Safety Alert- Electrical Safety Awareness

May is National Electrical Safety Month Electrical wiring improper installation, or damaged or deteriorated wiring and cords sparks an estimated 53,000 home fires each year. These fires cause more than 500 deaths, 1,400 injuries, and $1.4 billion in property damage and loss each year. Additionally, emergency rooms treat almost 2,500 children each year for injuries triggered by sticking objects into electrical outlets or getting kites tangled on electrical power lines. All of these can be Prevented! Top 10 Rules for Electric Safety To play it safe around your home or work, just remember the rules for using electricity the right way. 1. DON’T plug a bunch of stuff into one outlet or extension cord.It could damage the electrical system in your house or even cause a fire. 2. Make sure all electric cords are tucked away, neat and tidy. Pets might chew on electrical cords, and people might trip and fall. 3. DON’T ever climb the fence around an electrical substation.If a ball or pet gets inside the fence, ask a grown-up to call the electric company – they’ll come and get it out for you. 4. DON’T yank an electrical cord from the wall.Pulling on a cord can damage the appliance, the plug or the outlet. 5. Fly your kite far away from power lines or substations.The kite and the string may conduct electricity – sending it right through you to the ground. 6. Ask a grown-up for help when you need to use something that uses electricity. 7. DO look up and look out for power lines before you climb a tree.The electricity can go right through the tree branch – and right through you! 8. Have a grown-up put safety caps on all unused electrical outlets. Covering outlets will also help save energy by stopping cold drafts. 9. Remind your mom or dad to watch out for power lineswhen they’re using a ladder, chainsaw or other outdoor equipment.10. Keep electrical stuff far away from water. Most electrical accidents around the house happen when people use electricity near water.

General Electrical Safety Tips

· Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical devices.

· Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets.

· In homes with small children, unused wall sockets and extension-cord receptacles should have plastic safety covers.

· Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do not have to use extension cords.

· Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.

· Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.

· If outlets or switches feel warm, shut off the circuit and have them checked by an electrician.

· When possible, avoid the use of “cube taps” and other devices that allow the connection of multiple appliances into a single receptacle.

Polarized and 3-Prong Plugs

· Polarized plugs have one blade that is slightly bigger than the other. This design makes sure that plugs are plugged into outlets correctly and also reduces the risk of electric shock. NEVER shove a polarized plug into a non-polarized outlet or extension cord.

· 3-prong plugs also help to reduce the risk of electric shock. NEVER remove the 3rd prong in order to make it fit into a 2 prong outlet or extension cord.

Light Bulbs

· Check the lamps wattage and use the appropriate watt light bulb.

· Make sure that light bulbs are screwed in securely to prevent overheating.

· Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn.

· If you smell a faint burning or rubbery smell from a lamp then the wattage level of the light bulb is too high for the lamp and it should be replaced with the appropriate bulb.

Appliances

· Make sure that all appliances have been tested by an independent research laboratory and be sure to follow all manufacturers instructions carefully.

· Appliances that take a lot of power to operate, such as space heaters and halogen lamps, should be plugged directly into an outlet. These appliances should not be plugged into extension cords.· One Outlet One Plug! Dont overload electric outlets with several plugs. If multiple appliances must share one outlet, be sure to use only one appliance at a time.

Water and appliances dont mix!· Dont leave appliances plugged in where they may come into contact with water. · If an appliance falls into water DO NOT reach in to pull it out. First turn off the power and unplug the appliance. · Dont use electric appliances or take showers or baths during an electric storm. Using electricity during an electric storm increases your risk of getting an electric shock.

Hunt for Home Electrical Hazards

Keep an eye out for these warning signs. If any of these are present in your home there could be a risk of an electric fire or electrocution.

· Frequent power outages or blown fuses. This may indicate that your home wiring needs to be updated or repaired. Contact a licensed electrician.

