Electrical Safety

1
Electrical Safety

• Healthcare WorkersUnqualified

2
Session Objectives

• You will be able to
• Identify electrical hazards
• Prevent shocks
• Prevent electrical fires
• Respond to electrical problems
• Understand lockout/tagout
• Respond effectively in an emergency

3
What You Need to Know

• How electricity works
• Electrical hazards
• How to prevent electrical shocks and fires
• How to respond to electrical problems
• Lockout/tagout procedures
• Electrical emergency response

4
How Electricity Works

• Current
• Conductors
• Insulators

5
Grounding

• Grounding keeps current moving on the right path
• Grounding helps prevent shocks
• Most electrical equipment is grounded
• Grounding is often provided by three-pronged
  plugs

6
Other Electrical Safeguards

• Circuit breakers shut off power in an overload to
  prevent overheating
• GFCIs are used in wet locations or outdoors and
  shut off power to prevent shock

7
Electrical Hazards

• Shock
• Burns
• Loss of muscle control
• Internal damage
• Cardiac arrest
• Death

8
Electrical Hazards (cont.)

• The longer the contact with live electricity, the
  greater the damage
• It doesnt take much current to hurt you

9
Electrical Hazards (cont.)

• Fire
• Explosion

10
Prevent Shocks

• Inspect equipment
• Check plugs and connections
• Check insulation on cords and wires
• Be careful with equipment
• Remember, water and electricity dont mix

11
Prevent Shocks (cont.)

• Keep metal away from electricity
• Take extra care outdoors
• Report any electrical problems immediately
• Remove faulty equipment from service, report it,
  and tag it

12
Prevent Fires

• Dont overload outlets or circuits
• Dont damage cords
• Be careful where you place cords
• Use extension cords only when necessary

13
Prevent Fires (cont.)

• Keep combustibles away from electrical equipment
• Use special cords around flammables
• Keep equipment clean and properly lubricated
• Report any faulty electrical equipment

14
Electrical Safety Precautions

• Do you understand the information that has been
  presented so far?

15
Look for and Report Equipment Problems

• Defective equipment
• Overloaded outlets
• Damaged cords and wires
• Broken plugs or outlets
• Improperly grounded equipment
• Combustible or flammable materials near equipment

16
Leave Electrical Repairs to Qualified Personnel

• Only specially trained workers are authorized to
  make electrical repairs
• Do not attempt to make repairs if you are not
  qualified
• Report problems so that necessary repairs can be
  made

17
Lockout/Tagout

• Lockout prevents unexpected start-up
• Locks and/or tags are used keep power off
• Be sure to obey warning tags
• Never try to remove a lock or operate locked or
  tagged out equipment

18
Lockout/Tagout The Steps

• Notification of shutdown
• Equipment shutdown
• Power shut off at source
• Power locked/tagged out

19
Lockout/Tagout The Steps (cont.)

• Check for stored energy
• Double-check that equipment is de-energized
• Make repairs
• Bring equipment back online

20
Emergency ResponseElectrical Shock

• Dont touch someone in contact with electricity
• Turn off the power
• Call for help
• Give rescue breathing, if necessary
• Perform CPR if no pulse

21
Emergency ResponseElectrical Fires

• Activate fire alarm
• Use an extinguisher approved for electrical fires
• Dont use water
• Unplug burning equipment, if possible
• Dont touch hot or burning objects

22
Emergency ResponseElectrical Burns

• Rinse minor burns with water and cover
• Dont use cream, lotion, or butter
• Get medical attention for serious burns

23
Dealing with Electrical Problems

• Do you understand the information about
  electrical repairs and emergencies presented in
  the previous slides?

24
Key Points to Remember

• Be aware of electrical hazards on the job
• Take precautions when working with electrical
  equipment to prevent injuries and fires
• Report electrical problems immediately and leave
  repairs to qualified personnel
• Make sure you know how to respond effectively in
  an emergency