BPC INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

KRISHNAGAR, NADIA

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

– SEMINAR REPORT –

Seminar Name: - Safety Measures in Electrical Engineering

Course: - Internship - II

Name: - Tuhin Saha Semester: - 5th

Class Roll Number: - 21 Session: - 2024-25

Reg. Number: - D222305390 Date: -

Full Signature: -

_________________ _________________

Teacher’s Signature HOD’s Signature

Acknowledgement: -

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my teachers of electrical department for organizing
the seminar on Safety Measures in Electrical Engineering, and give me this opportunity to learn
electrical safety and its measures. First and foremost, I extend my sincere thanks to our guest speaker
Mr. Arabinda Podder for his invaluable guidance, constructive feedback, and support which helps
me to understand electrical safety and its practical applications.

I also extend my thanks to my institution for providing the resources and platform to explore this
important topic.

Thanking you,

You’re sincerely,

Tuhin Saha
 - - Index - -

1. Introduction Pg. - 01

2. Fundamental of Safety Pg. – 02

3. Safety Awareness Pg. - 03

4. Regulations & Standards Pg. - 04

5. Causes of Electrical Accidents & Electrical Hazards Pg. - 05

6. Do’s and Don’ts for Electrical Hazards & Accidents Pg. – 06

7. Resuscitation & Methods of Providing First Aid from Electrical Hazards &
Pg. - 07
Injuries

8. Methods of Providing Protection & Safety in Domestic and Industrial

Pg. - 08
Applications

9. Conclusion Pg. - 10
1. Introduction: -

Electrical safety is essential in everyday life and industries, as electricity is a fundamental resource
that powers modern living. However, improper use it, or mishandling it, violates the safety measures
may leads to serious risks, including electrical shocks, fires, and even fatalities death. These hazards
not only endanger human lives but also result in significant property damage and economic losses.
According to global safety statistics, electrical hazards contribute a significant percentage of
workplace accidents, and domestic accidents, emphasizing the need for preventive measures.

The purpose of safety is to avoid accident, hazard, and injuries by taking precautions. Therefore for
maintaining proper safety, the safety drills should be exercised in the entire process of generation,
transmission, distribution and the end use of electrical energy.

Objective -

This report aims to,

1. Explore the various aspects of electrical safety, including common hazards, their causes, and
effective preventive measures.
2. Highlights first aid for electrical injuries and strategies for ensuring safety and providing in
various applications in domestic and industrial environments.
3. Raising awareness and providing practical insights, this report aims to promote a culture of safety
& protection preparedness.

Pg. - 1
2. Fundamental of Safety: -

Safety is the practice of protecting people, property, and the environment from potential hazards. In
the context of electrical systems, safety involves minimizing risks associated with electricity, such as
shocks, burns, fires, fatalities accidents and equipment damage. Understanding and implementing
safety measures are essential to prevent accidents and ensure the reliable operation of electrical
systems.

Types of Hazards -

Electrical safety focuses on mitigating hazards such as,

1. Physical Hazards: Electrical shocks, arc flashes, and burns.

2. Fire Hazards: Fires caused by short circuits, overloads, or faulty wiring.
3. Equipment Hazards: Risks from malfunctioning or poorly maintained devices.

Elimination of Risks & Hazards -

To manage these risks, safety practices follow a hierarchy,

1. Elimination: Removing hazardous elements entirely, such as replacing outdated wiring.

2. Substitution: Using safer alternatives, like insulated tools or low-voltage systems.
3. Engineering Controls: Designing systems with built-in safety features, such as circuit breakers.
4. Administrative Controls: Implementing safety protocols, regular inspections, and training.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Using safety gear like gloves, helmets, and insulated
footwear as a last defense.

Safety Management & Monitoring System -

The core principles of Safety management & monitoring system include,

1. Risk Identification: Recognizing potential hazards before they become critical.

2. Risk Assessment: Evaluate the severity and likelihood of identified risks to prioritize mitigation
strategies.
3. Prevention: Implement measures to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to equipment or
infrastructure.
4. Training and Awareness: By conducting regular training sessions to ensure employees
understand safety protocols.
5. Protection: By employing safety tools, devices, and practices to safeguard against remaining risks.
6. Emergency Response Preparedness: Ensuring readiness to respond effectively to emergencies,
and Develop and implement plans to respond efficiently to emergencies, such as fire, chemical
spills, or natural disasters.

