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OSHAcademy Course 715 Study Guide
Copyright © 2000-2013 Geigle Safety Group, Inc.
Electrical Safety Basics

Copyright © 2000-2013 Geigle Safety Group, Inc. Page 2 of 84
Electrical Safety Basics
Copyright © 2013 Geigle Safety Group, Inc.
No portion of this text may be reprinted for other than personal use. Any commercial use of this
document is strictly forbidden.
Contact OSHAcademy to arrange for use as a training document.
This study guide is designed to be reviewed off-line as a tool for preparation to successfully complete
OSHAcademy Course 715.
Read each module, answer the quiz questions, and submit the quiz questions online through the course
webpage. You can print the post-quiz response screen which will contain the correct answers to the
questions.
The final exam will consist of questions developed from the course content and module quizzes.
We hope you enjoy the course and if you have any questions, feel free to email or call:
OSHAcademy
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Beaverton, Oregon 97006
www.oshatrain.org
instructor@oshatrain.org
+1.888.668.9079

Contents
Course Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 7
Module 1: Electricity Is Dangerous.............................................................................................................. 8
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 8
Case Study................................................................................................................................................ 8
Terms you need to know ......................................................................................................................... 9
Case Study.............................................................................................................................................. 10
How do you receive an electrical shock?............................................................................................... 11
Case Study.............................................................................................................................................. 12
Module 1 Quiz........................................................................................................................................ 14
Module 2: The Dangers of Electrical Shock ............................................................................................... 15
Severity of electrical shock .................................................................................................................... 15
High Voltage........................................................................................................................................... 17
Case Study.............................................................................................................................................. 18
Module 2 Quiz........................................................................................................................................ 20
Module 3: Electrical Burns......................................................................................................................... 22
What is the most common injury? ........................................................................................................ 22
Arc Blast Hazards ................................................................................................................................... 22
Case Study.............................................................................................................................................. 23
Extinguishing the fire ............................................................................................................................. 24
Case Study.............................................................................................................................................. 25
Module 3 Quiz........................................................................................................................................ 27

Module 4: The Electrical Safety Model...................................................................................................... 29
What Must Be Done to Be Safe?............................................................................................................ 29
Case Study.............................................................................................................................................. 31
Module 4 Quiz........................................................................................................................................ 33
Module 5: Recognizing Hazards................................................................................................................. 34
How do your recognize hazards?........................................................................................................... 34
Case Study.............................................................................................................................................. 34
Inadequate wiring hazards..................................................................................................................... 35
Case Study.............................................................................................................................................. 35
Exposed electrical parts hazards............................................................................................................ 36
Case Study.............................................................................................................................................. 36
Approach boundaries............................................................................................................................. 37
Overhead powerline hazards................................................................................................................. 38
Defective Insulation Hazards ................................................................................................................. 40
Improper Grounding Hazards ................................................................................................................ 40
Overload hazards ................................................................................................................................... 42
Wet conditions hazards ......................................................................................................................... 43
Additional hazards ................................................................................................................................. 43
Module 5 Quiz........................................................................................................................................ 44
Module 6: Evaluating Risk.......................................................................................................................... 46
How Do You Evaluate Your Risk?........................................................................................................... 46
Case Study.............................................................................................................................................. 47

Conditions that point to electrical hazards............................................................................................ 48
Case Study.............................................................................................................................................. 48
Module 6 Quiz........................................................................................................................................ 50
Module 7: Safe Work Environments.......................................................................................................... 52
How Do You Control Hazards?............................................................................................................... 52
How Do You Create a Safe Work Environment?.................................................................................... 52
Case Study.............................................................................................................................................. 52
Lock Out and Tag Out Circuits and Equipment...................................................................................... 53
Scenario #1............................................................................................................................................. 54
Scenario #2............................................................................................................................................. 54
Control Inadequate Wiring Hazards ...................................................................................................... 55
Control Hazards of Fixed Wiring ............................................................................................................ 56
Control Hazards of Flexible Wiring ........................................................................................................ 56
Use the Right Extension Cord ................................................................................................................ 58
Control Hazards of Exposed Live Electrical Parts: Isolate Energized Components ............................... 59
Control Hazards of Exposure to Live Electrical Wires: Use Proper Insulation....................................... 60
Ground circuits and equipment............................................................................................................. 61
Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI's)...................................................................................... 63
Bond Components to Assure Grounding Path....................................................................................... 64
Control Overload Current Hazards ........................................................................................................ 65
Module 7 Quiz........................................................................................................................................ 67
Module 8: Working on Live Circuits........................................................................................................... 69

When You Must Work on or Near Live Circuits..................................................................................... 69
Case Study.............................................................................................................................................. 69
Live-work permit system........................................................................................................................ 70
Case Study.............................................................................................................................................. 71
Safe Work Practices ............................................................................................................................... 71
Case Study.............................................................................................................................................. 72
Module 8 Quiz........................................................................................................................................ 73
Module 9: Safe Work Practices.................................................................................................................. 75
How Do You Work Safely? ..................................................................................................................... 75
Plan Your Work and Plan for Safety....................................................................................................... 75
Case Study.............................................................................................................................................. 77
Avoid Overhead Powerlines................................................................................................................... 77
Case Study.............................................................................................................................................. 78
Use Proper Wiring and Connectors ....................................................................................................... 78
Use and Maintain Tools Properly........................................................................................................... 80
Case Study.............................................................................................................................................. 81
Wear Correct PPE................................................................................................................................... 83
Module 9 Quiz........................................................................................................................................ 84

Course Introduction
This course describes the hazards of electrical work and basic approaches to working safely. You will
learn skills to help you recognize, evaluate, and control electrical hazards. This information will prepare
you for additional safety training such as hands-on exercises and more detailed reviews of regulations
for electrical work.
It's important that you be familiar with OSHA's fall protection standards to help save lives and avoid
OSHA citations. Take a look at OSHA's top 10 most cited violations for 2011 and you will see that
electrical safety is a part of two of the commonly cited violations.
1. Scaffolding, General (1926.451)
2. Fall Protection (1926.501)
3. Hazard Communication (1910.1200)
4. Respiratory Protection (1910.134)
5. Lockout/Tagout (1919.147)
6. Electrical, Wiring (1910.305)
7. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178)
8. Ladders (1926.1053)
9. Electrical, General 1910.303)
10. Machine Guarding (1910.212)
Your employer, co-workers, and community will depend on your expertise. Start your career off right by
learning safe practices and developing good safety habits. Safety is a very important part of any job. Do
it right from the start.
This course will present many topics. There are four main types of electrical injuries: electrocution
(death due to electrical shock), electrical shock, burns, and falls. The dangers of electricity, electrical
shock, and the resulting injuries will be discussed. The various electrical hazards will be described. You
will learn about the 3-STEP Electrical Safety Model, an important tool for recognizing, evaluating, and
controlling hazards. Important definitions and notes are shown in the margins. Practices that will help
keep you safe and free of injury are emphasized. To give you an idea of the hazards caused by
electricity, case studies about real-life deaths will be described.

Module 1: Electricity Is Dangerous
Introduction
Whenever you work with power tools or on electrical circuits, there is a risk of electrical hazards,
especially electrical shock. Anyone can be exposed to these hazards at home or at work. Workers are
exposed to more hazards because job sites can be cluttered with tools and materials, fast-paced, and
open to the weather. Risk is also higher at work because many jobs involve electric power tools.
Electrical workers must pay special attention to electrical hazards because they work on electrical
circuits. Coming in contact with an electrical voltage can cause current to flow through the body,
resulting in electrical shock and burns. Serious injury or even death may occur.
As a source of energy, electricity is used without much thought about the hazards it can cause. Because
electricity is a familiar part of our lives, it often is not treated with enough caution. As a result, an
average of one worker is electrocuted on the job every day of every year!
Case Study
A 29-year old male welder was assigned to work on an outdoor concrete platform attached to
the main factory building. He wheeled a portable arc welder onto the platform. Since there
was not an electrical outlet nearby, he used an extension cord to plug in the welder. The mail
end of the cord had four prongs and the female end was spring-loaded. The worker plugged
the male end of the cord into the outlet. At that instant, the metal case around the power cord
plug became energized, electrocuting the worker.
An investigation showed that the female end of the extension cord was broken. The spring,
cover plate, and part of the casing were missing from the face of the female connector. Also,
the grounding prong on the welder power cord plug was so severely bent that it slipped outside
the connection. Therefore, the arc welder was not grounded. Normally, it would have been
impossible to insert the plug incorrectly.
Do not let this happen to you. Use these safe practices:
• Thoroughly inspect all electrical equipment before beginning to work

• Do not use extension cords as a substitute for fixed wiring. In this case, a weatherproof
receptacle should have been installed on the platform.
• Use connectors that are designed to stand up to the abuse of the job. Connectors
designed for light-duty should not be used in an industrial environment.
Terms you need to know
What is "voltage"? Voltage is a measure of the electrical force that seems to push the current along.
Think of voltage as a lot of water stored in a high water tank. Because the water tank is high, the water
will have more force behind it as it flows down the water pipe to your home. This is why they put water
tanks up high! :-) If the same tank was placed at ground level, your water pressure would not be as
great. By the way, the symbol for voltage is "V".
What is "amperage"? Amperage is the unit used to measure the amount of electrical current.
Amperage is often referred to as "current" by electrical workers and engineers. Let's go back to our
water tank. If diameter of your pipe coming from the water tank is large, a lot of water (amperage) will
flow through the pipe. If the pipe's diameter is small, a smaller amount of water will flow through the
pipe. If you need a lot of current (many amps) to operate your equipment, you'll need large wires to run
the current or they'll burn up! The symbol for amperage is "I".
What is "resistance"? Resistance is the unit (ohms)used to measure the opposition to the flow of
electrical current. This is pretty easy to understand. A small water pipe is going to oppose a lot of water
from flowing. Relatively little water will be able to flow through the pipe. So, the pipe offers a high
resistance to the flow of water. You can see that a large pipe would offer little resistance to the flow of
water. Big pipe: a lot of water! It's that simple. In an electrical circuit, components are usually sources
of resistance. Any component that heats up due to electrical current is a source of resistance. The
symbol for resistance is "R".
What is a "circuit"? A circuit is the complete path for the flow of
current. Electrical current may flow through a circuit through a
series or through a parallel path.
• What's a "series" circuit? The current in a series circuit takes
only one path. For example, water from high in the
mountains may flow down one stream (series) into a river
that flows to the ocean.

• What's a "parallel" circuit? The current in a parallel circuit takes many paths. For example, the
water flowing from a water tank up on a hill will flow through many different water pipes
(parallel) before it reaches the ocean.
Case Study
A female assistant manager of a swim club was instructed to add a certain chemical to the pool.
She went down into the pump room, barefoot. The room was below ground level and the floor
was covered with water. She filled a plastic drum with 35-40 gallons of water, then plugged a
mixing motor into a 120-volt wall outlet and turned on the motor. The motor would be used to
mix the water and the chemical. Then the solution would be added to the pool. While adding
the chemical to the water in the drum, she contacted the mixing motor with her left hand.
Apparently, the motor had developed a ground fault. Because of the ground fault, the motor
was energized and she was electrocuted. A co-worker found the victim slumped over the drum
with her face submerged in water. The co-worker tried to move the victim, but was shocked.
The assistant manager was dead on arrival at a local hospital.
An investigation showed that the mixing motor was in poor condition. The grounding pin had
been removed from the male end of the power cord, resulting in a faulty ground. The circuit
was equipped with a CFCI, but it was not installed properly. A properly wired and functioning
GFCI could have sensed the ground fault in the motor and de-energized the circuit.
Take a look at what could have been done to prevent this death:
• The employer should have kept the motor in better condition. Power cords should be
inspected regularly, and any missing ground prongs should be replaced.
• All pool-area electrical circuits should be installed by qualified electricians.
• The victim should have worn insulating boots or shoes since she was handling electrical
equipment.
• The employer should have followed the law. The NEC requires that all pool-associated
motors have a permanent grounding system. In this case, this regulation was not
followed. Also, electrical equipment is not permitted in areas without proper drainage.

