General Electrical Safety

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General Electrical Safety
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• Why is it so important to work safely with or
  near electricity?
• The electrical current in regular businesses and
  homes has enough power to cause death by
  electrocution.
• Even changing a light bulb without unplugging
  the lamp can be hazardous because coming in
  contact with the "hot" or live part of the socket
  could kill a person.

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Rules of Electricity

• Electricity travels in a completed circuit
• Electricity always travels in the path of least
  resistance
• Electricity tries to travel to ground
• A person usually offers a lessor resistance for
  the electricity
• The person forms a completed circuit when
  touching the ground

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What are some general safety tips for working
with or near electricity?

• Inspect tools, power cords, and electrical
  fittings for damage or wear prior to each use.
  Repair or replace damaged equipment immediately.
• Always tape cords to walls or floors when
  necessary.
• Do not use nails or staples to hang or hold down
  cords.
• Do not tie power cords in tight knots. Knots can
  cause short circuits and shocks. Loop the cords
  or use a twist lock plug.
• Use cords or equipment that is rated for the
  level of amperage or wattage that you are using.
• Always use the correct size fuse. Replacing a
  fuse with one of a larger size can cause
  excessive currents in the wiring and possibly
  start a fire.
• Be aware that unusually warm or hot outlets may
  be a sign that unsafe wiring conditions exists.
  Unplug any cords to these outlets and do not use
  until a qualified electrician has checked the
  wiring.
• If the a breaker shorts more than once dont just
  turn on stop and investigate why.

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What are some general safety tips for working
with or near electricity?

• Place halogen lights away from combustible
  materials such as cloths or curtains. Halogen
  lamps can become very hot and may be a fire
  hazard.
• Risk of electric shock is greater in areas that
  are wet or damp.
• Know where the breakers and boxes are located in
  case of an emergency.
• Label all circuit breakers and fuse boxes
  clearly. Each switch should be positively
  identified as to which outlet or appliance it is
  for.
• Do not use outlets or cords that have exposed
  wiring.
• Do not use power tools with the guards removed.
• Do not block access to circuit breakers or fuse
  boxes.
• Do not touch a person or electrical apparatus in
  the event of an electrical accident. Always
  disconnect the current first.

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What are some tips for working with power tools?

• Switch tools OFF before connecting them to a
  power supply.
• Disconnect power supply before making
  adjustments.
• Ensure tools are properly grounded or
  double-insulated. The grounded tool must have an
  approved 3-wire cord with a 3-prong plug. This
  plug should be plugged in a properly grounded
  3-pole outlet.
• Do not use electrical tools in wet conditions or
  damp locations.
• Do not clean tools with flammable or toxic
  solvents.

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City of Langley OHS HSP

• Only a worker qualified to do electrical work on
  City facilities and equipment shall be qualified
  as required by the Electrical Safety Act.
• The City supervisor shall maintain a list of
  workers who are capable of performing limited
  electrical work.
• All City workers not possessing an A or B
  certificate are prohibited to perform electrical
  work.
• No worker other than those specified above is
  permitted to perform electrical work.
• Report any hazards to your direct supervisor.

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City of Langley OHS HSP

• ELECTRICAL EXTENSION CORDS
• Prior to use, every electrical cord shall be
  inspected for damage and wear. Any cord with the
  following characteristics shall not be used
• Missing or damaged ground tab
• Damaged or non-polarized prong
• Worn, cut, or otherwise damaged insulating jacket
• Unsafe electrical cords shall be disposed of
  immediately or coiled and clearly labeled DO NOT
  USE - DAMAGED ELECTRICAL CORD.
• Electrical extension cords labeled as damaged may
  be repaired by persons qualified to do so as
  described in Electrical SWPs.
• Extension cords shall not be spliced.
• Report any hazards immediately to your direct
  supervisor

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Electrical Injury

• Immediately contact your supervisor who will call
  for emergency help immediately
• Everyone experiences minor electrical shocks from
  time to time. In some cases, however, even small
  amounts of electricity can be life-threatening
  because they can produce unconsciousness, cardiac
  arrest, and cessation of breathing.
• Electrical shocks also can produce serious, deep
  burns and tissue injury, although often even a
  serious electrical burn appears as only a minor
  mark on the skin.
• If you find a person whom you think has been
  electrocuted, look first--do not touch. He or she
  may still be in contact with the electrical
  source, and touching him or her may only pass the
  current through you.
• If possible, turn off the source of electricity.
  If this is not possible, move the source away
  from you and the affected person using a
  non-conducting object made of cardboard, plastic,
  or wood.
• Once the person is free of the source of
  electricity, check the person's breathing and
  pulse. If either has stopped or seems dangerously
  slow or shallow, initiate resuscitation
  immediately .
• If the person is faint or pale or shows other
  signs of shock, lay the person down with the head
  slightly lower than the trunk of his or her body
  and the legs elevated.
• Treat any major burns and wait for emergency
  medical assistance to arrive.

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• For more in-depth information please see
• The City of Langley's HSP 4.6 Electrical Safety,
  Doc. 54714