Common Hazards
There are common hazards that exist in the Electrical and Electronics Industry. It is important to learn about these hazards and how to work safely in these environments.
Within this industry you may be involved in a range of work activities such as using measuring instruments, soldering, using hand, power and specialist tools, and constructing circuits.
The 3 Step Approach to Hazard Identification:
Only licensed electrical workers can legally perform electrical work. This includes new electrical installations and alterations, and repairs to existing installations. You should not undertake these tasks unless you hold an electrical workers licence
- 1. Spot the Hazard.
Be alert at work! Notice potential hazards and work out what the
problem is.
- 2. Assess the Risk
Talk to your supervisor about the hazard and work out a way to solve the
problem.
- 3. Make the Changes
Follow through. Carry out the agreed actions in order to solve the
problem.
Electrical Hazards
It is important that every electrical worker works in a safe manner, not only for his or her safety but also the safety of others.
Working safely includes the work procedure, the type of tools used and the type of clothing worn
Electric shock occurs when a person becomes part of an electrical circuit and the current flows through their body.
A fatal shock is called electrocution.
The most common cause of electrocution in the workplace is contact with overhead wires. This is because people can misjudge heights and distances between the ground and overhead wires when carrying equipment like poles and ladders or operating equipment with height extension such as cranes.
Accidents and deaths can also result from equipment becoming "live" due to electrical faults, lack of maintenance or short circuit.
Electrical accidents are most often caused by as combination of factors such as:
- A lack of training.
- A lack of supervision.
- Inadequate work practices.
- Poorly maintained equipment or installation.
- A hazardous workplace environment.
General Safety Precautions
- Keep your appliances in safe working order through inspection and preventative maintenance programs.
- Disconnect broken appliances and have frayed cords or broken power points replaced.
- Even after a piece of electrical equipment, appliance or machine has been disconnected from the power source it may still partially operate. This is because of stored energy within the equipment. After disconnecting the power source activate the machine or appliance to release stored energy.
- Always switch off appliances at the power point before you pull out the plug.
- Keep electrical cords off the floor to reduce the risk of damage from drag or contact with sharp objects. A damaged electrical cord can cause a fatal electric shock.
- Know the location of main electricity supply.
- Check the location of overhead wires and stand clear of any fallen power lines.
- Use your appliances correctly. Read the instruction booklet and follow all instructions.
- Electricity and water don't mix. Bare feet and wet skin lower the body's electrical resistance. Keep electrical appliances away from water and wet areas.
Apprentices and Trainees must be supervised at all times by a qualified electrical worker
- Don't overload circuits and fuses by using too many appliances from the one power point. Don't use double adaptors or "piggy back" plugs. Use a power board with individual power switches.
- Only licensed electrical workers can be legally contracted to perform electrical work. This includes new electrical installations and alterations and repairs to existing installations. An unqualified person should not be employed to undertake electrical work.
Isolation and tagging procedures cover basic safety principles and isolation requirements to protect personnel and equipment.
It is a requirement that before any repairs or alterations are commenced the electrical circuits or equipment to be worked on be entirely disconnected from the electricity supply, unless other adequate precautions are taken to prevent electric shock.
Only licensed electrical workers can be legally contracted to perform electrical work
Before starting work:
- Switch off.
- Isolate circuits.
- Fix appropriate tags.
- Test that the electricity supply is isolated .
- Always test your test instruments.
RED
and BLACK "DANGER" tags are used to warn workers about hazards associated with equipment and machinery maintenance.
A "DANGER" tag on an item of equipment is a warning to all persons that the equipment is being worked on and must not be operated as lives may be placed in danger.
A circuit must not be energised while a "DANGER" tag is attached.
"DANGER" tags are for everyone's safety and must be:
- Fixed and removed by the person signing the tag.
- Placed at common isolation points.
- Replaced at the end of the shift or removed upon completion of the work.
NOTE:All persons involved in the work being carried out must fit their own danger tag.
Yellow and Black "OUT OF SERVICE" tags are used to prevent accidents or damage to machinery that is out of service for repairs.
This tag is a notice to all persons to identify appliances or equipment that are out of service for repairs and alterations.
While an ""OUT OF SERVICE" tag is affixed the appliance or equipment that is out of service for repairs shall not be operated.
