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Home Safety

Make electrical safety awareness a habit to protect you and your family from electrical hazards.

Statistics 8 Ways to Protect Your Family from Electrical Hazards Outdoor Safety Home Electrical Systems Circuit Breakers and Fuses AFCIs GFCIs Plugs Extension Cords, Power Cords and Power Strips Electrical Appliances Electrical Safety for Kids and Pets

If you have additional questions or wish to obtain a copy of the Indoor and Outdoor Electrical Safety Check booklets, see the contact information at the bottom of this page.

What are Recent Statistics on Residential Electrical Deaths and Injuries?

The latest figures from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) indicate that there are over 400 electrocutions in the United States annually.

Approximately 180 electrocutions are related to consumer products.

Large appliances were responsible for 10 percent of consumer product electrocutions.

Wiring hazardsâ€”including damaged and exposed wiring and household wiring together accounted for 20 percent of the electrocutions.

Ladders contacting power lines cause 9 percent of electrocutions annually.

Power tools are responsible for approximately 9 percent of electrically related deaths. Landscaping, gardening and farming equipment are listed as the causes of 7 percent of consumer electrocutions annually.

But that is only part of the story. According to statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are over 30,000 home fires annually associated with electrical distribution systems (wiring), resulting in over 200 deaths, nearly 1,000 injuries and over $600 million in property damage. These fires are caused by faulty electrical distribution systems, While these numbers are lower than that from previous studies, continued awareness of electrical hazards, combined with product improvements are necessary to continue this trend.

ESFI, along with our sponsors, is dedicated to continuing to increase electrical safety awareness at home and in the workplace.

Do You Know 8 Ways to Protect Your Family from Electrical Hazards?

Electrical systems age and can become overloaded, particularly in older homes. Over the years as more lighting, appliances and equipment are added, the electrical system becomes overburdened and problems can develop. If fuses blow or circuit breakers protecting branch circuits trip frequently, new branch circuits or other repairs may be necessary. Depending on the condition of the equipment and the extent of the repairs, the cost may be nominal or could run into several thousand dollars. A qualified licensed electrician can determine if repairs are necessary and can estimate the cost.
Consider installation of arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), which detect arcs in electrical systems, a leading cause of electrical fires.
Consider installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), which can protect from lethal electrical currents.
Always follow appropriate safety precautions and manufacturer's instructions. If you have a question about a specific electrical product, contact the manufacturer. Many electrical manufacturers have web sites, including contact information.
Check outlets and extension cords to make sure they aren't overloaded.
Examine electrical cords to make sure they aren't frayed, damaged or placed under rugs or carpets.
Make sure that the proper wattage light bulbs are being used in light fixtures and lamps.
One of the most important precautions consumers can take is to test GFCIs and smoke detectors monthly. Replace smoke detector batteries annually.

OUTDOOR SAFETY

What precautions can reduce outdoor electrical hazards?

Watch out for overhead wires and power lines, especially when using ladders or tree trimming equipment.

Electric-powered mowers and other tools should not be used in the rain, on wet grass, or in wet conditions. Inspect power tools and electric lawn mowers before each use for frayed power cords, broken plugs, and cracked or broken housings. If damaged, stop using it immediately. Repair it or replace it.

Be sure you have ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection on all outdoor outlets; portable GFCIs are available from most hardware and home improvement stores.

Always use an extension cord marked for outdoor use and rated for the power needs of your tools.

Remember to unplug all portable power tools when not in use.

HOME ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

What Do I need to know about home electrical systems?

Home electrical systems age and deteriorate. As they age, they require more frequent inspections and maintenance. Aging of electrical systems, combined with increased loads to meet today's electrical needs can pose electrical hazards.

ESFI and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommend electrical inspections for the following:

Houses over 40 years old,
Houses 10 years and over with any major renovation or major appliance added, and
Homes at the time of resale to provide consumers with a greater awareness of the condition of the electrical system, including capacity, limitations, potential hazards and safety solutions.

An electrical inspection differs from a home inspection. Electrical inspections cover only the electrical system. Your local city, county or state should have an electrical inspector's office, or you can contact a licensed electrician for an inspection.

Inspections help identify problems such as frequently blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers, loose connections at outlets, older and deteriorated wiring, and outdated and overburdened electrical service. Repairs may be minor and nominal in cost, such as the cleaning and tightening of connections or the addition of outlets, or may be more complex and costly, and include the addition of circuits and subpanels, replacement of degraded wiring, or, particularly with older homes, upgrading the electrical service from 60 amp or 100 amp service. A licensed electrician can determine if repairs or upgrades are necessary, provide cost estimates, and work with consumers to prioritize projects.

CIRCUIT BREAKERS and FUSES

If an appliance continues to blow a fuse or trip a circuit breakers, what should I do?

