cords cannot be used as
a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure. Flexible cords must
not be . . .
❑ run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors;
❑ run through doorways, windows, or similar openings (unless

physically protected);
❑ attached to building surfaces (except with a tension take-up

device within 6 feet of the supply end);
❑ hidden in walls, ceilings, or floors; or
❑ hidden in conduit or other raceways.
Section 7 Page 43
Use the right extension cord

The gauge of wire in an extension cord must be compatible with the
amount of current the cord will be expected to carry. The amount of
current depends on the equipment plugged into the extension cord.
❚ power—the amount of energy used Current ratings (how much current a device needs to operate) are
in a second, measured in watts often printed on the nameplate. If a power rating is given, it is neces-
sary to divide the power rating in watts by the voltage to find the cur-
rent rating. For example, a 1,000-watt heater plugged into a 120-volt
circuit will need almost 10 amps of current. Let’s look at another
❚ 1 horsepower = 746 watts. example: A 1-horsepower electric motor uses electrical energy at the
rate of almost 750 watts, so it will need a minimum of about 7 amps
of current on a 120-volt circuit. But, electric motors need additional
current as they startup or if they stall, requiring up to 200% of the
nameplate current rating. Therefore, the motor would need 14 amps.
Add to find the total current needed to operate all the appliances
supplied by the cord. Choose a wire gauge that can handle the total
current.
American Wire Gauge (AWG)
Wire size Handles up to

#10 AWG 30 amps
#12 AWG 25 amps
#14 AWG 18 amps
#16 AWG 13 amps
Remember: The larger the gauge number, the

smaller the wire!
❚ Do not use extension cords that The length of the extension cord also needs to be considered when
are too long for the size of wire. selecting the wire gauge. Voltage drops over the length of a cord. If
a cord is too long, the voltage drop can be enough to damage equip-
ment. Many electric motors only operate safely in a narrow range of
voltages and will not work properly at voltages different than the
voltage listed on the nameplate. Even though light bulbs operate
(somewhat dimmer) at lowered voltages, do not assume electric
motors will work correctly at less-than-required voltages. Also,
when electric motors start or operate under load, they require more
current. The larger the gauge of the wire, the longer a cord can be
without causing a voltage drop that could damage tools and
equipment.
Page 44 Section 7
The grounding path for extension cords must be kept intact to keep ❚ Make sure the path to ground is
you safe. A typical extension cord grounding system has four continuous.
components:
❑ a third wire in the cord, called a ground wire;
❑ a three-prong plug with a grounding prong on one end of the

cord;
❑ a three-wire, grounding-type receptacle at the other end of the

cord; and
❑ a properly grounded outlet.
Control hazards of exposed live electrical Outlets must be

parts: isolate energized components grounded properly.
Electrical hazards exist when wires or other electrical parts are
exposed. These hazards need to be controlled to create a safe work
environment. Isolation of energized electrical parts makes them inac-
cessible unless tools and special effort are used. Isolation can be
accomplished by placing the energized parts at least 8 feet high and
out of reach, or by guarding. Guarding is a type of isolation that uses
various structures—like cabinets, boxes, screens, barriers, covers, and
partitions—to close-off live electrical parts. ❚ guarding—a covering or barrier
that separates you from live
electrical parts
This exposed electrical equipment is guarded

by an 8-foot fence. Use covers to prevent
accidental contact with
electrical circuits.
Section 7 Page 45
20-year-old male laborer was carrying a 20-foot piece of iron from a welding shop to an outside
A storage rack. As he was turning a corner near a bank of electrical transformers, the top end of the
piece of iron struck an uninsulated supply wire at the top of a transformer. Although the transform-
ers were surrounded by a 6-foot fence, they were about 3 feet taller than the fence enclosure. Each
transformer carried 4,160 volts.
When the iron hit the supply wire, the laborer was electrocuted. A forklift operator heard the iron drop to
the ground at about 8:46 a.m. and found the victim 5 minutes later. He was pronounced dead on arrival
at a local hospital.
• According to OSHA, the enclosure around the transformers was too low. The fence should have been
at least 8 feet tall.
• The company in this case did not offer any formal safety training to its workers. All employers should
develop safety and health training programs so their employees know how to recognize and avoid
life-threatening hazards.
Take the following precautions to prevent injuries from contact with

live parts:
❑ Immediately report exposed live parts to a supervisor or teacher.

As a student, you should never attempt to correct the condition
yourself without supervision.
❑ Provide guards or barriers if live parts cannot be enclosed

completely.
❑ Use covers, screens, or partitions for guarding that require tools

to remove them.
❑ Replace covers that have been removed from panels, motors, or

fuse boxes.
❑ Even when live parts are elevated to the required height (8 feet),
care should be taken when using objects (like metal rods or
pipes) that can contact these parts.
❑ Close unused conduit openings in boxes so that foreign objects

This cover cannot be removed (pencils, metal chips, conductive debris, etc.) cannot get inside
without special tools. and damage the circuit.
Control hazards of exposure to live

electrical wires: use proper insulation
Insulation is made of material that does not conduct electricity
(usually plastic, rubber, or fiber). Insulation covers wires and prevents
Page 46 Section 7
conductors from coming in contact with each other or any other
conductor. If conductors are allowed to make contact, a short circuit
is created. In a short circuit, current passes through the shorting
material without passing through a load in the circuit, and the wire
becomes overheated. Insulation keeps wires and other conductors
from touching, which prevents electrical short circuits. Insulation
prevents live wires from touching people and animals, thus protect-
ing them from electrical shock.
29-year-old male maintenance worker was found at 3:45 a.m. lying on his back and convulsing.
A Beside him were an overturned cart and an electric welding machine, both lying in a pool of water
on the concrete floor. Arcing was visible between the welding machine and the floor. The worker
was transported to the closest hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
An examination of the welding machine showed that there were exposed conductors in the machine’s
cables. There were numerous cuts and scrapes in the cables’ insulation. On other parts of the machine,
insulation was damaged or missing. Also, the machine did not have a ground connection.
Investigators concluded that the maintenance worker was electrocuted when he tried to turn off the weld-
ing machine, which was sitting on the cart. The metal frame of the machine had become energized due
to the damaged insulation. When he touched the energized frame, he completed the conducting path to
ground. The current traveled through his body to ground. Since he was probably standing in water, the
risk of a ground fault was even greater.
You must take steps to decrease such hazards in your workplace:
• Ground circuits and equipment.
• Keep all equipment in good operating condition with a preventive maintenance program.
• Never use electrical equipment or work on circuits in wet areas. If you find water or dampness, notify
your supervisor immediately.
Insulation helps protect wires from physical damage and conditions

in the environment. Insulation is used on almost all wires, except
some ground wires and high-voltage power lines. Insulation is used
internally in tools, switches, plugs, and other electrical and electron-
ic devices.
Special insulation is used on wires and cables that are used in harsh
environments. Wires and cables that are buried in soil must have an
outer covering of insulation that is flame-retardant and resistant to
moisture, fungus, and corrosion.
In all situations, you must be careful not to damage insulation while

installing it. Do not allow staples or other supports to damage the ❚ Make sure insulation is the right
insulation. Bends in a cable must have an inside radius of at least type and in good condition.
Section 7 Page 47
5 times the diameter of the cable so that insulation at a bend is not

damaged. Extension cords come with insulation in a variety of types
and colors. The insulation of extension cords is especially important.
Since extension cords often receive rough handling, the insulation
can be damaged. Extension cords might be used in wet places, so
adequate insulation is necessary to prevent shocks. Because exten-
sion cords are often used near combustible materials (such as wood
shavings and sawdust), a short in an extension cord could easily
cause arcing and a fire.
Insulation on individual wires is often color-coded. In general, insu-

lated wires used as equipment grounding conductors are either con-
tinuous green or green with yellow stripes. The grounded conductors
that complete a circuit are generally covered with continuous white
Arc-fault circuit or gray insulation. The ungrounded conductors, or “hot” wires, may
breaker. be any color other than green, white, or gray. They are usually black
or red.
Conductors and cables must be marked by the manufacturer to show

the following:
❑ maximum voltage capacity,
❑ AWG size,
❑ insulation-type letter, and
❑ the manufacturer’s name or trademark.
Control hazards of shocking currents

