Electricity is our most versatile form of energy.

The flow of electrons in a conductor light-up our surroundings, move our equipment, and run our appliances. Electricity has made industries more productive and has made our lives easier.

Failure to ensure a safe design, proper work procedures, proper servicing and maintenance of equipment often result in bodily harm or death, property damage or both.

Electricity is basically the flow of electrons. When electron flows to electrical appliances, the energy carried by electrons are converted to useful form of energy Light Mechanical Power Heat Pressure, and Chemical Action

Current

- the movement of electrical charge (Amperes)

Voltage

a measure of electrical force (Volts)

Resistance

opposition to current flow (Ohms)

Conductors
substances, such as metals, that have little resistance to electricity

Insulators
substances, such as wood, rubber, and glass have high resistance to electricity

Grounding
a conductive connection to the earth which acts as a protective measure

Electricity is the flow of energy from one place to another Requires a source of power: usually a generating station
A flow of electrons (current) travels through a conductor Travels in a closed circuit

Switch is ON

Switch is OFF

Current Flows

No Current Flow

Closed Circuit

Open Circuit

Resistance of Air is very high ( )

+ Very Large

Current Flow

Very Small Resistance

Short Circuit

Resistance of conductor is very small ( 0)

 Contact

with live conductors Short circuiting Arcs and sparks Overloading Inadequate grounding Non-usage of standard replacement Wet environment

 Electrocution
Electric

Burns
Fire Fall

Shock

Current and the Human Body

How does current enter the body?

Typical points of entry are the hands and feet as they come in contact with electric current. Sometimes, through the head and shoulders.

Current flows through the body from the entrance point, until finally exiting where the body is closest to the ground.

Most common shock-related injury Occurs when you touch electrical wiring or equipment that is improperly used or maintained Typically occurs on hands Very serious injury that needs immediate attention

Exit Wound

Entrance Wound

Involuntary Muscle Contraction

Received when current passes through the body Severity of the shock depends on: Path of current through the body Amount of current flowing through the body Length of time the body is in the circuit

Defibrillator in use

Currents greater than 75 mA* can cause ventricular fibrillation (rapid, ineffective heartbeat) Will cause death in a few minutes unless a defibrillator is used 75 mA is not much current a small power drill uses 30 times as much

* mA = milliampere = 1/1,000 of an ampere

- Pain - Pain, loss of muscular control - intense pain and paralysis of breathing muscles; - possible suffocation. 100 - 200 m.a. - Ventricular fibrillation which will cause death. Over 200 m.a. from 220V household voltage

8 - 15 m.a. 15 - 20 m.a. 20 - 100 m.a.

Defibrillator in use

Electricity and Water Dont Mix The likelihood of being shock is greatly multiplied in damp locations People are excellent conductors Never use electrical equipment in damp or wet areas Do Not spray water around any electrical source

Workers attitude such as working without appropriate PPEs. Improper working method
Wearing of metal objects as watches, necklaces & rings. Working in wet and/or damp locations

Using 3 wire cord with a 2 wire plug. Remove and replace wrong fuse. Not verifying power is off when making repair.

UNSAFE EQUIPMENT
What equipment can cause electrical accidents:

Faults in facilities such as exposed charged part of electrical machines and equipment Damaged insulation of electrical wirings Short Circuit Overloading Improper grounding

HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENT
Deteriorated cords, where the exterior insulation has cracked, exposing the wires inside. Cords and/ or plugs produced from substandard materials. Use of cords which have no appropriate current (amp) rating for either the plug or the equipment.

HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENT
Use of extension cords for permanent installations. Equipment which has been incorrectly wired, representing either a shock or fire hazard.

Loose electrical connections Cord with frayed insulations Plugs that do not match their outlets, e.g., 3prong male plug to 2-plug female outlet Non-waterproof cords, plugs and outlets used outdoors

Tools that smell, smoke, spark or shock Wires running across the floor Electrical cords in contact with hot appliances or soaked in water Extension cords instead of permanent wiring Octopus connections

Use grounding system Isolation of electrical conductors Vault & boxes Warning signs Safe Clearance Elevation (at least 10 ft minimum) of electrical cable specifically at construction site Minimum approach distance

Insulation

Use double-insulated royal cord for tools Provide good insulation for appliances Insure insulation between feet and moist ground

Use appropriate PPE Use Lock-Out and Tag-Out

Particulars regarding details of conductors sizes & nature of grounds can be obtained from the provision of the Philippine Electrical Code governing them GROUNDING ROD SPECIFICATION
Steel Rod - 5/8 dia. & 8 ft long Copper Clad Steel Rod - 1/2 dia. & 8 ft long Galvanized Pipe - 3/4 & 8 ft long Resistance should not exceed 25 ohms

 Proper foot protection (not tennis shoes) Rubber insulating gloves, hoods, sleeves, matting, and blankets

Hard hat (insulated nonconductive)

DO NOT GUESS USE PROPER INSTRUMENTS ALWAYS USE SAFETY DEVICES LOCKING & TAGGING PROCEDURE NEVER WORK ALONE USE DANGER SIGNS

BUNDLED NON-CONDUITED WIRES ON A STEEL TRUSS

Faulty or inadequate decorative lighting causes the majority of Christmas tree fires. ( Do not used indoor Christmas lights for outside or outdoor decorative lightings.)

Do not attempt to do hot works when not authorized

Any Questions

Source: Engr. Jason S. Wayet, Safety Practitioner, CAR