What Are Electrical Hazards?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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According to OSHA... An Electrical Hazard can be defined as a serious workplace hazard that exposes workers to burns, electrocution, shock, arc flash / arc blast, fire, or explosions . By identifying these hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves.

What are electrical hazards OSHA?

Working with electricity can be dangerous. ... OSHA’s electrical standards are designed to protect employees exposed to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions .

What are the 5 main electrical hazards?

  • Working on live circuits. ...
  • Skipping lockout/tagout. ...
  • Forgetting PPE. ...
  • Improper grounding. ...
  • Damaged extension cords.

How do you identify electrical hazards?

  1. Faulty or Damaged Wiring. ...
  2. Overloading Circuits. ...
  3. Use of Extension Cords. ...
  4. Water Spill on Electrical Devices. ...
  5. Improper Grounding. ...
  6. Incorrectly placed Electrical Cords. ...
  7. Loose Fitting Plugs.

What are examples of electrical hazards?

These can include beds, drapes, plastics , or other items such as upholstery. Heavy covering of wires can make the cords overheat. While it’s somewhat rare, covered cords and wires can occasionally lead to electrical fires due to overheating. This is because electrical wires and cords radiate heat.

What are the 3 types of electrical hazards?

  • Shock: A response to electric current passing through the body.
  • Arc Flash/Blast: Emits heat and intense light that causes burns.
  • Fire: Occurs with faulty outlets, old wiring, cords, and switches.
  • Explosions: When electricity ignites explosive material in the air.

What are the most common electrical hazards?

  • Outdated or poor wiring. ...
  • Leaving appliances plugged-in near water sources. ...
  • Wrong wattage light bulbs. ...
  • Overloaded power strips and outlets. ...
  • Unprotected electrical outlets. ...
  • Improper use of extension cords. ...
  • Operating an unsafe appliance.

Is electricity a hazard?

The major hazards associated with electricity are electrical shock, fire and arc flash . ... Water is a great conductor of electricity, allowing current to flow more easily in wet conditions and through wet skin. The effect of the shock may range from a slight tingle to severe burns to cardiac arrest.

What are electrical hazards in the workplace?

As stated earlier, electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard exposing employees to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions .

How can we prevent electrical hazards?

  1. Never touch a fallen power line. ...
  2. Avoid contact with overhead power lines during cleanup and other activities.
  3. Do not drive through standing water if downed power lines are in the water.

What are 5 electrical safety tips?

  • Always Cut the Power. ...
  • Have the Appropriate Fire Extinguisher on Hand. ...
  • Use More Than One Outlet. ...
  • Feel Your Outlets. ...
  • Child-Proof Your Outlets. ...
  • Investigate Flickering Lights. ...
  • Install Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupters. ...
  • Don’t Use Extension Cords Long-Term.

What are examples of hazards?

physical – radiation, magnetic fields, pressure extremes (high pressure or vacuum), noise, etc., psychosocial – stress, violence , etc., safety – slipping/tripping hazards, inappropriate machine guarding, equipment malfunctions or breakdowns.

What defines a hazard?

What is a Hazard? When we refer to hazards in relation to occupational safety and health the most commonly used definition is ‘A Hazard is a potential source of harm or adverse health effect on a person or persons’ .

What are the two types of electrical hazards?

The two types of electric hazards are thermal (excessive power) and shock (current through a person) .

What are the basics of electrical safety?

  • Dangers of Electricity. When thinking about the dangers of electricity most people only think about electrocution. ...
  • Wear the Proper Gear. ...
  • Always Use Lockout Tagout. ...
  • Never Take Risks.

How can we avoid electrical hazards in the workplace?

  1. Power Cord should be of High quality: ...
  2. Installation place: ...
  3. Avoid overloading in outlets: ...
  4. Inspect Electrical cords: ...
  5. Avoid binding and knotting cables: ...
  6. Unused appliances need to be unplugged: ...
  7. Avoid to maintain by yourself:
  8. Licensed electricians:
Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.