Appliances that repeatedly blow fuses or trip circuit breakers should be unplugged and repaired or replaced. In addition, appliances that shock you should also be unplugged and repaired or replaced.

Are there any benefits to using circuit breakers instead of fuses?

The main difference between circuit breakers and fuses is that circuit breakers can be reset while fuses operate only once and then must be replaced. If your breakers or fuses trip repeatedly, call an electrician because you may have a problem with your electrical system.

AFCIs

What is an AFCI?

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters are electrical safety devices designed to prevent fires caused by dangerous electrical arcs. Arc faults are one of the major causes of the residential electrical fires that occur each year.

Use of new AFCI technology could prevent 50 to 75 percent of these fires, saving hundreds of lives, reducing thousands of injuries, and avoiding the $1.6 billion property damage caused by electrical fires annually.

Arc faults do not necessarily create a sustained short circuit that causes a traditional circuit breaker to trip or a fuse to blow, but can result in hot spots in wiring that can lead to a fire. AFCIs recognize the unique signature of harmful arcs and shut off the circuit to prevent a fire hazard.

Arcs can occur along the circuit in residential electrical systems and at outlets and switches, behind walls. Hidden electrical fires can spread rapidly, delaying detection by smoke alarms, reducing the chances of survival. Conditions that trigger arc faults include:

Damaged wires from nails driven into walls;
Cracked insulation on wires due to aging or stress;
Frayed wires at stress points;
Loose or improper connections, faulty electrical equipment; and
Overheated electrical wires.

ESFI recommends having AFCIs installed on all general purpose circuits throughout the home, particularly in older homes where arcing hazards could have developed over several years.

GFCIs

What is a GFCI?

A ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI, is an electronic device for protecting people from serious injury due to electric shock.

How does the GFCI work?

GFCIs constantly monitor electricity flowing in a circuit. If the electricity flowing into the circuit differs by even a slight amount from that returning, the GFCI will quickly shut off the current flowing through that circuit. The advantage of using GFCIs is that they can detect even small variations in the amount of leakage current, even amounts too small to activate a fuse or circuit breaker. GFCIs work quickly, so they can help protect consumers from severe electric shocks and electrocution.

If the GFCI is working, is there any danger of electric shock?

Even if the GFCI is working properly, people can still be shocked. However, the GFCI can act quickly to prevent electrocution.

Do all GFCIs work in the same manner?

All GFCIs work in the same manner to protect people against ground faults. However, unlike the receptacle GFCI, the circuit breaker type GFCI also provides overload protection for the electrical branch circuit.

If the appliance has a built-in shock protector, is an additional GFCI necessary?

Appliances that have built-in shock protectors, as now required for hair dryers, may not need additional GFCI protection. However, other unprotected appliances still need GFCI protection.

Can consumers install GFCIs?

Consumers are encouraged to use a qualified and certified electrician to install circuit breaker-type GFCIs. Individuals with strong knowledge of electrical wiring practices, who can follow the instructions accompanying the device, may be able to install receptacle-type GFCIs. The portable GFCI requires no special knowledge or equipment to install.

What is the big plug now found on such appliances as hair dryers?

The large box-like device found on the ends of some appliance cords can be either an appliance leakage circuit interrupter (ALCI), an immersion detection circuit interrupter (IDCI) or a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). They work in different ways, but they are all intended to shut off the power to an appliance under an abnormal condition such as immersion of the appliance in liquid. Just because you have an appliance with one of these devices doesn't mean that it is okay to drop the appliance in water and retrieve it while it's plugged in. If you should happen to drop an electrical appliance in water, shut off power to the circuit into which the appliance is plugged, unplug the appliance, drain the water and retrieve the appliance. The rule that "electricity and water don't mix" still applies.

PLUGS

How does a three-prong plug work? What's the benefit of using it?

The third prong on a three-prong cord set provides a path to ground for electricity that is straying or leaking from a product. This helps prevent electric shock and protects the equipment.

If the product has a three-prong grounding type plug, is a GFCI still necessary?

GFCIs are necessary even if the product has a third wire to ground it. GFCIs provide very sensitive protection to consumers against electric shock hazards. Under some conditions, a shock hazard could still exist even if a product has a grounding wire.

How does a polarized plug work? What's the benefit of using it?

A polarized plug is a plug with one large or wide prong and one narrow one. It ensures that the plug is inserted correctly in a socket and reduces the risk of electrical shock.

What can I teach children about electrical outlets?

First, never let anyone stick anything but a plug into an outlet.
Second, for children old enough to plug items into an outlet, they should know to never try to force a plug into an outlet if it doesn't fit.
When plugging or unplugging an item, be careful to not touch the metallic prongs with your finger or any other item you are holding.
Last, make sure unused outlets have safety covers and make sure extension cords have safety closures to prevent shock hazards.