• OSHA requires employers to provide a work environment free of safety and health
hazards.
How do you receive an electrical shock?
An electrical shock is received when electrical current passes
through the body. Current will pass through the body in a
variety of situations. Whenever two wires are at different
voltages, current will pass between them if they are connected.
Your body can connect the wires, or what electrical workers call
"complete the circuit". If you touch both of them at the same
time, current will pass through your body.
In most household wiring in the U.S., the black wires and the
red wires are at 120 volts. The white wires are at 0 volts
because they are
connected to ground. The
connection to ground is
often through a
conducting ground
rod driven into the
earth. The
connection can also
be made through a
buried metal water
pipe.
If you come in
contact with an
energized black
wire- and you are
also in contact with
the neutral white wire- current will pass through your body. You
will receive an electrical shock.

You can even receive a shock when you are not in contact
with an electrical ground. Contact with both live wires of a
240-volt cable will deliver a shock. (This type of shock can
occur because one live wire may be at +120 volts while
the other is at -120 volts during an alternating current
cycle-a difference of 240 volts.). You can also receive a
shock from electrical components that are not grounded
properly. Even contact with another person who is
receiving an electrical shock may cause you to be
shocked.
Case Study
A 30- year-old male electrical technician was helping a company service representative test the
voltage-regulating unit on a new rolling mill. While the electrical technician went to get the
equipment service manual, the service representative opened the panel cover of the voltage
regulators control cabinet in preparation to trace the low-voltage wiring in question. (the
wiring was not color-coded) The service representative climbed onto a nearby cabinet in order
to view the wires. The technician returned and began working inside the control cabinet, near
exposed and energized electrical conductors. The technician tugged at the low-voltage wires
while the service representative tried to identify them from above. Suddenly, the
representative heard the victim making a gurgling sound and looked down to see the victim
shaking as though he were being shocked. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was
administrated to the victim about 10 minutes later. He was pronounced dead almost two hours
later as a result of his contact with an energized electrical conductor.
To prevent an incident like this, employers should take the following steps:
• Establish proper rules and procedures on how to access electrical control cabinets
without getting hurt.
• Make sure all employees know the importance of de-energizing (shutting off) electrical
systems before preforming repairs.
• Equip voltage-regulating equipment with color-coded wiring.

• Train workers in CPR.

Module 1 Quiz
Use this quiz to self-check your understanding of the module content. You can also go online and take
this quiz within the module. The online quiz provides the correct answer once submitted.
1. ___________ is a measure of the electrical force that seems to push the current along.
a. amperage
b. resistance
c. voltage
d. reluctance
2. _______ is the unit used to measure the amount of electrical current.
a. amperage
b. resistance
c. voltage
d. reluctance
3. _______ is the unit (ohms) used to measure the opposition to the flow of electrical current.
a. amperage
b. resistance
c. voltage
d. reluctance
4. Whenever two wires are at different _________, current will pass between them if they are
connected.
a. lengths
b. voltages
c. resistance
d. heights
5. You can receive an electrical shock when you are not in contact with an electrical ground.
a. True
b. False

Module 2: The Dangers of Electrical Shock
Severity of electrical shock
The severity of injury from electrical shock depends on the amount of electrical amperage (current) and
the length of time the current passes through the body. For example, 1/10 of an ampere (amp) of
electricity going through the body for just 2 seconds is enough to cause death.
The amount of internal current a person can withstand and still be able to control the muscles of the
arm and hand can be less than 10 milliamperes (milliamps or mA).
Currents above 10 mA can paralyze or "freeze" muscles. When this "freezing" happens, a person is no
longer able to release a tool, wire, or other object. In fact, the electrified object may be held even more
tightly, resulting in longer exposure to the shocking current. For this reason, hand-held tools that give a
shock can be very dangerous.
If you can't let go of the tool, current continues through your body for a longer time, which can lead to
respiratory paralysis (the muscles that control breathing cannot move). You stop breathing for a period
of time.
People have stopped breathing when shocked with currents from voltages as low as 49 volts. Usually, it
takes about 30 mA of current to cause respiratory paralysis.
Currents greater than 75 mA may cause ventricular fibrillation (very rapid, ineffective heartbeat). This
condition will cause death within a few minutes unless a special device called a defibrillator is used to
save the victim. Heart paralysis occurs at 4 amps, which means the heart does not pump at all.
Tissue is burned with currents greater than 5 amps.
The table below shows what usually happens for a range of currents (lasting one second) at typical
household voltages. Longer exposure times increase the danger to the shock victim. For example, a
current of 100 mA applied for 3 seconds is as dangerous as a current of 900 mA applied for a fraction of
a second (0.03 seconds).
The muscle structure of the person also makes a difference. People with less muscle tissue are typically
affected at lower current levels. Even low voltages can be extremely dangerous because the degree of
injury depends not only on the amount of current but also on the length of time the body is in contact
with the circuit.

Low Voltage Does Not Mean Low Hazard!
Effects of Electrical Current* on the Body
Current Reaction
1 milliamp Just a faint tingle.
5 milliamps Slight shock felt. Disturbing, but not painful. Most people can "let go." However, strong involuntary
movements can cause injuries.
6-25 milliamps
(women)†
9-30 milliamps (men)
Painful shock. Muscular control is lost. This is the range where "freezing currents" start. It may not
be possible to "let go."
50-150 milliamps Extremely painful shock, respiratory arrest (breathing stops), severe muscle contractions. Flexor
muscles may cause holding on; extensor muscles may cause intense pushing away. Death is
possible.
1,000-4,300
milliamps (1-4.3
amps)
Ventricular fibrillation (heart pumping action not rhythmic) occurs. Muscles contract; nerve damage
occurs. Death is likely.
10,000 milliamps
(10 amps)
Cardiac arrest and severe burns occur. Death is probable.

15,000 milliamps (15
amps)
Lowest overcurrent at which a typical fuse or circuit breaker opens a circuit!
*Effects are for voltages less than about 600 volts. Higher voltages also cause severe burns.
†Differences in muscle and fat content affect the severity of shock.
High Voltage
Sometimes high voltages lead to additional injuries. High voltages can cause violent muscular
contractions. You may lose your balance and fall, which can cause injury or even death if you fall into
machinery that can crush you. High voltages can also cause severe burns.
At 600 volts, the current through the body may be as great as 4 amps, causing damage to internal
organs such as the heart. High voltages also produce burns. In addition, internal blood vessels may clot.
Nerves in the area of the contact point may be damaged. Muscle contractions may cause bone
fractures from either the contractions themselves or from falls.
There have been cases where an arm or leg is severely burned by
high-voltage electrical current to the point of coming off, and the
victim is not electrocuted. In these cases, the current passes
through only a part of the limb before it goes out of the body and
into another conductor. Therefore, the current does not go
through the chest area and may not cause death, even though the
victim is severely disfigured. If the current does go through the
chest, the person will almost surely be electrocuted. A large
number of serious electrical injuries involve current passing from
the hands to the feet. Such a path involves both the heart and
lungs. This type of shock is often fatal.
A severe shock can cause much more damage to the body than is
visible. A person may suffer internal bleeding and destruction of
tissues, nerves, and muscles. Sometimes the hidden injuries
caused by electrical shock result in a delayed death. Shock is

often only the beginning of a chain of events. Even if the electrical current is too small to cause injury,
your reaction to the shock may cause you to fall, resulting in bruises, broken bones, or even death.
The length of time of the shock greatly affects the amount of injury. If the shock is short in duration, it
may only be painful. A longer shock (lasting a few seconds) could be fatal if the level of current is high
enough to cause the heart to go into ventricular fibrillation. This is not much current when you realize
that a small power drill uses 30 times as much current as what will kill. At relatively high currents, death
is certain if the shock is long enough. However, if the shock is short and the heart has not been
damaged, a normal heartbeat may resume if contact with the electrical is eliminated. (This type of
recovery is rare.)
The amount of current passing through the body also affects the severity of an electrical shock. Greater
voltages produce greater currents. So, there is greater danger from higher voltages. Resistance hinders
current. The lower the resistance (or impedance in AC circuits), the greater the current will be.
Dry skin may have a resistance of 100,000 ohms or more. Wet skin may have a resistance of only 1,000
ohms. Wet working conditions or broken skin will drastically reduce resistance. The low resistance of
wet skin allows current to pass into the body more easily and give a greater shock. When more force is
applied to the contact point or when the contact area is larger, the resistance is lower, causing stronger
shocks.
The path of the electrical current through the body affects the severity of the shock. Currents through
the heart or nervous system are most dangerous. If you contact a live wire with your head, your
nervous system will be damaged. Contacting a live electrical part with one hand-while you are
grounded at the other side of your body-will cause electrical current to pass across your chest, possibly
injuring your heart and lungs.
Case Study
A male technician arrived at a customer’s house to perform pre-winter maintenance on an oil
furnace. The customer then left the house and returned 90 minutes later. She noticed the
service truck was still in the driveway. After 2 more hours, the customer entered the crawl
space with a flashlight to look for the technician, but couldn’t see him. She then called the
owner of the company, who came to the house. He searched the crawl space and found the
technician on his stomach, leaning on his elbows in front of the furnace. The assistant county
coroner was called and pronounced the technician dead at the scene. The victim had electrical

burns on his scalp and right elbow.
After the incident, an electrician inspected the site. A toggle switch that supposedly controlled
electrical power to the furnace was in the “off” position. The electrician described the wiring as
“haphazard and confusing.”
Two weeks later, the county electrical inspector performed another inspection. He discovered
that incorrect wiring of the toggle switch allowed power to flow to the furnace even when the
switch was in the off position. The owner of the company stated that the victim was a very
thorough worker. Perhaps the victim performed more maintenance on the furnace than
previous technicians, exposing him to the electrical hazard.
This death could have been prevented!
• The victim should have tested the circuit to make sure it was de-energized.
• Employers should provide workers with appropriate equipment and training. Using
safety equipment should be a requirement of the job. In this case, a simple circuit tester
may have saved the victim’s life.
• Residential wiring should satisfy the National Electrical Code (NEC). Although the NEC is
not retroactive, all homeowners should make sure their systems are safe.

Module 2 Quiz
1. According to the text, the severity of injury from electrical shock depends on which two factors
below?
a. resistance, voltage
b. amperage, length of time
c. length of time, voltage
d. resistance, length of time
2. People have stopped breathing when shocked with currents from voltages as low as ______ volts.
a. 600
b. 125
c. 49
d. 6
3. An electrical current of _________ can cause extremely painful shock, respiratory arrest, (breathing
stops) and severe muscle contractions.
a. 1-10 milliamps
b. 6-25 milliamps
c. 10-40 milliamps
d. 50-150 milliamps
4. At ____ volts, the current through the body may be as great as 4 amps, causing damage to internal
organs such as the heart.
a. 600
b. 480
c. 120
d. 50

5. Which of the following will result in the lowest resistance and greater risk of injury when shocked?
a. dirty skin
b. dry skin
c. wet skin
d. thin skin

Module 3: Electrical Burns
What is the most common injury?
The most common shock-related, nonfatal injury is a burn. Burns caused by electricity may be of three
types: electrical burns, arc burns, and thermal contact burns. Electrical burns can result when a person
touches electrical wiring or equipment that is used or maintained improperly. Typically, such burns
occur on the hands. Electrical burns are one of the most serious injuries you can receive. They need to
be given immediate attention. Additionally, clothing may catch fire and a thermal burn may result from
the heat of the fire.
Arc-blasts occur when powerful, high-amperage currents arc through the air. Arcing is the luminous
electrical discharge that occurs when high voltages exist across a gap between conductors and current
travels through the air. This situation is often caused by equipment failure due to abuse or fatigue.
Temperatures as high as 35,000°F have been reached in arc-blasts.
Definitions of terms:
• arc-blast-explosive: release of molten material from equipment caused by high-amperage arcs
• arcing: the luminous electrical discharge (bright, electrical sparking) through the air that occurs
when high voltages exist across a gap between conductors
Arc Blast Hazards
There are three primary hazards associated with an arc-blast.
1. Arcing during an arc blast gives off thermal radiation (heat) and
intense light, which can cause burns. Several factors affect the
degree of injury, including skin color, area of skin exposed, and
type of clothing worn. Proper clothing, work distances, and
overcurrent protection can reduce the risk of such a burn.

