ELECTRICAL SAFETY

OBJECTIVES
At the end of this session, course participants
will be able :
To state definition of voltage, current and resistance
To explain 4 electrical hazards
To explain 2 principles of electrical safety
To state at least 4 factors that should be consider in
safe use of electricity
To identify electrical safety controls

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SCOPES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Definition
Electrical Installation
Electrical hazards and effects of electrical current
Principles of electrical safety
Safe use of electricity
Electrical safety controls
Conclusion

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INTRODUCTION
Electricity
- One of the main sources of energy and
has many uses to mankind (illuminate,
heating, cooling, running machines and
equipment

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TERMINOLOGIES
Electricity is a form of energy produced from the flow
of electrons. It is a general term that includes energy
related to electrical charges, whether static or
dynamic
3 factors that influence electricity are :
a. Voltage (Volt) : Motive force of electrical energy
b. Current (Ampere) : Actual flow of electricity
c. Resistance ( Ohm) : Characteristics of a circuit
(path)
where electricity is flowing and offers
resistance to the current

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ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS
a) Circuit:i. Where electrical current flows
ii. Supplies a source of energy
iii. Equipped with conductors to enable
control of current flows

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b) Conductor:Contains metal that conducts electricity

within the materials which is covered
with an insulator (rubber) on the outside
c) Main Switch, Local and Distribution
Board
i. the main switch works to receive
electrical current supply from the source
and switches (transfer) it to other parts
that requires it
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ii. It also stops electrical current flow the

circuit
iii. The Distribution Board contains the
main switch, circuit breakers and other
related switches. It receives electrical
current from an outside source before
switching/transferring

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d) Circuit Breaker
i. Works to break the circuit when an
overload occurs
ii. Avoids overheating that can cause
combustion
iii. Shaped like an enclosed switch
iv. Contains an automatic switch which
retracts from the on position to off
position when there is an overload of
electricity flow in the circuit
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e) Fuse
i. A thin piece of metal that will break
(when melted) if excessive current is en
encountered and causing the circuit to
break
ii. It will terminate the electricity supply

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f) External socket and plug

i. External socket
Entry to the circuit and allows tapping to
let electricity flow to the equipment
requiring it
ii. Plug
Is connected to a flexible cable that
supplies electricity to the equipment,
and is inserted into the external socket
to complete another circuit
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ELECTRICAL HAZARD
a) Electrical Shock
i. Occurs due to contact with a live wire together
with a flow through a human body
ii. It affects the normal functioning of the organs
and nervous system such as causing weak
muscles and heart and respiratory system
failure
iii. Death occurs if the heartbeat becomes
abnormal and is interrupted for too long,
insufficient flow of blood to the brain
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b) Lighting
ARC EYES
i.
From UV light when looking at an electric arc or
welding flash
ii. Symptoms similar to conjunctivitis
iii. Temporary condition lasts for 3 or 4 days
iv. Does not affect contact lens

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c) Fire
i.
From contact with an electric arc (ex: welding process)
ii.
Overload of the conductor (ex: burning circuit)
iii.
Discharge of static electricity
d) Electrostatic
i.
Static electricity effects produced by an electric charge
trapped within an insulator. The charge can be transferred
whether within or outside the insulated object, or it can
concentrate on the conductor that is insulated from the earth
ii.
Its characteristics : High voltage, low current
iii.
If the static electricity charge is high, it can become a hazard
to a human and a risk of creating an ignition source in
combustible surroundings

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EFFECTS OF ELECTRICAL CURRENT

Depend on:
a. Amount of electrical current
b. Bodys Resistance
c. Level of danger of electrocution shocks
d. Duration of flow

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OHMs LAW
Current (I) = Voltage (V)
Resistance (R)
Ampere : Volt
Ohm

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EXAMPLE:

For the effects of electrocution shock

Voltage (V) : 240 volt
Average body resistance (I)
: 1000 ohm
Ampere (A) : 240 = o.24 amps
100

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KESAN SENTUHAN ELEKTRIK

Current
(mAmps)
3 miliamps

Effects on humans

7 miliamps

Painful electrocution shock

20 miliamps

Breathing difficulties

70 miliamps

Risk of death

700 miliamps

Body tissue scalding

3000miliamps

Heart stop

mild shock

National Safety Council -Indus. Safety & Health mgmt book

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PRINCIPLES OF ELECTRICAL SAFETY

The principles of electrical safety are important in the
protection and prevention of people from electrocution
shock, fire and burning as a result of contact with
electricity
Two basic methods of prevention provide protection
from direct and indirect contact
a. Protection from direct contact
- provide insulation for the parts of the equipment
that can become electrically charged

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b. Protection

from indirect contact

Provide effective earthing for isolated
metal that can become electrically
charged if the basic insulation fails

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SAFE USE OF ELECTRICITY

Considered factor:
Circuit protection
Isolating switch (insulator)
Maintenance and repair
Earthing
Protection

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SAFE USE OF ELECTRICITY

Considered Factor:
Circuit Protection
All electrical equipment used must have
a fuse and circuit breaker that is suitable
to avoid the occurrence of overload

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SAFE USE OF ELECTRICITY

Isolation Switch
Must be labeled
Placed in a location that is easy to reach
All electrical equipments must have such
insulators
Needs to be equipped with a lock
mechanism for locking when in the close
(OFF) position.
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c) Maintenance and repair

i. prepare a safety work system when
performing maintenance
ii. Formulate rules and perform
inspection/monitoring
iii. Implement a schedule or program for
maintenance
iv. Repairs must be carried out by certified
technicians
v. replacement of component such as fuse,
capacitor that is suitable
vi. Prepare access space around the
equipment to facilitate easy maintenance and
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d) Earthing
i. Earthing is required for all electrical
equipment
ii. Ensure that the earth circuit is
connected directly to earth (not through
a switch)

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SAFE USE OF ELECTRICITY

Considered factor:
Protection
Install earth leakage protection such as
Residual Current Devices
Install emergency stop switches, interlock
switches such as limit switch
Insulate all conductors
Install warning signage

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ELECTRICAL SAFETY CONTROLS

Government:
The proper usage of electricity through
legislations and enforcement:
Electricity Supply Act 1990
Electrical Supply Regulations 1994
SIRIM Standards for Electrical Equipment
Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994
(OSHA 1994)

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It is important to note that the OSHA 1994 that has

been
legislated also outlines the obligations of employers,
manufactures, designers, producers and workers,
among which are:
a. On the part of employers
i. have a work safety system
ii. Provide training, instruction and information
to workers
iii. Create preventive protective measures for
workers and contractors
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b. On the part of manufactures,

designers, producers
Have inspections, tests on the goods
produced to ensure the safety of users
c. On the part of workers
Comply to the rules that have been
established by the employers to ensure
safety at work

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CONCLUSION
Serious attention must be given to electrical hazards,
seeing its vast spectrum of effects and results on
users
Two methods of prevention that have been outlined
are protection from direct contact and indirect contact
The government has also formulated several statutory
provisions related to electrical safety, towards
ensuring the safety of users
Safe use of electricity also looks at several preventive
measures that may be taken.

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