Electrical Safety

Question 1

What is the purpose of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989?

Answer 1

Provides technical and legal guidance to duty holders,
particularly engineers (including those involved in the design, construction, operation or maintenance of electrical systems), technicians and their managers.

Question 2

State three locations where information regarding Electrical Safety can be found?

Answer 2

Risk Assessments
Signs
JSP 375
HSE Website
User Manuals

Question 3

State three hazards associated with Electrical Sources?

Answer 3

Electric Shock
RF Burns
Arcing
Electrical Fires
Explosive Environments

Question 4

Name three effects associated with Electrical Shock?

Answer 4

muscular contractions
respiratory failure
fibrillation of the heart
cardiac arrest
injury from internal burns

Question 5

State the actions to be taken in the event of an Electrical Shock?

Answer 5

Isolate the power

Call for assistance

If hazard cannot be isolated, remove victim from
danger using non-conductive material

If unconscious, check Airway, Breathing, Circulation

If not breathing, carry out CPR

If not breathing normally, monitor and await ambulance

If breathing normally, place in recovery position and
await ambulance

Question 6

State the visual checks that are to be conducted on Electrical Equipment/Systems?

Answer 6

Damaged, poorly maintained or poorly installed plugs or cables
Correct connectors used to join cables
Incorrect use of extension leads
Signs of scorching or burn marks
Loose wires or damaged insulation
Damaged equipment casing 
Correct Marking (in date test labels)

Question 7

What are the Employees responsibilities with regards to Electrical Safety?

Answer 7

All personnel should comply with all, information, instructions and training provided by managers, local procedures and with manufacturers safety instructions for the safe use of electrical equipment/systems

Personnel should also carry out visual checks
Personnel should not modify or use modified electrical equipment

Question 8

State three precautions that could be adopted to ensure Electrical Safety?

Answer 8

Competence
Ensure power is isolated and remains isolated
Assess Risks
Select suitable work equipment
Pre use checks of equipment
Awareness of environment (overhead power, etc)
Supervision
Lower voltages where possible (110v or battery powered tools)
Check before drilling into walls or digging
Don’t take risks