2. A high-voltage arc can produce a considerable pressure wave blast. A person 2 feet away from a
25,000-amp arc feels a force of about 480 pounds on the front of the body. In addition, such an
explosion can cause serious ear damage and memory loss due to concussion. Sometimes the
pressure wave throws the victim away from the arc-blast. While this may reduce further
exposure to the thermal energy, serious physical injury may result. The pressure wave can
propel large objects over great distances. In some cases, the pressure wave has enough force to
snap off the heads of steel bolts and knock over walls.
3. A high-voltage arc can also cause many of the copper and aluminum components in electrical
equipment to melt. These droplets of molten metal can be blasted great distances by the
pressure wave. Although these droplets harden rapidly, they can still be hot enough to cause
serious burns or cause ordinary clothing to catch fire, even if you are 10 feet or more away.
Case Study
Five technicians were performing preventive maintenance on the electrical system of a railroad
maintenance facility. One of the technicians was assigned to clean the lower compartment of
an electrical cabinet using cleaning fluid in an aerosol can. But, he began to clean the upper
compartment as well. The upper compartment was filled with live circuitry. When the cleaning
spray contacted the live circuitry, a conductive path for the current was created. The current
passed through the stream of fluid, into the technician’s arm, and across his chest. The current
caused a loud explosion. Co-workers found the victim with his clothes on fire. One worker put
out the fire with an extinguisher and another pulled the victim away from the compartment
with a plastic vacuum cleaner hose. The paramedics responded in five minutes. Although the
victim survived the shock, he died 24 hours later because of the burns.
This death could have been prevented if the following precautions had been taken:
• Before doing any electrical work, de-energize all circuits and equipment. Perform
lockout/tagout, and test circuits and equipment to make sure they are de-energized.
• The company should have trained the workers to perform their jobs safely.
• Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) should always be used.
• Never use aerosol spray cans around high-voltage equipment.

Extinguishing the fire
Electricity is one of the most common causes of fires
and thermal burns in homes and workplaces. Defective
or misused electrical equipment is a major cause of
electrical fires. If there is a small electrical fire, be sure
to use only a Class C or multipurpose (ABC) fire
extinguisher, or you might make the problem worse.
All fire extinguishers are marked with letter(s) that tell
you the kinds of fires they can put out. Some
extinguishers contain symbols, too.
The letters and symbols are explained below (including suggestions on how to remember them):
A (think: Ashes) = paper, wood, etc.
B (think: Barrel) = flammable liquids
C (think: Circuits) = electrical fires
Thermal burns may result if an explosion occurs when electricity ignites an explosive However, do not
try to put out fires unless you have received proper training. If you are not trained, the best thing you
can do is evacuate the area mixture of material in the air. This ignition can result from the buildup of
combustible vapors, gasses, or dusts. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards,
the NEC, and other safety standards give precise safety requirements for the operation of electrical
systems and equipment in such dangerous areas. Ignition can also be caused by overheated conductors
or equipment, or by normal arcing at switch contacts or in circuit breakers.

Training on fire extinguisher use should include hands-on use of a fire extinguisher.
Case Study
A 29-year-old male maintenance worker was found at 3:45 am lying on his back and convulsing.
An overturned cart and an electric welding machine were next to him and lying in a pool of
water on the concrete floor. Arcing was visible between the welding machine and the floor.
The worker was transported to the closest hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
An examination of the welding machine showed there were exposed conductors in the
machine’s cables. There were numerous cuts and scrapes in the cables’ insulation. On other
parts of the machine, insulation was damaged or missing. Also, the machine didn’t have a
ground connection.
Investigators concluded the maintenance worker was electrocuted when he tried to turn off
the welding machine, which was sitting on the cart. The metal frame of the machine had
become energized due to the damaged insulation. When he touched the energized frame, he
Here are a couple of fire
extinguishers popular at a worksite.
Can you tell what types of fires they
will put out?

completed the conducting path to ground. The current travelled through his body to ground.
Since he was probably standing in water, the risk of a ground fault was even greater.
You must take steps to decrease such hazards in your workplace:
• Ground circuits and equipment.
• Keep all equipment in good operating condition with a preventive maintenance
program.
• Never use electrical equipment or work on circuits in wet areas. If you find water or
dampness, notify your supervisor immediately.

Module 3 Quiz
1. Which of the following is not one of the most common shock-related, nonfatal injury?
a. electrical burn
b. chemical burn
c. arc flash burn
d. thermal contact burn
2. This explosive event gives off thermal radiation (heat) and intense light, which can cause burns:
a. arc blast
b. microwave burst
c. voltage wave
d. resistance failure
3. If there is a small electrical fire, be sure to use only a class __________ fire extinguisher, or you
might make the problem worse.
a. A or K
b. B or DE
c. C or ABC
d. any of the above
4. If a shock victim is still in contact with an energized circuit and you cannot shut off electrical
current quickly, what should you do?
a. grab the victim with one hand only and pull
b. pry the victim loose using a dry wood pole
c. throw a rope around the victim's neck and pull
d. pry the victim loose with a metal pole

5. Which of the following should you know in case there is an electrical-related injury?
a. location of electricity shut-offs "kill switches"
b. where first-aid supplies are located
c. location of a telephone
d. all of the above

Module 4: The Electrical Safety Model
What Must Be Done to Be Safe?
To make sure all employees are safe before, during and after
electrical work is performed, electrical workers should follow the
three-step process of the Electrical Safety Model:
1. recognize hazards
2. evaluate risk
3. control hazards
To be safe, you must think about your job and plan for hazards. To avoid injury or death, you must
understand and recognize hazards. You need to evaluate the situation you are in and assess your risks.
You need to control hazards by creating a safe work environment, by using safe work practices, and by
reporting hazards to a supervisor or teacher.
If you do not recognize, evaluate, and control hazards, you may be injured or killed by the electricity
itself, electrical fires, or falls. If you use the safety model to recognize, evaluate, and control hazards,
you will be much safer at work.
Use the safety model to:
• Recognize, evaluate, and control hazards.
• Identify electrical hazards.
• Don't listen to reckless, dangerous people.
• Evaluate your risk.
• Take steps to control hazards
Recognize hazards
The first step of the safety model is recognizing the electrical hazards around you. Only then can you
avoid or control the hazards. It is best to discuss and plan hazard recognition tasks with your co-
workers. Sometimes we take risks ourselves, but when we are responsible for others, we are more
careful. Sometimes others see hazards that we overlook. Of course, it is possible to be talked out of our
concerns by someone who is reckless or dangerous. Don't take a chance. Careful planning of safety

procedures reduces the risk of injury. Decisions to lock out and tag out circuits and equipment need to
be made during this part of the safety model. Plans for action must be made now.
Evaluate hazards
When evaluating hazards, it is best to identify all possible hazards first, then evaluate the risk of injury
from each hazard. Do not assume the risk is low until you evaluate the hazard. It is dangerous to
overlook hazards. Job sites are especially dangerous because they are always changing. Many people
are working at different tasks. Job sites are frequently exposed to bad weather. A reasonable place to
work on a bright, sunny day might be very hazardous in the rain. The risks in your work environment
need to be evaluated all the time. Then, whatever hazards are present need to be controlled.
Control hazards
Once electrical hazards have been recognized and evaluated, they must be controlled. You control
electrical hazards in two main ways:
1. create a safe work environment and
2. use safe work practices.
One way to implement this safety model is to conduct a job hazard analysis (JHA). This involves
development of a chart:
1. Column 1, breaking down the job into its separate task or steps;
2. Column 2, evaluating the hazard(s) of each task, and
3. Column 3, developing a control for each hazard. See the example below.

Controlling electrical hazards (as well as other hazards) reduces the risk of injury or death.
OSHA regulations, the NEC, and the National Electrical
Safety Code (NESC) provide a wide range of safety
information.
Although these sources may be difficult to read and
understand at first, with practice they can become very
useful tools to help you recognize unsafe conditions and
practices. Knowledge of OSHA standards is an important
part of training for electrical apprentices. See the Appendix
for a list of relevant standards.
Case Study
A maintenance man rode 12 feet above the floor on a motorized lift to work on a 227-volt light
fixture. He did not turn off the power supply to the lights. He removed the line fuse from the
black wire, which he thought was the “hot” wire. But, because of a mistake in installation, it
turned out the white wire was the “hot” wire and not the black one. The black wire was
neutral. He began to strip the white wire using a wire stripper in his right hand. Electricity
passed from the “hot” white wire to the stripper, into his hand and through his body, and then
to the ground through his left index finger. A co-worker heard a noise and saw the victim lying
face-up on the lift. She immediately summoned another worker, who lowered the platform.

CPR was performed, but the maintenance man could not be saved. He was pronounced dead
at the scene.
You can prevent injuries and deaths by remembering the following points:
• If you work on an electrical circuit, test to make sure the circuit is de-energized. (shut-
off)
• Never attempt to handle any wires or conductors until you are absolutely positive their
electrical supply has been shut off.
• Be sure to lock out and tag out circuits so they cannot be re-energized.
• Always assume a conductor is dangerous.

Module 4 Quiz
1. Which of the following is not one of the steps in the Electrical Safety Model?
a. recognize hazards
b. organize risk
c. evaluate risk
d. control hazards
2. The first step of the Electrical Safety Model is ________ around you.
a. recognizing the hazards
b. evaluating the risk
c. correcting the hazards
d. identifying the risk
3. When evaluating hazards it is best to _________.
a. identify existing hazards
b. correct unique hazards first
c. report all common hazards
d. identify all possible hazards first
4. After identifying all possible hazards, the next step in the safety model is to ___________.
a. assess the probability of an accident
b. evaluate the risk of injury
c. analyze the severity of injury
d. correct the existing hazards
5. Once electrical hazards are recognized and evaluated for risk, how are they controlled?
a. create a safe environment
b. conduct post-injury investigation
c. use safe work practices
d. a and c above

Module 5: Recognizing Hazards
How do your recognize hazards?
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 to
recognize hazards.
• Inadequate wiring is dangerous
• Exposed electrical parts are dangerous.
• Overhead power lines 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.
Case Study
An electrician was removing a metal fish tape from a hole at the base of a metal light pole. (A
fish tape is used to pull wire through a conduit run.) The fish tape became energized,
electrocuting him. As a result of its inspection, OSHA issued a citation for three serious
violations of the agency’s construction standards.
If the following OSH requirements had been followed, this death could have been prevented.
• De-energize all circuits before beginning work.
• Always lock out and tag out de-energized equipment.