Ground circuits and equipment
When an electrical system is not grounded properly, a hazard exists.
This is because the parts of an electrical wiring system that a person
normally touches may be energized, or live, relative to ground. Parts
like switch plates, wiring boxes, conduit, cabinets, and lights need to
be at 0 volts relative to ground. If the system is grounded improper-
ly, these parts may be energized. The metal housings of equipment
plugged into an outlet need to be grounded through the plug.
Ground electrical
devices.
Page 48 Section 7
Grounding is connecting an electrical system to the earth with a wire.
Excess or stray current travels through this wire to a grounding
device (commonly called a “ground”) deep in the earth. Grounding
prevents unwanted voltage on electrical components. Metal plumbing
is often used as a ground. When plumbing is used as a grounding
conductor, it must also be connected to a grounding device such as a
conductive rod. (Rods used for grounding must be driven at least
8 feet into the earth.) Sometimes an electrical system will receive a
higher voltage than it is designed to handle. These high voltages may
come from a lightning strike, line surge, or contact with a higher-
voltage line. Sometimes a defect occurs in a device that allows
exposed metal parts to become energized. Grounding will help Grounding rod in
protect the person working on a system, the system itself, and others the earth.
using tools or operating equipment connected to the system. The
extra current produced by the excess voltage travels relatively safely
to the earth.
Grounding creates a path for currents produced by unintended

voltages on exposed parts. These currents follow the grounding path,
rather than passing through the body of someone who touches the
energized equipment. However, if a grounding rod takes a direct hit
from a lightning strike and is buried in sandy soil, the rod should be
examined to make sure it will still function properly. The heat from
a lightning strike can cause the sand to turn into glass, which is an
insulator. A grounding rod must be in contact with damp soil to be
effective.
leakage current occurs when an electrical current escapes from its

intended path. Leakages are sometimes low-current faults that can Grounding-type
occur in all electrical equipment because of dirt, wear, damage, or receptacle.
moisture. A good grounding system should be able to carry off this
leakage current. A ground fault occurs when current passes through
the housing of an electrical device to ground. Proper grounding pro-
tects against ground faults. Ground faults are usually caused by
misuse of a tool or damage to its insulation. This damage allows a
bare conductor to touch metal parts or the tool housing.
When you ground a tool or electrical system, you create a low-resis-

tance path to the earth (known as a ground connection). When done
properly, this path has sufficient current-carrying capacity to elimi-
nate voltages that may cause a dangerous shock.
Grounding does not guarantee you will not receive a shock, be

injured, or killed from defective equipment. However, it greatly
reduces the possibility.
Section 7 Page 49
Equipment needs to be grounded under any of these circumstances:
❑ The equipment is within 8 feet vertically and 5 feet horizontally

of the floor or walking surface.
❑ The equipment is within 8 feet vertically and 5 feet horizontally

of grounded metal objects you could touch.
❑ The equipment is located in a wet or damp area and is not isolated.
❑ The equipment is connected to a power supply by cord and plug

and is not double-insulated.
Use GFCIs
The use of GFCIs has lowered the number of electrocutions dramati-
cally. A GFCI is a fast-acting switch that detects any difference in
current between two circuit conductors. If either conductor comes in
contact—either directly or through part of your body—with a
ground (a situation known as a ground fault), the GFCI opens the
circuit in a fraction of a second. If a current as small as 4 to 6 mA
does not pass through both wires properly, but instead leaks to the
ground, the GFCI is tripped. The current is shut off.
There is a more sensitive kind of GFCI called an isolation GFCI. If

a circuit has an isolation GFCI, the ground fault current passes
through an electronic sensing circuit in the GFCI. The electronic
sensing circuit has enough resistance to limit current to as little as
2 mA, which is too low to cause a dangerous shock.
GFCIs are usually in the form of a duplex receptacle. They are also
available in portable and plug-in designs and as circuit breakers
that protect an entire branch circuit. GFCIs can operate on both two-
and three-wire ground systems. For a GFCI to work properly, the
neutral conductor (white wire) must (1) be continuous, (2) have low
resistance, and (3) have sufficient current-carrying capacity.
GFCIs help protect you from electrical shock by continuously moni-

toring the circuit. However, a GFCI does not protect a person from
line-to-line hazards such as touching two “hot” wires (240 volts) at
the same time or touching a “hot” and neutral wire at the same time.
Portable GFCI.
Also be aware that instantaneous currents can be high when a GFCI
is tripped. A shock may still be felt. Your reaction to the shock could
❚ GFCIs have their limitations. cause injury, perhaps from falling.
Test GFCIs regularly by pressing the “test” button. If the circuit

does not turn off, the GFCI is faulty and must be replaced.
Page 50 Section 7
female assistant manager of a swim club was instructed to add a certain chemical to the pool. She
A went down into the pump room, barefoot. The room was below ground level, and the floor was
covered with water. She filled a plastic drum with 35-40 gallons of water, then plugged a mixing
motor into a 120-volt wall outlet and turned on the motor. The motor would be used to mix the water and
the chemical, then the solution would be added to the pool. While adding the chemical to the water in
the drum, she contacted the mixing motor with her left hand. Apparently, the motor had developed a
ground fault. Because of the ground fault, the motor was energized, and she was electrocuted. A co-
worker found the victim slumped over the drum with her face submerged in water. The co-worker tried
to move the victim but was shocked. The assistant manager was dead on arrival at a local hospital.
An investigation showed that the mixing motor was in poor condition. The grounding pin had been
removed from the male end of the power cord, resulting in a faulty ground. The circuit was equipped with
a GFCI, but it was not installed properly. A properly wired and functioning GFCI could have sensed the
ground fault in the motor and de-energized the circuit.
Take a look at what could have been done to prevent this death.
• The employer should have kept the motor in better condition. Power cords should be inspected
regularly, and any missing ground prongs should be replaced.
• All pool-area electrical circuits should be installed by qualified electricians.
• The victim should have worn insulating boots or shoes since she was handling electrical equipment.
• The employer should have followed the law. The NEC requires that all pool-associated motors have a
permanent grounding system. In this case, this regulation was not followed. Also, electrical equipment
is not permitted in areas without proper drainage.
• OSHA requires employers to provide a work environment free of safety and health
hazards.
The NEC and NFPA 70E require that GFCIs be used in these high-
risk situations:
❑ Electricity is used near water.
❑ The user of electrical equipment is grounded (by touching

grounded material).
❑ Circuits are providing power to portable tools or outdoor

Install bonding jumpers
receptacles.
around nonconductive
material.
❑ Temporary wiring or extension cords are used.
Specifically, GFCIs must be installed in bathrooms, garages, outdoor ❚ Use GFCIs to help protect people
areas, crawl spaces, unfinished basements, kitchens, and near wet in damp areas.
bars.
Bond components to assure grounding path

❚ bonding—joining electrical parts to
In order to assure a continuous, reliable electrical path to ground, a assure a conductive path
bonding jumper wire is used to make sure electrical parts are con-
nected. Some physical connections, like metal conduit coming into a
Section 7 Page 51
❚ bonding jumper—the
box, might not make a good electrical connection because of paint
conductor used to connect or possible corrosion. To make a good electrical connection, a bond-
parts to be bonded ing jumper needs to be installed.
A metal cold water pipe that is part of a path to ground may need
bonding jumpers around plastic antivibration devices, plastic water
meters, or sections of plastic pipe. A bonding jumper is made of
conductive material and is tightly connected to metal pipes with
screws or clamps to bypass the plastic and assure a continuous
grounding path. Bonding jumpers are necessary because plastic does
not conduct electricity and would interrupt the path to ground.
Additionally, interior metal plumbing must be bonded to the ground

for electrical service equipment in order to keep all grounds at the
same potential (0 volts). Even metal air ducts should be bonded to
electrical service equipment.
Control overload current hazards