· Overloaded electrical outlets

· Dim or flickering lights

· Sparks or sizzling sounds in outlets or walls

· Overheated plugs, cords or switches

· Smells of something burning or rubbery smells

· Frayed wires or cracked cords Feeling a mild shock or tingle when you plug in an appliance.

Starting a New Outdoors Project?Call Dig-Safe at 811 before any digging or excavation work to prevent any electrical danger.

Safe Extension Cord Use

Extension cords deliver electrical power to where its needed. But when they are misused, they can also become electrical hazards.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that some 3,000 people are treated each year for injuries associated with extension cords. In addition, the CPSC reports that improperly functioning extension cords cause 5,000 residential fires annually. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) suggests following these cord safety tips to help avoid shock and fire hazards.

Remember, extension cords are intended for temporary use.

Never run extension cords through walls, under rugs or furniture, or across doorways.

Never try to repair a damaged extension cord with electrical tape; replace it instead.

Never overload an extension cord. If any part of the cord feels warm to the touch, the cord is drawing too much power and could present a fire or shock hazard.

Never cut off the ground pin to connect a 3-prong appliance cord to a 2-wire extension cord or receptacle. Always use a UL-listed adapter for this purpose.

Replace older extension cords if one of the prongs in the plug is not “polarized.” In a polarized plug, one prong will be wider than the other.

Do not allow extension cords to dangle from counters or tables, where someone could accidentally pull them down or trip over them.

Always plug an appliance in to the extension cord before plugging the extension cord into a wall receptacle. Also, make sure the appliance is “off” before plugging it in.

When disconnecting an extension cord, pull from the plug, not the cord itself.

Cover unused outlets on the extension cord to prevent children from making contact with a live circuit.

Before buying any extension cord, check to ensure that the product has been listed by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Under-writers Laboratories (UL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA)

Use special, heavy-duty extension cords for high-wattage appliances such as air conditioners, portable electric heaters and freezers.

When placing furniture or an appliance directly up against a wall where a cord is plugged into a receptacle, use a low-profile type of plug. These plugs will let the appliance or furniture get closer to the wall, and there is less chance of the plug coming loose.

Outside the home, use extension cords designed expressly for outdoor use.

Arc Faults

What is an arc fault?

Arcing faults often occur in damaged or deteriorated wires and cords. Some causes of damaged and deteriorated wiring include puncturing of wire insulation from picture hanging or cable staples, poorly installed outlets or switches, cords caught in doors or under furniture, furniture pushed against plugs in an outlet, natural aging, and cord exposure to heat vent and sunlight.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

One of the most important safety devices in your home is a simple electrical device called a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). Estimates indicate that the installation of GFCIs have saved hundreds of lives and prevented thousands of injuries in the U.S. over the past 30 years.

GFCIs are designed to provide protection against electrical shock from ground faults, or leakage currents, which occur when the electrical current flows outside of the circuit conductors. If a person becomes part of a path for leakage current, he or she will be severely shocked or electrocuted.

If GFCIs were installed in every U.S. home, experts suggest that nearly 70 percent of the approximately 400 electrocutions that occur each year in the home could be prevented.

GFCI Tips

· Put a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) between your electric power source and your electric product.

· Test your GFCI monthly and after every major electrical storm.

· If you have a home without GFCIs, consult a qualified, licensed electrician about adding this important protection, purchase plug-in units or a portable GFCI to provide individual receptacle or load protection.

· GFCIs are products designed to prevent serious injury or death from electrical shock by detecting ground faults at very low levels.

· A GFCI should be used in any area where water may come in contact with electrical products. GFCIs are now required by code in certain areas of the home, including unfinished basements, kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, garages, crawl spaces and around swimming pools.

· If a GFCI senses minimal current leakage to ground in an electrical circuit, it assumes a ground fault has occurred. It them interrupts power fast enough to prevent serious injury from electrical shock.

