Electrical hazards are among the most dangerous risks present in the workplace, capable of causing serious injuries, fatalities, and significant property damage. Understanding and identifying these hazards is crucial for maintaining a safe working environment. This article will explore common electrical hazards, their potential consequences, and the standards, regulations, and best safety practices in place to prevent them.
Key Takeaways
- Electrical hazards are a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities, making it essential to identify and address them proactively.
- Common electrical hazards include overloaded circuits, exposed wiring, improper grounding, and faulty equipment, all of which can lead to serious accidents.
- Regular inspections, proper maintenance, and employee training are critical strategies for preventing electrical hazards.
- Adhering to OSHA regulations and NFPA 70E standards is crucial for maintaining a safe working environment and minimizing the risk of electrical injuries.
- For technical or specialized electrical tasks, always call a professional electrician to ensure safety and compliance with safety standards.
What Are Electrical Hazards?
Electrical hazards refer to any dangerous condition associated with electricity that poses a risk of harm to workers or property. These hazards can result from direct contact with energized sources, improper installation or maintenance of electrical systems, and the like.
Electrical injuries in the workplace are a significant concern across various industries. According to a report by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), roughly 44% of fatal electrical injuries occur in construction and extraction occupations, while 20% happen in installation, maintenance, and repair occupations.
Dangers of Electrical Hazards
Electricity is a tricky hazard. Even the most deadly power lines seem innocuous until the wrong person touches them. The lack of warning signs puts workers at ease when they should be their most cautious, and the biggest risks aren’t the people who work with electricity, but those passing by.
If you are a maintenance worker, busy minding the grass and weeds you’re responsible for, and you happen to come in contact with the 13,800 AC voltage of a transformer station, there are no second chances. While working for USDOL/OSHA, I remember the scene photos of a man who tested that theory. The arc he caused charred his entire body a crispy black and burned his clothes away.
Those weren’t the only casualties I encountered. I remember construction workers meeting their end after being jolted by the 110 AC volts and 220 AC volts found in every house. Those men didn’t end up barbequed, but the damage was still done.
I’ll say it again, electricity is tricky. More people die from touching the wrong socket in their homes than the big transformers. It isn’t the number of volts that kill you, but the amperage. Most police tasers release 50,000 volts but are designed to be nonlethal. They keep the number of amps very low, about 2-5 milliamps.
A shock can be lethal at currents as low as .1-.2 amps. Most wall outlets are wired for either 15 or 20 amps and the main connection with the power grid might be set for 100-200 amps. When it comes to electricity, even the place you plug in your toaster could be deadly. That’s why caution is paramount and comfort is the enemy.
Remember too that it isn’t just the electricity itself that is a hazard, electrical hazards can cause other types of loss and workplace injuries, like fires or explosions.
Below are the primary dangers associated with electrical hazards:
Electric Shock
Electric shock occurs when a person comes into contact with an electrical energy source, causing the current to pass through the body. Even a small amount of electrical current can be dangerous. Currents as low as 1 milliampere (mA) can cause a tingling sensation, while 10 mA can lead to muscle contractions that may prevent a person from releasing their grip on the source. Higher currents, ranging from 100 to 200 mA, can be lethal, leading to ventricular fibrillation, respiratory paralysis, or severe burns.
Electrocution
Electrocution is a fatal electric shock. It occurs when a person is exposed to a lethal amount of electrical energy. The consequences of electrocution are often immediate and irreversible, leading to death in many cases. Workplace electrocutions are a significant concern in industries that involve heavy machinery, construction, or electrical maintenance, where workers are frequently exposed to high-voltage equipment.
Electrical Burns
These burns can be both external, where the electricity enters and exits the body, and internal, where the electrical current damages tissues and organs as it travels through the body. Electrical burns can be more severe than thermal burns because they often cause deep tissue damage and may not be immediately visible on the surface.
Arc Flash and Arc Blast
Arc flash is a sudden release of electrical energy through the air when a high-voltage gap exists and a breakdown occurs, allowing the electricity to discharge. The resulting arc can produce temperatures as high as 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit—four times hotter than the surface of the sun. The intense heat can cause severe burns, and the bright light can damage eyesight.