When a current exceeds the current rating of equipment or wiring, a
hazard exists. The wiring in the circuit, equipment, or tool cannot
handle the current without heating up or even melting. Not only will
the wiring or tool be damaged, but the high temperature of the con-
ductor can also cause a fire. To prevent this from happening, an
overcurrent protection device (circuit breaker or fuse) is used in a
circuit. These devices open a circuit automatically if they detect cur-
rent in excess of the current rating of equipment or wiring. This
excess current can be caused by an overload, short circuit, or high-
level ground fault.
Use overcurrent protection devices

(circuit breakers or fuses) in circuits.
Page 52 Section 7
Overcurrent protection devices are designed to protect equipment
and structures from fire. They do not protect you from electrical
shock! Overcurrent protection devices stop the flow of current in a
circuit when the amperage is too high for the circuit. A circuit break-
er or fuse will not stop the relatively small amount of current that
can cause injury or death. Death can result from 20 mA (.020 amps)
through the chest (see Section 2). A typical residential circuit break-
er or fuse will not shut off the circuit until a current of more than
20 amps is reached!
But overcurrent protection devices are not allowed in areas where

they could be exposed to physical damage or in hazardous environ-
ments. Overcurrent protection devices can heat up and occasionally
arc or spark, which could cause a fire or an explosion in certain
areas. Hazardous environments are places that contain flammable or
explosive materials such as flammable gases or vapors (Class I
Hazardous Environments), finely pulverized flammable dusts
(Class II Hazardous Environments), or fibers or metal filings that
can catch fire easily (Class III Hazardous Environments). Hazardous
environments may be found in aircraft hangars, gas stations, storage
plants for flammable liquids, grain silos, and mills where cotton
fibers may be suspended in the air. Special electrical systems are
required in hazardous environments.
If an overcurrent protection device opens a circuit, there may be a

problem along the circuit. (In the case of circuit breakers, frequent
tripping may also indicate that the breaker is defective.) When a cir-
cuit breaker trips or a fuse blows, the cause must be found. ❚ Find the cause of an overload.
A circuit breaker is one kind of overcurrent protection device. It is a

type of automatic switch located in a circuit. A circuit breaker trips
when too much current passes through it. A circuit breaker should
not be used regularly to turn power on or off in a circuit, unless the
breaker is designed for this purpose and marked “SWD” (stands for
“switching device”).
A fuse is another type of overcurrent protection device. A fuse con-

tains a metal conductor that has a relatively low melting point.
When too much current passes through the metal in the fuse, it heats
up within a fraction of a second and melts, opening the circuit. After
an overload is found and corrected, a blown fuse must be replaced
with a new one of appropriate amperage.
Only circuit breakers
marked “SWD” should
be used as switches.
Section 7 Page 53
When You Must Work on or Near Live Circuits

Working on live circuits means actually touching energized parts.
Working near live circuits means working close enough to energized
parts to put you at risk even though you may be working on
de-energized parts. Common tasks where you need to work on or
near live circuits include:
❑ taking voltage and current measurements,
❑ opening and closing disconnects and circuit breakers,
❑ racking circuit breakers on and off the bus,
❑ removing panels and dead fronts, and
❑ opening electric equipment doors for inspection.
There should be standard written procedures and training for these com-
mon tasks. For instance, when opening and closing disconnects, use the
left-hand rule when possible (stand to the right side of equipment with a
disconnect on the right, and operate the disconnect with your left hand).
For other situations where you might need to work on or near live cir-
cuits, your employer should institute a written live-work permit system,
which must be authorized by a qualified supervisor.
Live-work permit system

A live-work permit should, at least, contain this information:
❑ a description of the circuit and equipment to be worked on and

the location,
❑ explanation why the work must be done “live”,
❑ date and time covered by the permit,
❑ a description of the safe work practices to be used,
❑ results of shock hazard analysis and determination of shock

protection boundaries,
❑ results of flash hazard analysis and determination of the flash

protection boundary,
❑ PPE needed to safely perform the job,
❑ who will do the work and how unqualified persons will be kept
away, and
❑ evidence of completion of job briefing, including discussion of

job-specific hazards.
Page 54 Section 7
❑ Energized-work approval signatures (authorizing or approving
management, safety officer, owner, etc.).
To work on or near live parts, you must do the following:
❑ Have a written live-work permit for the work to be done.

❑ Wear the right PPE to protect against electric shock and arc flash.
Never wear clothing made from synthetic materials, such as
acetate, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or rayon – alone or
combined with cotton. Such clothing is dangerous because it can
burn and melt into your skin.
The PPE that’s needed depends on the type of electric work being
done. The minimum PPE required would be an untreated natural
fiber long-sleeve shirt and long pants plus safety glasses with side
shields. Depending on the voltage and the electric task to be done,
different types of PPE are required. Fire-resistant protective clothing
can include multi-layer flash suit jacket and pants, wraparound face
shield, double-layer switching hood, voltage-rated gloves with
leather protectors, electrically rated hard hats, and so forth. [(See
Table 130.7(C)(9)(a) Hazard/Risk Category Classifications and
Table 130.7(C)(10)) (NFPA 70E, 2004 Edition).
❑ Use the proper type of protective equipment, such as insulated

tools and/or handling equipment that is rated for the voltage.
These can include insulated fuse or fuse holding equipment,
nonconductive ropes and handlines, fiberglass-reinforced plastic
rods, nonconductive portable ladders (such as, fiberglass),
protective shields, rubber insulating equipment, voltage-rated
plastic guards, and so forth.
lineman (the victim) was killed after contacting a 17,400-volt charged switch.The victim was part
A of a three-man crew replacing cables under a switch cabinet. At the time of the accident, the crew
was feeding a new cable under the concrete foundation pad below the cabinet. As one worker
pushed the cable under the foundation, the victim looped the cable inside the foundation under the
cabinet. The victim was using a hot stick to loop the cable but was not wearing his hardhat when his head
came either in close proximity to or contacted the charged switch. Crewmembers saw a flash and came
around the switch cabinet to where the victim was located. He was found slumped partially in the cabinet.
A crewmember used a hot stick to move the victim away from the cabinet and then began CPR.
Emergency Medical Services transported the victim to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead
from injuries associated with high-voltage electrocution.Based on the findings of the investigation, to
prevent similar occurrences, employers should:
• Ensure workers use personal protective equipment and enforce its use;
• Ensure workers are capable of recognizing and avoiding hazardous situations;
• Emphasize de-energizing, isolating, or cover energized work areas whenever personnel need to work
within high voltage danger zones.
NIOSH FACE Program: Alaska Case Report 00AK011 | CDC/NIOSHFACE 00-AK-011
Section 7 Page 55
Control contact with electrical voltages and control electrical currents to create a
safe work environment.
Lock out and tag out circuits and machines.
Prevent overloaded wiring by using the right size and type of wire.
Prevent exposure to live electrical parts by isolating them.
Prevent exposure to live wires and parts by using insulation.
Prevent shocking currents from electrical systems and tools by grounding
them.
Prevent shocking currents by using GFCIs.
Prevent too much current in circuits by using overcurrent protection devices.
Prevent against electric shock or arc blast when working live by using proper
PPE and protective tools.
Page 56 Section 7
S A F E T Y M O D E L S TAG E 3 — C O N T R O L L I N G H A Z A R D S : S A F E W O R K P R AC T I C E S
Section 8
Controlling Hazards:
Safe Work Practices
How do you work safely?
A safe work environment is not enough to control all electrical haz-
ards. You must also work safely. Safe work practices help you con-
trol your risk of injury or death from workplace hazards. If you are
working on electrical circuits or with electrical tools and equipment,
you need to use safe work practices.
Before you begin a task, ask yourself:
❑ What could go wrong?
❑ Do I have the knowledge, tools, and experience to do this work