Safety management & monitoring system ensures the safety of,

1. Safety to self-person
2. Safety to fellow workman and other living being
3. Safety of materials & buildings
4. Safety of devices and machinery
5. Safety to consumer
6. Safety to the public
7. Safety of system for continuous and reliability of supply.

Pg. - 2
3. Safety Awareness -

Fostering a culture of safety is essential. Regular training, education, and awareness campaigns help
individuals understand potential risks and the importance of adhering to safety measures. A well-
informed approach to safety reduces accidents and promotes a secure environment.

1. Any type of industrial work is full of hazards. Accidents in any industry is very costly. Injuries
to workers cannot be compensated. Therefore it is necessary to take precautions with a view to
ensure safety of the plants, machineries and the human beings.
2. The prevention of accidents require consciousness of the personnel working on the job and full
knowledge of the work to be undertaken as well as seriousness for the same.
3. The personnel should be familiar with safety rules and regulations and should be mentally
prepared to adopt them meticulously without direction.
4. Prevention of accidents calls for extreme discipline while executing work. They should be
serious in every step of work and shall cooperate with each other in the work.
5. The place of work shall be kept neat & clean and well-illuminated to avoid darkness and the
personnel working shall be tightly dressed (No loose dress should be used).
6. The working personnel should be fit in physique and shall not be under any influence of
intoxicant or disablement.
7. Always at least a second man shall be a stand-bye to extend help in any emergency.

By understanding safety awareness, accidents, and hazard can effectively prevent accidents and
create safer workplaces and homes.

Importance of Electrical Safety -

Electricity is an essential resource that has revolutionized modern life, making it indispensable.
However, its benefits come with inherent risks that require strict adherence to safety laws as
electricity and electrical machines do not account for human errors. Negligence or carelessness can
lead to severe accidents, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety. Organizations should
prioritize safety, aiming for zero accidents, as most incidents stem from management failures rather
than human error. Ensuring safety is a shared responsibility that requires strict adherence to safety
norms.

Observance of safety norms are as follows.

1. Safety from electric shock or electrocution.

2. Safety from electric fire.
3. Safety from lightning stroke.
4. Safety from explosion in mines and explosive factories.
5. To Increase the reliability of electrical equipments and instruments.
6. To increase the life of electrical equipment and instruments.
7. To increase the production / productivity.
8. To increase the confidence of workmen in doing work which improves quality of product and
productivity.
9. To improve the relations between management and work-men.

A safe electrical system will always give us satisfactory output without any hazards and accident.

Pg. - 3
4. Regulations & Standards: -

Compliance with established safety standards ensures the proper design, operation, and maintenance
of electrical systems. Notable standards include,

International Electro technical Commission (IEC):

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a global organization that develops and
publishes international standards for all electrical and electronic technologies, essentially setting the
benchmark for electrical safety by defining requirements for design, manufacturing, and operation of
electrical products to ensure their safety and compatibility worldwide.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a government agency responsible for
setting and enforcing standards related to electrical safety in the workplace, aiming to protect
employees from hazards like electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions by regulating the
proper use and maintenance of electrical equipment and work practices in various industries and
workplace safety regulations.

National Electrical Code (NEC): The National Electrical Code (NEC) is a set of guidelines and
regulations that outlines the proper installation and usage of electrical wiring and equipment,
essentially serving as the standard for electrical safety. This include a guide line for electricians for
proper practices to prevent electrical accidents and fires by dictating things like wire size, installation
methods, clearances around equipment, and labeli National Electrical Code (NEC): ng standards for
circuit breakers.