EXTENSION and POWER CORDS

What size extension cords should a consumer use? How can you tell if an extension cord is appropriate for the intended use?

Before purchasing an extension cord, consumers should consider how the cord will be used. Make sure the rating on the cord is the same as or higher than the number of watts needed by the product that will be plugged into the cord. Extension cords should never be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.

What should I do with cracked, frayed or damaged electrical cords?

Have cracked, frayed and damaged cords and appliances repaired at certified repair centers, or clearly label them as â€œdamaged and electrically unsafe,â€ and discard them. We recommend cutting the cord to make sure â€œscavengersâ€ don't find the item and take the hazard with them.

Is it ok to run power cords under rugs or furniture?

Never run power cords across traffic paths or under rugs and furniture. Cords need ventilation to prevent heat buildup, which could cause a fire.

Can I nail a cord to a wall?

Never tack or nail an electrical cord to any surface.

How long can I use extension cords?

Never use extension cords on a continuous basis. Remember that they are only temporary solutions. Unplug and safely store them after every use.

Can I get more power from an outlet when I use a power strip?

No, they do not provide more power, but do provide more access to the same circuit. It is important to remember to not overload power strips and surge suppressors, or you might overload the circuit.

What should I know about electrical appliances?

Make sure your appliances are all certified by an independent testing laboratory such as UL, CSA, ETL, or MET Labs, and read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Entertainment/Computer Equipment

Check to see that the equipment is in good condition and working properly. Look for cracks or damage in wiring, plugs, and connectors. Use a surge protector bearing the seal of an independent testing laboratory such as UL, CSA, ETL or MET labs.

Space Heaters

Space heaters supply extra heat. Don't use space heaters in rooms where children are unsupervised. Turn space heaters off, and unplug them when not in use. Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from any combustible material such as bedding, clothing, draperies, furniture and rugs. Plug space heaters directly into the outlet; do not use an extension cord, which can pose a fire hazard. Use a circuit with as little else on it as possible; space heaters can take a lot of power.

Halogen Floor Lamps

Halogen desk and floor lamps are fire risks. They should be replaced with lamps that use cooler burning and more efficient fluorescent bulbs.

Halogen floor lamps operate at much higher temperatures than a standard incandescent light bulb. Never place a halogen floor lamp where it could come in contact with draperies, clothing or other combustible materials. Be sure to turn the lamp off whenever you leave the room for an extended period of time and never use torchiere lamps in children's bedrooms or playrooms. Floor lamps that use cooler, more energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs are available.

Electrical Storms and Appliances

During an electrical storm, do not use appliances (i.e. hairdryers, toasters, radios) or telephones (except in an emergency). Do not take a bath or shower. Keep batteries on hand for flashlights and radios in case of a power outage. And use surge protectors on electronic devices and appliances. For areas with a high occurrence of lightning, consider installing a surge arrestor for whole house protection.

Appliances and Water

Don't leave plugged-in appliances where they might come into contact with water. If a plugged-in appliance falls into water, NEVER reach in to pull it outâ€”even if it's turned off. First turn off the power source at the panel board and then unplug the appliance. If you have an appliance that has gotten wet, don't use it until it has been checked by a qualified repair person.

What Electrical Safety Precautions Should I Use for Kids and Pets?

How can I keep small children from sticking objects in electrical outlets?

To prevent your child from receiving an electrical shock, cover exposed electrical outlets with protective devices. There are many types to choose from, including outlet caps that completely close off unused outlets, tamper-resistant outlets, and tamper-resistant wallplates and adaptors. The latter allow you to use an outlet, while preventing a child from poking fingers, pencils or other objects inside of it.

What steps can I take to make electrical cords safer around small children?

A favorite target of babies and toddlers are power cords, which they are apt to place in their mouth and chew. Consequently, parents should replace a worn or frayed electrical cord with one having an appropriate length. An even better idea is to keep young children away from cords altogether, since a child can actually choke on as little as 12 inches of cord.

Children also love to tug on loose electrical cords. As a result, they can knock over a lamp, appliance or telephone, and injure themselves in the process. To prevent these types of accidents, keep all cords out of the reach of small hands. Don't run extension cords under carpets or rugs, because walking on cords could break the insulation and possibly cause a fire.

What else can I do to protect my child from injury?

Make sure there's a light bulb in every lamp socket.
When portable fans, clothes irons, space heaters and the like are not in use, be sure to unplug them and put them away.
If your fuse boxes are within reach of a small child, padlock them shut, and place the key in a safe place accessible only to adults.
Use extension cords only for temporary power, not as substitutes for well-placed receptacles.
Use night lights to illuminate darkened areas of your home.
Use a switch extender wallplate, which helps youngsters reach wall switches to turn lights on and off.

