Conditions Conducive to Accidents

Most electrical accidents result from one of the following three factors:

 Unsafe equipment or installation

 Unsafe environment or

 Unsafe work practices

Who is at Risk?

Engineers, electricians, and overhead line workers are at the top of the list of professionals who
are most exposed to electrical hazards. Common tasks that put these workers at risk include
electrical installation and repairs, testing of fixtures and equipment and inspection and
maintenance activities. However, people who are indirectly working with electricity like office
workers are also exposed to electrical hazards

Causes of Unsafe Electrical Installations

 Inadequate Training

If the person performing the electrical installations has inadequate training or is

incompetent, there is a greater chance of an unsafe electrical installation. It will be
dangerous for the worker in question as he could attempt to work while the panel is still
live, resulting in an electrical short and suffer from serious burns.

 Presence of Unauthorized Personnel

There is a risk of electrical accidents if the installations are carried under unauthorized
personnel. You need to ensure that only the authorized personnel are present on the
job site to avoid unsafe electrical installations.

 Using Poor or Old Wiring

Every single construction electrical material must be of high quality. Faulty wiring or old
wires are the leading causes of electrical fires and accidents. The wiring needs to be
checked every few years and if there is any damage, get it replaced immediately.
  Not Informing the Electrical Inspector

Even if the electrical installations are temporary, it is critical to inform the Electrical
Inspector. Give them prior intimation so that they can fix an appointment and check
that everything is as per the required standards, thus helping in preventing electrical
accidents.

 Ignoring the Quality of Materials

If the installations are temporary in nature, there is a chance that the contractors and
workers don’t bother with checking the durability, safety and reliability of the
construction electrical products. This leads to numerous safety concerns. Ensure that
the quality of the products used is checked prior to the installation.

Electricity in the Workplace

Places of work generally have power nominally supplied at 230 volt (single phase) and 400 volt
(3 phase) although some larger workplaces will receive electricity at a higher supply voltage.
The information below relates to workplaces using 230 and 400 volt supplies.

The main hazards with electricity are:

 contact with live parts causing shock and burns

 faults which could cause fires
 Fire or explosion where electricity could be the source of ignition in a potentially
flammable or explosive atmosphere, e.g. in a spray paint booth.

The risk of injury from electricity is strongly linked to where and how it is used and there is
greater risk in wet and/or damp conditions.

Basics of Contact with Electricity

It is the level of voltage the body is exposed to and the resistance to flow of electrical current
offered by the body that determines the impact of exposure to electricity. The following factors
determine the severity of the effect electric shock has on your body:

 The level of voltage

 The amount of body resistance you have to the current flow
 The path the current takes through your body
 The length of time the current flows through your body
If a worker has come into contact with electricity the worker may not be able to remove
themselves from the electrical source. The human body is a good conductor of electricity. If you
touch a person while they are in contact with the electrical source, the electricity will flow
through your body causing electrical shock. Firstly attempt to turn off the source of the
electricity (disconnect). If the electrical source can not readily and safely be turned off, use a
non-conducting object, such as a fiberglass object or a wooden pole, to remove the person
from the electrical source.

Electrical Hazards: Know Your Limits!

Electrocution is one of the most common hazards across construction sites according to OSHA.
Identifying electrical hazards can help raise awareness of the risks, their severity, and how it can
harm workers.

Here are 7 of the most common electrical hazards in the workplace and tips on what you can
do to mitigate these risks.

 Hazard #1: Overhead Power Lines

Overhead powered and energized electrical lines have high voltages which can cause
major burns and electrocution to workers. Remember to maintain a minimum distance
of 10 feet from overhead power lines and nearby equipment. Conduct site surveys to
ensure that nothing is stored under overhead power lines. Also, safety barriers and signs
must be installed to warn nearby non-electrical workers of the hazards present in the
area.

 Hazard #2: Damaged Tools and Equipment

Exposure to damaged electrical tools and equipment can be very dangerous. Do not fix
anything unless you are qualified to do so. Thoroughly check for cracks, cuts or
abrasions on cables, wires and cords. In case of any defects, have them repaired or
replaced. Lock out Tag out (LOTO) procedures should be performed at all times before
commencing electrical maintenance and repairs. LOTO procedures are there to protect
all workers on a worksite.

 Hazard #3: Inadequate Wiring and Overloaded Circuits

Using wires with inappropriate size for the current can cause overheating and fires to
occur. Use the correct wire suitable for the operation and the electrical load to work on.
Use the correct extension cord designed for heavy duty use. Also, do not overload an
 outlet and use proper circuit breakers. Perform regular fire risk assessments to identify
areas at risk of of bad wiring and circuits.

 Hazard #4: Exposed Electrical Parts

Examples of exposed electrical parts include temporary lighting, open power

distribution units, and detached insulation parts on electrical cords. These hazards can
cause potential shocks and burns. Secure these items with proper guarding mechanisms
and always check for any exposed parts to be repaired immediately.

 Hazard #5: Improper Grounding

The most common OSHA electrical violation is improper grounding of equipment.

Proper grounding can eliminate unwanted voltage and reduce the risk of electrocution.
Never remove the metallic ground pin as it is responsible for returning unwanted
voltage to the ground.

 Hazard #6: Damaged Insulation

Defective or inadequate insulation is a hazard. Be aware of damaged insulation and

report it immediately. Turn off all power sources before replacing damaged insulation
and never attempt to cover them with electrical tape.

 Hazard #7: Wet Conditions

Never operate electrical equipment in wet locations. Water greatly increases the risk of
electrocution especially if the equipment has damaged insulation. Have a qualified
electrician inspect electrical equipment that has gotten wet before energizing it.

Knowing your limits and applying best electrical safety practices can help reduce the risk of
electrical shock and death. It is safer to work within your scope of expertise instead of taking
the risk of working beyond your capacity. If you are not confident to do the job, don’t hesitate
to call for help from an authorized person.