Write a toolbox talk on temporary electrical hazards

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# What should I do if I think I am too close to overhead power lines? Do not work close to power lines. Recommended distances vary by jurisdiction and/or utility companies. Check with both your jurisdiction and electrical utility company when working, driving, parking, or storing materials closer than 15 m (49 feet) to overhead power lines. - If you must be close to power lines, you must first call your electrical utility company which will assist you. - If your vehicle comes into contact with a power line: - DO NOT get out of your vehicle. - Call 911 and your local utility service for help. - Wait for the electrical utility to come and they will tell you when it is safe to get out of your vehicle. - Never try to rescue another person if you are not trained to do so. - If you must leave the vehicle (e.g., your vehicle catches on fire), open the car door and prepare to jump by placing your feet on the door frame. Keep your arms close to your body. Jump with your feet together. Never touch the vehicle or equipment and the ground at the same time. - Move away by shuffling your feet. - Shuffle at least 10 metres away from your vehicle before you take a normal step. - Do not enter an electrical power substation or other marked areas. ## What are some general safety tips for working with or near electricity? - Inspect portable cord-and-plug connected equipment, extension cords, power bars, charging stations, and electrical fittings for damage or wear before each use. Repair or replace damaged equipment immediately. - Always tape extension cords to walls or floors when necessary. Do not use nails and staples as they can damage the cords and cause fire and shocks. - Use extension cords or equipment that is rated for the level of amperage or wattage that you are using. - Always use the correct size fuse. Replacing a fuse with one of a larger size can cause excessive currents in the wiring and possibly start a fire. Electrical Safety - Basic I…

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# What precautions should I take to prevent an electrical shock? (cont.) - Turn off the welding transformer during breaks or when not in use. Detach the remaining welding electrode on the electrode holder before leaving the welding area. - Do not hold or move the welding electrode holder and the welding return cable simultaneously when moving from one working position to another if the power source to the welding equipment has not been cut. ## What should I do in case of electric shock? - Call for medical help immediately. - DO NOT touch the victim with your "bare hands" until he or she is away from the live electrical source. - Turn off the power at the fuse box or circuit breaker panel if an appliance or electrical equipment is the electrical source or, if you can do it safely, turn off the appliance or electrical equipment and unplug it. Just turning off the equipment is not sufficient. - If the electricity cannot be turned off and the victim is still in contact with the electrical source, decide if you must move the victim or push the wire away from the victim (call for emergency help if the wire is a high-voltage power line). - If you must move a victim away from a live contact, you should insulate yourself. Wear dry gloves or cover your hands with a cloth and stand on dry insulating material like cardboard, wood, or clothes. Ensure you have good footing and will not slip or fall when trying to move the victim. - Use a dry piece of wood, broom or other dry, insulating object or material to move the wire or power source away from the victim or push the victim off the live electrical source. - Do not move the victim if there is a possibility of neck or spinal injuries (from a fall, for example) unless it is absolutely necessary. - Give artificial respiration if the victim is not breathing. - Give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the victim's heart has stopped (only if you are trained in CPR). - Cover burns with a sterile dressing. There may b…

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# Electrical Safety - Basic Information (cont.) ## What do I need to know about electricity? (cont.) Note: Static electricity is the accumulation of charge on surfaces as a result of contact and friction with another surface. This contact/friction causes an accumulation of electrons on one surface and a deficiency of electrons on the other surface. The OSH Answers document on How Do I Work Safely - Static Electricity. has more information. Electric current cannot exist without an unbroken path to and from the conductor. Electricity will form a "path" or "loop". When you plug in a device (e.g., a power tool), the electricity takes the easiest path from the plug-in to the tool and back to the power source. This action is also known as creating or completing an electrical circuit. ## What kinds of injuries result from electrical currents? People are injured when they become part of the electrical circuit. Humans are more conductive than the earth (the ground we stand on) which means if there is no other easy path, electricity will try to flow through our bodies. There are four main types of injuries: electrocution (fatal), electric shock, burns, and secondary injuries (e.g., from a fall). These injuries can happen in various ways: - Direct contact with exposed energized conductors or circuit parts. When electrical current travels through our bodies, it can interfere with the normal electrical signals between the brain and our muscles (e.g., the heart may stop beating properly, breathing may stop, or muscles may spasm). It can also cause burns to internal tissues along the path of the electric current while passing through the body. Burns to external tissues at the entry and exit points of the current can also occur. - When the electricity arcs (jumps, or "arcs") from an exposed energized conductor or circuit part (e.g., overhead power lines) through a gas (such as air) to a person who is grounded (that would provide an alternative route to the ground for the el…