Are there any safety tips I should tell children when they play with toys and games that run on electricity?

All liquids should be kept away from outlets and electrical items. Have cracked, frayed and damaged cords and appliances repaired at certified repair centers, or clearly label them as â€œdamaged and electrically unsafe,â€ and discard them.

Never run power cords across traffic paths or under rugs and furniture.
Never use extension cords on a continuous basis. Remember that they are only temporary solutions.
Do not overload power strips and surge suppressors, or to overload the circuit.

What should I tell children about electrical safety when they play outside?

Assume an overhead line is a power line and stay away from it.
Do not climb trees near power lines.
Do not fly kites near power lines and never attempt to remove items caught in an overhead line.
Stay away from downed power lines. Assume any downed line that you see is an energized and dangerous power line. Report it immediately to your police or fire department and your local utility.
Do not use any object to move a downed power line or anything in contact with the line. Objects that are even slightly damp can conduct electricity.
Do not touch anyone who is in contact with a power line; call 911.
Get inside at the first sign of lightning. Do not seek shelter under a tree.

How to Keep Pets Safe From Electrical Hazards

As a pet owner, you know all too well how your four-legged family member is apt to make a play toy out of everything in and around your home. A frisky Fido or curious Fluffy can cause an electrical hazard or fire in ways you may not have thought about. Keep your home a safe haven for all members of your family by implementing the following safety checklist.

What safety precautions can I take to keep cords away from pets?

It's important to make sure your pets don't add electrical devices to their toy chest. The same frayed electrical cord that delivers an electrical shock to an adult may have enough voltage to kill a dog or cat. So, keep electrical cords away from puppies and kittens so they don't chew on them and receive a severe shock. If you have difficulty getting your pet to stop chewing on the cord, you can paint it with a bittertasting polish or wrap the cord in a thick plastic sleeve.

My cat thinks the nightlight is a toy. What safety steps can I take?

Make sure nightlights and appliances are completely plugged into wall outlets. Partially exposed prongs are a hazard for curious children, puppies and kittens.

What other electrical safety tips should I know about?

Keep halogen lamps away from play areas for pets and children. Some halogen bulbs can reach temperatures of 1,000 degrees. Knocked over during play they could easily cause a fire.
Keep appliances near sinks, bathtubs, and pools a safe distance away from the water source.
Playful pets can knock radios, curling irons and other items into the water, creating a dangerous situation.
Discourage cats and dogs from curling up for a nap behind warm computer equipment.
Pets need to be kept away from all electrical connections.
Bring pets indoors during lightning storms. Wind, rain and lighting can bring down live power lines, presenting a hazard for pets that are outdoors.
Keep candles away from places where a cat or dog can knock them over.

Holiday Electrical Safety Tips for Children

The sparkle of holiday decorations is a delight to children. They're also a source of potential accidents, including decorations that get plugged into an electrical outlet. To keep infants and toddlers out of harm's way this holiday season, follow these simple safety tips.

Any tips to help find safety hazards before my toddler does?

The best place to start looking for potential electrical hazards is at eye level--not at adult eye level, but at child level. This means getting on your hands and knees and seeing the world from a child's perspective.

What can parents do to make Christmas trees safer?

Christmas tree lights can beckon a child to grab hold of a strand for a closer look--or worse, if they end up in an infant's mouth. To prevent the risks, start the lowest strand of tree lights out of the reach of infants and toddlers. It's also a good idea to avoid putting small and breakable ornaments, metal hooks, and ornaments that look like food on the lower limbs of the tree. And don't forget electrical cords, which can be a hazard.

What other holiday tips should I be aware of?

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 1,000 people visit emergency rooms for injuries related to holiday lights each year. Another 6,000 people suffer injuries from holiday decorations and Christmas trees. To reduce emergency room visits, avoid overloading outlets during the holidays. Do not plug too many holiday lights or other electrical decorations into a single outlet. The problem: an overloaded outlet can overheat and potentially create an electrical fire.

For more on electrical safety for children, please check out ESFI's Mr. Plug Fun Book , which can be downloaded or ordered from this site by visiting the ESFI Library .

Special thanks to The Leviton Institute, the educational arm of the Leviton Manufacturing Company, for providing ESFI with this electrical safety information. The mission of the Leviton Institute is to educate consumers about the benefits of today's electrical wiring devices and systems, and to promote the safe use of electrical products in the home.

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Workplace Safety

Electrical Safety Requirements Workplace Electrical Safety Tips General Workplace Safety Considerations Hazard Identification and Analysis Electrical Hazard Mitigation â€“ Prevention What Should I know About Electrical Products and Workplace Safety? Lightning Strikes Electrical Shock Dynamics: 3 Important Considerations Shock Rescue Procedures

Where Can I Find Out About Electrical Safety Requirements in the Workplace?

