Safe use of electricity in the workplace

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Safe use of electricity in the workplace

• Mark Gough CEng MIEE
• HM Specialist Inspector

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HSE Electrical Inspectors

• Inspectors are Chartered Engineers with
  industrial experience - not switchgear experts.
• We do the following
• Inspect electrical and control systems.
• Investigate incidents and dangerous occurrences.
• Provide specialist evidence in prosecutions and
  FAIs.
• Provide guidance (in very many forms).
• Although we are seen as enforcers, we are also
  here to help and try to do so as much as
  possible.

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What we will cover

• The Law and dangers associated with electricity
• Reducing risks
• Competency
• PAT testing
• Some Examples at the end

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Electricity

• Most widely used source of energy
• Most businesses cant work without it
• In UK approx. 12 deaths per annum at work
• Thousands injured permanently

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The Law

• Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
• Systems to be safe
• Use of safe systems of work
• Duty to maintain where necessary to prevent danger

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Dangers from Electricity

• Electric shock
• Electric burns
• surface tissue
• radiated, or internal burns

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Electrical safety

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Electricity in SMEs

• 230 volt a.c. as domestic supply
• 400 volt a.c. (3-phase higher power)
• Contact with live conductors can cause death.
• 3-phase also risk of fatal burns

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Effect of electricity on body

• Tissue burns, surface and internal
• Affects muscles
• Lungs, hands, arms legs
• Causes involuntary movements - unstoppable
• Fibrillation of the heart
• Muscle cannot open or close normally
• Heart muscle flutters
• Does not pump blood
• Lack of oxygen to brain causes death

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Effect of electricity on muscles

• movies\Shortcut to Brainiac - electric shock.lnk

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Effect of electricity on muscles

• Hands lose grip
• Feet - lose footing
• Legs - fall over
• Lungs cant breath
• Working from a ladder?
• Working in a restricted area i.e. under stairs or
  cellar, in loft area.