Electrical Safety

Stay Safe, Stay Powered: Essential Electrical Safety Tips for the Workplace

Here are 10 electrical safety hazards t o keep an eye on in the workplace:

• Overloaded circuits
• Faulty wiring
• Exposed electrical parts
• Improper grounding
• Damaged insulation
• Contact with live wiring
• Loose connections
• Wet environments
• Overhead power lines
• Damaged electrical tools and equipment

Electricity is dangerous when used without proper training, knowledge and planning. The basic electrical safety principles listed below provide guidance to use electricity safely before you start a job.

• Obtain training: Ensure every employee receives the appropriate training to make them aware of the importance of Lockout Tagout (LOTO).
• Plan every job: Discuss the hazards and procedures before starting each job. Document any new hazards. Stop, Look, Assess, Manage (SLAM)
• Identify hazards: Conduct hazard analysis and identify steps that could create electric shock or arc-flash hazards.
• Minimize hazards: De-energize equipment unless it introduces a greater hazard. All equipment shall be locked or tagged out to protect against accidental or inadvertent operation when such operations could cause injury to personnel. Do not attempt to operate any switch, valve or other energy-isolating device where it is locked or tagged out.
• Anticipate problems: Plan for the worst-case scenario. Have the proper PPE and tools readily available.

Contact

Environmental Health and Safety
facoccsafety@groups.purdue.edu
765-494-6371