• Companies must train workers to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions associated with
their work.
Inadequate wiring hazards
Some definitions:
• Wire gauge: wire size or diameter (technically, the cross-sectional area.)
• Ampacity: the maximum amount of current a wire can carry safely without overheating.
Heads up: Inadequate or improper electrical wiring was one of OSHA's top 10 most commonly cited
violations during 2011!! An electrical wiring hazard exists when the wire is too small for the current it
will carry or is not connected properly. Normally, the circuit breaker in a circuit is matched to the wire
size. However, in older wiring, branch lines to permanent ceiling light fixtures could be wired with a
smaller gauge than the supply cable. Let's say a light fixture is replaced with another device that uses
more current. The current capacity (ampacity) of the branch wire could be exceeded. When a wire is
too small for the current it is supposed to carry, the wire will heat up. The heated wire could cause a
fire.
When you use an extension cord, the size of the wire you are placing into the circuit may be too small
for the equipment. The circuit breaker could be the right size for the circuit but not right for the
smaller-gauge extension cord. A tool plugged into the extension cord may use more current than the
cord can handle without tripping the circuit breaker. The wire will overheat and could cause a fire.
The kind of metal used as a conductor can cause an electrical hazard. Special care needs to be taken
with aluminum wire. Since it is more brittle than copper, aluminum wire can crack and break more
easily. Connections with aluminum wire can become loose and oxidize if not made properly, creating
heat or arcing.
You must recognize that inadequate wiring is a hazard.
Case Study
A worker was attempting to correct an electrical problem involving two non-operational lamps.
He examined the circuit in the area where he thought the problem was located. He had not
shut off the power at the circuit breaker panel and didn’t test the wires to see if they were live.

He was electrocuted when he grabbed the two live wires with his left hand. He collapsed to the
floor and was found dead.
• Employers should not allow work to be done on electrical circuits unless an effective
lock-out/tag-out program is in place.
• No work should be done on energized electrical circuits. Circuits must be shut off,
locked out, and tagged out. Even then, you must test the circuit before beginning work
to confirm that it is de-energized. (“dead”)
Exposed electrical parts hazards
Electrical hazards exist when wires or other electrical parts are exposed.
Wires and parts can be exposed if a cover is removed from a wiring or
breaker box.
The overhead wires coming into a home may be exposed. Electrical
terminals in motors, appliances, and electronic equipment may be exposed.
Older equipment may have exposed electrical parts. If you contact exposed
live electrical parts, you will be shocked.
You must recognize that an exposed electrical component is a hazard.
Case Study
Five workers were constructing a chain-link fence in front of a house, directly below a 7,200-
volt energized power line. As they prepared to install 21- foot sections of metal top rail on the
fence, one of the workers picked up a section of rail and held it up vertically. The rail contacted
the 7,200-volt line, and the worker was electrocuted. Following inspection, OSHA determined
the employee who was killed had never received any safety training from his employer and no
specific instruction on how to avoid the hazards associated with overhead power lines.
In this case, the company failed to obey these regulations:
• Employers must train their workers to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions on the job.
• Employers must not allow their workers to work near any part of an electrical circuit

unless the circuit is de-energized (shut-off) and grounded, or guarded in such a way it
cannot be contacted.
• Ground-fault protection must be provided at construction sites to guard against
electrical shock.
Approach boundaries
The risk from exposed live parts depends on your distance from the parts. Three “boundaries” are key
to protecting yourself from electric shock and one to protect you from arc flashes or blasts. These
boundaries are set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 70E).
1. The limited approach boundary is the closest an unqualified person can approach, unless a
qualified person accompanies you. A qualified person is someone who has received mandated
training on the hazards and on the construction and operation of equipment involved in a task.
2. The restricted approach boundary is the closest to exposed live parts that a qualified person can
go without proper PPE (such as, flame-resistant clothing) and insulated tools. When you're this
close, if you move the wrong way, you or your tools could touch live parts. Same for the next
boundary:
3. The prohibited approach boundary—the most serious—is the distance you must stay from
exposed live parts to prevent flashover or arcing in air. Get any closer and it's like direct contact
with a live part.

To protect against burns, there’s one more boundary: The flash protection boundary is where you need
PPE to prevent incurable burns, if there’s an arc flash.
Overhead powerline hazards
Most people do not realize that overhead
powerlines are usually not insulated. More than
half of all electrocutions are caused by direct
worker contact with energized powerlines.
Powerline workers must be especially aware of the
dangers of overhead lines. In the past, 80% of all
lineman deaths were caused by contacting a live
wire with a bare hand. Due to such incidents, all
linemen now wear special rubber gloves that
protect them up to 34,500 volts. Today, most
electrocutions involving overhead powerlines are
caused by failure to maintain proper work
distances.

Shocks and electrocutions occur where physical barriers are not
in place to prevent contact with the wires. When dump trucks,
cranes, work platforms, or other conductive materials (such as
pipes and ladders) contact overhead wires, the equipment
operator or other workers can be killed. If you do not maintain
required clearance distances from powerlines, you can be
shocked and killed. (The minimum distance for voltages up to
50kV is 10 feet. For voltages over 50kV, the minimum distance
is 10 feet plus 4 inches for every 10 kV over 50kV.) Never store
materials and equipment under or near over-head powerlines.
You need to recognize that overhead powerlines are a hazard.

Defective Insulation Hazards
Insulation that is defective or inadequate is an electrical hazard. Usually,
a plastic or rubber covering insulates wires. Insulation prevents
conductors from coming in contact with each other. Insulation also
prevents conductors from coming in contact with people.
Extension cords may have damaged insulation. Sometimes the insulation
inside an electrical tool or appliance is damaged. When insulation is
damaged, exposed metal parts may become energized if a live wire
inside touches them. Electric hand tools that are old, damaged, or
misused may have damaged insulation inside. If you touch damaged
power tools or other equipment, you will receive a shock. You are more
likely to receive a shock if the tool is not grounded or double-insulated.
(Double-insulated tools have two insulation barriers and no exposed
metal parts.)
You must recognize that defective insulation is a hazard.
Improper Grounding Hazards
When an electrical system is not grounded properly, a hazard exists. The most common OSHA electrical
violation is improper grounding of equipment and circuitry. The metal parts of an electrical wiring
system that we touch (switch plates, ceiling light fixtures, conduit, etc.) should be grounded and at 0
volts. If the system is not grounded properly, these parts may become energized. Metal parts of
motors, appliances, or electronics that are plugged into improperly grounded circuits may be energized.
When a circuit is not grounded properly, a hazard exists because unwanted voltage cannot be safely
eliminated. If there is no safe path to ground for fault currents, exposed metal parts in damaged
appliances can become energized.
Extension cords may not provide a continuous path to ground because of a broken ground wire or plug.
If you contact a defective electrical device that is not grounded, (or grounded improperly) you will be
shocked.
You must recognize that an improperly grounded electrical system is a hazard.

Electrical systems are often grounded to metal water pipes that serve as a continuous path to ground. If
plumbing is used as a path to ground for fault current, all pipes must be made of conductive material (a
type of metal). Many electrocutions and fires occur because (during renovation or repair) parts of metal
plumbing are replaced with plastic pipe, which does not conduct electricity. In these cases, the path to
ground is interrupted by nonconductive material.
A ground fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, is an inexpensive life- saver.
GFCI's detect any difference in current between the two circuit wires
(the black wires and white wires). This difference in current could happen
when electrical equipment is not working correctly, causing leakage current.
If leakage current (a ground fault) is detected in a GFCI-protected circuit,
the GFCI switches off the current in the circuit, protecting you from a
dangerous shock. GFCI's are set at about 5 mA and are designed to protect
workers from electrocution. GFCI's are able to detect the loss of current
resulting from leakage through a person who is beginning to be
shocked. If this situation occurs, the GFCI switches off the current in the circuit. GFCI's are different
from circuit breakers because they detect leakage currents rather than overloads.
Circuits with missing, damaged, or improperly wired GFCI's may allow you to be shocked.
You must recognize that a circuit improperly protected by a GFCI is a hazard.

Overload hazards
Overloads in an electrical system are hazardous because they can
produce heat or arcing. Wires and other components in an electrical
system or circuit have a maximum amount of current they can carry
safely. If too many devices are plugged into a circuit, the electrical
current will heat the wires to a very high temperature. If anyone tool
uses too much current, the wires will heat up.
The temperature of the wires can be high enough to cause a fire. If
their insulation melts, arcing may occur. Arcing can cause a fire in the
area where the overload exists, even inside a wall.
In order to prevent too much current in a circuit, a circuit breaker or
fuse is placed in the circuit. If there is too much current in the circuit,
the breaker "trips" and opens like a switch. If an overloaded circuit is
equipped with a fuse, an internal part of the fuse melts, opening the circuit. Both breakers and fuses do
the same thing: open the circuit to shut off the electrical current.
If the breakers or fuses are too big for the wires they are supposed to protect, an overload in the circuit
will not be detected and the current will not be shut off. Overloading leads to overheating of circuit
components (including wires) and may cause a fire.
You must recognize that a circuit with improper overcurrent protection devices-or one with no
overcurrent protection devices at all-is a hazard.
Overcurrent protection devices are built into the wiring of some electric motors, tools, and electronic
devices. For example, if a tool draws too much current or if it overheats, the current will be shut off
from within the device itself. Damaged tools can overheat and cause a fire.
You must recognize that a damaged tool is a hazard.

Wet conditions hazards
Working in wet conditions is hazardous because you may become an
easy path for electrical current. For instance, if you touch a live wire
while standing in even a puddle of water, you will probably receive a
shock.
Damaged insulation, equipment, or tools can expose you to live
electrical parts. A damaged tool may not be grounded properly, so
the housing of the tool may be energized, causing you to receive a
shock. Improperly grounded metal switch plates and ceiling lights are
especially hazardous in wet conditions. If you touch a live electrical
component with an un-insulated hand tool, you are more likely to
receive a shock when standing in water.
Remember: you don't have to be standing in water to be
electrocuted. Wet clothing, high humidity, and perspiration also
increase your chances of being electrocuted.
You need to recognize that all wet conditions are hazards.
Additional hazards
In addition to electrical hazards, other types of hazards are present at job sites. Remember that all of
these hazards can be controlled.
• There may be chemical hazards. Solvents and other substances may be poisonous or cause
disease.
• Frequent overhead work can cause tendinitis (inflammation) in your shoulders.
Intensive use of hand tools that involve force or twisting can cause tendinitis of the hands, wrists, or
elbows. Use of hand tools can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome, which results when nerves in the
wrist are damaged by swelling tendons or contracting muscles.

Module 5 Quiz
1. Which of the following hazards is due to exposed electrical parts?
a. covers removed from breaker box
b. exposed electrical terminals on motors
c. overhead powerlines entering the building
d. all of the above are examples
2. Which of the following is not one of the three approach boundaries established by the National
Fire Protection Agency (NFPA)?
a. limited approach boundary
b. restricted approach boundary
c. designated approach boundary
d. prohibited approach boundary
3. What is the cause of more than half of all electrocutions?
a. contact with energized powerlines
b. improper wiring
c. defective power tools
d. improperly grounded equipment
4. Which of the following is the most common OSHA electrical violation?
a. contact with energized powerlines
b. improper grounding
c. defective power tools
d. improperly insulated wires

5. If the breakers or fuses are too small for the wires they are supposed to protect, an overload in the
circuit will not be detected and the current will not be shut off.
a. True
b. False

Module 6: Evaluating Risk
How Do You Evaluate Your Risk?
After you recognize a hazard, your next step is to evaluate your risk from the hazard. The closer you
work to the "danger zone," the more likely you'll be exposed to the electrical hazard. For instance,
exposed wires should be recognized as a hazard. If the
exposed wires are 15 feet off the ground, you are not
close to the danger zone so the risk is low. However, if
you are going to be working on a roof near those same
wires, your risk is high. The risk of shock is greater if
you will be carrying metal conduit that could touch the
exposed wires. It's important that as you work
throughout the day, you must constantly evaluate
your risk.
Another factor increasing your risk of injury is working
around combinations of hazards. Improper grounding
and a damaged tool greatly increase your risk. Wet
conditions combined with other hazards also increase your risk. You will need to make decisions about
the nature of hazards in order to evaluate your risk and do the right thing to remain safe.
There may be important clues that electrical hazards exist. For example, if a GFCI keeps tripping while
you are using a power tool, that's a clue that there is a problem. Don't keep resetting the GFCI and
continue to work. You must evaluate the "clue" and decide what action should be taken to control the
hazard.
Any of these conditions, or "clues," tells you something important: there is a risk of fire and electrical
shock. The equipment or tools involved must be avoided. You will frequently be caught in situations
where you need to decide if these clues are present. A maintenance electrician, supervisor, or
instructor needs to be called if there are signs of overload and you are not sure of the degree of risk.
Ask for help whenever you are not sure what to do. By asking for help, you will protect yourself and
others.