General Safety Rules -

1. Never touch anything electrical with wet hands or while standing in water. Wear rubber shoes in
wet areas. If you get a tingle or shock when touching a sink, tub, or other wet area, turn off the
power at the main panel (if it’s safe) and immediately call an electrician.
2. Don’t use frayed or broken cords or plug in anything with a missing prong.
3. Don’t fly kites near power lines. The kite or string can conduct electricity sending it right through
you to the ground.
4. Use certified electricians for installation and repairs.
5. Conduct regular inspection and maintenance of electrical systems.
6. Install proper grounding and use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs).
7. Avoid overloading circuits and use appropriately rated breakers and fuses.
8. De-energize circuits and use Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures during maintenance.
9. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like insulated gloves and boots.
10. Keep electrical equipment away from water and use moisture-proof fittings.
11. Train personnel on electrical safety and emergency response.
12. Clearly label electrical panels and use warning signs in high-risk areas.
13. Use proper extension cords and avoid overloading them.
14. Maintain a safe distance from overhead lines and locate underground cables before digging.
15. Install surge protectors and circuit breakers for protection.
16. Keep flammable materials away from electrical equipment.
17. Have fire extinguishers suitable for electrical fires readily available.
Pg. - 4
5. Causes of Electrical Accidents & Electrical Hazards: -

1. Causes of Electrical Accidents -

1. Improper Installation: Faulty wiring, poor connections, or inadequate grounding can leads to
accidents.
2. Overloaded Circuits: Excessive electrical load leading to overheating that result in insulation
failure and even potential fire hazards.
3. Lack of Maintenance: Neglecting inspection and servicing of electrical systems and leads to
malfunctioning of devices, Frayed cords or exposed wires can leads to electrical shocks
4. Environmental Factors: Wet or damp conditions increasing the risk of electric shock.
5. Use of Improper Tools - Non-insulated or damaged tools used during electrical work.
6. Inadequate Training: If an Untrained or undertrained personnel handling electrical equipment
it may leased to accidents.
7. Defective Safety Devices: Malfunctioning circuit breakers, fuses, or ground fault interrupters
(GFIs) can leads hazards.

2. Common Electrical Hazards -

1. Electric Shock - Direct contact with live wires or faulty equipment causing injury or fatality.
2. Electrical Burns - Thermal burns resulting from high-voltage arcs or direct contact with energized
components.
3. Arc Flash - A sudden release of electrical energy causing intense heat, pressure, and light, leading
to severe injuries.
4. Fire Hazard - Electrical faults causing overheating or sparking, which can ignite surrounding
materials.
5. Static Electricity Hazards - Accumulated static charge causing sparks and potentially igniting
flammable substances.

3. Different types of electrical hazard warning symbols -

Pg. - 5
6. Do’s and Don’ts for Electrical Hazards & Accidents: -

To prevent electrical hazards and accidents do’s and don’ts are should be followed, those are,

Do's Don'ts

1. Always turn off the power supply before 1. Don’t touch electrical equipment with wet
starting any work. hands or while standing on a wet surface.

2. Use insulated tools and wear rubber-soled 2. Do not overload electrical outlets or
shoes when working. circuits.

3. Ensure proper grounding of all electrical 3. Avoid using damaged cords, plugs, or
equipment. switches.

4. Follow manufacturer instructions for using 4. Don’t attempt electrical repairs without
electrical devices. proper knowledge or training.
5. Wear appropriate personal protective
5. Don’t leave electrical appliances
equipment (PPE), like insulated gloves and
unattended while in use.
safety shoes.
6. Install circuit breakers and fuses to prevent 6. Never ignore flickering lights or sparking
overloading. appliances.

7. Keep water and flammable materials away 7. Do not run cables under rugs or through
from electrical equipment. doorways.

8. Regularly inspect and maintain electrical 8. Avoid using extension cords as

systems. permanent wiring.

9. Do not leave electrical devices on

9. Use certified and tested electrical appliances.
unattended for long periods.

10. Report electrical hazards immediately to the 10. Never bypass safety devices or remove
concerned authority. grounding prongs.

11. Ensure proper earthing/grounding of electrical 11. Do not operate equipment with exposed
systems. live wires.

12. Disconnect appliances by pulling the plug, not 12. Don’t install electrical devices in areas
the cord. prone to flooding without protection.