Arc flash incidents can also lead to arc blasts, which are explosive discharges of electrical energy that generate pressure waves, shrapnel, and loud noises. These blasts can cause severe injuries, including hearing loss, physical trauma, and fatal burns, to anyone within the vicinity.
Standards and Regulations on Electrical Safety
A robust framework of standards and regulations governs the management of electrical hazards in the workplace. These electrical standards guidelines are designed to protect workers by controlling risks, minimizing exposure, and ensuring safe working conditions and practices.
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S - Covers safety practices for electrical equipment and installations, and requires employers to implement Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices (ESRWP) and provide employee training on electrical hazards.
- NFPA 70E - Provides detailed guidance on preventing electrical injuries, including hazard assessments, PPE use, and establishing arc flash boundaries.
- ANSI Z535.4 - governs safety signs and labels for indicating electrical hazards.
Common Electrical Hazards in the Workplace
Electrical hazards are prevalent in many workplaces, and understanding the most common types can help prevent accidents and injuries. Below is a list and overview of the most common electrical hazards to watch out for:
Overloaded Circuits
This occurs when too many devices or appliances are connected to a single electrical circuit, exceeding its capacity. Overloading can cause overheating, leading to electrical fires. It can also result in equipment damage and electrical shock.
Exposed Wiring
Wires can become exposed due to wear and tear, poor installation, or damage from external factors such as rodents or heavy machinery. Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock, burns, and short circuits, which can lead to fires.
Improper Grounding
Improper grounding occurs when electrical equipment is not correctly grounded, meaning excess electricity has no safe path to the ground. This can cause electric shock or electrocution, particularly in wet conditions, and can also damage equipment.
Damaged Insulation
Insulation can be damaged by aging, physical impact, or environmental factors, leaving live wires exposed. Damaged insulation poses a significant risk of electric shock, short circuits, and electrical fires.
Overhead Power Lines
Overhead power lines are often found in construction sites and industrial areas. Contact with these lines can occur during equipment operation or transport. Contact with live power lines can result in severe electrocution, arc flash, or fire, particularly when using tall machinery or ladders.
Loose Connections
Electrical connections can become loose over time due to vibrations, improper installation, or poor maintenance. Loose connections can cause intermittent power loss, overheating, and arcing, which can lead to electrical fires and equipment failure.
Inadequate Wiring
Inadequate wiring involves the use of undersized or improperly installed wires that cannot handle the electrical load required by equipment. Aside from common overheating, short circuits, and electrical fires, inadequate wiring also increases the risk of voltage drops, which can damage sensitive equipment.
Electrical Safety Violations to Avoid
To give you an idea of the many electrical hazards out there, here’s a list of the most common violations found on industrial sites:
- Not having proper access to disconnects, breakers, or the breaker box.
- Improperly labeled disconnects or breakers, not having any label counts too.
- Having a difficult time reaching emergency shut-offs
- Insulation cords that have been compromised. The most serious offense is to have bare conductors showing, but it is also a problem if the cables are stripped, gouged, crimped, split cut, or burned.
- Allowing loose cables to become potential slipping or tripping hazards.
- Using flexible cords that don’t have sufficient insulation or improper repairs.
- Using electrical cords that are not properly secured to equipment.
- Leaving live parts exposed. There must never be any way to accidentally contact bare copper parts, which includes inside breaker panels, below dials in timer boxes, and knife switches.
- Leaving wiring open, meaning the inner conductors or even capped wires are visible.
- Hiding flexible cords as where they run through ceilings, floors, walls, and doorways.
- Not protecting flexible cords where they attach to buildings, leaving them vulnerable to damage.
- Not protecting flexible cables as they run through or against abrasive surfaces and sharp edges.
- Working with improper splices in use.
- Not using extension cords as they are intended.
- Using underground equipment that is not double-insulated.
- Having receptacles with reversed polarity
- Knockouts in electrical boxes are missing, which exposes electrical connections to the elements.
- Using boxes intended to be permanently mounted to temporarily connect cords.
- Not using proper strain reliefs and grommets on boxes that will receive strain.
