SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE

Electricity is great when it is doing what it is
intended to do, and that is to stay in its intended path
and doing the work intended. But electricity out of
its intended path can be dangerous, often resulting in
fire, serious injury, or death.
Before getting into residential wiring and the
National Electrical Code (NEC), we need to discuss
on-the-job safety. Safety is not a joke! Electricians
working on new construction, remodel work, maintenance,
and repair work find that electricity is part
of the work environment. Electricity is all around us,
just waiting for the opportunity to get out of control.
Repeat these words: Safety First . . . Safety Last . . .
Safety Always!
Working on switches, receptacles, luminaires,
or appliances with the power turned on is dangerous.
Turn off the power! In addition, check with a
voltmeter to be sure the power is off.
The voltage level in a home is 120 volts between
one “hot” conductor and the “neutral” conductor or
grounded surface. Between the two “hot” conductors
(line-to-line), the voltage is 240 volts.
An electrical shock is received when electrical
current passes through the body. From basic electrical
theory, you learned that line voltage appears
across an open in a series circuit. Getting caught
“in series” with a 120-volt circuit will give you a
120-volt shock. For example, open-circuit voltage
between the two terminals of a single-pole switch
on a lighting circuit is 120 volts when the switch is
in the “OFF’ position and the lamp(s) are in place.
See Figure 1-1. Likewise, getting caught “in series”
with a 240-volt circuit will give you a 240-volt
shock.
Working on equipment with the power turned on
can result in death or serious injury, either as a direct
result of electricity (electrocution or burns) or from
an indirect secondary reaction, such as falling off a
ladder or jerking away from the “hot” conductor into
moving parts of equipment such as the turning blades
of a fan. For example: A workman was seriously
injured while working a “live” circuit that supplied
a piece of equipment. He accidentally came into
contact with a “hot” terminal, and reflex action
caused him to pull his hand back into a turning
pulley. The pulley cut deeply into his wrist, resulting
in a tremendous loss of blood.
Dropping a metal tool onto live parts, allowing
metal shavings from a drilling operation to fall onto
live parts of electrical equipment, cutting into a “live”
conductor and a “neutral” conductor at the same time,
or touching the “live” wire and the “neutral” conductor
or a grounded surface at the same time can cause
injury directly or indirectly.
A short circuit or ground fault can result in a
devastating arc flash that can cause serious injury or
death. The heat of an electrical arc has been determined
to be hotter than the sun. Tiny hot “balls”
of copper can fly into your eye or onto your skin.
 shows a disconnect switch that has been
locked and tagged.
Lockout/tagout (sometimes called LOTO) is the
physical restraint of all hazardous energy sources
that supply power to a piece of equipment. It simply
means putting a padlock on the switch and applying
a warning tag on the switch.
Dirt, debris, and moisture can also set the stage
for equipment failure and personal injury. Neatness
and cleanliness in the workplace are a must.
Who Is Responsible for Safety?
You are!
The electrical inspector inspects electrical installations
for compliance to the NEC. He or she is not
really involved with on-the-job safety.
For on-the-job safety, OSHA puts the burden of
responsibility on the employer. OSHA can impose
large fines for noncompliance with its safety rules.
But since it’s your own safety that we are discussing,
you share the responsibility by applying safe work
practices, using the proper tools and PPE equipment
the contractor furnishes, and installing “Listed” electrical
equipment. Be alert to what’s going on around
you! Do a good job of housekeeping!