Electrical safety measures are included in standards, regulations and guidelines. Those in the workplace should familiarize themselves with these measures and follow them, where applicable.

OHSA Regulations

General Industry

Subpart - Electrical Standard
Subpart R - Utility Industry

1910.268 Telecommunications
1910.269 Power Generation, Transmissions and Distribution Standard

Subpart J, 1910.147 - Lockout/Tagout

Subpart K - Electrical Standard
Subpart V - Power Transmission and Distribution

OSHA 29 CFR 1926, Construction Industry

National Consensus Standards for Design and Installation

Standards on electrical products and systems, such as the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and ASTM
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) "Color Book Series" - design of electrical power systems for industrial and commercial facilities
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70, National Electrical Code (NEC)® - provides electrical safety requirements for wiring methods used in the workplace
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Electrical Safety Code (NESC)- address safety criteria for live electric supply and communication lines and equiptment for employees in the workplace.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 79, Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery - addresses fire safety and important electrical considerations specific to industry machinery and manufacturing systems not covered in the NEC®.
ANSI Z 244 - Lockout/Tagout, Standard address the minimum requirements for lockout/target procedures of energy control sources that could cause injury or harm to employee.
National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), National Electrical Installation Standards (NEISâ„¢)

Safe Work Practices

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E, Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101, Life Safety Code - for protecting lives and property from fire.

Guidelines

Department of Energy (DOE) - Electrical Safety Guidelines
Department of Energy (DOE) - Model Electrical Safety Program

What Key Workplace Electrical Safety Tips Can I Give to Employees?

Adapt this list of reminders to your working environment. Be sure to consider company policies and local, state, and Federal codes before establishing a written electrical safety program.

Plan every job and think about what could go wrong.
Use the right tools for the job.
Use procedures, drawings, and other documents to do the job.
Isolate equipment from energy sources.
Identify the electric shock and arc flash, as well as other hazards that may be present.
Minimize hazards by guarding or establishing approach limitations.
Test every circuit and every conductor every time before you touch it.
Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last line of defense in case something goes wrong.
Be sure you are properly trained and qualified for the job.
Work on electrical equipment and conductors only when deenergized, unless procedures and safeguards have been established to ensure zero exposure for the worker and other people in the area.
Lockout/tagout and ground (where appropriate) before working on equipment.
Treat deenergized electrical equipment and conductors as energized until lockout/tagout, test, and ground procedures (where appropriate) are implemented.
Wear protective clothing and equipment and use insulated tools in areas where there are possible electrical hazards.
Deenergize and visibly guard (where possible) whenever contact with uninsulated overhead power lines is possible.
Check and double check safety regulations when a ladder or parts of any vehicle or mechanical equipment structure will be elevated near energized overhead power lines. Call your local electric utility for assistance. People standing on the ground may be particularly vulnerable to possible injury.

General Workplace Safety Considerations

Verify location of all buried or embedded electrical circuits before digging or cutting.
Determine the reason that a fuse operated or circuit breaker tripped before replacing or resetting.
Know where your overcurrent devices are (i.e. circuit breakers and fuses) so they can be easily and quickly reached in case of emergency.
When replacing lamps and bulbs, verify that the replacement matches fixture requirements.

What Factors Can Help Employees Identify Electrical Hazards?

Every electrical safety program should include a procedure for analyzing the risks and hazards associated with each job. Employees should always consider the following:

Environment

wet or dry
indoors or outdoors
open or cramped
well lit or dim
metal ladders in area where overhead wires or exposed conductors are present
electrical cords over a heat source
overloaded electrical outlets

Condition of Equipment

age of equipment
integrity of grounding system
internal safety mechanisms
operating voltage
electrical wiring and loads incurred
fault current available to produce arc flash

Electrical Safety Work Practices

ensure that operating procedures are up to date and appropriate for conditions
evaluate circuit information drawings
determine degree and extent of hazards

comply with minimum clearances when working around electrical power lines or other exposed conductors
determine approach boundaries:
flash protection boundary - linear distance to prevent injury from a potential arc-flash
limited approach boundary - restricted distance for "unqualified" persons
restricted approach boundary - restricted distance for "qualified" persons
prohibited approach boundary - PPE for direct contact with live parts - flashover distance

determine "flash protection boundary" requirements from approach boundaries table (NFPA 70E)
determine appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) based on potential hazards present

always wear safety glasses and a hard hat when working on live circuits
use electrically insulated tools
use electrically insulated gloves
test dates for integrity of equipment and protective clothing - independent safety lab
wear required personal protective clothing (i.e., long sleeve shirt and long pants)- flame resistant materials for clothing (different weights for protection dependent on fault levels and clearing times)