safely?
All workers should be very familiar with the safety procedures

for their jobs. You must know how to use specific controls that help
keep you safe. You must also use good judgment and common
sense.
Control electrical hazards through safe work practices.
❑ Plan your work and plan for safety.
❑ Avoid wet working conditions and other dangers.
❑ Avoid overhead powerlines.
❑ Use proper wiring and connectors.
❑ Use and maintain tools properly.
❑ Wear correct PPE.
Page 58 Section 8
Plan your work and plan for safety
Take time to plan your work, by yourself and with others. Safety
planning is an important part of any task. It takes effort to recognize,
evaluate, and control hazards. If you are thinking about your work ❚ Plan to be safe.
tasks or about what others think of you, it is hard to take the time to
plan for safety. But, YOU MUST PLAN.
40-year-old male meter technician had just completed a 7-week basic lineman training course. He
A worked as a meter technician during normal working hours and as a lineman during unplanned
outages. One evening, he was called to repair a residential power outage. By the time he arrived
at the site of the outage, he had already worked 2 hours of overtime and worked 14 straight hours the
day before. At the site, a tree limb had fallen across an overhead powerline. The neutral wire in the line
was severed, and the two energized 120-volt wires were disconnected. The worker removed the tree limb
and climbed up a power pole to reconnect the three wires. He was wearing insulated gloves, a hard hat,
and safety glasses.
He prepared the wires to be connected. While handling the wires, one of the energized wires caught the
cuff of his left glove and pulled the cuff down. The conductor contacted the victim’s forearm near the
wrist. He was electrocuted and fell backwards. He was wearing a climbing belt, which left him hanging
upside down from the pole. Paramedics arrived 5 minutes after the contact. The power company lowered
his dead body 30 minutes later.
Several factors may have contributed to this incident. Below are some ways to eliminate these risk
factors.
• Ask for assistance when you are assigned tasks that cannot be safely completed alone. The task
assigned to the victim could not have been done safely by only one person.
• Do not work overtime performing hazardous tasks that are not part of your normal assignments.
• Employees should only be given tasks that they are qualified to perform. All employees below the
journeyman level should be supervised.
Planning with others is especially helpful. It allows you to coordi- ❚ Don’t work alone.
nate your work and take advantage of what others know about iden-
tifying and controlling hazards. The following is a list of some
things to think about as you plan.
❑ Work with a “buddy”—Do not work alone. Both of you

should be trained in CPR. Both of you must know what to do
in an emergency.
❑ Know how to shut off and de-energize circuits—You must find

where circuit breakers, fuses, and switches are located. Then, the
circuits that you will be working on (even low-voltage circuits)
MUST BE TURNED OFF! Test the circuits before beginning
work to make sure they are completely de-energized.
Test circuits to make sure they
are de-energized.
Section 8 Page 59
❑ Plan to lock out and tag out circuits and equipment—Make

certain all energy sources are locked out and tagged out before
performing any work on an electrical circuit or electrical device.
Working on energized (“hot”) circuits is one of the most
dangerous things any worker could do. If someone turns on a
circuit without warning, you can be shocked, burned, or
electrocuted. The unexpected starting of electrical equipment can
cause severe injury or death.
Before ANY work is done on a circuit, shut off the circuit, lock
out and tag out the circuit at the distribution panel, then test the
circuit to make sure it is de-energized.
Before ANY equipment inspections or repairs—even on so-

called low-voltage circuits—the current must be turned off at the
switch box, and the switch must be padlocked in the OFF posi-
tion. At the same time, the equipment must be securely tagged to
warn everyone that work is being performed. Again, test circuits
and equipment to ensure they are de-energized.
This worker is No two locks should be alike. Each key should fit only one lock,
applying a group and only one key should be issued to each worker. If more than
lock-out device. The
one worker is working on a circuit or repairing a piece of equip-
equipment cannot
ment, each worker should lock out the switch with his or her
be re-started until
all workers remove own lock and never permit anyone else to remove it. At all times,
their locks. you must be certain that you are not exposing other workers to
danger. Workers who perform lock-out/tag-out must be trained
and authorized to repair and maintain electrical equipment. A
locked-out switch or feeder panel prevents others from turning
on a circuit. The tag informs other workers of your action.
❑ Remove jewelry and metal objects—Remove jewelry and other

metal objects or apparel from your body before beginning work.
These things can cause burns if worn near high currents and can
get caught as you work.
❑ Plan to avoid falls—Injuries can result from falling off

scaffolding or ladders. Other workers may also be injured from
equipment and debris falling from scaffolding and ladders.
Page 60 Section 8
worker was attempting to correct an electrical problem involving two non-operational lamps. He
A examined the circuit in the area where he thought the problem was located. He had not shut off
the power at the circuit breaker panel and did not test the wires to see if they were live. He was
electrocuted when he grabbed the two live wires with his left hand. He collapsed to the floor and was
found dead.
• Employers should not allow work to be done on electrical circuits unless an effective lock-out/tag-out
program is in place.
• No work should be done on energized electrical circuits. Circuits must be shut off, locked out, and
tagged out. Even then, you must test the circuit before beginning work to confirm that it is de-energized
(“dead”).
277 VOLT LAMPS
FUSE BOX
Section 8 Page 61
Ladder Safety Fact Sheet
To prevent injury when climbing, follow these procedures:
1. Position the ladder at a safe angle to prevent slipping. The hori-
zontal distance from the base of the ladder to the structure should
be one-quarter the length of the ladder to its resting position.
2. Make sure the base of the ladder has firm support and the ground
or floor is level. Be very careful when placing a ladder on wet,
icy, or otherwise slippery surfaces. Special blocking may be
needed to prevent slipping in these cases.
3. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for

proper use.
4. Check the condition of the ladder before using it. Joints must be
tight to prevent wobbling or leaning.
Page 62 Section 8
5. When using a stepladder, make sure it is level and fully open.
Always lock the hinges. Do not stand on the top step.
6. When using scaffolding, use a ladder to access the tiers. Never

climb the cross braces.
7. Do not use metal ladders. Instead, use ladders made of fiberglass.

(Although wooden ladders are permitted, wood can soak up water
and become conductive.)
8. Beware of overhead powerlines when you work with ladders and

scaffolding.
Learn how to use ladders and scaffolding properly.
Section 8 Page 63
crew of 7 workers was painting a 33-foot sign at a shopping mall. The crew used tubular
A welded frame scaffolding that was 31 feet tall and made up of several tiers. The sign was
partially painted when the crew was instructed to move the scaffolding so that concrete could be
poured for an access road. The crew moved the scaffolding 30 feet without disassembling it. An overhead
powerline was located about 10 feet away from the scaffolding. After the concrete hardened, the workers
lifted the scaffolding to move it back to the sign. The top tier came loose, fell, and contacted the powerline.
All seven workers were knocked away from the scaffolding. Two died; five were hospitalized.
You must take certain precautions when working with scaffolding.
• Scaffolding should not be moved until all potential safety hazards are identified and controlled. In this case,
the scaffolding should have been taken apart before it was moved.
• Locking pins must be used to secure tiers to one another.
• Always make sure you have enough time to complete your assignment safely. If you are rushed, you may
be more likely to take deadly short-cuts (such as failing to dismantle scaffolding before moving it).
• Employers must have a written safety program that includes safe work procedures and hazard recognition.
❑ Do not do any tasks that you are not trained to do or that you
do not feel comfortable doing!
company was contracted to install wiring and fixtures in a new office complex. The third floor was
A being prepared in a hurry for a new tenant, and daily changes to the electrical system blueprints
were arriving by fax. The light fixtures in the office were mounted in a metal grid that was fastened
to the ceiling and properly grounded.
A 23-year-old male apprentice electrician was working on a light fixture when he contacted an energized
conductor. He came down from the fiberglass ladder and collapsed. Apparently, he had contacted the
“hot” conductor while also in contact with the metal grid. Current passed through his body and into the
grounded grid. Current always takes a path to ground. In this case, the worker was part of that path.
He was dead on arrival at a nearby hospital. Later, an investigation showed that the victim had cross-
wired the conductors in the fixture by mistake. This incorrect wiring allowed electricity to flow from a live
circuit on the completed section of the building to the circuit on which the victim was working.
Below are some safety procedures that should have been followed in this case. Because they were
ignored, the job ended in death.
• Before work begins, all circuits in the immediate work area must be shut off, locked out, and tagged
out—then tested to confirm that they are de-energized.
• Wiring done by apprentice electricians should be checked by a journeyman.
• A supervisor should always review changes to an original blueprint in order to identify any new hazards
that the changes might create.
Page 64 Section 8
Avoid wet working conditions
and other dangers
Remember that any hazard becomes much more dangerous in damp
or wet conditions. To be on the safe side, assume there is dampness
in any work location, even if you do not see water. Even sweat can
create a damp condition!
❑ Do not work wet—Do not work on circuits or use electrical

