An Introduction to Electrical Safety

What is Electrical Safety?

Electrical safety is a general practice for workers exposed to handling and maintaining electrically powered equipment. It’s a set of guidelines they follow to mitigate electrical hazards and prevent their dangerous effects in case of an incident. Failure to adhere to electrical safety can lead to accidents, near misses, or even fatalities.

Importance

Electricity is a vital energy source that powers homes, offices, factories, and other industrial facilities. Practicing proper electrical safety procedures helps prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities caused by electrical fires and other hazards. In addition, the National Fire Protection Association ( NFPA ) emphasizes that electrical safety  protects both property and worker well-being.

Since 2011, an average of 2,428 electrical injuries have occurred in the US each year, and most involve electrical shock. These incidents can cause burns, prickling sensations, seizures, and even respiratory arrest. To reduce the risk, employers must comply with electrical safety precautions and provide workers with proper protective equipment.

Electrical Safety Regulations

Electrical safety regulations define the standards for a secure work environment, ensuring that organizations follow the necessary safety measures and best practices.

Check with your local authorities for  laws and guidelines that apply to your location and industry. To help you get started, here’s a quick overview of the electrical safety regulations from agencies around the world:

• United States – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ) sets workplace electrical safety standards, including 29 CFR 1910 for general industry. Additional subparts address specific industries such as construction.

• Canada – Electrical safety is governed by federal and provincial regulations, primarily guided by the Canadian Electrical Code ( CEC) .

• United Kingdom – The country follows the Health and Safety Executive ( HSE ) standards and codes of practice, including requirements for appliance installation and surge protection.

• European Union – The Low Voltage Directive ( LVD 2014/35/EU ) ensures that electrical equipment within specific voltage ranges meets essential health and safety requirements.

• Australia and New Zealand – Electrical safety is governed by the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 3760 , which covers safe design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems.

10 Common Electrical Hazards

One key aspect of electrical safety is knowing and understanding the potential risks that come with using electricity. If not addressed, these hazards present significant threats to the workers and properties of the organization.

Here are 10 electrical safety hazards to keep an eye on in the workplace:

1. Overloaded circuits

2. Faulty wiring

3. Exposed electrical parts

4. Improper grounding

5. Damaged insulation

6. Contact with live wiring

7. Loose connections

8. Wet environments

9. Overhead power lines

10. Damaged electrical tools and equipment

5 Electrical Safety Tips & Precautions

Safety precautions for working with electricity depend on the worker’s job instructions and working environment. Achieve optimal electrical safety at work by following these best practices:

Conduct a Risk Assessment

Before implementing any safety measure, it’s important to understand first the electrical hazards present in the workplace. This can be done through an in-depth risk assessment.

Performing a thorough risk assessment can help organizations identify potential electrical hazards. This evaluation should cover all electrical equipment, wiring, and power sources. Once they’re determined, prioritize them based on severity and likelihood of occurrence.

Perform Electrical Inspections and Maintenance Checks

Periodic inspections and maintenance are crucial to keeping electrical tools and systems in good working condition. Consistently carrying out these scheduled checks helps prevent damage, meet safety standards, optimize efficiency, and extend the lifespan of the system and equipment.

Before each use, employees must first inspect the equipment and report any problems they find. At an organizational level, it’s best to implement a routine electrical maintenance program. This way, electrical and maintenance teams can promptly address any identified issues to prevent accidents and breakdowns.

Invest in Electrical Safety Equipment

One of the best ways to keep employees safe from hazards associated with their work is by equipping them with specialized personal protective equipment ( PPE ). Electrical safety equipment is specifically designed to protect workers from general and specific electrical hazards. Most workplaces should have the following safety gear:

• Insulated tools

• Insulated gloves

• Mats

• Eye protection

• Ladders

Safety equipment should also be used when doing specific types of electrical testing, repair work, installation,machine tasks, or maintenance, such as arc flash and customized earthing and short-circuiting, among others. And for an extra layer of safety, it helps to verify if your electrical equipment is certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

Carry Out Safety Talks Regularly

Electrical safety encompasses a wide area of general safety guidelines, such as electrical PPE and lockout/tag-out procedures, among others. Project managers, site supervisors, and safety officers can improve electrical safety onsite when they make sure that workers are adequately trained and are involved in toolbox talks.

Listed below are a few examples of electrical safety topics organized by scope:

Toolbox Topics

• Job-specific Safety Measures

• Working near High-voltage Energized Electrical Lines

• How to Deal with Downed Power Lines Safely

• Basic Arc Flash Safety Precautions

Provide Training on Safe Electrical Practices

Proper training and awareness among employees are vital to building a safety-conscious workplace. Aside from the scheduled toolbox talks and safety meetings, it’s also important to conduct regular training sessions on electrical safety, covering the following topics:

• Fundamentals of Electricity and a Job Task or Site

• Hand and Power Tools Electrocution Prevention

• Identifying and Eliminating Common Electrical Hazards

• Emergency and First Aid Procedures for Electrical Accidents