Case Study
An 18-year-old male worker, with 15 months of experience at a fast food restaurant, was
plugging a toaster into a floor outlet when he received a shock. Since the restaurant was closed
for the night, the floor had been mopped about 10 minutes before the incident. The restaurant
manager and another employee heard the victim scream and investigated. The victim was
found with one hand on the plug and the other hand grasping the metal receptacle box. His
face was pressed against the top of the outlet. An employee tried to take the victim’s pulse,
but was shocked. The manager could not locate the correct breaker for the circuit. He then
called the emergency squad, returned to the breaker box and found the correct breaker. By the
time the circuit was opened, (turned off) the victim had been exposed to the current for 3 to 8
minutes. The employee checked the victim’s pulse again and found it was very rapid.
The manager and the employee left the victim to unlock the front door and place another call
for help. Another employee arrived at the restaurant and found the victim no longer had a
pulse. The employee started CPR, which was continued by the rescue squad for nearly 90
minutes. The victim was dead on arrival at a local hospital.
Later, two electricians evaluated the circuit and found no serious problems. An investigation
showed the victim’s hand slipped forward when he was plugging in the toaster. His index finger
made contact with an energized prong in the plug. His other hand was on the metal receptacle
box, which was grounded. Current entered his body through his index finger, flowed across his
chest, and exited through the other hand, which was in contact with the grounded receptacle.
To prevent death or injury, you must recognize hazards and take the right action.
• If the circuit had been equipped with a GFCI, the current would have been shut off
before injury occurred.
• The recent mopping increased the risk of electrocution. Never work in wet or damp
areas.
• Know the location of circuit breakers for your work area.

Conditions that point to electrical hazards
There are a number of other conditions that indicate an electrical hazard.
• Tripped circuit breakers and blown fuses show that too much current is flowing in a circuit. This
condition could be due to several factors, such as malfunctioning equipment or a short between
conductors. You need to determine the cause in order to control the hazard.
• An electrical tool, appliance, wire, or connection that feels warm may indicate too much current
in the circuit or equipment. You need to evaluate the situation and determine your risk.
• An extension cord that feels warm may indicate too much current for the wire size of the cord.
You must decide when action needs to be taken.
• A cable, fuse box, or junction box that feels warm may indicate too much current in the circuits.
• A burning odor may indicate overheated insulation.
• Worn, frayed, or damaged insulation around any wire or other conductor is an electrical hazard
because the conductors could be exposed. Contact with an exposed wire could cause a shock.
Damaged insulation could cause a short, leading to arcing or a fire. Inspect all insulation for
scrapes and breaks. You need to evaluate the seriousness of any damage you find and decide
how to deal with the hazard.
• A GFCI that trips indicates there is current leakage from the circuit. First, you must decide the
probable cause of the leakage by recognizing any contributing hazards. Then, you must decide
what action needs to be taken.
Case Study
A 20-year-old male laborer was carrying a 20-foot piece of iron from a welding shop to an
outside storage rack. As he was turning a corner near a bank of electrical transformers, the top
end of the piece of iron struck an uninsulated supply wire at the top of a transformer. Although
the transformers were surrounded by a 6-foot fence, they were about 3 feet taller than the
fence enclosure. Each transformer carried 4,160 volts.
When the iron hit the supply wire, the laborer was electrocuted. A forklift operator heard the
iron drop to the ground at about 8:46 am and found the victim five minutes later. He was
pronounced dead on arrival at a local hospital.
• According to OSHA, the enclosure around the transformers was too low. The fence
should have been at least 8 feet tall.

• The company in this case didn’t offer any formal safety training to its workers. All
employers should develop safety and health training programs so their employees know
how to recognize and avoid life-threatening hazards.

Module 6 Quiz
1. Working with a defective electrical tool on wet ground would be an example of increased risk due
to ______?
a. work on a construction site
b. location to the hazard
c. a combination of hazards
d. a single hazard type
2. A GFCI that keeps tripping is ____________.
a. an indication it is defective
b. expected and can be ignored
c. a normal indication
d. a clue that a hazard exists
3. Tripped circuit breakers and blown fuses show that _________.
a. the voltage is high
b. too little resistance
c. too much current is flowing
d. the AC frequency is too high
4. A __________________ may indicate overheated insulation.
a. burning odor
b. buzzing sound
c. crack or split
d. broken wire

5. What does it mean when a GFCI trips?
a. a wire has been cut
b. current leakage from the circuit
c. the voltage has spiked
d. the circuit is closed

Module 7: Safe Work Environments
How Do You Control Hazards?
In order to control hazards, you must first create a safe work environment, then work in a safe manner.
Generally, it is best to remove the hazards altogether and create an environment that is truly safe.
When OSHA regulations and the NEC are followed, safe work environments are created.
But, you never know when materials or equipment might fail. Prepare yourself for the unexpected by
using safe work practices. Use as many safeguards as possible. If one fails, another may protect you
from injury or death.
How Do You Create a Safe Work Environment?
A safe work environment is created by controlling contact with electrical voltages and the currents they
can cause. Electrical currents need to be controlled so they do not pass through the body. In addition to
preventing shocks, a safe work environment reduces the chance of fires, burns, and falls.
You need to guard against contact with electrical voltages and control electrical currents in order to
create a safe work environment. Make your environment safer by doing the following:
• Treat all conductors-even "de-energized" ones-as if they are energized until they are locked out
and tagged.
• Lock out and tag out circuits and machines.
• Prevent overloaded wiring by using the right size and type of wire.
• Prevent exposure to live electrical parts by isolating them.
• Prevent exposure to live wires and parts by using insulation.
• Prevent shocking currents from electrical systems and tools by grounding them.
• Prevent shocking currents by using GFCI's.
• Prevent too much current in circuits by using overcurrent protection devices.
Case Study
At about 1:45 a.m., two journeyman electricians began replacing bulbs and making repairs on
light fixtures in a spray paint booth at an automobile assembly plant. The job required the two
electricians to climb on top of the booth and work from above. The top of the booth was filled

with pipes and ducts that restricted visibility and movement. Flashlights were required.
The electricians started at opposite ends of the booth. One electrician saw a flash of light, but
continued to work for about 5 minutes, the climbed down for some wire. While cutting the
wire, he smelled a burning odor and called to the other electrician. When no one answered, he
climbed back on top of the booth. He found his co-worker in contact with a single-strand wire
from one of the lights. Needle-nose wire strippers were stuck in the left side of the victim’s
chest. Apparently, he had been stripping insulation from an improperly grounded 530-volt,
single-strand wire when he contacted it with the stripper. In this case, the electricians knew
they were working on energized circuits. The breakers in both the booth’s control panel were
not labeled and the lock used for lock-out/tag-out was broken. The surviving electrician stated
that locating the means to de-energize a circuit often takes more time than the actual job.
The electrician would be alive to if the following rules had been observed:
• Always shut off circuits-then test to confirm they are de-energized- before starting a job.
• Switchgear that shuts of a circuit must be clearly labeled and easy to access.
• Lock-out/tag-out materials must always be provided, and lock-out/tag-out procedures
must always be followed.
• Always label circuit breakers.
Lock Out and Tag Out Circuits and Equipment
Lockout/tagout is an essential safety procedure that protects workers from injury while working on or
near electrical circuits and equipment. Lock-out involves applying a physical lock to the power source(s)
of circuits and equipment after they have been shut off and de-energized. The source is then tagged out
with an easy-to-read tag that alerts other workers in the area that a lock has been applied.
In addition to protecting workers from electrical hazards, lock-out/tag-out prevents contact with
operating equipment parts: blades, gears, shafts, presses, etc. Read more about Lockout/Tagout by
taking OSHAcademy Course 710.

Scenario #1
An employee was cutting a metal pipe using a blowtorch. Diesel fuel was mistakenly discharged
into the line and was ignited by his torch. The worker burned to death at the scene.
Remember: All valves along the line should have been locked out, blanked out, and tagged out
to prevent the release of fuel. Blanking is the process of inserting a metal disk into the space
between two pipe pipe flangers. The disk, or blank, is then bolted in place to prevent passage
of liquids or gases through the pipe.
Scenario #2
A worker was replacing a V-belt on a dust collector. Before beginning work, he shut down the
unit at the local switch. However, an operator in the control room restarted the unit using a
remote switch. The worker’s hand was caught between the pulley and belts of the blower,
resulting in cuts and a fractured finger.
Remember: When performing lock-out/tag-out on machinery, you must always lock out and
tag out ALL energy sources to the machinery.

Also, lock-out/tag-out prevents the unexpected release of hazardous gasses, fluids, or solid matter in
areas where workers are present.
*OSHA defines a "qualified person" as someone who has received
mandated training on the hazards and on the construction and
operation of equipment involved in a task.
Control Inadequate Wiring Hazards
Electrical hazards result from using the wrong size or type of wire. You must control such hazards to
create a safe work environment. You must choose the right size wire for the amount of current
expected in a circuit. The wire must be able to handle the current safely. The wire's insulation must be
appropriate for the voltage and tough enough for the environment. Connections need to be reliable
and protected.

Control Hazards of Fixed Wiring
The wiring methods and size of conductors used in a system depend on several factors:
• Intended use of the circuit system
• Building materials
• Size and distribution of electrical load
• Location of equipment (such as underground burial)
• Environmental conditions (such as dampness)
• Presence of corrosives
• Temperature extremes
Fixed, permanent wiring is better than extension cords, which can be misused and damaged more
easily. NEC requirements for fixed wiring should always be followed. A variety of materials can be used
in wiring applications, including nonmetallic sheathed cable (Romex®), armored cable, and metal and
plastic conduit. The choice of wiring material depends on the wiring environment and the need to
support and protect wires.
Aluminum wire and connections should be handled with special care. Connections made with
aluminum wire can loosen due to heat expansion and oxidize if they are not made properly. Loose or
oxidized connections can create heat or arcing. Special clamps and terminals are necessary to make
proper connections using aluminum wire. Antioxidant paste can be applied to connections to prevent
oxidation.
Control Hazards of Flexible Wiring
Electrical cords supplement fixed wiring by providing the flexibility
required for maintenance, portability, isolation from vibration, and
emergency and temporary power needs.
Flexible wiring can be used for extension cords or power supply
cords. Power supply cords can be removable or permanently
attached to the appliance.
DO NOT use flexible wiring in situations where frequent inspection
would be difficult, where damage would be likely, or where long-

term electrical supply is needed. Flexible cords cannot be used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a
structure. Flexible cords must not be:
• Run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors;
• Run through doorways, windows, or similar openings (unless physically protected);
• Attached to building surfaces (except with a tension take-up device within 6 feet of the supply
end);
• Hidden in walls, ceilings, or floors; or
• Hidden in conduit or other raceways.

