Electrical Hazards Flashcards
What are the sources of electrical energy in the workplace?
Sources include:
-small batteries,
-power distribution systems at Extra Low Voltage,
-Low Voltage,
-High Voltage,
-static electricity, and -lighting.
What factors affect the behavior of electrical energy?
Variations in voltage, current, and frequency.
What are common dangers associated with electricity?
Dangers include electrical burns, electrical shock, and electrocution.
What increases susceptibility to electric shock?
Good electrical contact with earth, especially in damp/wet conditions or conducting locations.
What can result from electrical accidents?
-Fatal electric shock,
-serious injury, or
-major fire affecting the premises.
What are common causes of electrical accidents?
- Working on equipment thought to be dead but is live.
- Working on live equipment without adequate training or supervision.
- Using inappropriate equipment and taking unnecessary risks.
What percentage of fires are started by electrical faults or misuse?
A significant percentage.
What can cause fires related to electrical equipment?
- Overheating due to overloading.
- Failure of electrical equipment.
- Leakage of current due to poor insulation.
- Overheating of materials near equipment.
- Ignition of materials caused by arcing or sparking.
What should all personnel comply with regarding electrical safety?
All personnel should comply with all information, instruction, and training provided for the safe use of electrical equipment and systems.
What should personnel do before using electrical equipment?
They should perform pre-use checks ensuring that any suspected electrical faults are reported to their supervisor.
What should be done with faulty equipment?
The faulty equipment should be taken out of service until it has been examined by a competent person and passed inspection/testing.
Where should portable electrical equipment be plugged in?
Portable electrical equipment should be plugged into the nearest suitable socket to avoid over stretching of the equipment’s cable.
What should be done in case of an emergency with portable equipment?
It should be easily disconnected from the power supply.
What should not be done to sockets?
Sockets should not be overloaded.
When can an extension lead be used?
An extension lead of appropriate length may be used but only for temporary operations.
What inspection regime applies to extension leads?
Extension leads should be subject to the same inspection regime as applied to portable electrical equipment.
What should personnel not do regarding electrical safety devices?
Under no circumstances should personnel change, modify, or bypass safety related devices (e.g. fuses, circuit breakers, or Residual Current Devices).
What is the purpose of safety related devices?
They are there to reduce the risk of harm to the user and/or protect the electrical system from overloading.
What should portable equipment used outdoors be plugged into?
It should always be plugged into a residual current device protected socket.
What should personnel not do with modified electrical equipment?
Personnel should not modify, or use modified electrical equipment provided for use at work unless the modification has been authorised and carried out and tested by a competent person.
What do electrical equipment inspections include?
Electrical equipment inspections are carried out at specified time intervals and include User Visual Checks (pre-use examination) and Formal Visual Checks.