your hands are your most valuable tools. Protect them by wearing appropriate safety gloves. Before using, inspect the gloves for signs of wear and tear and other damage.
evaluate personnel qualifications
use ladders with nonconductive siderails if there is any possibility the ladder could contact exposed energized parts
follow lock-out/tag-out procedures
use power tools that are double-insulated or that have ground-fault circuit interrupters protecting the circuit
inspect all extension cords for wear and tear and make sure they are listed by a third-party testing laboratory
never drape electrical cords over heat sources
never store flammable liquids near electrical equipment, even temporarily
be aware of special training requirements
motors with thermal protection can restart without warning, always lockout the motor before working on it.
only qualified personnel should perform maintenance, inspection and repairs on any electrical equipment.
do not use tin stranded wire with solder - this promotes corrosion and limits contact area.
if measuring voltage with respect to ground, make the ground connection first and remove it last.
plugs and connectors should be wired with additional slack. In the event of undue strain on the cord, the grounding will be the last broken.
grounding continuity should be checked on new tools and equipment before being put into service.
remove paint from mating surfaces or use a locknut or set screw to penetrate the paint and make a metal-to-metal contact.
don't overbend cables when pulling them through a bend in a raceway, often a pressure or squeezing develops causing insulation damage.

What Can I Do to Prevent Electrical Hazards?

Reducing and eliminating exposure to electrical hazards requires constant attention. Safety is everyone's responsibility - employers and employees. A safe electrical environment makes good personal as well as business sense.

Physical barriers (around energy source) such as fences and insulators on conductors

Keep work areas clean and dry. Cluttered work areas and benches invite accidents and injuries.

Management barriers - policy documents

Who is responsible for electrical safety at the site?
How is electrical safety dealt with at the site?
How are people trained?
What are the qualifications for people working on and around electrical equipment?

Administrative barriers -implementation of policy documents

site and task specific
recognizing the hazards
guidelines on how to deal with electrical hazards.

Preventive Electrical Maintenance

An important way to reduce electrical shock accidents is to institute and follow established procedures for preventive maintenance. This is the responsibility of the employer, employee and owner - establishing a close working relationship to reduce and eliminate electrical accidents.

Inspect work area for electrical hazards daily, such as:

flickering lights
warm switches or receptacles
burning odors
loose connections
frayed, cracked or broken wires

Never ignore electrical problems.
Choose proper cords and connectors for the job.
Make sure any portable cord used to power any type of light and/or heavy-duty industrial equipment is suitable for the equipment - not only gauge size but also flexibility, strength and ability to withstand any chemicals that may be present.
All testing equipment should be properly calibrated.
Make sure the extension cord thickness is at least as big as the electrical cord for the tool.
Read and follow all equipment operating instructions for proper use.
Leave equipment repairs and adjustment to authorized personnel.
Sticking switches on electrical saws should be replaced at once. After the switch is released, always maintain control of the saw until the blade has stopped.
Never operate an electric saw while wearing loose clothing such as an unbuttoned jacket or long, floppy sleeves.
Follow required lock-out/tag-out procedures.
Turn off equipment when finished with job.
Disconnect energy sources.
Tag out the disconnected power.
Release stored energy to make sure no power is getting to the equipment.
Always clean up spills on the floors.
When portable cords are made up, take special care to make certain that the circuit and grounding conductors are not interchanged.
Keep work areas clean and dry. Cluttered work areas and benches invite accidents and injuries.

Good housekeeping and a well-planned layout of temporary wiring will reduce the dangers of fire and shock hazard.

What Should I know About Electrical Products and Workplace Safety?

Cords, Equipment, and Tool Grounding

Make sure all equipment and extension cords bear the mark of an independent testing laboratory such as UL, CSA, ETL or MET Labs.
Protect flexible cords and cables from physical damage. Check cords for cut, broken, or cracked insulation.
Keep slack in flexible cords to prevent tension on electrical terminals.
Make sure the insulating qualities of a splice are equal to or greater than the original cord.
Extension cords are for temporary use. Install permanent wiring when use is no longer temporary.
Verify that all three-wire tools and equipment are grounded.
Water, electrical equipment, and power cords do not mix! Use GFCI protection in wet or damp environments.
Ground exposed parts of fixed equipment that could be energized.
Use non-conductive tools whenever possible.
Always double check the operation of your voltage testers by testing a live circuit.

Halide Lamps

Broken metal halide lamps pose can pose hazards from ultraviolet (UV) light overexposures. These lights, often used in gymnasiums, athletic facilities, large retail stores and warehouses, have protective covers that when broken, can cause significant eye and skin damage.