equipment in damp or wet areas. If necessary, clear the area of ❚ Avoid wet conditions! Even avoid
damp conditions!
loose material or hanging objects. Cover wet floors with wooden
planking that can be kept dry. Wear insulating rubber boots or
shoes. Your hands must be dry when plugging and unplugging
power cords and extension cords. Do not get cleaning solutions
on energized equipment.
❑ Use a GFCI—Always use a GFCI when using portable tools and

extension cords.
Avoid overhead powerlines

Be very careful not to contact overhead powerlines or other exposed
wires. More than half of all electrocutions are caused by contact
with overhead lines. When working in an elevated position near
overhead lines, avoid locations where you (and any conductive
object you hold) could contact an unguarded or uninsulated line.
You should be at least 10 feet away from high-voltage transmission
lines.
Vehicle operators should also pay attention to overhead wiring.

Dump trucks, front-end loaders, and cranes can lift and make
contact with overhead lines. If you contact equipment that is
touching live wires, you will be shocked and may be killed. If you
are in the vehicle, stay inside. Always be aware of what is going on
around you.
Use proper wiring and connectors

Portable GFCI.
❑ Avoid overloads—Do not overload circuits.
❑ Test GFCIs—Test GFCIs monthly using the “test” button.
Section 8 Page 65
worker from an electrical service company was changing bulbs in pole-mounted light fixtures in a shop-
A ping center parking lot. The procedure for installing the bulbs was as follows: The worker would park the
truck near the first light pole. The truck was equipped with a roof-mounted ladder. The worker would
extend the ladder high enough to change the bulb, then drive to the next pole without lowering the ladder.
After the worker replaced the first bulb, he got back in the truck and drove toward the next light pole. As the
truck moved along, a steel cable attached to the top of the ladder contacted an overhead powerline. The
worker realized something was wrong, stopped the truck, and stepped onto the pavement while still holding
onto the door of the truck. By doing this, he completed the path to ground for the current in the truck.
Because the ladder was still in contact with the powerline, the entire truck was now energized. He was
engulfed in flames as the truck caught fire. Fire, police, and paramedic units arrived within 5 minutes. Utility
workers arrived in about 10 minutes and de-energized (shut off) the powerline. The victim burned to death at
the scene.
Below are some ways to prevent contact with overhead powerlines.
• A safe distance must be maintained between ladders (and other equipment) and overhead lines. OSHA
requires that a clearance of at least 10 feet be maintained between aerial ladders and overhead powerlines
of up to 50,000 volts.
• Moving a truck with the ladder extended is a dangerous practice. One way to control this hazard is to install
an engine lock that prevents a truck’s engine from starting unless the ladder is fully retracted.
• If there are overhead powerlines in the immediate area, lighting systems that can be serviced from ground
level are recommended for safety.
• If the worker had been trained properly, he may have known to stay inside the truck.
• Job hazard analysis should always be performed to identify and control hazards. In this case, a survey
would have identified the powerlines as a possible hazard, and appropriate hazard control measures (such
as lowering the ladder between installations) could have been taken.
❑ Check switches and insulation—Tools and other equipment

must operate properly. Make sure that switches and insulating
parts are in good condition.
❑ Use three-prong plugs—Never use a three-prong grounding

plug with the ground prong broken-off. When using tools that
require a third-wire ground, use only three-wire extension cords
with three-prong grounding plugs and three-hole electrical
outlets. Never remove the grounding prong from a plug! You
could be shocked or expose someone else to a hazard. If you see
a cord without a grounding prong in the plug, remove the cord
from service immediately.
❑ Use extension cords properly—If an extension cord must be

used, choose one with sufficient ampacity for the tool being
used. An undersized cord can overheat and cause a drop in
Never use a three-prong voltage and tool power. Check the tool manufacturer’s
grounding plug with the recommendations for the required wire gauge and cord length.
ground prong broken off. Make sure the insulation is intact. To reduce the risk of damage
to a cord’s insulation, use cords with insulation marked “S” (hard
Page 66 Section 8
service) rather than cords marked “SJ” (junior hard service).
Make sure the grounding prong is intact. In damp locations,
make sure wires and connectors are waterproof and approved for
such locations. Do not create a tripping hazard.
❑ Check power cords and extensions—Electrical cords should be

inspected regularly using the following procedure:
1. Remove the cord from the electrical power source before

inspecting.
2. Make sure the grounding prong is present in the plug.
3. Make sure the plug and receptacle are not damaged.
4. Wipe the cord clean with a diluted detergent and examine for
cuts, breaks, abrasions, and defects in the insulation.
5. Coil or hang the cord for storage. Do not use any other methods.
Coiling or hanging is the best way to avoid tight kinks, cuts, and
scrapes that can damage insulation or conductors.
You should also test electrical cords regularly for ground continuity
using a continuity tester as follows:
1. Connect one lead of the tester to the ground prong at one end
of the cord.
2. Connect the second lead to the ground wire hole at the other
end of the cord.
3. If the tester lights up or beeps (depending on design), the
cord’s ground wire is okay. If not, the cord is damaged and
should not be used.
❑ Do not pull on cords—Always disconnect a cord by the plug.
❑ Use correct connectors—Use electrical plugs and receptacles

that are right for your current and voltage needs. Connectors are
designed for specific currents and voltages so that only matching
plugs and receptacles will fit together. This safeguard prevents a
piece of equipment, a cord, and a power source with different
voltage and current requirements from being plugged together.
Standard configurations for plugs and receptacles have been
established by the National Electric Manufacturers Association
(NEMA).
Section 8 Page 67
❑ Use locking connectors—Use locking-type attachment plugs,

receptacles, and other connectors to prevent them from becoming
unplugged.
Use and maintain tools properly

Locking-type attachment plug. Your tools are at the heart of your craft. Tools help you do your job
with a high degree of quality. Tools can do something else, too.
They can cause injury or even death! You must use the right tools
for the job. Proper maintenance of tools and other equipment is very
important. Inadequate maintenance can cause equipment to deterio-
❚ Maintain tools and equipment. rate, creating dangerous conditions. You must take care of your tools
so they can help you and not hurt you.
❑ Inspect tools before using them—Check for cracked casings,