Use the Right Extension Cord
The size of wire in an extension cord must be compatible with the amount of current the cord will be
expected to carry. The amount of current depends on the equipment plugged into the extension cord. Current
ratings (how much current a device needs to operate) are often printed on the nameplate. If a power rating is
given, it is necessary to divide the power rating in watts by the voltage to find the current rating. For example,
a 1,000-watt heater plugged into a 120-volt circuit will need almost 10 amps of current. Let's look at another
example: A 1-horsepower electric motor uses electrical energy at the rate of almost 750 watts, so it will need
a minimum of about 7 amps of current on a 120-volt circuit. But, electric motors need additional current as
they startup or if they stall, requiring up to 200% of the nameplate current rating. Therefore, the motor would
need 14 amps.
Add to find the total current needed to operate all the appliances supplied by the cord. Choose a wire size
that can handle the total current.
American Wire Gauge (AWG)
Wire size Handles up to
#10 AWG
#12 AWG
#14 AWG
#16 AWG
30 amps
25 amps
18 amps
13 amps
Remember: The larger the gauge
number, the smaller the wire!
The length of the extension cord also needs to be considered when selecting the wire size. Voltage
drops over the length of a cord. If a cord is too long, the voltage drop can be enough to damage

equipment. Many electric motors only operate safely in a narrow
range of voltages and will not work properly at voltages different
than the voltage listed on the nameplate. Even though light bulbs
operate (somewhat dimmer) at lowered voltages, do not assume
electric motors will work correctly at less-than-required voltages.
Also, when electric motors start or operate under load, they
require more current. The larger the size of the wire, the longer a
cord can be without causing a voltage drop that could damage
tools and equipment.
The grounding path for extension cords must be kept intact to keep
you safe. A typical extension cord grounding system has four
components:
• a third wire in the cord, called a ground wire;
• a three-prong plug with a grounding prong on one end of the
cord;
• a three-wire, grounding-type receptacle at the other end of
the cord; and
• a properly grounded outlet.
Control Hazards of Exposed Live Electrical Parts: Isolate
Energized Components
Electrical hazards exist when wires or other electrical parts are
exposed. These hazards need to be controlled to create a safe work environment. Isolation of energized
electrical parts makes them inaccessible unless tools and special effort are used. Isolation can be
accomplished by placing the energized parts at least 8 feet high and out of reach, or by guarding.
Guarding is a type of isolation that uses various structures-like cabinets, boxes, screens, barriers,
covers, and partitions-to close-off live electrical parts.
Take the following precautions to prevent injuries from contact with live parts:

• Immediately report exposed live parts to a supervisor or teacher. As a student, you should never
attempt to correct the condition yourself without supervision.
• Use covers, screens, or partitions for guarding that require tools to remove them.
• Replace covers that have been removed from panels, motors, or fuse boxes.
• Even when live parts are elevated to the required height (8 feet), care should be taken when
using objects (like metal rods or pipes) that can contact these parts.
• Close unused conduit openings in boxes so that foreign objects (pencils, metal chips, conductive
debris, etc.) cannot get inside and damage the circuit.
Control Hazards of Exposure to Live Electrical Wires: Use Proper Insulation
Insulation is made of material that does not conduct electricity (usually plastic, rubber, or fiber).
Insulation covers wires and prevents conductors from coming in
contact with each other or any other conductor. If conductors are
allowed to make contact, a short circuit is created. In a short circuit,
current passes through the shorting material without passing through
a load in the circuit, and the wire becomes overheated.
Insulation keeps wires and other conductors from touching, which
prevents electrical short circuits. Insulation prevents live wires from
touching people and animals, thus protecting them from electrical shock.
Insulation helps protect wires from physical damage and conditions in the environment. Insulation is
used on almost all wires, except some ground wires and some high-voltage transmission lines.
Insulation is used internally in tools, switches, plugs, and other electrical and electronic devices.
Special insulation is used on wires and cables that are used in harsh environments. Wires and cables
that are buried in soil must have an outer covering of insulation that is flame-retardant and resistant to
moisture, fungus, and corrosion.
In all situations, you must be careful not to damage insulation while installing it. Do not allow staples or
other supports to damage the insulation. Bends in a cable must have an inside radius of at least 5 times
the diameter of the cable so that insulation at a bend is not damaged. Extension cords come with
insulation in a variety of types and colors. The insulation of extension cords is especially important.

Since extension cords often receive rough handling, the insulation can be damaged. Extension cords
might be used in wet places, so adequate insulation is necessary to prevent shocks. Because extension
cords are often used near combustible materials (such as wood shavings and sawdust) a short in an
extension cord could easily cause arcing and a fire.
Insulation on individual wires is often color-coded. In general, insulated wires used as equipment
grounding conductors are either continuous green or green with yellow stripes. The grounded
conductors that complete a circuit are generally covered with continuous white or gray insulation. The
ungrounded conductors, or "hot" wires, may be any color other than green, white, or gray. They are
usually black or red.
Conductors and cables must be marked by the manufacturer to show the
following:
• Maximum voltage capacity,
• AWG size,
• Insulation-type letter, and
• The manufacturer's name or trademark.
Ground circuits and equipment
When an electrical system is not grounded properly, a hazard exists. This is because the parts of an
electrical wiring system that a person normally touches may be energized, or live, relative to ground.
Parts like switch plates, wiring boxes, conduit, cabinets, and lights need to be at
0 volts relative to ground. If the system is grounded improperly, these parts may
be energized. The metal housings of equipment plugged into an outlet need to
be grounded through the plug.

Grounding is connecting an electrical system to the earth with a wire.
Excess or stray current travels through this wire to a grounding device
(commonly called a "ground") deep in the earth. Grounding prevents
unwanted voltage on electrical components. Metal plumbing is often used
as a ground. When plumbing is used as a grounding conductor, it must
also be connected to a grounding device such as a conductive rod. (Rods
used for grounding must be driven at least 8 feet into the earth.)
Sometimes an electrical system will receive a higher voltage than it is
designed to handle. These high voltages may come from a lightning strike, line surge, or contact with a
higher-voltage line. Sometimes a defect occurs in a device that allows exposed metal parts to become
energized. Grounding will help protect the person working on a system, the system itself, and others
using tools or operating equipment connected to the system. The extra current produced by the excess
voltage travels relatively safely to the earth.
Grounding creates a path for currents produced by unintended voltages on exposed parts. These
currents follow the grounding path, rather than passing through the body of someone who touches the
energized equipment. However, if a grounding rod takes a direct hit from a lightning strike and is buried
in sandy soil, the rod should be examined to make sure it will still function properly. The heat from a
lightning strike can cause the sand to turn into glass, which is an insulator. A grounding rod must be in
contact with damp soil to be effective.
Leakage current occurs when an electrical current escapes from its intended path. Leakages are
sometimes low-current faults that can occur in all electrical equipment because of dirt, wear, damage,
or moisture. A good grounding system should be able to carry off this leakage current. A ground fault
occurs when current passes through the housing of an electrical device to ground. Proper grounding
protects against ground faults. Ground faults are usually caused by misuse of a tool or damage to its
insulation. This damage allows a bare conductor to touch metal parts or the tool housing.
When you ground a tool or electrical system, you create a low-resistance path to the earth (known as a
ground connection). When done properly, this path has sufficient current-carrying capacity to eliminate
voltages that may cause a dangerous shock.
Grounding does not guarantee that you will not be shocked, injured, or killed from defective
equipment. However, it greatly reduces the possibility.

Equipment needs to be grounded under any of these circumstances:
• The equipment is within 8 feet vertically and 5 feet horizontally of the floor or walking surface.
• The equipment is within 8 feet vertically and 5 feet horizontally of grounded metal objects you
could touch.
• The equipment is located in a wet or damp area and is not isolated.
The equipment is connected to a power supply by cord and plug and is not double-insulated.
Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI's)
The use of GFCI's has lowered the number of electrocutions dramatically. A GFCI is a fast-acting switch
that detects any difference in current between two circuit conductors. If
either conductor comes in contact-either directly or through part of your
body-with a ground (a situation known as a ground fault), the GFCI opens
the circuit in a fraction of a second. If a current as small as 4 to 6 mA does
not pass through both wires properly, but instead leaks to the ground, the
GFCI is tripped. The current is shut off.
There is a more sensitive kind of GFCI called an isolation GFCI. If a circuit has
an isolation GFCI, the ground fault current passes through an electronic
sensing circuit in the GFCI. The electronic sensing circuit has enough
resistance to limit current to as little as 2 mA, which is too low to cause a
dangerous shock.
GFCI's are usually in the form of a duplex receptacle. They are also available
in portable and plug-in designs and as circuit breakers that protect an entire
branch circuit. GFCI's can operate on both two- and three-wire ground
systems. For a GFCI to work properly, the neutral conductor (white wire)
must (1) be continuous, (2) have low resistance, and (3) have sufficient
current-carrying capacity.
GFCI's help protect you from electrical shock by continuously monitoring the circuit. However, a GFCI
does not protect a person from line-to-line hazards such as touching two "hot" wires (240 volts) at the
same time or touching a "hot" and neutral wire at the same time. Also be aware that instantaneous
currents can be high when a GFCI is tripped. A shock may still be felt. Your reaction to the shock could
cause injury, perhaps from falling.

Test GFCI's regularly by pressing the "test" button. If the circuit does not turn off, the GFCI is faulty and
must be replaced.
The NEC requires that GFCI's be used in these high-risk situations:
• Electricity is used near water.
• The user of electrical equipment is grounded (by touching grounded material).
• Circuits are providing power to portable tools or outdoor receptacles.
• Temporary wiring or extension cords are used.
• Specifically, GFCI's must be installed in bathrooms, garages, out-
door areas, crawl spaces, unfinished basements, kitchens, and
near wet bars.
Bond Components to Assure Grounding Path
In order to assure a continuous, reliable electrical path to ground, a
bonding jumper wire is used to make sure electrical parts are connected.
Some physical connections, like metal conduit coming into a box, might
not make a good electrical connection because of paint or possible
corrosion. To make a good electrical connection, a bonding jumper
needs to be installed.
A metal cold water pipe that is part of a path to ground may need
bonding jumpers around plastic anti-vibration devices, plastic water
meters, or sections of plastic pipe. A bonding jumper is made of
conductive material and is tightly connected to metal pipes with screws or
clamps to bypass the plastic and assure a continuous grounding path.
Bonding jumpers are necessary because plastic does not conduct
electricity and would interrupt the path to ground.
Additionally, interior metal plumbing must be bonded to the ground for electrical service equipment in
order to keep all grounds at the same potential (0 volts). Even metal air ducts should be bonded to
electrical service equipment.
Bonding Jumper - the
conductor used to
connect parts to be
bonded.

Control Overload Current Hazards
When a current exceeds the current rating of equipment or wiring, a hazard exists. The wiring in the
circuit, equipment, or tool cannot handle the current without heating up or even melting. Not only will
the wiring or tool be damaged, but the high temperature of the conductor can also cause a fire. To
prevent this from happening, an overcurrent protection device (circuit breaker or fuse) is used in a
circuit. These devices open a circuit automatically if they detect current in excess of the current rating
of equipment or wiring. This excess current can be caused by an overload, short circuit, or high-level
ground fault.
Overcurrent protection devices are designed to protect equipment and structures from fire. They do
not protect you from electrical shock! Overcurrent protection devices stop the flow of current in a
circuit when the amperage is too high for the circuit. A circuit breaker or fuse will not stop the relatively
small amount of current that can cause injury or death. Death can result from 20 mA (.020 amps)
through the chest. A typical residential circuit breaker or fuse will not shut off the circuit until a current
of more than 20 amps is reached!
But overcurrent protection devices are not allowed in areas where they could be exposed to physical
damage or in hazardous environments. Overcurrent protection devices can heat up and occasionally arc
or spark, which could cause a fire or an explosion in certain areas. Hazardous environments are places
that contain flammable or explosive materials such as flammable gasses or vapors (Class I Hazardous
Environments), finely pulverized flammable dusts (Class II Hazardous Environments), or fibers or metal
filings that can catch fire easily (Class III Hazardous Environments). Hazardous environments may be
found in aircraft hangars, gas stations, storage plants for flammable liquids, grain silos, and mills where
cotton fibers may be suspended in the air. Special electrical systems are required in hazardous
environments.
If an overcurrent protection device opens a circuit, there may be a
problem along the circuit. (In the case of circuit breakers, frequent
tripping may also indicate that the breaker is defective.) When a circuit
breaker trips or a fuse blows, the cause must be found.
A circuit breaker is one kind of overcurrent protection device. It is a type
of automatic switch located in a circuit. A circuit breaker trips when too
much current passes through it. A circuit breaker should not be used
regularly to turn power on or off in a circuit, unless the breaker is

designed for this purpose and marked "SWD" (stands for "switching device").
A fuse is another type of overcurrent protection device. A fuse contains a metal conductor that has a
relatively low melting point. When too much current passes through the metal in the fuse, it heats up
within a fraction of a second and melts, opening the circuit. After an overload is found and corrected, a
blown fuse must be replaced with a new one of appropriate amperage.

