30
Electrically powered equipment can pose a significant hazard to workers, particularly when mishandled or not maintained. Many electrical devices have high voltage or high power requirements, carrying even more risk.
This course includes
Hours of videos
12 hours
Units & Quizzes
39
Unlimited Lifetime access
Access on mobile app
Certificate of Completion
Electrical Shock Hazards
The major hazards associated with electricity are an electrical shock, fire and arc flash. Electrical shock occurs when the body becomes part of the electric circuit, either when an individual comes in contact with both wires of an electrical circuit, one wire of an energized circuit and the ground, or a metallic part that has become energized by contact with an electrical conductor. The severity and effects of an electrical shock depend on a number of factors, such as the pathway through the body, the amount of current, the length of time of the exposure, and whether the skin is wet or dry. Water is a great conductor of electricity, allowing current to flow more easily in wet conditions and through wet skin. The effect of the shock may range from a slight tingle to severe burns to cardiac arrest. The chart below shows the general relationship between the degree of injury and the amount of current for a 60-cycle hand-to-foot path of one second's duration of the shock. While reading this chart, keep in mind that most electrical circuits can provide, under normal conditions, up to 20,000 milliamperes of current flow.
Current |
Reaction |
1 Milliampere |
Perception level |
5 Milliamperes |
Slight shock felt; not painful but disturbing |
6-30 Milliamperes |
Painful shock; “let-go” range |
50-150 Milliamperes |
Extreme pain, respiratory arrest, severe muscular contraction |
1000-4,300 Milliamperes |
Ventricular fibrillation |
10,000+ Milliamperes |
Cardiac arrest, severe burns, and probable death |
Arc Flash
A hazardous arc flash can occur in any electrical device, regardless of voltage, in which the energy is high enough to sustain an arc. Potential places where this can happen include:- Panelboards and switchboards
- Motor control centers
- Metal-clad switchgear
- Transformers
- Motor starters and drive cabinets
- Fused disconnects
- Any place that can have equipment failure
Course Currilcum
-
- Electrical Safety 00:25:00
- Special Training 00:10:00
- Hazards 00:10:00
- Safe Work Practices 00:10:00
- Lock & Tag 00:10:00
- If a Lock cannot be Applied 00:10:00
-
- Release Stored Energy 00:10:00
- Dead 00:10:00
- Check your Tester 00:10:00
- Re-energizing Equipment 00:10:00
- Energized 00:10:00
- Working on Energized Circuits 00:10:00
- Conductive Materials 00:10:00
- Conductive Apparel 00:10:00
- Portable Electric Tools 00:10:00
- Visually Inspect 00:10:00
- Personal Protective Equipment 00:50:00
- Tools & Equipment 00:10:00
- Work Area Safety 00:10:00
- Alerting Others 00:10:00
- Conductive Work Locations 00:10:00
- Importance Of Health And Safety In The Workplace FREE 00:10:00
- Basic Health & Safety at Workplace Video FREE 00:20:00
- Electrical Safety Checklist 4 weeks
- Fire Risk Assessment 4 weeks