Electrical Safety

Electrical Safety

The human body generates and requires a

certain amount of electricity to function.
The human brain can generate enough
electricity to light a 15 watt light bulb.
There are approximately 1000 fatalities per
year in the U.S. from electrical shock.
Injuries and death from electrical shock are
preventable.
2

Electrical Safety

Electrical Definitions
Volts standard unit of measure of electricity.
Voltage force of electrical current measured in
volts.
Amps standard unit of measure for the strength
of electrical current.
Amperage the strength of electrical current to
make a piece of equipment work.
3

Electrical Safety

Electrical Hazards
1 milliamp- faint tingle (mini xmas lights)
5 milliamps-Slight shock, disturbing but not
painful. Most people can let go. However,
strong involuntary movements can cause
injury.

Electrical Safety

6-25 milliamps (female)

9-30 milliamps (male) Painful shock,
muscle control is lost. It may not be
possible to let go.
50-150 milliamps-extremely painful shock,
respiratory arrest, severe muscle
contraction. Death is possible.
5

Electrical Safety

1-4.3 amps ventricular fibrillation, muscles contract,

nerve damage occurs and death is likely. (hand drill)
10 amps cardiac arrest and severe burns occur and death
is probable. (microwave oven)
15 amps the lowest over current at which a typical fuse
or circuit breaker opens a circuit. (window air conditioner)
20 amps severe external and internal burns and
dismemberment (with higher voltages).
The above information is for voltage under 600 volts and
the severity of shock is affected by muscle mass, body fat,
path through the body, amount of current and length of
time.
6

Electrical Safety

The primary injuries from electricity are burns, pulmonary

failure and/or cardiac arrest.
The severity of the injury depends on the voltage, amps
current (AC or DC) and path through the body.
Dry skin is resistant to electricity and will be the first
injury in the form of a burn.
If the electricity passes through the skin internal burns to
muscles, organs, etc. can occur.
High voltage and amps can leave entrance and exit wounds
like a bullet and leave a trail of burned tissue internally.
DC is more dangerous then AC.
7

Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety Devices
Fuses

Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety Devices
Circuit Breakers

Trips at 15 amps

Trips at 5 milliamps

Electrical Safety

Fuses and circuit breakers are not designed to

protect you from electrical shock or electrocution.
Fuses and circuit breakers are designed to protect
equipment and wiring from catching fire.
The only circuit breaker designed to protect people
is the GFCI breaker, receptacle or extension cord.
Electricity is always looking for ground.
OSHA estimates that they issue approximately
20,000 citations per year for improper grounding
per NEC, NFPA and OSHA standards.
10

Electrical Safety
Electricity Dos
Do:
Turn off and secure electrical circuits before
working on item.
Remove jewelry.
Wear appropriate PPE.
Do not work in wet areas.
Use GFCI extension cords if working outside or
damp areas.
11

Electrical Safety

Use insulated hand tools.

If you are not sure of what your doing, call
an electrician.
Open circuit breaker boxes and fuse panels
properly.
Low voltage does not mean low hazard.

12

Electrical Safety
Electricity Donts
DONT:
Overload circuits.
Cut the ground prong from a three prong
plug.
Use damaged extension cords.
Use damaged power tools.
13

Electrical Safety

Work around water or on a wet surface.

Run extension cords through walls, under
carpet or across aisles.
Repair extension or power cords.
Modify electrical equipment.
Bypass or modify fuses, breakers, etc.
Use extension cords in place of permanent
wiring.
14

Electrical Safety
Looking for Little Fingers

kindergarten on a naval base

15

Electrical Safety
More Power

16

Electrical Safety
Removing Nightlight

With a butter knife

17

Electrical Safety
Temporary Lighting

18

Electrical Safety
New Type of Fuse

19

Electrical Safety
Jewelry Box?

20

Electrical Safety

21

Electrical Safety

22

Safety Clyde says

When electricity and complacency connect..

23