· Three types of GFCIs are designed for home use-wall receptacle, circuit breaker and portable plug-in. All three are readily available, inexpensive and fairly simple to install.

OVERLOADED CIRCUITS:

Surge protectors and UPS devices protect equipment, but they do not protect from the potential hazards of an overloaded circuit. Make sure the electrical load is not too great for the circuit. A licensed electrician can check your electrical system and provide guidance on the capacity of electrical circuits in your office.

Telltale signs of overloading include:

• outlets warm to the touch;
• outlets that are discolored;
• circuit breakers that frequently trip
• fuses that frequently blow;
• burned insulation odors; and
• extension cord that are warm to the touch.
• To prevent these electrical hazards, contact a licensed electrician to install dedicated circuits where needed. It is also smart to install outlets to eliminate the use of extension cords.

For more electrical safety information, visit www.electrical-safety.org, or call 703-841-3329. Look for ESFIs Indoor Electrical Safety Check in the ESFI website library.

Today’s post comes to us courtesy of Ken Oswald

Safety and Security Manager for Plateau

keno

Tips for electrical system maintenance and upkeep

Most of us only think about our electrical system when it shorts or blows. By then, it’s usually something that requires an electrician and is going to cost us. Whether we are talking about your home or your place of business, there are some simple things that you can do to make sure you don’t have to call the electrician, or worse, end up with an electrical fire.

1. Use surge protectors on all computers, televisions, sound systems and other electronics. A surge protector is cheap, especially when compared to the cost of replacing your HDTV because a power surge fried it. And don’t forget to use a surge protector on your laptop too when you plug it in.
2. Don’t overload any one circuit. Be aware of how much power your appliances and electronics need and make sure to spread the demand around to avoid overloading.
3. Avoid leaving unused electronics plugged in when not in use for an extended period of time. Even if they are turned off, they are using power. Don’t leave your cell phone and laptop charger plugged in when not in use (even when they aren’t charging they are sucking power).
4. Make sure that all your appliances are in good working order. Old and damaged appliances and furnaces use more power then appliances and heating systems that are new and/or well maintained. Change the filter in your central air and/of furnace at least every 90 days when in use. Clogged filters overwork and overheat the furnace and central air. While you’re at it, check the dryer vent to make sure it isn’t clogged as well.
5. Any time you are doing any kind of electrical work, make sure that your electrical panel is locked out to avoid having someone accidentally flip the circuit back on. There are a wide variety of electrical lockout products available to keep you from being accidentally electrocuted while you are working.
6. Keep up with all product recalls. The Consumer Product Safety Commission website is consistently kept up to date. A few minutes a month could save you’re a world of grief. Other websites to check out include www.saferproducts.gov and http://www.recalls.gov/
7. Know your limitations. Electricity can kill so be honest with yourself and know when to call in a licensed electrician. No all projects are do-it-yourself ones. Some are best left to professionals.

Logging Truck Gets Fried

The driver, in these photos, was trying to secure his load of timber. He swung the metal hook, attached to a chain, over the load and accidentally caught a power line. At 7.2 Kv this is the results.

The driver was fortunate. He should have been fried along with his truck.

This is a good reminder to pay attention and to anticipate any potential accidents.

Extension Cord Safety

We use them every day. I can think of at least 3 times that I used one this weekend as well as at least 2 instances where I am using improperly. What do I mean by improperly?

One of the things that most of us don’t pay enough attention to is the fact that extension cords are for temporary use only.

Other things to remember about extension cords:

• Make sure that they are in good working order. No fraying, cuts, etc…
• Makes sure that they match the wattage rating that you are using them for.
• Make sure that they are UL tested
• Don’t plug an extension cord into an extension cord
• Do not cover an extension cord (No running it under the carpet)
• When unplugging, do not pull on cord, pull on the plug itself

For more Dos and Don’t about extension cords, download a free pdf on extension cord safety courtesy of the The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI/DWC)

Working Outdoors around Electricity

Most of what we do on a daily basis is powered by electricity. Power networks run the width and breadth of the country powering businesses and homes. In some cases, the power is overhead in power lines that we can see and in other cases the power is buried in underground cables; either way, contact with electricity can cause serious injury or kill.

