Module 02 lecture 01

Electrical Hazard Identification

Introduction
Electrical hazards are a critical concern in many workplaces, where electrical systems
are commonly used. Understanding these hazards and implementing effective safety
protocols is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring safety.

Electrical Shock
Electrical shock occurs when the human body completes an electrical circuit, allowing
current to flow through it. The severity depends on the amount of current, the path it
takes, and the exposure duration.

Arc Flash
An arc flash is a sudden release of electrical energy due to a fault, producing extreme
heat and light. Temperatures can exceed 35,000°F (19,400°C), causing severe burns and
eye damage

Arc Blast
An arc blast is the explosive force generated by an arc flash. It creates shockwaves and
sends debris flying, causing blunt force injuries, hearing damage, and burns.

Overloaded Circuits
Overloaded circuits occur when excessive current flows through a circuit, causing
overheating and potential fire hazards.

Faulty Wiring
Faulty wiring, such as damaged insulation or poor installation, is a leading cause of
electrical hazards. It can result in shocks, short circuits, and fires. Regular inspections,
adherence to electrical codes, and prompt repairs are necessary to prevent these risks.

Static Electricity
Static electricity is the buildup of electrical charge, typically from friction. In certain
environments, static discharge can ignite flammable materials, causing explosions or
fires.

Types of Electrical Hazards

Shock
Electrical shock occurs when electrical current flows through the body, disrupting the
normal functions of cells, tissues, and organs. The severity depends on factors such as
the strength of the current, the duration of exposure, and the path the current takes
through the body.
Current Through Body
When the body becomes part of an electrical circuit, current can flow through it,
potentially causing harm. The amount of current and the duration of exposure are key
determinants of injury.

Severity Factors
The severity of an electrical shock is determined by three primary factors: the current
strength, the duration of exposure, and the path the current takes through the body.

Types of Shock
Electrical shocks vary in severity. Mild shocks are typically characterized by a tingling
sensation and cause minimal harm. Severe shocks can result in burns, muscle
contractions, or organ damage

Causes
Electrical shocks are commonly caused by contact with live wires, faulty equipment,
or inadequate insulation. Live wires, whether exposed or damaged, pose a significant
risk when touched. Faulty equipment, such as malfunctioning wiring or devices with
poor grounding, can also lead to shock.

Prevention
To prevent electrical shock, it is essential to use insulated tools and wear appropriate
personal protective equipment (PPE) such as rubber gloves and boots. Ensuring that
electrical systems are properly grounded is another critical safety measure

The image illustrates the four types of shock that disrupt the body’s ability to circulate
blood effectively:

1. Hypovolemic Shock: Caused by significant fluid or blood loss, reducing blood

volume (e.g., trauma or dehydration).

2. Distributive Shock: Results from abnormal blood vessel dilation, often due to
sepsis, anaphylaxis, or neurogenic issues.

3. Cardiogenic Shock: Occurs when the heart fails to pump blood adequately, often
due to heart attacks.
4. Obstructive Shock: Caused by physical blockages in blood flow, such as
pulmonary embolism or cardiac tamponade.

Types of Electrical Hazards:

Fire

Electrical fires are a critical hazard in workplaces and result from various issues like
overheating, faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and arc faults. Understanding these causes
is key to preventing devastating incidents.

Overheating

Excessive current flow in wires generates heat, which can cause insulation to break down
or ignite nearby flammable materials. Poor ventilation or outdated equipment can
exacerbate this risk. Proper load management and maintaining electrical systems prevent
overheating.

Faulty Wiring

Damaged, frayed, or improperly installed wiring significantly increases the chances of

electrical fires. Faulty connections can create sparks or heat buildup, leading to
combustion. Using quality materials and ensuring professional installation reduces this
hazard.

Overloaded Circuits

Plugging too many devices into a single circuit can lead to an excessive electrical load,
causing wires to overheat and potentially start a fire. Circuit breakers and load
management practices are essential to prevent circuit overloads.

Arc Faults

Arc faults occur when electrical currents jump between connections, creating intense heat
and sparks. These sparks can ignite surrounding flammable materials. Arc fault circuit
interrupters (AFCIs) can detect and prevent such faults.

Prevention
To prevent electrical fires, organizations should use high-quality wiring, install circuit
breakers, and conduct regular system inspections. Routine maintenance, adherence to
codes, and employee training are critical for maintaining safety and reducing risks.