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# What should I do if I think I am too close to overhead power lines? (cont.) ## What are some tips for working with power cords and extension cords? (cont.) A Class A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) works by detecting any loss of electrical current in a circuit (e.g., it will trip at a maximum of 6mA). When a loss is detected, the GFCI turns the electricity off before severe injuries or electrocution can occur. A painful non-fatal shock may occur during the time that it takes for the GFCI to cut off the electricity so it is important to use the GFCI as an extra protective measure rather than a replacement for safe work practices. GFCI wall outlets can be installed in place of standard outlets to protect against electrocution for just that outlet, or a series of outlets in the same branch circuit. A GFCI Circuit Breaker can be installed on some circuit breaker electrical panels to protect an entire branch circuit. Portable in-line plug-in GFCIs can be plugged into wall outlets where appliances will be used. ## When and how do I test the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)? It is important that you follow the manufacturer's instructions with respect to the use of a GFCI. Test permanently wired GFCIs monthly, and portable devices before each use. Use a GFCI tester. You may also test by pressing the "test" and "reset" buttons. Plug a "night light" or lamp into the GFCI-protected wall outlet (the light should turn on), then press the "TEST" button on the GFCI. If the GFCI is working properly, the light should go out. If not, have the GFCI repaired or replaced. Press the "RESET" button on the GFCI to restore power. Contact a qualified electrician if you are unsure or to correct any wiring errors. ## What is a sample checklist for basic electrical safety? ## Inspect Cords and Plugs - Check extension cords and plugs daily. Do not use, and discard cords and plugs if they are worn or damaged. - Have any extension cord that feels more than comfortably w…

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# ONTARIO REGULATION 213/91 CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS (cont.) ## ELECTRICAL HAZARDS (cont.) 3. The employer has determined from the maintenance record that the work on the equipment, installation or conductor can be performed safely without disconnecting it. 4. Before beginning the work, the worker has verified that paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 have been complied with. O. Reg. 627/05, S. 7. 192. All tools, devices and equipment, including personal protective equipment, that are used for working on or near energized exposed parts of electrical equipment, installations or conductors shall be designed, tested, maintained and used so as to provide adequate protection to workers. O. Reg. 627/05, S. 7. 193. (1) A worker who may be exposed to the hazard of electrical shock or burn while performing work shall use rubber gloves, (a) that are adequate to protect him or her against electrical shock and burn; (b) that have been tested and certified in accordance with subsection (2), if applicable; and (c) that have been air tested and visually inspected for damage and adequacy immediately before each use. O. Reg. 627/05, S. 7. (2) Rubber gloves rated for use with voltages above 5,000 volts AC shall be tested and certified to ensure that they can withstand the voltages for which they are rated, (a) at least once every three months, if they are in service; (b) at least once every six months, if they are not in service. O. Reg. 627/05, S. 7. (3) Rubber gloves shall be worn with adequate leather protectors and shall not be worn inside out. O. Reg. 627/05, S. 7. (4) Leather protectors shall be visually inspected for damage and adequacy immediately before each use. O. Reg. 627/05, S. 7. (5) Rubber gloves or leather protectors that are damaged or not adequate to protect workers from electrical shock and burn shall not be used. O. Reg. 627/05, S. 7. (6) Workers shall be trained in the proper use, care and storage of rubber gloves and leather protectors. O. Reg. 627/05, S. …

