NAIROBI TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE

DEPARTMENT: ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS DEPARTMENT

COURSE: ELECTRICAL LEVEL 6
SUBJECT: APPLY WORKSHOP PROCESSES

SAFETY
WORKSHOP
A Workshop is a building or place where facilities such as machines, tools and workbench are
provided to ensure or enable a worker or student to perform his or her practical activities in a
satisfactory manner. Most of the machines and tools used in the workshop, if not properly used or
handle, may result in injury or damage to the machine or tools. Therefore it is essential to observe
safety precaution. Developing a safe working attitude and adopting safe methods are the surest
way of avoiding unnecessary accident and dangers in the workshop.
Safety is the freedom from danger. This is a term used where a planned measure
or precaution are taken to prevent;
 Injury to the person concerned or others

 Damage workshop and it equipment’s , materials and tools

MOTTO: Always be alert, and always be careful, while at job. Follow the
recommended safety procedure and if in doubt ask question
Safety in the workshop involves safety of;
 The tools and equipment

 Yourself

 Workmate

 Work piece

NB: You are safe when you protect yourself and those around you from danger.

First Aid-this is the initial attention/help given to a casualty in the event of an

accident before he/she is disposed-off to a doctor/specialist.

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 CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS IN THE WORKSHOP
 Faulty tools and equipment –defective hoists/lifts/jacks/grinders

 Carelessness

 Failure to observe safety rules

 Unsatisfactory machines-unguarded/improperly adjusted, insufficiently

lubricated

 Slippery floors/spills on the floor

 Sharp objects

 Inappropriate use of tools-using a screwdriver as a cold chisel, using pliers

to loosen nuts

 Obstruction

 Poor visibility

 Diverted attention

 Fatigue

 Ignorance

 Un-safe work habits

 Health condition of the workshop user-colour blind, on medication

 Poor storage of dangerous materials-inflamables, toxic, hot, sharp materials

 Lack of appropriate personal protection attire

 Head gear

 Foot wear

 Eye protection

Potential safety hazards in the work place/workshop

Hazards are risks, threats,
 Live circuits

 Oil/grease on the floor

 Unguarded machines

 Protruding work pieces

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 Sharp objects

 Improper dressing/Loose clothing/ties

 Lack of knowledge of use of machines

 Improper use of tools and equipment

 Untidy workshop/work place

 Lack of first Aid Kit

 Use of lifting equipment

 Inspection pit

 Use of stands/switches

 Poor workshop ventilation

Ways of preventing accidents in the work place

1. Select and wear correct safety clothing

2. Handle tools and equipment correctly

3. Use of firefighting equipment properly

4. Use of First Aid Kit

5. Correct use /handling of hazardous fluid-brake fluid, battery acid, ATF,

petrol

6. Observe safety when handling electric circuits/filling radiator on a hot

engine

7. Observe cleanliness in the workshop

TYPES OF ACCIDENTS
 Falls

 Burns

 Cuts/bruises

 Electric shock

 Poisoning/Suffocation

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ROLE OF EMPLOYER /TEACHER IN PREVENTING ACCIDENTS IN THE
WORKSHOP/WORKPLACE
 Provide proper tools-sharp tools, right kind, size, weight

 Insist on use of guards on machines

 Replace unsafe materials, tools, machines and equipment

 Avoid overcrowding

 Provide/insist on proper attire

 Provide proper storage for inflammables, toxic and supervise their storage

 Ensure proper lighting and ventilation

 Make all necessary repairs

 Conduct regular inspection

• Post danger signs where necessary-“NO SMOKING”

• Eliminate all possible hazards

• Enforcing safety rules, never permit employees/students to get away with unsafe
practices

ROLE OF WORKER IN ACCIDENT PREVENTION

1. Should follow safe practices & procedures when working.

2. Should remind Employer of his duty to ensure their safety.

3. Should use P.P.E provided by Employer.

4. Should report all accidents so that they can be investigated and causes
identified and eliminated.

WORKSHOP SAFETY PRECAUTIONS/RULES

1. Never indulge in horse play/practical jokes or throwing objects, Wrestling,
Bull fighting or any foolish activities inside workshop.

2. Keep tools and equipment under your control. Provide a place for everything
and keep everything in its place.

3. Remove or bent down all protruding nails to eliminate hazards of being

stepped on or brushed against.

4. Never place tools on bench edge or on widow where they may fall and
course injuries

5. Replace all faulty tools and equipment.

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6. Note the position of first aid box and fire extinguisher.

7. Work in a well-ventilated and lit area. Always work with windows open for
good ventilation and enough lights.

8. Keep the workshop clean for the next lesson.

9. Never depend on your back muscles when lifting heavy loads, get someone
to help you. Keep your back straight and bent your knees when lifting.