13. Maintain a safe distance from overhead power 13. Don’t allow unauthorized personnel near
lines during construction or work. high-voltage equipment.
14. Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)
14. Don’t work on electrical systems during
in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where
storms or adverse weather conditions.
water is present.
15. Educate others about electrical safety 15. Don't use an appliance that sparks or
protocols. makes unusual noises

Pg. - 6
7. Resuscitation & Methods of Providing First Aid from Electrical Hazards & Injuries: -

1. Immediate Actions for Electrical Hazards -

When encountering an electrical hazard, the first priority is to ensure personal safety before
attempting to assist the victim. By disconnecting the power source to eliminate the risk of further
injury. Immediate actions for electrical hazards also includes,

1. Turn Off the Power: Switch off the power source immediately if it is safe to do so.
2. Separate the Victim Safely: Use a non-conductive object like wood or plastic to remove the
person from the electrical source.
3. Ensure Your Safety: Avoid direct contact with the victim if the current is still active. Stand on an
insulated surface while assisting.
4. Call for Help: Dial emergency services immediately for professional assistance.
5. Assess the Situation: Check the victim’s breathing, pulse, and consciousness to determine the
next steps for first aid.

2. First Aid for Electrical Injuries -

Providing first aid is crucial before taking the injured person to the hospital. By quickly identifying
the type of injury whether it’s an electric shock, burn, or possible internal damage. Administering
primary treatment, the chances of survival and recovery can be significantly improved. The method
of providing first aid include,

1. Check Responsiveness: Verify the victim condition that he or she is conscious and breathing or
not and call the emergency services immediately.
2. Perform CPR if Necessary: If the victim is unresponsive and not breathing use cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR) in case of cardiac arrest, when the heart stops beating or beats too ineffectively
to circulate blood to the brain and other vital organs.
3. Treat Burns: When treating a burn, do not apply an ice pack directly to the burned area, instead
cool the burn with cool running water or a cool, damp cloth for at least 20 minutes, and avoid
applying any ointments unless advised.
4. Manage Shock: Lay the victim flat on their back with their legs slightly elevated and ensure that
they are kept warm and calm.
5. Address Secondary Injuries: Secondary injuries from an electric shock can include falls or
impacts caused by involuntary muscle contractions due to the shock, resulting in bone fractures,
soft tissue damage, head injuries, and even spinal cord injuries.

This Figure Shows How to Rescue a Person from Electric Shock

Pg. - 7
8. Methods of Providing Protection & Safety in Domestic and Industrial Applications: -

To ensuring safety in electrical systems is paramount, both in domestic and industrial applications, to prevent
accidents and protect the equipments and property. For providing protection and safety in both in domestic and
industrial applications, various combination of protective methods and devices is employed to achieve this goal.

Those Protective Devices & Methods are,

Protection Devices Place of

Type of Fault Protection
/Safety Method Application

Domestic and Provides a safe path for fault currents, preventing

1. Earthing
Industrial electric shocks and protecting equipment.

Domestic and Protects circuits from overcurrent by breaking the

2. Fuse
Industrial circuit when a predefined current is exceeded.

3. Miniature Circuit Domestic and Automatically disconnects power during overloads

Breakers (MCBs) Industrial or short circuits to protect wiring and devices.
4. Earth Leakage
Domestic and Detects leakage currents and disconnects the circuit
Current Breakers
Industrial to prevent electric shocks.
(ELCBs)

1. Earthing -

Earthing, also known as grounding, is a safety mechanism in electrical

systems that involves connecting the non-current-carrying parts of
equipment or installations, such as metal casings, to the earth using a
conductor. This provides a direct path for fault currents to flow into the
ground, preventing electrical hazards.

Earthing protects against electric shocks by ensuring that, in the event of a Earthing
fault, such as a short circuit or insulation failure, excess current is safely diverted away from the
equipment and into the ground. This prevents the buildup of dangerous voltages on exposed metal
parts, which could otherwise cause electric shocks when touched.