Facilities that utilize metal halide lamps follow several recommendations to protect workers or visitors, and prevent possible UV overexposures:

Educate workers about the potential hazard of UV light overexposure.
Regularly inspect overhead lights for cracks or breakage.
Use self-extinguishing metal halide lamps. When breakage occurs, the lamp will shut down automatically as a precaution. Metal halide lamps utilizing this feature are commercially available.
For existing lamps, consider an additional glass or plastic lens to screen UV rays. The additional protective lens fits under the light and envelope assembly of the light.

What Should Employees Know About Lightning Strikes?

In the U.S., it is estimated that as many as 100 people die each year as a result of being struck by lightning. This represents more deaths than most other natural disasters, such as hurricanes or tornadoes. Did you know that:

one lightning strike can injure or kill one or more people
outdoor workers face a high risk of suffering a fatal lightning strike
30% of those struck by lightning will die; 74% who survive will have permanent disabilities
death from a lightning strike usually occurs within one hour of injury
most lightning strikes occur outdoors between May and September.

Recommendations from the Center for Disease Control

monitor weather forecasts during the thunderstorm season
remind employees that lightning is present in all thunderstorms
lightning often precedes rain and can strike as far as 10 miles away from the rain of a thunderstorm
seek shelter immediately when thunder is heard - avoid trees or tall objects, high ground, water, open spaces and metal objects such as tools, fences and umbrellas
remaining inside a vehicle is safe because rubber tires are nonconductive
when indoors, shut off appliances and electronic devices and avoid using the telephone.
inspect the grounding electrode system for loose or corroded connections, which can increase the impedance of a lightning dissipation path.
provide surge protection at the main service panel board to prevent line surges from traveling to equipment.

How Can I Explain Electrical Shock Dynamics?

There are 3 Important Considerations Regarding Electrical Shock

Path - entering the body and exiting the body
Amount of current or energy flowing in the body
Duration of exposure - degree of injury also depends on the duration and frequency of the current. Note: "Shock" injuries can resemble an "Iceberg" where most of the injuries are internal, with only an entry and exit wound visible. Prompt attention is required by individuals specifically trained to treat electrical injuries.

60 Hz AC Current	Response
0.5 - 3 mA	start to feel the energy, tingling sensation
3 - 10 mA	experience pain, muscle contraction
10 - 40 mA	grip paralysis threshold (brain says let go; but physically cannot do so)
30 - 75 mA	respiratory systems shuts down
100 - 200 mA	experience heart fibrillation
200 - 500mA	heart clamps tight
Over 1,500 mA	tissue and organs burn

Accident victims can also incur the following injuries from electrical shock:

Low-voltage contact wounds
High-voltage contact wounds frrom entry and exit of electrical current
Burns
Respiratory difficulties (the tongue may swell and obstruct the airway; or vaporized metal or heated air may have been inhaled)
Infectious complications
Injury to bone through falls, heat necrosis (death of tissue) and muscle contraction (shoulder joint injuries and fracture of bones in the neck are common injuries caused by muscle contraction).
Injury to the heart such as ventricular fibrillation, cardiac arrest or stoppage
Internal and organ injuries
Neurological (nerve) injury
Injury to the eyes (cataracts from electrical injury have occurred up to three years after the accident)

What is Important to Know About Shock Rescue Procedures?

In response to an electrical accident, follow these procedures immediately:

Call for help (can't be handled by one person) and follow the emergency response system as set forth in the safety procedures of each organization.
Get the approved first-aid supplies (these should be easily accessible when required).
Deenergize the circuit.
Separate the person from the energy source.

Make sure you and the victim are in a safe zone - not in contact with any electrical source, away from downed or broken wires.
Never grab the person or pull the person off the current with your hands; you might become part of the circuit and become injured as well.
Use a dry wood broom, leather belt, plastic rope or something similar that is non-conductive such as wood or plastic cane with hook on the end to free the person from the energy source
Administer first aid2apply mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and/or CPR; know what to do
Keep the victim lying down, warm and comfortable to maintain body heat until help arrives. Do not move the person in case of injury to neck or back.
If the victim is unconscious, put him/her on side to let fluids drain.
Make sure the victim receives professional medical attention (person shocked could have heart failure hours later)

Burn victim first-aid steps:

If the person's clothing is on fire, roll the person on the ground to smother the flames.
Cool the burn with water or saline for a few minutes or until the skin returns to normal temperature. Do not attempt to remove clothing that is stuck to a burn.
Remove constricting items from the victim, such as shoes, belts, jewelry and tight collars. They could continue to burn or cut off circulation if the victim experiences swelling.
Check the victim's breathing and heartbeat. Apply mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and/or CPR if necessary.
Keep victim warm and comfortable by covering him/her with clean, dry sheets or blankets.
Cover wounds with clean sheets and dry blankets.
Elevate burned areas to reduce swelling.