Whether you are outdoors working with a ladder or doing work up on the roof, whether you are using heavy equipment or whether you are digging a trench there is a real danger of coming in contact with power lines.

Contractors must have a written policy outlining procedures to keep workers at a safe distance from electrical current. Some of these basic rules are as follows:

• Start with a visual inspection for powerlines. Look up!
• Even if you believe that the power lines are not powered at the time of work, always work as if they were. Never assume that power isn’t flowing.
• Make sure you know what the voltage in the powerlines is. If necessary, call the power company to find out.
• Always make sure that the hazard is clearly identified and visible regardless of weather and lighting conditions. Signs such as “Danger! Electrical Powerlines Overhead” should be placed so that truck drivers and crane operators will see them.
• Make sure that any and all equipment operators have been properly trained and notified of the potential of electrical hazards.
• Stay a minimum of 10 feet away from power lines and power equipment such as generators of 50,000 volts or less. Add ½” to the minimum distance for every 1,000 volts over 50,000.
• If it is not possible to stay under the minimum distance, an observer should be present to give you help maintaining a safe clearance.
• Use only nonconductive ladders and tools.
• Plan for accidents. In other words, when you set up ladders for example, figure out how to do it so that, if the ladder should slip, it will still not come in contact with powerlines.

(For more information about outdoor work around electricity visit the Electronic Library of Construction Occupational Safety and Health online here).

Free Beta Software for Calculating Arc Flash

If you are involved with electrical work you need to check out the arcadvisor.com blog at http://arcadvisor.blogspot.com/

It focuses exclusively on arc flash, its dangers, prevention, etc… Additionally, they’ve got a free beta version of an arc flash calculation software that you can download free in exchange for feedback.

Arcad, the company that provides this blog and free software “helps facilities create safer working environments for individuals who service electrical systems by providing On-Line and PC based software tools for Short Circuit and Arc Flash Hazard Analysis. NFPA requires that any panel likely to be serviced by a worker be surveyed and labeled. ARCAD service includes resources and tools allowing plant and facility managers and personnel to perform short circuit, incident energy, arc flash protection boundary, level of PPE calculations, and create customized arc flash warning labels themselves drastically reducing the cost of getting in compliance with OSHA & NFPA 70E”

Have a look around (It’s a Canadian company but the information applies here in the U.S. as well), and download the free software. Don’t forget to go back and give them feedback, it’s the least you can do to thank them for the free download.

The Basics of Electrical Safety (Part 5)

If the worse should happen…

• Do not touch a person who is being electrocuted, the odds are that you will become another victim rather than save the person.
• To free the person who is being electrocuted look first for the source of source of power and turn if off.
• If you cannot access the source of the power, use a non-conductive material to remove them from the electrical current (dry wood, cardboard or plastic)
• Immediately call 911. Even if the person appears okay, there might be internal, non-visible injuries.
• Lay the person down and elevate their legs. Begin CPR if the patient is no longer breathing.
• Treat any burns while waiting for help to arrive.
• For electrical fires, make sure that you use the appropriate fire extinguishers. Water only increases the risk of electrocution.

 

Additional Resources:

• http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/electrical/index.html – The OSHA site with a ton of information on all things related to electrical safety.
• http://esfi.org – The home of the Electrical Safety Foundation International.
• http://www.elec-toolbox.com/Safety/safety.htm – The Electrician’s Toolbox Etc… website

The Basics of Electrical Safety (Part 4)

Protecting against the hazards of electricity

The old adage that the problem with common sense is that it is common enough holds true here. Most electrical injuries and fatalities could have been avoided with a little common sense and prevention.