Module 7 Quiz
1. In order to control hazards, you must first work in a safe manner and then create a safe work
environment.
a. true
b. false
2. Which of the following is an essential safety procedure that protects workers from injury while
working on or near electrical circuits and equipment?
a. Fire prevention
b. Hazard communication
c. Lockout/Tagout
d. Confined space entry
3. In which of the following situations is it safe to use flexible wiring?
a. damage is likely
b. long-term electrical supply is needed
c. inspection is difficult
d. none of the above
4. To be properly isolated, energized electrical parts must be inaccessible unless ____________.
a. tools and special efforts are used
b. a guard is placed to keep people away
c. the parts are six feet above ground
d. proper PPE is used

5. A _____________________ is a fast-acting switch that detects any difference in current between
two circuit conductors.
a. double-blind actuator
b. ground fault circuit interrupter
c. current limiting switch
d. series circuit diode

Module 8: Working on Live Circuits
When You Must Work on or Near Live Circuits
Working on live circuits means actually touching energized parts. Working near live circuits means
working close enough to energized parts to put you at risk even though you may be working on de-
energized parts.
Common tasks where you need to work on or near live circuits include:
• taking voltage and current measurements,
• opening and closing disconnects and circuit breakers,
• racking circuit breakers on and off the bus,
• removing panels and dead fronts, and
• opening electric equipment doors for inspection.
There should be standard written procedures and training for these common tasks. For instance, when
opening and closing disconnects, use the left-hand rule when possible (stand to the right side of
equipment with a disconnect on the right, and operate the disconnect with your left hand). For other
situations where you might need to work on or near live circuits, your employer should institute a
written live-work permit system, which must be authorized by a qualified supervisor.
Case Study
A 40-year-old male meter technician had just completed a 7-week basic lineman training
course. He worked as a meter technician during normal working hours and as a lineman during
unplanned outages. One evening, he was called to repair a residential power outage. By the
time he arrived at the site of the outage, he had already worked 2 hours of overtime and
worked 14 straight hours the day before. At the site, a tree limb had fallen across an overhead
powerline. The neutral wire in the line was severed, and the two energized 120-volt wires were
disconnected. The worker removed the tree limb and climbed up a power pole to reconnect
the three wires. He was wearing insulated gloves, a hard hat, and some safety goggles.
He prepared the wires to be connected. While handling the wires, one of the energized wires
caught the cuff of his left glove and pulled the cuff down. The conductor contacted the victim’s
forearm near the wrist. He was electrocuted and fell backwards. He was wearing a climbing
belt, which left him hanging upside down from the pole. Paramedics arrived 5 minutes after

the contact. The power company lowered his dead body 30 minutes later.
Several factors may have contributed to this incident. Below are some ways to eliminate these
risk factors:
• Ask for assistance when you are assigned tasks that cannot be safely completed alone.
The task assigned to the victim could not have been done safety by only one person.
• Do not work overtime performing hazardous tasks that are not part of your normal
assignments.
• Employees should only be given tasks they are qualified to perform. All employees
below the journeyman level should be supervised.
Live-work permit system
A live-work permit should, at least, contain this information:
• a description of the circuit and equipment to be worked on and the location,
• explanation why the work must be done "live"
• date and time covered by the permit
• a description of the safe work practices to be used
• results of shock hazard analysis and determination of shock protection boundaries
• results of flash hazard analysis and determination of the flash protection boundary
• PPE needed to safely perform the job
• who will do the work and how unqualified persons will be kept away
• evidence of completion of job briefing, including discussion of job-specific hazards
• energized-work approval signatures (authorizing or approving management, safety officer,
owner, etc.)

Case Study
A company was contracted to install wiring and fixtures in a new office complex. The third floor
was being prepared in a hurry for a new tenant, and daily changes to the electrical system
blueprints were arriving by fax. The light fixtures in the office were mounted in a metal grid
that was fastened to the ceiling and properly grounded.
A 23-year-old man apprentice electrician was working on a light fixture when he contacted an
energized conductor. He came down from the fiberglass ladder and collapsed. Apparently, he
had contacted the “hot” conductor while also in contact with the metal grid. Current passed
through his body and into the grounded grid. Current always takes a path to the ground. In
this case, the worker was part of that path.
He was dead on arrival at a nearby hospital. Later, an investigation showed the victim had
cross-wired the conductors in the fixture by mistake. This incorrect wiring allowed electricity to
flow from the live circuit on the completed section of the building to the circuit on which the
victim was working.
Below are some safety procedures that should have been followed in this case. Because they
were ignored, the job ended in death.
• Before work beings, all circuits in the immediate work area must be shut off, locked out,
and tagged out- then tested to confirm they are de-energized.
• Wiring done by apprentice electricians should be checked by a journeyman.
• Supervisors should always review changes to an original blueprint in order to identify
any new hazards the changes might create.
Safe Work Practices
To work on or near live parts, you must do the following:
• Have a written live-work permit for the work to be done.
• Wear the right PPE to protect against electric shock and arc flash. Never wear clothing made
from synthetic materials, such as acetate, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or rayon - alone or
combined with cotton. Such clothing is dangerous because it can burn and melt into your skin.

The PPE that is needed depends on the type of electric work being done. The minimum PPE required
while working on line circuits would be an untreated natural fiber long-sleeve shirt and long pants plus
safety glasses with side shields. Depending on the voltage and the electric task to be done, different
types of PPE are required. Fire-resistant protective clothing can include multi-layer flash suit jacket and
pants, wraparound face shield, double-layer switching hood, voltage-rated gloves with leather
protectors, electrically rated hard hats, and so forth. [(See Table 130.7(C)(9)(a) Hazard/Risk Category
Classifications and Table 130.7(C)(10)) (NFPA 70E, 2004 Edition).
• Use the proper type of protective equipment, such as insulated tools and/or handling
equipment that is rated for the voltage. These can include insulated fuse or fuse holding
equipment, nonconductive ropes and handlines, fiberglass-reinforced plastic rods,
nonconductive portable ladders (such as, fiberglass), protective shields, rubber insulating
equipment, voltage-rated plastic guards, and so forth.
Case Study
A lineman (the victim) was killed after contacting a 17,400-volt charge switch. The victim was
part of a three-man crew replacing cables under a switch cabinet. At the time of the accident,
the crew was feeding a new cable under the concrete foundation pad below the cabinet. As one
worker pushed the cable under the foundation, the victim looped the cable inside the
foundation under the cabinet. The victim was using a hot stick to loop the cable but was not
wearing his hard hat when his head came either in close proximity to or contacted the charged
switch. Crewmembers saw a flash and came around the switch cabinet to where the victim was
located. He was found slumped partially in the cabinet. A crewmember used a hot stick to
move the victim away from the cabinet and then began CPR. Emergency medical services
transported the victim to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead from injuries
associated with high-voltage electrocution.
Based on the findings in the investigation, to prevent similar incidents, employers should:
• Ensure workers use personal protective equipment and enforce its use.
• Ensure workers are capable of recognizing and avoiding hazardous situations.
• Emphasize de-energizing, isolating, or cover energized work areas whenever personnel
need to work within high voltage danger zones.

Module 8 Quiz
1. Working on live circuits means working close enough to energized parts to put you at risk.
a. true
b. false
2. When using the "left-hand rule," the worker will stand _____________ the disconnect.
a. the left side of
b. the right side of
c. to either side of
d. to the front of
3. Where you might need to work on or near live circuits, your employer should institute a written
________ system, which must be authorized by a qualified supervisor.
a. live-work permit
b. hot-work permit
c. tagout permit
d. confined space entry permit
4. A live-work permit does not contain this information:
a. date and time covered by the permit
b. PPE needed to safely perform the job
c. oxygen level within the work space
d. energized-work approval signatures

5. According to the text, the _________ PPE required while working on live circuits would be an
untreated natural fiber long-sleeve shirt and long pants plus safety glasses with side shields.
a. minimum
b. maximum
c. typical
d. standard

Module 9: Safe Work Practices
How Do You Work Safely?
A safe work environment is not enough to control all electrical hazards. You must also work safely. Safe
work practices help you control your risk of injury or death from workplace hazards. If you are working
on electrical circuits or with electrical tools and equipment, you need to use safe work practices.
Before you begin a task, ask yourself:
• What could go wrong?
• Do I have the knowledge, tools, and experience to do this work safely?
All workers should be very familiar with the safety procedures for their jobs. You must know how to use
specific controls that help keep you safe. You must also use good judgment and common sense.
Control electrical hazards through safe work practices.
• Plan your work and plan for safety.
• Avoid wet working conditions and other dangers.
• Avoid overhead powerlines.
• Use proper wiring and connectors.
• Use and maintain tools properly.
• Wear correct PPE.
Plan Your Work and Plan for Safety
Take time to plan your work, by yourself and with others. Safety planning is an important part of any
task. It takes effort to recognize, evaluate, and control hazards. If
you are thinking about your work tasks or about what others think
of you, it is hard to take the time to plan for safety. But, YOU MUST
PLAN.
Planning with others is especially helpful. It allows you to
coordinate your work and take advantage of what others know
about identifying and controlling hazards. The following is a list of
some things to think about as you plan.

• Work with a buddy-Do not work alone. Both of you should be trained in
CPR. Both of you must know what to do in an emergency.
• Know how to shut off and de-energize circuits-You must find where circuit
breakers, fuses, and switches are located. Then, the circuits that you will
be working on (even low-voltage circuits) MUST BE TURNED OFF! Test the
circuits before beginning work to make sure they are completely de-
energized.
• Plan to lock out and tag out circuits and equipment - Make certain all
energy sources are locked out and tagged out before performing any work
on an electrical circuit or electrical device. Working on energized ("hot")
circuits is one of the most dangerous things any worker could do. If
someone turns on a circuit without warning, you can be shocked, burned,
or electrocuted. The unexpected starting of electrical equipment can
cause severe injury or death.
Before ANY work is done on a circuit, shut off the circuit, lock out and tag out the circuit at the
distribution panel, then test the circuit to make sure it is de-energized.
Before ANY equipment inspections or repairs-even on so-called low-voltage circuits-the current must be
turned off at the switch box, and the switch must be padlocked in the OFF position. At the same time,
the equipment must be securely tagged to warn everyone that work is being performed. Again, test
circuits and equipment to ensure they are de-energized.
No two locks should be alike. Each key should fit only one lock, and only one key should be issued to
each worker. If more than one worker is working on a circuit or repairing a piece of equipment, each
worker should lock out the switch with his or her own lock and never permit anyone else to remove it.
At all times, you must be certain that you are not exposing other workers to danger. Workers who
perform lock-out/tag-out must be trained and authorized to repair and maintain electrical equipment.
A locked-out switch or feeder panel prevents others from turning on a circuit. The tag informs other
workers of your action.
• Remove jewelry and metal objects - Remove jewelry and other metal objects or apparel from
your body before beginning work. These things can cause burns if worn near high currents and
can get caught as you work.
• Plan to avoid falls - Injuries can result from falling off scaffolding or ladders. Other workers may
also be injured from equipment and debris falling from scaffolding and ladders.