❚ Inspect your equipment before dents, missing or broken parts, and contamination (oil, moisture,
you use it. dirt, corrosion). Damaged tools must be removed from service
and properly tagged. These tools should not be used until they
are repaired and tested.
This cord has been

spliced using a wire nut.
Spliced cords are very
dangerous!
Page 68 Section 8
n employee was climbing a metal ladder to hand an electric drill to the journeyman installer on
A a scaffold about 5 feet above him. When the victim reached the third rung of the ladder, he
received an electrical shock that killed him. An investigation showed
that the grounding prong was missing from the extension cord attached to
the drill. Also, the cord’s green grounding wire was, at times, contacting the
energized black wire. Because of this contact with the "hot" wire, the entire
length of the grounding wire and the drill’s frame became energized. The drill
was not double-insulated.
To avoid deadly incidents like this one, take these precautions:
• Make certain that approved GFCIs or equipment grounding systems are
used at construction sites.
• Use equipment that provides a permanent and continuous path to ground.
Any fault current will be safely diverted along this path.
• Inspect electrical tools and equipment daily and remove damaged or
defective equipment from use right away.
❑ Use the right tool correctly—Use tools correctly and for their
intended purposes. Follow the safety instructions and operating
procedures recommended by the manufacturer. When working on ❚ Use the right tools and equipment.
a circuit, use approved tools with insulated handles. However,
❚ Do not work on energized circuits.
DO NOT USE THESE TOOLS TO WORK ON
ENERGIZED CIRCUITS. ALWAYS SHUT OFF
AND DE-ENERGIZE CIRCUITS before
beginning work on them.
❑ Protect your tools—Keep tools and cords away from heat, oil,
and sharp objects. These hazards can damage insulation. If a tool
or cord heats up, stop using it! Report the condition to a
supervisor or instructor immediately. If equipment has been
repaired, make sure that it has been tested and certified as safe
before using it. Never carry a tool by the cord. Disconnect cords
by pulling the plug—not the cord!
❑ Use double-insulated tools—Portable electrical tools are

classified by the number of insulation barriers between the
electrical conductors in the tool and the worker. The NEC
permits the use of portable tools only if they have been
approved by Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL Listed).
Equipment that has two insulation barriers and no exposed metal
parts is called double-insulated. When used properly, double-
insulated tools provide reliable shock protection without the need
for a third ground. Don’t work on energized
circuits like this one!
Always follow correct
lock-out/tag-out procedures.
Section 8 Page 69
22-year-old male carpenter was building the wooden framework of a laundry building. He was using
A portable power tools. Electricity was supplied to the tools by a temporary service pole 50 feet away.
The service pole had not been inspected and was not in compliance. It was also not grounded. The
carpenter plugged a “homemade” cord into the service pole and then plugged a UL-approved cord into the
homemade cord. His power saw was plugged into the UL-approved cord.
The site was wet. Humidity was high and the carpenter was sweating. Reportedly, he was mildly shocked
throughout the morning and replaced the extension cord he was using in an effort to stop the shocks. At one
point, as he was climbing down a makeshift ladder constructed from a floor truss, he shifted the power saw
from his right hand to his left hand and was shocked. He fell from the ladder into a puddle of water, still hold-
ing the saw. The current had caused his hand to contract, and he was “locked” to the saw. A co-worker
disconnected the power cord to the saw. CPR was given, but the shock was fatal.
Attention to these general safety principles could have prevented this death.
• Any and all electrical equipment involved in a malfunction should be taken out of service immediately. The
carpenter should have taken the saw out of service, not just the extension cord. (As it turns out, the saw
was the source of the shocks, not the cord.)
• Although the homemade extension cord does not seem to have contributed to this incident, it should not
have been used.
• The floor truss should not have been used as a ladder. For climbing, use only approved ladders or other
equipment designed specifically for climbing.
• Do not work in wet areas. The water should have been removed from the floor as soon as it was found.
Humidity and perspiration can also be hazards. Try to stay as dry as possible, be alert, and take action to
protect yourself when needed.
• OSHA requires that all receptacles at construction sites that are not part of the permanent wiring have
GFCIs.
• Be aware that shocks can cause you to lose your balance and fall, often resulting in more severe injury.
wire. Power tools with metal housings or only one layer of effective
insulation must have a third ground wire and three-prong plug.
❑ Use multiple safe practices—Remember: A circuit may not be

wired correctly. Wires may contact other “hot” circuits. Someone
❚ Wear and maintain PPE.
else may do something to place you in danger. Take all possible
precautions.
Wear correct PPE

OSHA requires that you be provided with personal protective equip-
ment (PPE). This equipment must meet OSHA requirements and be
appropriate for the parts of the body that need protection and the
work performed. There are many types of PPE: rubber gloves, insu-
lating shoes and boots, face shields, safety glasses, hard hats, etc.
Even if regulations did not exist requiring the use of PPE, there
would still be every reason to use this equipment. PPE helps keep
you safe. It is the last line of defense between you and the hazard.
Page 70 Section 8
❑ Wear safety glasses—Wear safety glasses with side shields or
goggles to avoid eye injury. They should have a Z87 stamped on
them to show they are certified by the American National
Standards Institute Z87 Standard for eye and face protection.
Wear safety glasses to avoid eye injury.

❑ Wear proper clothing—Wear clothing that is neither floppy nor
too tight. Loose clothing will catch on corners and rough
surfaces. Clothing that binds is uncomfortable and distracting.
❑ Contain and secure loose hair—Wear your hair in such a way

that it does not interfere with your work or safety.
❑ Wear proper foot protection—Wear shoes or boots that have

been approved for electrical work. (Tennis shoes will not protect
you from electrical hazards.) If there are non-electrical hazards
present (nails on the floor, heavy objects, etc.), use footwear that
is approved to protect against these hazards as well.
❑ Wear a hard hat—Wear a hard hat to protect your head from

bumps and falling objects. Hard hats Arcing electrical burns
must be worn with the bill forward to through the victim’s
protect you properly. shoe and around the
❑ Wear hearing protectors—Wear rubber sole.
hearing protectors in noisy areas to
prevent hearing loss. ❚ Think about what you are doing.
❑ Follow directions—Follow the

❚ PPE is only effective when used
manufacturer’s directions for cleaning correctly.
and maintaining PPE.
❑ Make an effort—Search out and use

any and all equipment that will protect
you from shocks and other injuries.
Don’t wear hard
hats backwards!
Section 8 Page 71
PPE Fact Sheet—The Right Equipment—Head to Toe
PPE is the last line of defense against workplace hazards. OSHA defines PPE as "equipment for
the eyes, face, head, and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, protective shields and
barriers." Many OSHA regulations state that PPE must meet criteria set by the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI).
Head Protection How do I wear and care for my

OSHA requires that head protection hard hat?
(hard hats) be worn if there is a risk of HEAD PrOTECTION Always wear your hat with the bill forward. (Hats
head injury from electrical burns or are tested in this position.) If you wear a hat differ-
falling/flying objects. ently, you may not be fully protected. The hat should
fit snugly without being too tight. You should clean
and inspect your hard hat regu-
Aren’t all hard hats the same?
larly according to the manufac-
No. You must wear the right hat for the job. All hard turer’s instructions. Check the
hats approved for electrical work made since 1997 hat for cracks, dents, frayed
are marked "Class E." Hard hats made before 1997 straps, and dulling of the
are marked "Class B." These markings will be on a finish. These conditions
label inside the helmet or stamped into the helmet can reduce protection. Use
itself. Newer hats may also be marked "Type 1" or only mild soap and water
"Type 2." Type 1 hard hats protect you from impacts for cleaning. Heavy-duty
on the top of your head. Type 2 hard hats protect cleaners and other chemicals
can damage the hat.
you from impacts on the top and sides of your head.
Don’t wear another hat
under your hard hat!
Class E, Type 1 hard hat. Class B hard hat.
Page 72 Section 8
Do not "store" anything (gloves, wallet, etc.) in the helmet) and keep it out of direct sunlight. If you
top of your hard hat while you are wearing it. The want to express your personality, hard hats come in
space between the inside harness and the top of the many colors and can be imprinted with custom
hard hat must remain open to protect you. Do not designs by the manufacturer. Some hats are avail-
put stickers on your hat (the glue can weaken the able in a cowboy hat design or with sports logos.
Never “store” anything in the top Class B hard hat in a cowboy

of your hard hat while you are hat design.
wearing it.
Keep your hard hat out of direct sunlight when you are not wearing it!
Use your head and protect your head!
Section 8 Page 73
PPE Fact Sheet (continued)

Foot Protection approval stamp alone does not neces-
sarily mean the footwear offers protec-
Workers must wear protective footwear
tion from electrical hazards.) Note that
when there is a risk of foot injury from
footwear made of leather must be kept
sharp items or falling/rolling objects—or
dry to protect you from electrical haz-
when electrical hazards are present. As
ards, even if it is marked "EH."
with hard hats, always follow the manu- FOOT PrOTECTION
facturer’s instructions for cleaning and main-

tenance of footwear. Remember that cuts, holes,
What
about non-electrical
worn soles, and other damage can reduce protection.
hazards?
How do I choose the All ANSI approved footwear has a protective toe
and offers impact and compression protection. But
right footwear? the type and amount of protection is not always the
The footwear must be ANSI approved. ANSI same. Different footwear protects you in different
approval codes are usually printed inside the tongue ways. Check the product’s labeling or consult the
of the boot or shoe. Footwear will be marked "EH" manufacturer to make sure the footwear will
if it is approved for electrical work. (The ANSI protect you from the hazards you face.
Don’t take risks because you are wearing PPE.

