ELECTRICAL SAFETY: - ELEMENT -5

1) With reference to an electric circuit ,State the relationship between voltage , Current and
resistance -6 Marks

Volt: The unit of measurement of electrical potential

Ampere (Current): The unit of measurement of electric current flow

Ohm (Resistance): The unit of measurement of electrical resistance

Relationship of Volt (V), Current (I) & Resistance (R)

As per Ohm’s Law: V = IR or I = V/R

2) Outline the factors that could be affecting the severity of injury from an electric shock
received from a defective hand –held tool.-6 Marks
or
Outline four factors that may affect the severity of injury from contact with electricity
-6 Marks

Voltage: -Higher voltages enable the current to pass with ease through materials
with higher resistance.
Current: -The larger the current, in milli-amps mA, the greater the likelihood of
injury
Time: -The longer the body is exposed to an electric shock the higher the chances of
heart fibrillating. The duration of exposure is measured in mill- seconds
 Conductivity or resistance: -of the body and surroundings. E.g. sweating lowers
skin resistance:
Current path:- The most dangerous routes that current can take through the body
are across the chest.
3) Outline the dangers associated with electricity -8 Marks

Dangers associated with electricity are electrocution , burns, arcing, fire and
explosion

Electrical Shock:- Electric shock is the convulsive reaction by the human body to the
flow of electric current through it. Most incidents of electric shock occur when the
person becomes the route to earth for alive conductor

Electrical Burns :- Burns of the skin occur at the point of electrical contact due to the
high resistance of skin, These burns may be deep .burns may also occur inside the body
along the path of electric current

Electrical Arcing:- Conductor carries sufficient potential to jump across an insulation

material arcing occurs .The main cause is unsafe working practices and working to close
too high voltage conductors . Electrical arcing lead to indirect burns and injuries to eyes
.

Static Electricity :- The main hazard of static electricity is the creation of sparks in an
explosive or flammable atmosphere. The generation of static can be caused by the rapid
separation of highly insulated materials by friction .it may lead to explosion and fire .The
buildup of electrons on weak electrical conductors or insulating materials

Fire & explosions caused by Electricity:-Electrical fires are caused by a lack of

reasonable care in the maintenance and use of electrical installation and equipment.
Overheating of cables and equipment will occur if become overloaded ,loose
 connections bunching of cables together can lead to fire. If explosive atmosphere is
present and any short circuits and sparks will increase the explosion.

4) Outline the emergency action to be take if a person suffers a severe electric shock.-6
Marks

The emergency action to be taken in case of any severe shock such as Don't touch the
victim raise the alarm by calling help from colleagues, Unplug or turn off the power,If you
can't turn off the power, use a piece of wood or a broom handle to separate the victim from
the power source. Call for emergency and ambulance . Check breathing ,If breathing place in
recovery position& If not breathing apply CPR >in case of any burns shift the person into
well ventilated area and maintain the body temperature .Never give water for electrocuted
person .
4) Outline the effects of human body from a severe electric shock -6 Marks

Health effect of human body from severe shock depends on the amount current , voltage,
duration and environmental conditions etc..these situations may lead to number of health
effects on human body such as Damage to nervous system ,if the chest in the current path
respiratory movement could be prevented causing asphyxia Irregular heartbeat
(fibrillation) External & Internal burns occur at the point of electrical contact due to the
high resistance of skin .Muscular contractions & Physical trauma ,Stopping breathing
(respiratory paralysis)

Such health effects may be so severe that they ultimately result in death. They may also
result in secondary effects such as being thrown off a ladder.

6) Describe how earthing can reduce the risk of receiving an electric shock-4Marks

Good and effective earthing absolutely essential and must be connected .To reduce the
risk receiving the shock from electrical equipment use good conductive material with less
resistance ex:- copper. Maintain earth pit with zero resistance , The earth cable joint should
free from loose connections. To avoid the shock from the earthing, cable should be covered
with sleeve ,The earth pit should be filled with coal, salt and sand ,Continuity of the earthing
to be maintained for that there should be single earth strip or copper cable. using of Earth
leakage circuit breakers will give adequate protection

7) In relation to the use of electrical cables and plugs in the work place :-

a) Identify four examples of faults and bad practices that could contribute to electrical
accidents.-6 Marks

b) Outline the corresponding precautions that should be taken for each of the examples
identified in (a)-6 Marks

a) Damaged Cables :- Damaged electrical cables and sockets may leads to fire in the
workplace .it is happens due to overheating in plug point. Inadequate standard electrical
equipments :- Usage of non approved standard electrical equipments leads to damages
and fire. Overloading of electrical connections into socket :- Number of electrical
equipment plugged into one socket increase the overload and cause fire ,Using of
electrical equipment in wet conditions : - If the electrical equipment is not permitted
use in damp condition may lead to electrical shock . Loose cable Joints:- one of the most
common causes of overheating . Bunching of cables :- Can also cause excessive heat to be
developed within the inner cable, leading to fire . Incorrect rated fuse:- may lead to
failure of electrical equipments and total building, Lack of Earthing :- lack of adequate
earthing may increase the risk of fire ,electrocution etc..

