DUBAI MUNICIPALITY

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ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION &

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SAFETY SECTION Technical Guideline

Number 9

Electrical Safety at Work

Background: Most industrial activities involve the use of electricity. Proper electrical
safety is made up of proper design , training, maintenance, procedures
and commonsense. All personnel shall obey the Electrical safety rules
with regard to design, use and maintenance of electrical equipment.
Dubai Local Order 61/1991 requires that employers provide a safe
working environment. The following guidelines are recommended to
all employers.

Guidelines:

Earthing:

1- To prevent electrocution the system of fuse and earth combination is applied.

For example, if a live conductor touches a properly earthed tool body or casing
the high surge of current to earth melts the fuse and eliminates the danger by
breaking the circuit.

Fuses are rated for the current flow in use for the appliance. DON'T replace
with a higher rated fuse, wire or silver paper. The appliance may work but it
is NOT SAFE.

Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (E.L.C.B)

2- A well proven and recommended device for the elimination of death by

electrocution is the E.L.C.B.

Current flow to earth in this system, (for example even through the body) is
detected and shut off in a matter of miliseconds although the victim may
receive an electric shock. The flow does not last long enough to cause death.

Maintenance

3- Don't use appliances with damaged (cut, worn, frayed) cords or cables, faulty
or broken switches; cracked, broken or open protective motor and component
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 covers, cases; cracked or broken plugs; no plugs, loose or uninsulated wires;
motors with sparks coming from commutator. (remember faulty and sparking
power tools can cause explosions and fires in combustible hazard areas)

4- Don't tamper with any electric source; panels; outlet boxes etc. Get the
electrician for any fault you spot.
All electrical isolation/de-isolation should be done only by an authorized
electrical person.

5- Never extend cables or cords with temporary ‘wire up and tape’ job. Get the
electrician or approved extension reels.

Design

6- Use Guards especially for rotating equipment such as drills, grinders, saws.
Make sure power cable doesn’t get entrapped in rotating parts.

7- Protect all electrical equipment from ingression of water. e.g. rain, washing
down.

8- When using portable power tools where no earth is available, always use
approved double insulation appliances. Double insulation means that all metal
parts are completely segregated (insulated) from the electric circuit and
therefore require no earth.

9- Adequate steps must be taken to ISOLATE all danger areas. Sub-stations

should be fenced off and locked (key with authorized electricians) with
electrical hazard danger signs posted. Junction boxes, panels, distribution
boxes - should be sign posted and firmly closed.
No person without authority should enter any power station, transforming
station or switch room.

Procedures /Training

10- All electrical work shall be done only by an authorized trained, competent
electrical person.

11- Never pull up a portable electric tool by the cable. Always carry it by the tool
body.

12- Always switch off power and pull out the plug before changing parts on the
tool, (such as the grinding disc) or making adjustments.

13- Never leave the power on when not using the tool. Remove plug from socket.

14- Don’t let electric cords or appliances come into contact with water.

15- Never insert loose wires of a tool cord into a socket. Always use a plug
designed for the socket (e.g. never put a 2 pin plug in a 3 pin socket).
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16- Keep cables away from heat sources.

17- Provide suitable padding and protection if tool cords have to pass sharp edges.

18- If the tool is overheating - don’t use it, get it inspected by a qualified
electrician.

19- Keep power outlet panel doors closed after plugging in.

20- Never attempt to fix an electric appliance if you haven’t been trained to do so.

21- Keep all electric tools clean, free of dirt, dust and grease.

22- Use the proper personnel protective equipment when using electric power
tools e.g. safety glassed or face shields, rubber soled shoes (avoid standing in
water when using an electric appliance; use approved non-conductive rubber
boots if absolutely essential).

23- Don’t place ladders (especially metal type) near any live electric wires.

24- Don’t remove any lock out or tags from electric sources. Only the instigator
can remove these.

25- Overloading of multi-point connectors from a single outlet should be avoided.

Check with electrician or find alternate supply.

26- Never accept cheap or sub standard wiring or equipment. All new permanent
or temporary electric equipment and wiring should be approved by a qualified
electrical engineer.

27- For hazardous areas (e.g. confined spaces, tanks, flammable atmosphere, etc.)
only approved spark/flame proof cables and lighting should be used (Note:
This applies to hand held torches also).
Place adequate Number of CO2 fire extinguishers near electrical switch room.

28- In case of fire in any electric circuit NEVER use water as a means of
extinguishing.

29- Train personnel in the dangers of electric hazards. Persons trained in basic
first-aid for electric shock should be available.

30- Use lock out and tag out procedures when working on electric circuits coupled
with permit to work system.

31- Encourage electric hazard spotting among employees such as a cracked plug
etc. and get them to report fault for remedial action.

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32- Non-electrical work to be carried out in the vicinity of exposed live parts
should not start before the live parts have been safely covered to prevent
access/contact.
Danger notices should be placed.

33- Action all electrical faults immediately.

34- All dangerous occurrences and electrical accidents shall be investigated.

FURTHER INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE FROM

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION & SAFETY SECTION

☎ 2064244 / 2064245 FAX: 2270160