"OUT OF SERVICE" tags are for the isolation and protection of equipment and must be:
- Fixed and removed by authorised persons.
- Placed at common isolation points of the equipment warning that it is unsafe or not to be operated.
Any faulty equipment should be tagged so that it cannot be used until it is replaced or repaired
The safe work procedures for the removal of "DANGER" and "OUT OF SERVICE" tags
Generally, a worker should not work alone with machinery unless it has "deadman" switches. This is a type of switch often used on electrical vehicles. It is designed so that if the driver releases his/her pressure on the switch handle or pedal owing to sudden illness or other causes the current is cut off and the machine ceases to operate.
If a worker must work alone the machine's controls should be clearly marked in such a way that another person who may not be familiar with the machine would be able to turn it off in the case of an emergency.
This is one way of preventing machinery or electrical current becoming operational during maintenance. A lock is attached to the machine switch so that it cannot be turned on.
The person working with the machine should hold the only key to the lock. A lock must only be removed by the person who attached it to the equipment or machinery. Procedures must be put in place for the removal of the lock should the person not be available, for example, if there has been a change of shift workers.
Carrying Out Electrical Work
Before You Start Work:
- Plan and discuss the job.
- Take care and think about what is to be done.
- Confirm permission to isolate (use a permit system if relevant)
- Isolate the electrical equipment or circuit.
- Fit a "DANGER - DO NOT OPERATE" tag.
- Erect safety barriers when required.
- Use the correct earthing equipment.
- Avoid working on live equipment whenever possible.
- Cover and insulate adjacent live apparatus.
- Test before starting work.
- Check Test Instruments before and after use.
- Start work only when authorised to do so.
- If in doubt ask your supervisor.
When Working:
- Use safety observers when required.
- Never rely on your memory.
- Connect the earth and neutral conductors first.
- Check the isolation points before resuming work after a break.
Tools:
- Use approved safety belts.
- Regularly check and clean the tools that you use.
- Use non-conducting tape measures.
On Completion of Work:
- Check that no tools are left on or in the job.
- Remove your own earthing equipment.
- Check that the work is complete and the equipment can be energised.
- Relinquish (put aside) your work permit if relevant.
- Remove "DANGER - DO NOT OPERATE" tags.
- Energise supply.
- Remove and store all safety barriers.
Safety Practice:
- Know the electric shock and resuscitation procedure.
- Keep a first aid kit handy.
- Check the first aid kit contents regularly.
- Know where the fire extinguishers are located and how to operate them correctly.
- Know the correct type of fire extinguisher for the various types of fire.
- Keep your workplace clean and tidy.
- Report all electrical accidents.
Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing
Every electrical worker should ensure that they always use approved safety equipment in the workplace.
NOTE:
When purchasing protective equipment and clothing, ensure that it complies with the relevant Australian Standard.
Clothing
- Ideally, clothing should cover the body completely .
- Be of cotton material.
- Have non-conductive and concealed buttons.
- Should have sleeves at wrist length and trouser legs which reach to the footwear.
Clothing provides protection from:
- Electric arcing and flash burns.
- Flying objects.
- Electric shock.
Safety Helmets
All safety helmets and caps should be non-conductive, Safety Helmets provide protection from:
- Overhead wires and structures.
- Falling objects.
Safety Glasses
Safety glasses provide protection from:
- Electrical arcing.
- Flying objects.
Hearing Protection
Hearing protection provides protection from:
- Excessive noise from electric power tools you are operating.
- Excessive noise from electric power tools and machinery being operated in and around your work area by other workers.
Insulating Gloves
Special gloves should be worn when accidental contact with live conductors is possible, but they must never be the sole means of insulation.
When using gloves the following should be noted:
- Rated gloves are designed for live work. These gloves are rated according to the level of voltage they are able to insulate against.
- Non rated gloves are for mechanical protection only.
- All gloves are to be inspected before each use.
- Rated gloves are to be tested regularly to determine their effectiveness.
- Insulating gloves provide protection from electric shock.
Safety Footwear
Safety footwear should be non-conductive, Safety footwear provides protection from:
- Electric shock.
- Falling objects.
Insulating Mats
Insulating mats should be used when working on live conductors or where accidental contact is possible.
They must never be the sole means of insulation.