PPE is the last line of defense against injury!
ANSI Z41 = ANSI footwear C = Compression rating

protection standard This code is more complex than
PT = Protective Toe section the others. Here is how to read it:
of the standard 30 = 1,000 pounds;
91 = year of the standard 50 = 1,750;
(in this example 1991) 75 = 2,500 (in this example)
M = Male footwear
(F = Female footwear)
I = Impact rating
(75 foot pounds in
this example—can
also be 30 or 50)
Mt = Metatarsal (top of the foot)
protection rating (75 foot pounds in
EH = protection from Electrical Hazards this example—can also be 30 or 50)
Page 74 Section 8
Control hazards through safe work practices.
Plan your work and plan for safety.
Avoid wet working conditions and other dangers.
Avoid overhead powerlines.
Use proper wiring and connectors.
Use and maintain tools properly.
Wear correct PPE.
Section 8 Page 75
Glossary of Terms
ampacity
maximum amount of current a wire can carry safely without over-
heating
amperage
strength of an electrical current, measured in amperes
ampere (amp)
unit used to measure current
arc-blast
explosive release of molten material from equipment caused by
high-amperage arcs
arcing
luminous electrical discharge (bright, electrical sparking) through
the air that occurs when high voltages exist across a gap between
conductors
AWG
American Wire Gauge—measure of wire size
bonding
joining electrical parts to assure a conductive path
bonding jumper
conductor used to connect parts to be bonded
circuit
complete path for the flow of current
circuit breaker
overcurrent protection device that automatically shuts off the current
in a circuit if an overload occurs
conductor
material in which an electrical current moves easily
CPR
cardiopulmonary resuscitation—emergency procedure that involves
giving artificial breathing and heart massage to someone who is not
breathing or does not have a pulse (requires special training)
current
movement of electrical charge
de-energize
shutting off the energy sources to circuits and equipment and
depleting any stored energy
double-insulated
equipment with two insulation barriers and no exposed metal parts
energized (live, “hot”)
similar terms meaning that a voltage is present that can cause a
current, so there is a possibility of getting shocked
fault current
any current that is not in its intended path
Page 76
Glossary of Terms (continued)
fixed wiring
permanent wiring installed in homes and other buildings
flexible wiring
cables with insulated and stranded wire that bends easily
fuse
overcurrent protection device that has an internal part that melts and
shuts off the current in a circuit if there is an overload
GFCI
ground fault circuit interrupter—a device that detects current
leakage from a circuit to ground and shuts the current off
ground
physical electrical connection to the earth
ground fault
loss of current from a circuit to a ground connection
ground potential
voltage a grounded part should have; 0 volts relative to ground
guarding
covering or barrier that separates you from live electrical parts
insulation
material that does not conduct electricity easily
leakage current
current that does not return through the intended path, but instead
"leaks" to ground
lock-out
applying a physical lock to the energy sources of circuits and equip-
ment after they have been shut off and de-energized
milliampere (milliamp or mA)
1/1,000 of an ampere
NEC
National Electrical Code—comprehensive listing of practices to pro-
tect workers and equipment from electrical hazards such as fire and
electrocution
neutral
at ground potential (0 volts) because of a connection to ground
NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace
This standard addresses those electrical safety requirements for
employee workplaces that are necessary for the practical safeguard-
ing of employees. It covers the installation of electrical conductors,
electrical equipment, signaling and communications conductors and
equipment, and raceways, excluding generating plants, substations,
and control centers.
ohm
unit of measurement for electrical resistance
Page 77
Glossary of Terms (continued)
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Administration—Federal agency in
the U.S. Department of Labor that establishes and enforces work-
place safety and health regulations
overcurrent protection device
device that shuts off the current in a circuit when it reaches a certain
level
overload
too much current in a circuit
power
amount of energy used each second, measured in watts
PPE
personal protective equipment (eye protection, hard hat, special
clothing, etc.)
qualified person
someone who has received mandated training on the hazards and on
the construction and operation of equipment involved in a task
resistance
material’s ability to decrease or stop electrical current
risk
chance that injury or death will occur
shocking current
electrical current that passes through a part of the body
short
low-resistance path between a live wire and the ground, or between
wires at different voltages (called a fault if the current is unintended)
tag-out
applying a tag that alerts workers that circuits and equipment have
been locked out
trip
automatic opening (turning off) of a circuit by a GFCI or circuit breaker
voltage
measure of electrical force
wire gauge
wire size or diameter (technically, the cross-sectional area)
Page 78
References Subpart J—General Environment Controls
1910.147 – The control of hazardous energy (lock-out/tag-out)
1. NIOSH [2003]. NIOSH alert: preventing deaths, injuries,
1910.147 – Appendix A—Typical minimal lock-out
and illnesses of young workers. Cincinnati, OH: U.S.
procedures
Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health
Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Subpart R—Special Industries
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1910.268 – Telecommunications
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication 1910.269 – Electric power generation, transmission, and dis-
No. 2003–128. tribution
OSHA standards related to electrical safety for Construction are
2. Mccann M [2007]. Unpublished data.
listed below:
3. Lee RL [1973]. Electrical safety in industrial plants. Am Soc
Safety Eng J 18(9):36–42. Subpart K—Electrical
4. Kouwenhoven WB [1968]. Human Safety and Electrical general
Shock. Electrical Safety Practices, Monograph 112, 1926.400 – Introduction
Instrument Society of America, P. 93.
installation safety requirements
Appendix 1926.402 – Applicability