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Office Electrical Safety

You've just brought home a new piece of equipment for your office. You're ready to set it up and turn it on, but you run into one small problem. There's no place to plug it in. What do you do?

If you're like millions of people, you'd probably use an extension cord to reach the nearest unused outlet. Or you might add another power strip to the same outlet being used for your other equipment.

What's wrong with using an extension cord or a power strip to run more electrical equipment?

In solving the problem of too few outlets, you may create anotherâ€”an overloaded circuit. If too many pieces of equipment are plugged into the same outlet and they're all on at the same time, more current may be running through the outlet than it can handle. When that happens, the wiring or the outlet will overheat and this could potentially create an electrical fire. Overloading is even more of a problem with extension cords.

Why is an overloaded outlet a problem?

An overloaded outlet can overheat and potentially create an electrical fire.

To prevent other electrical hazards, review this list and then take steps to remedy the situation.

Potential Hazard: Overloaded circuits can cause an electrical fire.
What To Look For: Outlet or wall is warm to the touch; outlet is discolored; circuit breakers frequently trip or fuses frequently blow; a burnt smell of insulation is noticeable.
Remedy: Have an electrician run a dedicated circuit and install additional outlets.

Potential Hazard: Overloaded extension cord can cause an electrical fire.
What To Look For: Extension cord is warm to the touch.
Remedy: (1) Use an extension cord with the same or larger wire size as the cord being extended. (2) Since extension cords are designed for temporary use, have an electrician install additional outlets and you don't need to use extension cords.

Potential Hazard: Ungrounded outlets that will not protect you from an electrical shock in the event of a short circuit.
What To Look For: Equipment cord has a three-prong plug, but the nearest outlet has only two slots for the plug.
Remedy: (1) Inspect wiring at the outlet to see if there is a ground wire. If there is a ground wire, replace the existing outlet with one that accepts a three-prong plug, and connect the ground wire to the outlet. (2) If there is no grounding wire, have an electrician run a new circuit with ground and install new outlets.

Potential Hazard: Improper placement of extension cords can cause a fire or cause someone to trip.
What To Look For: Extensions cords running through walls, under carpet or furniture, across doorways, or draped over heaters or equipment.
Remedy: Try rearranging office furniture; or better yet, add more outlets in the room.

What types of hazards are caused by power surges?

Temporary power surges can damage equipment and cause computer programs to lock up and become corrupted. Many people assume that power surges are caused mainly by lightning strikes, but 80 percent of them are generated from within the home.

What causes power surges besides lightning?

Common sources of power surges include household appliances such as air conditioners, washing machines, clothes dryers and refrigerators. Office equipment, including laser printers, photocopiers and fluorescent lights also generate temporary power surges.

How can I protect my office from power surges?

There are several devices that can provide protection from power surges. The first line of defense is an inexpensive power strip that incorporates surge protection. These devices often cost between $20 and $80. You may want to purchase power-strips with the maximum amount of surge protection, including protection for telephone and data lines.

Another option is to install surge-protected wall receptacles. "Quad receptacles" that have four outlets with built-in surge protection can replace standard electrical outlets.

For more robust protection, check into two other devices: a panel-mounted surge protector installed next to the circuit breaker panel, and a meter socket surge arrestor installed at the electric meter. These devices can provide greater surge protection and should be installed by a licensed electrician.

I have problems with brownouts. What can I do?

Blackouts and brownouts, now a more frequent occurrence in certain parts of the country, can also damage office equipment and cause the loss of important data.

The best solution for preventing this is to purchase an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Not only does a UPS device allow time for an orderly shutdown of a computer when the power goes out, it also regulates the flow of electricity, smoothing out the current before it goes to equipment. Some UPS devices also incorporate surge protection.

Will surge protectors protect me from overloaded circuits?

Surge protectors and UPS devices protect equipment, but they do not protect from the potential hazards of an overloaded circuit. Make sure the electrical load is not too great for the circuit. A licensed electrician can check your electrical system and provide guidance on the capacity of electrical circuits in your office.

Telltale signs of overloading include:

outlets warm to the touch;
outlets that are discolored;
circuit breakers that frequently trip
fuses that frequently blow;
burned insulation odors; and
extension cord that are warm to the touch.
To prevent these electrical hazards, contact a licensed electrician to install dedicated circuits where needed. It is also smart to install outlets to eliminate the use of extension cords.

Converted Offices

Nearly one third of American households now have a home office. If you have converted an older building, home or room into an office, it is important that the electrical system can handle the load. Make sure new office equipment will not overload your circuits. Contact a licensed electrician to inspect your electrical system.