Electrical Safety is so important!

In fact, 126 electrical fatalities occurred in 2020 due to electrical-related work. Just because you are not an electrician, or someone working directly with electrical lines, wires and circuits – doesn’t mean you are not indirectly exposed. Most everyone in the workplace is either directly, or indirectly exposed to electrical hazards. “According to the Electronic Library of Construction Occupational Safety and Health (eLOSH), exposure to electricity is still a major cause of death among construction workers.” In fact, OSHA estimates there are approximately 350 electrical-related fatalities a year, which is nearly one per day. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data indicates 2,726 nonfatal electrical shocks involving days away from work a year, in the private sector. In addition, more than 30,000 nonfatal electrical shock accidents occur each year, with a lot of incidents that go unreported.

Whether you are an  electrician who is working directly on live parts, or an office worker using a microwave to heat up your lunch, everybody needs to have electrical safety awareness to some extent. It also might be required in your RAVS® for your ISNetworld® account. 

Every company should have an electrical safety program that not only mitigates hazards, but also provides recommended best practices for working on or around electrical hazards. A solid electrical safety program should use the National Fire Protection Association 70E standard for electrical safety in the workplace. OSHA views the NFPA 70E standard as the primary standard addressing electrical hazards associated with electrical work.

The NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace Hierarchy of Controls begins with elimination:

1. Elimination – Physically remove the hazard.
2. Substitution – Replace the hazard.
3. Engineering Controls – Isolate people from the hazard.
4. Administrative Controls – Change the way people work.
5. PPE – Protect the worker with Personal Protective Equipment.

There are different types of electrical hazards. Some include burns, electrocution, shock, arc flash, fire, and explosions. Shock occurs when your body becomes part of the electrical circuit. The most common causes of electrical injury include:

• Contact with power lines
• Lack of ground-fault protection
• Path to ground missing or discontinuous
• Equipment not used in manner prescribed
• Improper use of extension or flexible cords

Electrical shocks can induce cardiac arrest and stop your heart beating – electrical burns may lead to scarring and amputation of limbs, plus many other unfortunate possibilities. Electrical shock can be serious if voltage enters through your head or chest area because it passes through vital organs along the way. It’s important to follow all electrical safety precautions when working with electricity. 

Some practical electrical safety procedures include:

• Work on new and existing energized (hot) electrical circuits is prohibited until all power is shut off and grounds are attached.
• An effective Lockout/Tagout system is in place.
• Frayed, damaged or worn electrical cords or cables are promptly replaced.
• All extension cords have grounding prongs. 
• Protect flexible cords and cables from damage. Sharp corners and projections should be avoided. 
• Use extension cord sets used with portable electric tools and appliances that are the three-wire type and designed for hard or extra-hard service.
• All electrical tools and equipment must be maintained in safe condition and checked regularly for defects and taken out of service if a defect is found. 
• Do not bypass any protective system or device designed to protect employees from contact with electrical energy.
• Overhead electrical power lines are located and identified.
• Ensure that ladders, scaffolds, equipment or materials never come within 10 feet of electrical power lines.
• All electrical tools must be properly grounded unless they are of the double insulated type.
• Maintain a safe distance from overhead power lines.
• Make sure ladders that would have the potential to contact overhead power lines are made of fiberglass. 
• Use ground-fault circuit interrupters. 
• Inspect portable tools and extension cords for faulty wires or damage that would cause a hazard. 
• Don’t use electrical tools in damp environments. 
• Follow proper lockout tagout procedures. 
• Identify all voltages with proper labeling. 
• Make sure to use proper Personal Protection Equipment. 
• Only “qualified” employees are authorized to work on, or near live parts.

An effective Electrical Safety Program should include a written document that outlines your company’s electrical safety policy and procedures, safety training, and safety meetings as a continuance of the initial training to help employees maintain a good working knowledge of safe practices.

Every good safety and health program  provides measures to control electrical hazards. The responsibility for this program should be delegated to someone with a complete knowledge of electricity, electrical work practices, and the appropriate OSHA standards for installation and performance. In addition to the OSHA Federal Electrical Safety Standard, you should also be aware of state specific plans where the standards meet or exceed the federal standard.

While some training elements are broad and apply to everyone, all employees should be trained to be thoroughly familiar with the safety procedures for their particular jobs. 

To ensure you have a comprehensive training program, check out the JJ Safety Electrical Safety Training Kit. Or maybe an online training option would be better. 

Don’t be left in the dark when it comes to electrical safety training. If you need help implementing your electrical safety policy or training, give us a call. 866-627-3850, Or email us at sales@jjsafetyllc.com. We are happy to help with any of your safety needs.