Which of the following should be viewed as a safety hazard relating to an electrical system?
Places of work generally have power nominally supplied at 230 volt (single phase) and 400 volt (3 phase) although some larger workplaces will receive electricity at a higher supply voltage. The information below relates to workplaces using 230 and 400 volt supplies. Show
The main hazards with electricity are:
Basics of Contact with ElectricityIt is the level of voltage the body is exposed to and the resistance to flow of electrical current offered by the body that determines the impact of exposure to electricity. The following factors determine the severity of the effect electric shock has on your body:
As an Employer it is YOUR responsibility to ensure:Extension cables and other flexible leads which are particularly prone to damage to plugs and sockets and to their connections are visually checked, maintained and where necessary replaced before using portable equipment. The ends of flexible cables should always have the outer sheath of the cable firmly clamped to stop the wires (particularly the earth) pulling out of the terminals
Controlling the RiskReduce the VoltageOften portable equipment is available that is powered from a 110 volt supply through a simple transformer and these are often centre tapped to earth so that the maximum voltage between a live conductor and earth (the most common cause of electric shocks from equipment) is limited to 55V. Battery operated tools such as drills, screwdrivers etc can replace mains powered equipment
Ensure Fuses are correctly fitted
Earthed Equipment
Provide One or More Residual Current Device (RCD)If equipment operating at 230 volts or higher is used, an RCD (residual current device) can provide additional safety. RCD’s are supplementary protection devices, which do not prevent an electrical shock, but are able to limit the duration of some shocks by enabling the rapid disconnection of the electricity supply, when an electrical shock takes place. RCD's are mandatory on all circuits supplying portable equipment and on certain other circuits where the hazard of electricity is exacerbated by the proximity of water. An RCD is a device which detects some, but not all, faults in the electrical system and rapidly switches off the supply. The best place for an RCD is built into the main switchboard or the socket-outlet, as this means that the supply cables are permanently protected. If this is not possible then a plug incorporating a RCD, or a plug-in RCD adaptor can be used to provide additional safety.
The 2008 National Rules for Electrical Installations (Incorporating Amendment No 1 2011) as published by the ETCI (ET 101) sets out rules for new installations rather than for installations existing prior to the publication of these rules. Part 531.2.1.3 point i) envisages a situation where type AC residual current devices (RCD's) are acceptable "where no significant DC current is present". The HSA recognises that some DC element in the make-up of electrical consumption is becoming increasingly prevalent in many modern electrical installations. It is therefore expected that type A or Type B RCD's will become more common as preferred options for detecting residual currents than heretofore. Carry out preventative maintenanceAll electrical equipment and installations should be maintained to prevent danger.
Which of the following is are considered an electrical hazards?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 main hazards associated with an electrical system?The major hazards associated with electricity are electrical shock, fire and arc flash.
What are the electrical hazards and safety?The main hazards of working with electricity are: electric shock and burns from contact with live parts. injury from exposure to arcing, fire from faulty electrical equipment or installations.
What are the 5 electrical safety rules?Electrical safety for kids. Never put fingers or other objects in an outlet.. Keep metal objects out of toasters.. Never use anything with a cord or plug around water.. Never pull a plug out by its cord.. Stay away from substations and power lines.. Don't climb on power poles.. Never fly kites near power lines.. |