b) Electrical equipment and circuits are normally rated to carry given safe current which
will keep the temperature rise of the conductors in the circuit .to avoid the fire hazards due
to overloading the system has to be provide with Miniature circuit breakers .Modern
mutli -Plugs are much safe as they lead to one fused plug , Avoid loose cable connections
and joints should be properly insulated . bunching of cables should be avoided and
properly laid through cable tray .Provided with correct rating fuse and earth connections
properly checked and earthing should be done properly .The electrcial equipment should
provide with earth leakage circuit breakers or ground fault circuit interpreter. Adequate
maintenance and polarity test ,Use of ingress protection male and female sockets .Flame
proof electrical equipments

8) Outline a range of checks that should be made to ensure electrical safety in an office
environment -8 Marks

Visual inspections for damage to cables, plugs and sockets, the need to ensure that all fuses
are of the correct rating, and checking that equipment is sited such that outlets are not
overloaded and cables are not in vulnerable positions. The equipment itself should be
checked to ensure suitability and conformity with recognized standards (e.g. CE Marking)
for Europe and a specific testing procedure for portable appliances should be in place, as
well as a procedure for reporting defects or damage. Check for the proper earthing and the
connection are through earth leakage circuit breakers (ELCB /RCD).Plug and sockets of the
equipment are to be checked and cables are routed properly.

9) Outline practical measures to reduce the risk of injury from electricity when using
portable electric tools-8 Marks

Practical control measures are to be implemented to reduce the risk of injury from
electricity Operate electric tools within their design limitations and connections are to be
taken through ELCB / RCD .Disconnect power when not in use and ensure that it do not
start accidentally

Ensure that cords from electric tools do not present a tripping hazard Do not use electric
tools in damp or wet locations unless they are approved for that purpose. Keep work areas
well lighted when operating electric tools and Ensure earthing is given. Use adequate
personal protective equipments while using electrical equipments . The cables used for
electric cables should double insulated .Use reduced voltage equipments with 110 volts and
while doing any maintenance do the isolation

10) Outline measures that should be taken to minimize the risk of from electrical
equipment -8 Marks

Hazards associated with the use of electrical equipments can be controlled through their
proper use and care. It is necessary to establish safe work practices in compliances with
safety rules for the use electrical equipments at the workplace. To avoid the risk of
electrocution the following should be taken into consideration; Electrical supply to the
equipment should be taken through proper fuse, power supply to the electrical tools should
be taken through ELCB / GFCI, plug casing should be free of damages, electrical equipments
should be provided with proper grounding. The use of two layer of insulating materials
around the electrical equipment (Double Insulation) avoids the need for an earth conductor
as there is no exposed conductor which may become live. Shut off the electrical supply to
the equipment when not in use and preventing the system from being mistakenly operated.
Do not use the equipment in damp or wet location unless they are approved for that
purpose.

11)When using a portable electrical grinder to cut a support beam at height, the
operator accidentally makes direct contact with the supply cable.

a) Identify four possible outcomes associated with this action-4 Marks

Damaged Cables :-Frayed cables may cause direct contact with the person
Damaged Body the Electrical Grinder :- Electricity may leak into the body through
damaged body parts of the machine.
Overloading of Grinding machine :- Inadequate grinder wheel or giving more overload to
the equipment may increase the chance for short circuit and may lead to
 electrical shock
Failure of Residual current device :- Such as failure of ELCB may cause return current
and may cause electrical shock
Inadequate Earthing :- Lack of proper earthing , discontinuity in earthing increase the
chances shock
b) Identify four protective devices /systems that could minimize the risk to the
operator in these circumstances-6 Marks

Fuses: Fuses come with a current rating and in case the amount of current exceeds the
specified limits it melts to disconnect the electricity flow and provide protection.
Earthing: Electricity will always try to reach earth and earthing is a means of providing a
low resistance path to earth
Reduced Voltage System: Reducing the mains voltage by means of a transformer to a
lower safer voltage e.g. 110volts or 55 volts
Isolation: Shutting off the electricity supply toan item of equipment and preventing the
system from being mistakenly reconnected
Residual Current Devices (RCD):-an electrical device which protects personnel by
detecting potentially hazardous leakage current and quickly disconnecting power from the
circuit.
Double Insulation: Two separate layers of insulation are provided which allows for fault
detection where one layer has failed the other still provides protection

12) A joiner has received an electric shock from a hand –held 230v drill while fitting
floor boards to an upstairs room of new property .the drill is five years old but has
not been tested during this time .fortunately the injury to the joiner was not serious.