1926.403 – General requirements
OSHA Standards 1926.404 – Wiring design and protection
1926.405 – Wiring methods, components, and equipment for
OSHA occupational safety and health standards for General general use
Industry are located in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 1926.406 – Specific purpose equipment and installations
Title 29, Part 1910 (abbreviated as 29 CFR 1910). Standards 1926.407 – Hazardous (classified) locations
for Construction are located in Part 1926 (abbreviated as 29 1926.408 – Special systems
CFR 1926). The full text of these standards is available on
OSHA's Web site: www.osha.gov. safety-related work practices
OSHA standards related to electrical safety for General
1926.417 – Lock-out and tagging circuits
Industry are listed below:
safety-related maintenance and environmental
Subpart S—Electrical considerations
general 1926.431 – Maintenance of equipment
1910.301 - Introduction 1926.432 – Environmental deterioration of equipment
design safety standards for electrical systems safety requirements for special equipment
1910.302 – Electric utilization systems 1926.441 – Batteries and battery charging
1910.304 – Wiring design and protection definitions
1910.305 – Wiring methods, components, and equipment for 1926.449 – Definitions applicable to this subpart
general use
1910.306 – Specific purpose equipment and installations Subpart V—Power Transmission and
1910.307 – Hazardous (classified) locations Distribution
1910.308 – Special systems
safety-related work practices 1926.951 – Tools and protective equipment
1910.331 – Scope 1926.952 – Mechanical equipment
1910.332 – Training 1926.953 – Material handling
1910.333 – Selection and use of work practices 1926.954 – Grounding for protection of employees
1910.334 – Use of equipment 1926.955 – Overhead lines
1910.335 – Safeguards for personnel protection 1926.956 – Underground lines
1910.399 – Definitions applicable to this subpart 1926.957 – Construction in energized substations
1910 Subpart S App A – Reference Documents 1926.958 – External load helicopters
1910 Subpart S App B – Explanatory Data 1926.959 – Lineman's body belts, safety straps, and lanyards
1910 Subpart S App C – Tables, Notes, and Charts 1926.960 – Definitions applicable to this subpart
Page 79
INDEX
A D G
aluminum wire hazard 24 de-energizing circuits 55 GFCI
amp 6 (see ground fault circuit interrupter)
ampacity 24 ground 2
ampere 6
E ground connection 47
electrical hazards,
arc-blast 12 ground fault 28
aluminum wire 24
arc-fault circuit breaker 46 ground fault circuit interrupter
damaged hand tool 31, 34
arcing 12, 29 28, 34, 48, 61
damaged tool 29
AWG 39 ground potential 27
defective insulation 26
grounding 27, 28, 46
exposed electrical parts 24
grounding path 47
B improper grounding 27
guarding 43
bonding 49 inadequate wiring 24
bonding jumper 50 overhead powerline 25
burns, arc 12, 15 overload 28
burns, electrical 6, 10, 12, 15 wet conditions 29
H
hard hat 68
burns, thermal contact 12, 15 electrical shock,
hazards (also see electrical hazards),
amount 6, 11
chemical 30
current density 9
control (see controlling hazards)
C duration 6, 7, 11
falling objects 32
cable, 240v 4 path 8, 9, 10, 11
falls 32
cardiopulmonary resuscitation 17 receiving 2
inadequate wiring 24
carpal tunnel syndrome 31 electrical shock—what to do for 16
lifting 32
circuit 2 electrocution, deaths 1, 7, 10
overhead work 30
circuit breaker 29, 34, 50 energized 2
particles 32
circuit breaker, and leakage current 28 evaluating hazards 19, 21, 34
hazardous environments 51
clearance distance 26 evaluating risk 34
clues of electrical hazards 34 extension cord 24, 34, 42, 46, 63
clues, I
blown fuses 34
tripped circuit breakers 34
F impedance 8
falls 56 insulation 26, 44
tripped GFCI 35 insulation damage 45
fault 27
warm extension cord 34 isolation 43
fault, low current 47
warm junction box 35
fire extinguisher, types 14
warm tools and wire 34
fires, electrical 14, 24, 28, 29
worn insulation 35 J
fires—what to do 14
Code of Federal Regulations 75 jewelry 56
fixed wiring 40
concussion 12 jumper, bonding 49
flexible wiring 41
conductor 3
foot protection 70
controlling hazards 19, 21, 36, 54
freezing 6
CPR (see cardiopulmonary
fuse 29, 34, 51
K
resuscitation) kill switches 17
CFR (see Code of Federal Regulations)
current,
calculating 42
L
ladder safety 58
current 2
leakage current 28
effects on body 7
live 2
path through body 8, 9, 10
lock-out/tag-out 37, 38
current leakage 47
lock-out/tag-out checklist 38
cuts 31
low back pain 31
Page 80
M P T
mA 6 personal protective equipment tendinitis 30
milliamp 6 31, 66, 68, 80 tools 64
milliampere 6 perspiration 30 tools, double-insulated 65
plugs, three-prong 62
power 42
N power rating 42
National Electrical Code 15 PPE V
National Electrical Safety Code 19 (see personal protective equipment) ventricular fibrillation 6
NEC (see National Electrical Code) voltage,
NEMA 63 high 7, 12
NESC (see National Electrical R low 6
Safety Code recognizing hazards 18, 21, 22
voltage 2
nonconductive material 28 resistance 8
resistance, effect on current 8
respiratory paralysis 6
risk 34 W
O risk evaluation 34
wet conditions 29, 61
Occupational Safety and Health wire gauge 24
Administration 15 wire size 24
ohm 8
OSHA (see Occupational Safety and
S
safe work environment 19, 36
Health Administration)
safe work practices 19, 54
overhead power lines 25, 61
safety model, overview 18
overload 28
shock (see electrical shock)
shocking current 6
short 34
Photo and Graphics Credits

© P. Barber/CMSP—9 Cat Goldberg—cover, 5, 20, 25a, 26a, 27, 30,
31, 32a, 37a, 38ab, 43c, 49, 50, 55, 56, 58b,
Richard Carlson—23a, 26b, 57, 65a 59a, 64b, 65b, 67ac, 68abc, 69ac, 70
© Corbis Images—6 Karen K. Miles—14bc, 18, 19, 23b, 24, 25b,

37b, 39, 48, 58c, 61, 62, 64a, 69b
© M. English/CMSP—10
©PhotoDisc—1, 2, 3, 8, 14a, 28ab, 29, 32b, 40,
43a, 44, 46b, 47b, 58a, 59bc, 66
Fluke Corporation “Electrical Safety Video” by
Franny Olshefski (reprinted in IBEW Local 26 ©PhotoQuest—25c, 43b
Newsletter May 2005)—26
R.K.Wright, M.D.—www.emedicine.com
Thaddeus W. Fowler—34, 46a, 47a, 51 12, 67b
Page 81
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through research and prevention
To receive NIOSH documents or more information about

occupational safety and health topics, call NIOSH at
1–800–CDC–INFO (1–800–232–4636)
TTY: 1–888–232–6348
E-mail: [email protected]
or visit the NIOSH Web site at www.cdc.gov/niosh.
For a monthly update on news at NIOSH, subscribe to

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DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2009–113

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Article · January 2002

Thaddeus W. Fowler Karen Miles

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or visit the NIOSH Web site at www.cdc.gov/niosh

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DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2009–113

Safer • Healthier • People™

Christine M. Branche, Ph.D.

This document was updated by Michael McCann, Ph.D., CIH, Director

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal

Electrical work can be deadly if not done safely.

❚ current—the movement of How is an electrical shock received?

Wires carry current

Metal electrical boxes should be grounded

Black and red wires are usually

touching a live wire and an electrical ground, or

Currents greater than 75 mA cause ventricular fibrillation (very

The table shows what usually happens for a range of currents

At 600 volts, the current through the body may be as great as

shock (lasting a few seconds) could be fatal if the level of current is

The amount of current

❚ NEC—National Electrical Code—

Electrical burn on hand and arm.

There have been cases where an arm or leg is severely burned by

Arm with third degree burn from

the amount of the shocking current through the body,

There are three primary hazards associated with an arc-blast.

(2) A high-voltage arc can produce a considerable pressure wave

Thermal burns may result if an explosion occurs when electrici-

A (think: Ashes) = paper, wood, etc.

B (think: Barrel) = flammable liquids

C (think: Circuits) = electrical fires

Here are a couple of fire

This extinguisher can only This extinguisher can only

Learn how to use fire

All fire extinguishers are marked with a letter(s),

Shut off the electrical current if the victim is still in contact

and CPR now!

If you do not recognize, evalu-

(1) Recognize hazards

Always lock out and tag out circuits.

(2) Evaluate hazards

(3) Control hazards

JHA: Changing a Wall Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

Stage 1— Recognize hazards

❑ Inadequate wiring is dangerous.

❑ Exposed electrical parts are dangerous.

❑ Wires with bad insulation can give you a shock.

❑ Overloaded circuits are dangerous.

❑ Damaged power tools and equipment are electrical hazards.

❑ Using the wrong PPE is dangerous.

❑ Using the wrong tool is dangerous.

❑ Some on-site chemicals are harmful.

❑ Defective or improperly set up ladders and scaffolding are

❑ Ladders that conduct electricity are dangerous.

❑ Electrical hazards can be made worse if the worker, location, or

Inadequate wiring hazards

The kind of metal used as a conductor can cause an electrical haz-

❚ If you touch live electrical parts,

The limited approach boundary is the closest an unqualified per-

The restricted approach boundary is the closest to exposed live

❚ current—the movement of How is an electrical shock received?

❚ If you touch live electrical parts,

*OSHA defines a “qualified person” as someone who has

Remember: The larger the gauge number, the