- Not having the proper cover plates for boxes, switches, receptacles, and other fixtures.
- Continuing to operate with damaged parts, including parts that cover connections.
- Using damaged receptacles, switches, covers, plates, or frames.
- Not using weather-proof covers for all receptacles that could come into contact with the elements.
- Running power strips in series.
- Allowing cranes and tall vehicles too close to overhead lines cable harnesses.
- Using the equipment in hazardous conditions that are not rated for the hazard.
- Not having properly grounded connections, especially in places that will be exposed to moisture.
- Not having the proper stops in place. This is particularly important for moving machinery like woodworking machines and mechanical presses. These machines need to have magnetic controls, manual resets, or equivalent safety measures in place and functional.
How to Prevent Electrical Hazards in the Workplace
Preventing electrical hazards in the workplace requires a proactive and comprehensive approach that includes proper planning, employee training, regular maintenance, and adherence to safety standards. Here are essential strategies to prevent electrical hazards:
Conduct Regular Inspections and Maintenance
Regularly inspect all electrical equipment, wiring, and systems to identify and address potential hazards before they lead to accidents. Look for signs of wear, damage, or overheating. Also, implement a preventive maintenance schedule to ensure all systems function properly and correctly.
Use of Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Ensure that workers are equipped with the necessary PPE designed to protect employees from electrical hazards, such as insulated gloves, arc-rated clothing, and face shields. The appropriate PPE should be selected based on the level of risk associated with the work.
Implement Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures
The lockout tagout process is a key strategy designed to control and prevent the accidental release of hazardous energy, particularly during the maintenance and servicing of equipment. Developing and implementing a comprehensive LOTO program ensures that machinery is de-energized and isolated properly and effectively using the right lockout tagout devices and procedures.
Proper Equipment Installation and Use
Only use electrical equipment and components that meet national safety standards. Avoid using substandard or non-certified equipment to avoid accidents or injuries caused by faulty equipment. In addition, ensure that all electrical installations are performed by qualified professionals and meet the National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.
Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
Install GFCIs in areas where electricity and water may come into contact, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor workspaces. GFCIs help protect employees exposed and prevent electrical shock by shutting off power when a fault is detected.
Control Environmental Factors
Environmental factors, such as moisture and ventilation, can affect electrical systems and lead to dangerous faults. Considering this, it is essential to keep electrical equipment dry and protect it from exposure to water or moisture. Use waterproof covers, dehumidifiers, or proper ventilation to reduce humidity levels to prevent overheating.
Establish Safe Work Practices
Develop SOPs for working with or near electrical systems, including guidelines for safe distances, proper tool usage, and emergency procedures. Encourage clear communication among workers, especially when working on electrical systems. Use workplace signs, labels, and visual aids to mark high-voltage areas and potential hazards.
Employee Training and Education
Provide comprehensive training for all employees on the risks associated with electrical hazards and the correct procedures to avoid them. Electrical safety training should include how to identify potential electrical hazards, the proper use of PPE, and emergency response actions
When it comes to handling more technical electrical jobs or specialized topics, it's crucial to prioritize the safety of employees exposed to dangers. Always call a professional electrician to ensure the work is done correctly and safely. A licensed electrician has the knowledge, skills, and tools to address complex electrical issues, prevent serious workplace hazard, and protect your workplace.
FAQs
When does electricity become hazardous to humans?
Electricity becomes hazardous when a person comes into contact with a live electrical source, especially at currents above 1 mA, which can cause shock, burns, electrocution fires and explosions.
What are some electrical hazards you may encounter on the job?
Common electrical hazards include exposed wiring, overloaded circuits, improper grounding, and faulty equipment.
What electrical hazards contribute to accidental fires?
Overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, and improper use of electrical equipment are major contributors to accidental electrical fires.
What does the NFPA 70E standard now consider first priority when it comes to electrical hazards?
The NFPA 70E standard prioritizes the elimination of following hazards related to electrical systems as the first line of defense.
Which type of hard hat would provide the most protection from electrical hazards?
A Class E hard hat offers the highest level of protection against electrical hazards, up to 20,000 volts.