Value of an Electrical Safety Program & Recognizing Hazards
How Standards Minimize Hazards
OSHA standards focus on the design and use of electrical equipment and systems. The
standards cover only the exposed or operating elements of an electrical installation such as
lighting, equipment, motors, machines, appliances, switches, controls, and enclosures,
requiring that they be constructed and installed to minimize workplace electrical dangers. Also,
the standards require that certain approved testing organizations test and certify electrical
equipment before use in the workplace to ensure it is safe.
The Value of an Electrical Safety Program
Every good safety and health program provides measures to control electrical hazards. The
measures suggested in this course should be helpful in getting a better understanding of
Introduction to Electrical Safety practices and will introduce you to the electrical safety
program. The responsibility for this electrical safety program should be delegated to someone
with a complete knowledge of electricity, electrical work practices, and the appropriate OSHA
standards for installation and performance.
Everyone has the right to work in a safe environment. Safety and health add value to your
business and your workplace. Through cooperative efforts, employers and employees can learn
to identify and eliminate or control electrical hazards.
Recognizing Hazards
Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard, exposing employees to
electric shock, electrocution, burns, fires, and explosions. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in
2016, 134 workers died from electrocutions, which represents a decrease from 174 in 2011.
What makes these statistics tragic is that most of these fatalities could have been easily
avoided.
The first step toward protecting yourself is recognizing the many hazards you face on the job.
To do this, you must know which situations can place you in danger. Knowing where to look
helps you recognize hazards.
- Inadequate wiring is dangerous.
- Exposed electrical parts are dangerous.
- Overhead powerlines are dangerous.
- Wires with bad insulation can shock you.
- Electrical systems and tools that are not grounded or double-insulated are dangerous.
- Overloaded circuits are dangerous.
- Damaged power tools and equipment are electrical hazards.
- Using the wrong PPE is dangerous.
- Using the wrong tool is dangerous.
- Some on-site chemicals are harmful.
- Defective ladders and scaffolding are dangerous.
- Ladders that conduct electricity are dangerous.
- Electrical hazards can be made worse if the worker, location, or equipment is wet.