Types of Electrical Hazards: Explosion

Electrical explosions are severe workplace hazards resulting from high-energy releases,
faulty systems, or flammable environments. These incidents can cause devastating
damage and serious injuries, making prevention a top priority.

Arc Blast

An arc blast occurs when an arc flash releases intense electrical energy, creating a high-
pressure explosion. This force can propel debris, produce extreme heat, and cause
significant physical harm to workers and equipment

Flammable Atmospheres

Work environments containing flammable gases, vapors, or dust are highly susceptible to
explosions triggered by electrical sparks. Even minor ignition sources can set off
catastrophic reactions

Faulty Equipment

Malfunctioning or poorly maintained electrical systems can create conditions ripe for
explosions. Faulty insulation, damaged components, or electrical arcing within equipment
can lead to energy surges and ignition.
 High Voltage Systems

High voltage systems pose a significant risk, as overvoltage conditions or electrical faults
can result in equipment failure and explosions. Proper insulation, voltage monitoring, and
surge protection devices are critical to prevent these occurrences.

Prevention

Preventing electrical explosions involves routine maintenance of electrical systems, the

use of explosion-proof equipment, and strict control of ignition sources. Adherence to
safety standards and risk assessments ensures safe operations in high-risk environments.

Identifying Hazards in Low- and High-Voltage Systems

Understanding electrical hazards in low- and high-voltage systems is crucial for
ensuring workplace safety. Each system presents unique risks that require specific
preventive measures to protect workers and equipment.

Low-Voltage Systems

1. Shock Risk: Even low-voltage systems can cause injuries if touched, especially in
wet or conductive environments. Moisture lowers the body's resistance,
increasing the risk of electrical current flow. Insulated tools and dry working
conditions help mitigate this hazard.

2. Fire Hazard: Faulty wiring, short circuits, or circuit overloads in low-voltage

systems can overheat components, leading to fires. Regular system inspections
and proper load distribution prevent these incidents.

3. Improper Insulation: Damaged or degraded insulation exposes live wires,

increasing the chances of accidental contact or short circuits. Routine
maintenance and replacing damaged insulation ensure safe operations.

High-Voltage Systems

1. Severe Shock: High-voltage systems pose a higher risk of severe or fatal injuries
due to the large current flow through the body. Safe work practices, including
 proper PPE and maintaining minimum approach distances, are essential for
preventing shock incidents.

2. Arc Flash: A high-voltage arc flash releases extreme heat, light, and pressure
waves, causing severe burns, eye damage, or even blindness. Workers must wear
arc-rated PPE and follow strict de-energizing procedures to reduce the likelihood
of an arc flash.

3. Arc Blast: The explosive force generated by an arc flash can hurl molten metal,
debris, and shockwaves, resulting in serious injuries or equipment damage

4. Common Hazard & Prevention Measures

Ensuring electrical safety in the workplace involves identifying common hazards and
implementing effective preventive measures. A proactive approach reduces risks and
fosters a safe working environment.

Common Hazards

1. Exposed Live Parts: Contact with exposed live electrical components increases
the risk of severe injuries or fatal shocks. This hazard exists in both low- and
high-voltage systems and is particularly dangerous in crowded or poorly
insulated work areas.

2. Improper Grounding: Without proper grounding, electrical faults can cause

surges, shocks, and fires.

3. Faulty Equipment: Worn-out or malfunctioning equipment can create short

circuits, start fires, or even trigger explosions. Neglecting maintenance amplifies
these risks, making it essential to address equipment reliability.

Prevention Measures

1. Conduct Risk Assessments and Regular Inspections: Routine assessments

help identify hazards early, while inspections ensure equipment is in safe
working condition

2. Use Proper Insulation and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Insulating

materials and PPE, such as gloves, helmets, and arc-rated clothing, protect
workers from live parts, electrical shocks, and arc flashes.

3. Train Workers on System-Specific Safety Protocols: Proper

training ensures workers understand the unique risks of both low- and
high-voltage systems.
 Recognizing Latent Hazards in Aging Equipment
Aging electrical equipment poses latent hazards that can compromise safety and reliability.
Identifying these issues early is essential to maintaining operational efficiency and reducing
risks in workplace settings.