System Earthing

System earthing involves connecting the neutral point of an electrical system, such as a transformer
or generator, to the earth through a low-resistance path. This ensures that the system operates safely
and efficiently under normal and fault conditions. It helps in controlling voltage fluctuations, limiting
overvoltage during lightning or switching surges, and ensuring proper operation of protective
devices.

Advantages of System Earthing

1. System earthing acts as a reference voltage in an electrical system, essentially providing a ‘zero
potential’ point against which all other voltages within the system are measured.
2. System earthing can reduces the risk of electric shocks by maintaining a uniform potential.
3. A proper system earthing can effectively reduce voltage fluctuations and voltage imbalances
within an electrical system by providing a stable reference point.
4. System earthing protect the equipment from damage due to overvoltage.

Pg. - 8
Equipment Earthing

Equipment earthing involves connecting the metallic parts of electrical equipment (that do not carry
current under normal conditions) to the earth. This ensures that any leakage current or fault current
is safely discharged to the ground, preventing electric shocks to users.

Advantages of Equipment Earthing

1. Equipment earthing protects personnel from electric shocks in case of insulation failure.
2. Equipment earthing prevents fire hazards by cause by leakage currents.
3. It Protects equipment from damage caused by fault currents or lightning strikes.
4. Equipment earthing can effectively prevents static electricity buildup by providing a pathway for
any accumulated static charge to dissipate safely into the earth.

2. Fuse -

A fuse is a protective electrical device designed to protect the circuits and the equipment from
damage caused by overcurrent and short circuits. It consists of lead and tin alloy metal wire or strip
with a low melting point, encased in a non-combustible body.

When excessive current flows through the circuit due to a fault, such as an
overload or short circuit, the heat generated by the current causes the fuse
wire to melt and break the circuit. This immediate disconnection stops the
flow of electricity, preventing further damage to the electrical system,
equipment, or wiring. By interrupting the circuit during abnormal
conditions, a fuse provides reliable protection, ensuring safety and
preventing fire hazards caused by overheating or electrical faults.
Kit-kat Fuse
3. Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) -

A Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) is an automatically operated circuit breaker designed to protect
electrical circuits from damage caused by overcurrent or short circuits. It is a critical in both domestic
and industrial applications.

MCBs provide protection by monitoring the flow of current in a circuit. When

the current exceeds the rated capacity of the MCB, it trips and disconnects
the electrical supply. This mechanism protects the circuit from overheating
due to overcurrent, which could otherwise lead to equipment damage or fire.
In the case of a short circuit, where there is a sudden surge of current due to
short circuit fault, the MCB responds instantly by interrupting the circuit.
This rapid action prevents the high fault current from causing severe damage
to the system. Miniature Circuit
Breaker (MCB)
Unlike fuses, which need replacement after operating, MCBs can be reset and
reused, making them a cost-effective and reliable solution for circuit protection.

4. Earth Leakage Current Breakers (ELCBs) -

Earth Leakage Current Breakers (ELCBs) are safety devices designed to detect and prevent electrical
earth leakage faults. They are specifically used to protect people, equipment, and property by

Pg. - 9
disconnecting the power supply when a leakage current to the earth exceeds a predetermined safe
level.

ELCBs monitor the current flowing through the live and neutral
conductors of an electrical circuit. Under normal conditions, the current
entering and leaving the circuit is balanced. However, if a leakage fault
occurs, due to damaged wire or insulation failure. A sudden amount of
current flows to ground due to this current, an imbalance occurs in the
system which triggers the ELCB to trip, and power supply is interrupted
instantly.
Earth Leakage Current
ELCBs are widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial Breaker (ELCB)
applications as an essential component of electrical safety systems.

Pg. - 10
9. Conclusion: -

In conclusion we can say that this seminar on “Safety Measures in Electrical Engineering” has
provided valuable insights into the importance of electrical safety and the implementation of effective
safety measures. Which is critical aspect of engineering, essential for protecting lives, equipment, and
infrastructure while ensuring efficient and reliable operations. This report has highlighted the
fundamentals of safety, emphasizing the need for effective hazard management, and safety
awareness to prevent accidents.

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