Tips for working safely around electricity:

• Make sure that GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) are installed in wall receptacles, circuit breakers and portable plug-ins. There is no single thing that you can do to decrease the chance of electrical injury in and around the house than this. Fire officials have estimated that some 30,000 homes fires a year could be prevented by simply using GFCIs. Use extension cords with built-in GFCI or that is plugged into a GFCI (Coleman Cable has a great one. See it here)
• Always turn off the power before moving or working on any electrical apparatus or machine. In industrial settings, be sure to read and apply safety procedures associated with lockout/tagout (you can download “The Basics of Lockout/Tagout” from our website at www.nationalsafetyinc.com under the lockout/tagout section)
• Pay attention to the quality of the electrical and electronic equipment that you purchase. Although compliance agencies require testing and certification, there is an increase in counterfeits that may bear all the seals of approval and certification but that are actually forgeries that have been built with inferior parts and products. (For more information on electrical counterfeits go to: http://esfi.org/node/565)
• Avoid working with electricity around water and wet conditions.
• Never work on live circuit panels. The danger of arc flash is simply too great. Call a professional.
• Educate yourself on the proper use and hazards of improper use for all electrical equipment that you use (power tools, space heaters, power generators, extension cords, etc…).
• Educate yourself and your children on any and home electrical safety issues.

The Basics of Electrical Safety (Part 3)

Indirect Injuries

In addition to the direct injuries we have what we are calling “indirect injuries”. Indirect injuries are injuries that are caused by trauma as a result spasms or falls causes by an electrical jolt. Because electricity causes muscles spasms and because people react to electrical shock, many of the injuries are not a direct result of the electrical current but rather because of a fall or blow due to the reaction to the shock.

Falls are the most common of these. A worker who gets an electric shock falls and injures himself or kills himself as a result of the fall. Other reactions to the shock can cause a worker to injury himself by slamming into an object, dropping equipments or tools.

In this category of indirect injuries we also need to list fires. Electrical shorts cause over 2,000 deaths each year as well as billions of dollars of property damage. Especially susceptible are older homes with old and faulty wiring.

Arc Flash Injuries

Arc Flash is a complete course in itself. Check out the arc flash section on our website at www.nationalsafetyinc.com for a complete “The Basics of Arc Flash Protection” document as well as other downloads and related articles.

The Basics of Electrical Safety (Part 2)

Electricity and the human body

Direct Injuries

Direct injuries are injuries that are directly due to contact with electricity.

The severity of the injury will depend on three factors:

1. The path that the current takes as it travels through the body. One of the reasons that electricity is so often fatal is that the point of entry and the point of exit usually goes through the heart. The point of entry is usually a hand. The electrical current exits through whichever point of the body is grounded. This is usually the foot which is in contact with the ground or some other point of contact or the other hand which is touching something else. The heart is right in the middle of both of these paths.
2. The amount of current that travels through the body
3. The amount of time that the current is in the body. The longer the currant is in the body the more damage it inflicts.

The soft tissues in the body, partly because of the high water content, are the most affected. This means that the greatest damage is done to vital organs like the heart, the liver, etc…

As little as 3 milliamps will result in shock. By 10 milliamps or so the body will start having muscular contractions. By 30 milliamps the person will start experiencing respiratory paralysis, by 50 heart paralysis. Anything over this has a high chance of being fatal. At 75 milliamps the heart can go into fibrillation which brings about death unless a defibrillator is used in time. Tissue burning and scalding is also present above 4-5 amps.

A simple Google image search under “Electrical Burns” will turn up enough photos to drive home the severity of this form of injury (Not a recommended search for those with weak stomachs)

Additionally, because the softer tissue is beneath the skin (dry skin is a very poor conductor. Moisture in the skin, however, rapidly increases the conductivity) many of these burns happen under the skin and aren’t visible until imaging and other medical techniques are used.