• DO not do any tasks that you are not trained to do or that you do not feel comfortable doing!
Case Study
A crew of 7 workers was painting a 33-foot sign at a shopping mall. The crew used tubular
welded frame scaffolding that was 31 feet tall and made up of several tiers. The sign was
partially painted when the crew was instructed to move the scaffolding so the concrete could
be poured for an access road. The crew moved the scaffolding 30 fee without disassembling it.
An overhead powerline was located about 10 feet away from the scaffolding. After the
concrete was hardened, the workers lifted the scaffolding to move it back to the sign. The top
tier came loose, fell, and contacted the powerline. All seven workers were knocked away from
the scaffolding. Two died; five were hospitalized.
You must take certain precautions when working with scaffolding.
• Scaffolding should not be moved until all potential safety hazards are identified and
controlled. In this case, the scaffolding should have taken apart before it was moved.
• Locking pins must be used to secure tiers to one another.
• Always make sure you have enough time to complete your assignment safely. If you are
rushed, you may be more likely to take deadly shortcuts. (such as failing to dismantle
scaffolding before moving it)
• Employers must have a written safety program that includes safe work procedures and
hazard recognition.
Avoid Overhead Powerlines
Be very careful not to contact overhead powerlines or other exposed wires. More than half of all electrocutions
are caused by contact with overhead lines. When working in an elevated position near overhead lines, avoid
locations where you (and any conductive object you hold) could contact an unguarded or un-insulated
line. You should be at least 10 feet (3.05 meters) away from high-voltage transmission lines.
Vehicle operators should also pay attention to overhead wiring. Dump trucks, front-end loaders, and
cranes can lift and make contact with overhead lines. If you contact equipment that is touching live
wires, you will be shocked and may be killed. If you are in the vehicle, stay inside. Always be aware of
what is going on around you.

Case Study
A worker from an electrical service company was changing bulbs in pole-mounted light fixtures
in a shopping center parking lot. The procedure for installing the bulbs was as follows: The
worker would park the truck near the first light pole. The truck was equipped with a roof-
mounted ladder. The worker would extend the ladder high enough to change the bulb, and
then drive to the next pole without lowering the ladder.
After the worker replaced the first bulb, he got back in the truck and drove toward the next
light pole. As the truck moved along, a steel cable attached to the top of the ladder contacted
an overhead powerline. The worker realized something was wrong, stopped the truck and
stepped onto the pavement while still holding onto the door of the truck. By doing this, he
completed the path to ground for the current in the truck. Because the ladder was still in
contact with the powerline, the entire truck was now energized. He was engulfed in flames as
the truck caught fire. Fire, police, and paramedic units arrived within five minutes. Utility
workers arrived in about 10 minutes and de-energized the powerline. The victim burned to
death at the scene.
Below are some ways to prevent contact with overhead powerlines:
• A safe distance must be maintained between ladders (and other equipment) and
overhead powerlines. OSHA requires a clearance of at least 10 feet be maintained
between aerial ladders and overhead powerlines of up to 50,000 volts.
• Moving a truck with the ladder is a dangerous practice. One way to control this hazard
is to install an engine lock that prevents a truck’s engine from starting unless the ladder
is fully retracted.
• If there are overhead powerlines in the immediate area, lighting systems that can be
serviced from ground level are recommended for safety.
• If the worker had been trained properly, he may have known to stay inside the truck.
• Job hazard analysis should always be performed to identify and control hazards. In this
case, a survey would have identified the powerlines as a possible hazard, and
appropriate hazard control measure (such as lowering the ladder between installations)
could have been taken.
Use Proper Wiring and Connectors

• Avoid overloads - Do not overload circuits.
• Test GFCI's - Test GFCI's monthly using the "test" button.
• Check switches and insulation - Tools and other equipment must
operate properly. Make
sure that switches and insulating parts are in good condition.
• Use three-prong plugs - Never use a three-prong grounding plug
with the third prong broken-off. When using tools that require a
third-wire ground, use only three-wire extension cords with three-
prong grounding plugs and three-hole electrical out-lets. Never
remove the grounding prong from a plug! You could be shocked or
expose someone else to a hazard. If you see a cord without a
grounding prong in the plug, remove the cord from service
immediately.
• Use extension cords properly - If an extension cord must be used,
choose one with sufficient ampacity for the tool being used. An
undersized cord can overheat and cause a drop in voltage and tool
power. Check the tool manufacturer's recommendations for the
required wire gauge and cord length. Make sure the insulation is
intact. To reduce the risk of damage to a cord's insulation, use cords
with insulation marked "S" (hard service) rather than cords marked
"SJ" (junior hard service). Make sure the grounding prong is intact. In
damp locations, make sure wires and connectors are waterproof and
approved for such locations. Do not create a tripping hazard.
• Check power cords and extensions - Electrical cords should be
inspected regularly using the following procedure:
1. Remove the cord from the electrical power source before inspecting.
2. Make sure the grounding prong is present in the plug.
3. Make sure the plug and receptacle are not damaged.
4. Wipe the cord clean with a diluted detergent and examine for cuts, breaks, abrasions,
and defects in the insulation.
5. Coil or hang the cord for storage. Do not use any other methods. Coiling or hanging is the
best way to avoid tight kinks, cuts, and scrapes that can damage insulation or
conductors.

• You should also test electrical cords regularly for ground continuity using a continuity tester as
follows:
1. Connect one lead of the tester to the ground prong at one end of the cord.
2. Connect the second lead to the ground wire hole at the other end of the cord.
3. If the tester lights up or beeps (depending on design), the cord's ground wire is okay. If
not, the cord is damaged and should not be used.
• Do not pull on cords - Always disconnect a cord by the plug.
• Use correct connectors - Use electrical plugs and receptacles
that are right for your current and voltage needs.
Connectors are designed for specific currents and voltages
so that only matching plugs and receptacles will fit together.
This safeguard prevents a piece of equipment, a cord, and a
power source with different voltage and current
requirements from being plugged together. Standard configurations for plugs and receptacles
have been established by the National Electric Manufacturers Association (NEMA).
Use and Maintain Tools Properly
Hand and power tools are a common part of our everyday lives and are
present in nearly every industry. These tools help us to easily perform
tasks that otherwise would be difficult or impossible. However, these
simple tools can be hazardous and have the potential for causing
severe injuries when used or maintained improperly. Special attention
toward hand and power tool safety is necessary in order to reduce or
eliminate these hazards.
Your tools are at the heart of your craft. Tools help you do your job
with a high degree of quality. Tools can do something else, too. They
can cause injury or even death! You must use the right tools for the
job. Proper maintenance of tools and other equipment is very
important. Inadequate maintenance can cause equipment to
deteriorate, creating dangerous conditions. You must take care of your
tools so they can help you and not hurt you.

• Inspect tools before using them - Check for cracked casings, dents, missing or broken parts, and
contamination (oil, moisture, dirt, corrosion). Damaged tools must be removed from service and
properly tagged. These tools should not be used until they are repaired and tested.
• Use the right tool correctly - Use tools correctly and for their intended purposes. Follow the
safety instructions and operating procedures recommended by the manufacturer. When working
on a circuit, use approved tools with insulated handles.
Note: DO NOT USE THESE TOOLS TO WORK ON ENERGIZED CIRCUITS. ALWAYS SHUT OFF AND DE-
ENERGIZE CIRCUITS BEFORE BEGINNING WORK ON THEM.
• Protect your tools - Keep tools and cords away from heat, oil, and sharp
objects. These hazards can damage insulation. If a tool or cord heats
up, stop using it! Report the condition to a supervisor or instructor
immediately. If equipment has been repaired, make sure that it has
been tested and certified as safe before using it. Never carry a tool by
the cord. Disconnect cords by pulling the plug-not the cord!
• Use double-insulated tools - Portable electrical tools are classified by
the number of insulation barriers between the electrical conductors in
the tool and the worker. The NEC permits the use of portable tools only
if they have been approved by Underwriter's Laboratories (UL Listed).
Equipment that has two insulation barriers and no exposed metal parts
is called double-insulated. When used properly, double-insulated tools
provide reliable shock protection without the need for a third ground wire. Power tools with
metal housings or only one layer of effective insulation must have a third ground wire and three-
prong plug.
• Use multiple safe practices - Remember: A circuit may not be wired correctly. Wires may contact
other "hot" circuits. Someone else may do something to place you in danger. Take all possible
precautions.
Case Study
An employee was climbing a metal ladder to hand an electrical drill to the journeyman installer
on a scaffold about 5 feet above him. When the victim reached the third rung of the ladder, he
received an electrical shock that killed him. An investigation showed the grounding prong was
missing from the extension cord attached to the drill. Also, the cord’s green grounding wire

was, at times, contacting the energized black wire. Because of this contact with the “hot” wire,
the entire length of the grounding wire and the drill’s frame became energized. The drill was
not double-insulated.
To avoid deadly incidents like this one, take these precautions:
• Make certain that approved GCFCis or equipment grounding systems are used at
construction sites.
• Use equipment that provides a permanent and continuous path to ground. Any fault
current will be safely diverted along this path.
• Inspect electrical tools and equipment daily and remove damaged or defective
equipment from use right away.

Wear Correct PPE
OSHA requires that you be provided with personal protective equipment.
This equipment must meet OSHA requirements and be appropriate for
the parts of the body that need protection and the work performed.
There are many types of PPE: rubber gloves, insulating shoes and boots,
face shields, safety glasses, hard hats, etc. Even if laws did not exist
requiring the use of PPE, there would still be every reason to use this equipment. PPE helps keep you
safe. It is the last line of defense between you and the hazard.
• Wear safety glasses - Wear safety glasses to avoid eye
injury.
• Wear proper clothing - Wear clothing that is neither floppy
nor too tight. Loose clothing will catch on corners and
rough surfaces. Clothing that binds is uncomfortable and
distracting.
• Contain and secure loose hair - Wear your hair in such a
way that it does not interfere with your work or safety.
• Wear proper foot protection - Wear shoes or boots that have been approved for electrical work.
(Tennis shoes will not protect you from electrical hazards.) If there are non-electrical hazards
present (nails on the floor, heavy objects, etc.), use footwear that is
approved to protect against these hazards as well.
• Wear a hard hat - Wear the proper class of hard hat to protect your
head from bumps, falling objects and electrical hazards. Hard hats
should be worn with the bill forward to protect you properly.
• Wear hearing protectors - Wear hearing protectors in noisy areas to
prevent hearing loss.
• Follow directions - Follow the manufacturer's directions for cleaning
and maintaining PPE.
• Make an effort - Search out and use any and all equipment that will
protect you from shocks and other injuries.

Module 9 Quiz
1. This practice allows you to coordinate your work and take advantage of what others know about
identifying and controlling hazards.
a. pre-plan your work
b. read the manual
c. plan with others
d. ask for help
2. The electrical circuits that you will be working on, even low-voltage circuits, must be turned off.
a. true
b. false
3. Which of the following should be done before beginning work on electrical circuits?
a. remove jewelry
b. re-energize the circuit
c. test circuit paths
d. replace guards
4. When performing work, you should be at least ______ away from high-voltage transmission lines.
a. 5 feet (1.5 meters)
b. 8 feet (2.4 meters)
c. 10 feet (3.05 meters)
d. 15 feet (4.6 meters)
5. Double-insulated equipment must meet which of the following two criteria?
a. two insulation barriers, no exposed parts
b. two safety switches, guarded parts
c. no insulation barriers, two exposed parts
d. no exposed parts or insulation barriers

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