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# 1910.335 SAFEGUARDS FOR PERSONNEL PROTECTION 1910.335(a) Use of protective equipment. 1910.335(a)(1) Personal protective equipment. 1910.335(a)(1)(i) Employees working in areas where there are potential electrical hazards shall be provided with, and shall use, electrical protective equipment that is appropriate for the specific parts of the body to be protected and for the work to be performed. Note: Personal protective equipment requirements are contained in subpart I of this part. 1910.335(a)(1)(ii) Protective equipment shall be maintained in a safe, reliable condition and shall be periodically inspected or tested, as required by 1910.137. 1910.335(a)(1)(iii) If the insulating capability of protective equipment may be subject to damage during use, the insulating material shall be protected. (For example, an outer covering of leather is sometimes used for the protection of rubber insulating material.) 1910.335(a)(1)(iv) Employees shall wear nonconductive head protection wherever there is a danger of head injury from electric shock or burns due to contact with exposed energized parts. 1910.335(a)(1)(v) Employees shall wear protective equipment for the eyes or face wherever there is danger of injury to the eyes or face from electric arcs or flashes or from flying objects resulting from electrical explosion. ## 1910.335(a)(2) General protective equipment and tools. - 1910.335(a)(2)(i) When working near exposed energized conductors or circuit parts, each employee shall use insulated tools or handling equipment if the tools or handling equipment might make contact with such conductors or parts. If the insulating capability of insulated tools or handling equipment is subject to damage, the insulating material shall be protected. 1910.335(a)(2)(i)(A) Fuse handling equipment, insulated for the circuit voltage, shall be used to remove or install fuses when the fuse terminals are energized. 1910.335(a)(2)(i)(B) Ropes and handlines used near exposed energized parts sha…

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# What should I do if I think I am too close to overhead power lines? (cont.) ## What are some tips for working with power tools? (cont.) - Before use, test all tools for effective grounding with a continuity tester or a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). - Do not bypass the on/off switch and operate the tools by connecting and disconnecting the power cord. - Do not use electrical equipment in wet conditions or damp locations unless the equipment is connected to a GFCI. - Do not clean tools with flammable or toxic solvents. - Do not operate tools in an area containing explosive vapours or gases, unless they are intrinsically safe and only if you follow the manufacturer's guidelines. - If a power tool is battery-operated, make sure it is charged safely. Please also see our OSH Answers fact sheets on powered hand tools - electric tools, and welding - electrical safety.. ## What are some tips for working with power cords and extension cords? - Keep power cords and extension cords clear of tools during use. - Confirm that the length and gauge of the extension cord are appropriate for the work, and make sure the cords are straight and not twisted or rolled up before use. - Suspend extension cords temporarily during use over aisles or work areas, or keep them protected and secured down to eliminate tripping hazards. - Replace open front plugs with dead front plugs. Dead front plugs are sealed and present less danger of shock or short circuit. - Do not use light-duty extension cords in a non-residential situation. - Do not carry or lift up electrical equipment by the power cord. - Do not tie cords in tight knots. Knots can cause short circuits and shocks. Loop the cords or use a twist lock plug. - Do not use extension cords as permanent wiring, and make sure they are not overloaded and only used for low-voltage equipment. What is a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)? Electrical Safety - Basic Information CCOHS

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CCOHSOCCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Safety Hazards # Electrical Safety - Basic Information ## On this page <table><tr><th>Why is it so important to work safely.</th><th>What are some tips for working with</th></tr><tr><td>with or near electricity?</td><td>power tools?</td></tr><tr><td>What do I need to know about</td><td>What are some tips for working with</td></tr><tr><td>electricity?</td><td>power cords and extension cords?</td></tr><tr><td>What kinds of injuries result from</td><td>What is a Ground Fault Circuit</td></tr><tr><td>electrical currents?</td><td>Interrupter (GFCI)?</td></tr><tr><td>What should I do if I think I am too</td><td>When and how do I test the Ground</td></tr><tr><td>close to overhead power lines?</td><td>Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)?</td></tr><tr><td>What are some general safety tips for</td><td>What is a sample checklist for basic</td></tr><tr><td>working with or near electricity?</td><td>electrical safety?</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>What are the laws for electrical safety?</td></tr></table> ## Why is it so important to work safely with or near electricity? The voltage of the electricity and the available electrical current in regular businesses and homes have enough power to cause death by electrocution. Even changing a light bulb without unplugging the lamp can be hazardous because coming in contact with the "hot," "energized," or "live" part of the socket could kill a person. ## What do I need to know about electricity? All electrical systems have the potential to cause harm. Electricity can be either "static" or "dynamic." Dynamic electricity is the uniform motion of electrons through a conductor (this is known as electric current). Conductors are materials that allow the movement of electricity through them. Most metals are conductors. The human body is also a conductor. This document is about dynamic electricity. Electrical Safety - Basic Infor…