This document discusses electrical safety risks and safe practices. It notes that electricity can cause electrocution or indirect injuries and death through explosions. Key factors that determine the risk are voltage, resistance, and current intensity as defined by Ohm's Law. Materials have different resistivity levels and water is highly conductive. Safe practices include proper equipment use and maintenance, isolation from power sources when working, use of personal protective equipment, and ensuring good grounding and insulation.

1. MODULE 15- ELECTRICITY
SAFE COMPANY

2. ELECTRIC RISKS AND THEIR
CONSEQUENCES
Electricity has its dangers. Leading cause of injuries and death at work.
Consequences: direct (electrocution) or indirect (explosion).
• All electrical machinery or tools are dangerous.
• Electrocution occurs when the body comes into contact with an
electric current. Disconnect the power supply immediately.
• Key factors: Voltage, resistance and current intensity
• Ohm´s law, current= voltage/resistance). Current intensity increases
as the voltage increases, or as the resistance diminishes.

3. ELECTRIC RISKS AND THEIR
CONSEQUENCES II
• Different materials have different resistivity levels. Water is a very
good conductor (water and electricity don´t mix).
• Low voltage does not mean low hazard.
• Electrical hazards: 4 main groups:
• Fire and explosion hazards. See module 8.
• Water hazards
• Improper use hazards
• Equipment faults

4. ELECTRIC RISKS AND THEIR
CONSEQUENCES III
• Direct current less dangerous than alternating current.
• Direct currents tend to create larger arcs (short circuits) than
alternating currents.
• An arc may result in fire or explosion. Special measures where
flammable gases are used.
• Static electricity: non-conductive substances. Avoid with a good
earth or a continuous discharge. The transport of gases and liquids
requires additional measures

5. SAFE USE OF ELECTRICITY
Things to consider when using electricity:
• Switch-off bottom (checked regularly).
• Equipment tested by a competent person. Special precautions when
introducing domestic electrical equipment in a workplace.
• Good lighting and housekeeping (clean work area, no papers).
• Drying hands and not standing in wet areas when working with
electrical equipment. Special precautions when working outdoors.
• No drinks near electrical equipment.

6. SAFE USE OF ELECTRICITY II
• Equipment must be switch-off when finishing the work journey
• Equipment must be isolated
• Always inspect tools before starting a task. Not using damage
equipment
• No unauthorized repairs (unless trained and qualified workers)
• Only qualified personnel is allowed to work on electrical installations

7. SAFE USE OF ELECTRICITY
III
• Working isolated from the supply.
• Electrical equipment should be inspected at least once a year. Daily
check
• Use appropriate PPE
• Special attention to overhead power lines (minimum work distances)
and underground services

8. EART CONNECTION
• Voltage can drain away towards the earth. Avoids electrocution.
• Also scaffolds and containers where electrical equipment is used.
• Residual current device detects very small currents and immediately
interrupts current passing through the human body.
• An electrical installation is protected against short circuit by an
automatic switch.

9. SAFE ELECTRICAL
EQUIPMENT
• Electrical appliances and equipment : adequate screen, sufficient
distance from the live conductors, efficient insulation, double
insulation (NEVER be earthed), safety earth or by extra low voltage.
• Extension leads: No overload, avoid using extension cables where
possible.
• Reels: unwind completely. Damaged cables and sockets must be
replaced immediately.
• Not overloading a power outlet.