Degraded Insulation

Over time, insulation materials can deteriorate, crack, or break down, exposing live wires.
This increases the risk of electrical shocks, short circuits, and even fires. Regular inspection
and replacement of degraded insulation ensure continued safety.

Worn Components

Key components like switches, breakers, and relays wear out with age, leading to potential
malfunctions such as faults or overheating. Routine maintenance and timely replacement of
worn parts can prevent these issues and enhance system performance.

Corrosion

Moisture, chemicals, or environmental conditions can corrode electrical connections,

reducing conductivity and causing heat buildup. Corrosion weakens system integrity, and
anti-corrosion treatments or periodic cleaning help mitigate this problem.

Overheating

Older equipment often struggles to handle increased loads from modern devices, resulting
in overheating. This condition significantly raises the risk of fire hazards. Load balancing
and equipment upgrades are critical to addressing overheating risks.

Arc Faults

Wear and tear on conductors or terminals can create gaps, resulting in arc faults. These arcs
produce extreme heat and sparks, leading to potential explosions or equipment damage. Arc
fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) and system monitoring are effective preventive measures.

Improper Repairs
Repairs conducted in the past may not align with current safety standards, introducing
hidden risks into the system. Comprehensive reviews and compliance upgrades ensure that
equipment meets modern safety requirements.

Reduced Reliability

Aging equipment is more prone to unexpected failures, causing operational downtime and
increased risks of hazards. Replacing outdated systems with newer, more reliable
technologies enhances both safety and efficiency.

Inspection Importance

Regular inspections are the cornerstone of hazard detection in aging systems. Thorough
assessments identify risks such as corrosion, worn components, or improper repairs,
allowing for proactive mitigation strategies.

This table outlines a structured approach to identifying and mitigating latent hazards in
aging electrical equipment. The table is divided into 9 steps, each describing an activity, its
associated risks, inspection methods, control measures, responsible personnel, and relevant
notes. Below is a professional breakdown of each step:

1. Visual Inspection of Electrical Equipment

Visual inspection involves identifying visible issues such as exposed wires, corrosion, arc
damage, and insulation degradation. Technicians conduct monthly inspections of cables,
panels, and connections, using tools like infrared thermography to detect overheating.
Addressing these problems promptly through repairs or replacements prevents failures and
ensures safety.
2. Check Electrical Insulation

Electrical insulation prevents short circuits and reduces electrical hazards. Engineers
conduct quarterly checks using insulation resistance testers to identify issues like
degradation or exposed wires. Faulty insulation is replaced, and grounding systems are
improved to enhance safety and equipment reliability.

3. Inspect Circuit Breakers and Overcurrent Devices

Circuit breakers protect against overloads, but they can fail due to aging or faults. Annual
inspections involve testing for frequent tripping and using thermal scans to detect hot spots.
Outdated or faulty breakers are replaced with modern models to maintain system safety.

4. Grounding System Inspection

A grounding system ensures electrical safety by channeling excess electricity. Annual

inspections using ground resistance testers check for issues like corrosion or loose
connections. Maintenance engineers repair or replace faulty components to ensure reliable
grounding.

5. Check for Overheating and Overloading

Overheating and overloading can damage circuits and wiring. Technicians use thermal
cameras during monthly inspections to monitor temperatures and identify discolored wires.
Overloaded cables are replaced, and systems are upgraded to prevent further damage.

6. Inspect Electrical Control Systems

Control systems can malfunction due to outdated software or faulty components. Annual
diagnostic tests identify faults, and software updates or recalibration are performed to
maintain optimal performance and prevent failures.

7. Check Protection Devices (Fuses, Relays, etc.)

Protection devices like fuses and relays can degrade over time. Semi-annual inspections test
their functionality and calibration. Faulty devices are replaced, and settings are adjusted to
maintain protection against electrical faults.
8. Review Maintenance and Service History

Reviewing service logs after inspections helps identify recurring issues or missed repairs.
Addressing unresolved problems ensures aging equipment remains functional and prevents
unexpected failures through targeted maintenance planning.

9. Evaluate Equipment Environment

Environmental factors like moisture, dust, and temperature can accelerate equipment
degradation. Quarterly assessments check for debris, condensation, or poor ventilation.
Installing controls like dehumidifiers or ventilation systems protects equipment and
ensures stable operation.