a) Identify the factors that may have limited the severity of injury on this occasion -4
Marks
The drill machine is connected with earth leakage circuit breaker/residual current circuit
breaker and proper earthing was given to the drill machine, The body of the electrical
portable drill was double insulated and double insulated cables was provided and regular
portable appliance testing was done with the equipment and regular maintenance .The
operator was provide with adequate personal protective equipment.

a) Outline the physical effects on the body that such contact with electricity could
have caused under different circumstances …4Marks
when the body is exposed to electrical shock
 Damage to nervous system
 Irregular heartbeat (fibrillation)
 Internal burns
 Muscular contractions
 Physical trauma
 Stopping breathing (respiratory paralysis)
 Surface burns to the skin
Such health effects may be so severe that they ultimately result in death. They may also
result in secondary effects such as being thrown off a ladder.
c) Outline ways of minimizing the risk of serious injury from electricity when using a
portable electrical drill-6 Marks
To minimize the risk of serious injury from portable electrical drill ,the connection
should taken through residual current device such as earth leakage circuit breaker or
GFCI -Ground fault circuit interrupter .The cable should be double insulated and fuse
should be provided .It is better to use with reduced voltage portable electrical 110 volts
or 55 volts .Earthing continuity has to be maintained .while operating the portable
electrical drill provide suitable personal protective equipment. Regular maintenance,
user checks and Portable appliance testing to be done .
13)Outline the factors to consider when determining the frequency for the
inspection and testing of electrical equipment -6 Marks

As per Manufacturer recommendations

The type of work activity and the Environment conditions
The duration of use and how many year old
As per the internal inspection schedule and risk assessment
As per the legal requirements

14) Identify pre use checks for electrical safety that should be carried out on a portable
drill- 4 Marks .

 Users can inspect portable equipment prior to use to identify visible defects such as damage
to insulation or loose plugs and cord grips, check of any in service date and the date of the
last PAT-portable appliance testing Inspection. Earthing and residual current devices are to
be checked , Equipment is of an approved standard and The wiring and casing are free from
mechanical damage.Cables are correctly routed to avoid damage or tripping hazards .Check
the system is not overloaded and The fuse is correctly rated

15) Identify the electrical hazards that could be discovered by visual inspection-6 Marks

Damaged electrical plugs and sockets ,

Loose cabling and damaged sockets
Missing of PAT inspection tag
Loose earthing and failure in residual current devices
Overloading and damp conditions
Inadequate cable management system
Damaged Fuses and body of the equipment
16) (a) Outline the three levels of inspection that should be included in a
maintenance and inspection strategy for portable electrical appliances-8 Marks

The following three inspection procedures are in place:

 User checks

 Formal visual inspection

 Combined inspection and test by a competent person

 User checks

Users can inspect portable equipment prior to use to identify visible defects such as
damage to insulation or loose plugs and cord grips, check of any in service date and
the date of the last PAT Inspection.

 Formal visual inspection

A formal visual inspection is an inspection carried Out by an individual with

electrical knowledge to Determine whether: Damage to insulation or loose plugs and
cord grips, check of any in service date and the date of the last PAT-portable
appliance testing Inspection. Earthing and residual current devices are to be checked
, Equipment is of an approved standard and The wiring and casing are free from
mechanical damage.Cables are correctly routed to avoid damage or tripping hazards
.Check the system is not overloaded and The fuse is correctly rated

 Combined inspection and test by a competent Person

A polarity test ( carried out on extension cables and supply leads to ensure that live
 and neutral conductors are wired correctly )

 Earth continuity test

 Insulation Resistance test

 Earth leakage test

(17) Identify the reasons for keeping centralized records of the results of portable
appliances testing within the oragnsaition-4 Marks

 Whether the machine is inspected by an authorized person.

 In case the test label is removed the record would help to identify inspection date
 To ensure the inspection and test are done as per schedule.
 History of the records helps to assess the machine condition.

18) Outline precautions to protect against electrical contact when:-

a) Excavating near underground cables -6 Marks

Precautions are to be taken while excavating near to underground cables such as detect the
location of cable by using cable detector and obtain shut down for the live line with lock
out an tag out system .Do manual excavation where up to the cable found and provide
adequate protection and continue with the mechanical excavation use insulated tools for
digging. The hazards are to be controlled by work permit system. The work activities
should be carried out by competent persons and appoint a supervisor to monitor the work
activities, Provide Adequate information and instructions and implement the safe working
method . In case of emergency follow the emergency actions .Adequate personal protective
equipment and barrication. Detailed job safety analysis to be done
b) Working in the vicinity of overhead power Lines -6 Marks

Precautions are to be taken to prevent the contact with the over head power line the best
method avoid working under overhead line, while working in the vicinity of power lines
establish a permit work system and it should be supervised by competent persons
.Personal protective equipment and insulated equipment are to be used .Another better
option to do the isolations and for providing information in terms of using barriers,
signage's goal posts to keep plant and vehicles a safe distance from power lines. For the
vehicle movement near to the overhead power line deploy banks men for controlling the
operation and use non conducting equipment such as fibre glass ladders.