When servicing and maintenance tasks involve electricity and electrical equipment, you must prevent the unexpected startup of equipment. Although painful, it wouldn’t be fatal because the GFCI creates a ground fault or leak in the current.Īdditional information about GFCI devices can be found in the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Focus Sheet. The GFCI ensures that any electrical shock is brief. When using electricity in a wet or damp location, including outdoor locations, a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) must be used. Electrical grounding provides an alternate path for electricity to follow, rather than going through a person. Equipment with a grounding prong must be plugged into an extension cord with a ground the grounding plug should not be removed from the equipment. To prevent electrical hazards, always make sure equipment is properly grounded. Reseting a tripped circuit breaker, or replace a blown fuseĪsk a qualified person to perform these tasks.Using any tools or a meter to measure for the presence of electricity.Opening up the case, or removing barrier guards, of any equipment that utilizes electricity.Making repairs or alterations to any electrical equipment.Working with exposed conductors carrying 50 volts or more.Make sure that all junction boxes are covered.Maintain at least 30 inches of clearance in front of electrical panels to ensure a safe environment for facilities workers.Wet environments can increase the risk of an electrical shock.įor more information on electrical cords, including extension cords and power taps, see the Extension Cords, Surge Suppressors and Power Strips Focus Sheet.Do not access, use or alter any building’s electrical service, including circuit breaker panels, unless you are specifically qualified and authorized to do so.
#Building electrical installation tutorial portable
High amperage equipment such as space heaters, portable air conditioners and other equipment must be plugged directly into permanent wall receptacles.Surge suppressors with built-in circuit breakers may be used long-term and are available with three, six and 15 foot-long cords.Extension cords may not be used as permanent wiring and should be removed after temporary use for an activity or event.Make sure electrical equipment is properly connected, grounded and in good working order.Don't work with exposed conductors carrying 50 volts or more.Poor wiring connections and old wiring that is damaged and cannot support the loadĪn explosion can occur when electricity ignites a flammable gas or combustible dust mixture in the air. Ignition from a short circuit or static charge is possible.Faulty electrical outlets resulting in poor contact or arcing.Too much current running through wiring where overcurrent protection fails or does not exist.Fire/ExplosionĮlectrical fires may be caused by excessive resistance that generates heat from any of the following: The severity of injury depends on the amount of current flowing through the body, the current's path through the body, the length of time the body remains in the circuit and the current's frequency. Electricity can also cause forceful muscle contraction or falls. This can happen if someone touches both wires of an energized circuit, touches one wire of the circuit while standing unprotected or touches a metal part that has become energized.Įlectrocution refers to the injury or lethal dose of electrical energy. When a person receives a shock, electricity flows between parts of the body or through the body to a ground. Electricity travels through closed circuits, and people, sometimes tragically, can become part of the circuit. ShockĮlectrical shock happens when current passes through the body. UW personnel need to be aware of the hazards electricity poses, such as shock, fire and explosion, and either eliminate or control those hazards. Even household current (120 volts) can stop your heart. We rely on electricity, but sometimes underestimate its capability of causing injury.