10.If an accident occurs, make sure the affected person has got proper
treatment

11.Store all inflammable liquid in sealed /safety containers, away from heat or
flames ; avoid open containers

12.Keep your bench free from scraps, chips, excess tools and materials.

13.Work quietly and give the job you are doing full attention. (Do not talk and
work at the same time, concentrate on what you are doing)

14.Report any condition or act which may be dangerous or lead to an accident.

15.Avoid spilling oil, grease, paint, fuel, water or any liquid on the floor. If
spilled clean immediately so that no one slips and fall.

16.Do not run in the workshop unless during an emergency.

17.Wear appropriate workshop attire/clothing that is fitting and right for the
job. Examples of safety clothing include;

 Overall

 Dust coat

 Safety boots

 Helmet

 Gloves

 Goggles

18.Dangling sleeves, ties, long hair and loose clothing should be avoided as this
can be caught up in moving parts of machines like fans, fan belt, grinder
wheels.

19.Do not wear sandals or open-toe shoes, rings, bracelets, watches

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 20.No smoking in the workshop.

21.Do not put sharp objects in your pockets, you could injure yourself.

22.Keep gangways clear at all times.

23.Wipe excess oil/grease off your hands and tools so that you can get a good
grip on tools and work piece.

24. Use the right tool for the job. Wrong tool could damage work piece or injure
you.

25.Keep hands away from moving parts of machines/engine.

26. Make sure you understand the operation of a machine/ equipment before
using/operating.

27.Never use compressed air to blow dirt from your clothes or body. Never
point compressed air jet at another person.

28. If you get chemicals on your body; eye/skin, wash with plenty of water and
see a doctor immediately.

29. Avoid flying particles e.g. spark flying from grinding/welding machines; this could
damage your eyes.

PERSONAL SAFETY HABITS

1. Dress properly for work in the workshop, with apron or overall over your clothes
2. Tuck in or remove ties, scarves’ etc, and roll up your sleeves to get them out of
the way, so that they will not interfere with work or get caught by machine
3. Wear strong leather shoes or shoes with toe caps.
4. Keep long hair away from your eyes and moving parts of machines, wear a cap
or beret
5. Do not wear jackets or coats in the workshop.
HAND TOOLS
1. Keep job under control by holding it firmly with vise or cramp so that both hands
are free to guide tool
2. Do not use tools e.g. chisels, saws, planes etc if they are dull or brunt, they can
slip and cause accident’s
3. Make certain that handle is securely fastened on planes, hammers, mallets and
files.
4. Do not blow with your hand, dust or chips from the mouth of plane.
5. Always cut away from your body while using knifes or chisels
FOLLOW DIRECTIVE
Always the correct way is the safe way

Your instructor will show you ,the correct and the safe way

Never try to get by ‘JUST ONCE ’that is when an accident occurs.

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 A better slogan to follow is “ it is better to safe than to be sorry”

Industrial safety
Industrial safety-refers to the management of all operations and events within an industry, for
protecting its employees and assets by minimizing hazards, risks, accidents and near misses.
General Safety - General aspects of safety which are common to all
Occupational Safety and Health - Particularly associated with the
occupation
Process and Production Safety - Safety in the process and production etc.
Material Safety - Safety of the materials used in the production
Workplace Safety - Safety issues directly related to the workplace
Fire Safety - Fire safety, in particular the risks associated to the industry
Electrical Safety - In general and in particular, arising from the equipment
used
Building and Structural Safety - Safety in general including installations as
per existing building code
Environmental Safety - Issues of environmental safety (direct or indirect impact of the industry)

Safety policy
The safety laws requires every employer employing five or more people to
prepare a written statement of their safety policy. The written policy statement
must set out the employer’s aims and objectives for improving health and
safety at work
Safety doesn’t just happen – you have to make it happen!!!
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
PPE is defined as all equipment designed to be worn, or held, to protect against a risk to health
and safety. This includes most types of protective clothing, and equipment such as eye, foot and
head protection, safety harnesses, life-jackets and high-visibility clothing

SAFETY SIGNS

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These are rules and regulations of the working environment communicated by written instructions,
signs and symbols. All signs in the working environment are intended to inform. They should give
warning of possible dangers and must be obeyed.
They fall into four categories:
i Prohibition signs: These are must not do signs. These are circular white signs with a red
border and red cross-bar. They indicate an activity which must not be done.
ii Warning signs: These give safety information. These are triangular yellow signs with a black
border and symbol. They give warning of a hazard or danger.
iii Mandatory instructions: These are must do signs. These are circular blue signs with a white
symbol. They give instructions which must be obeyed.
iv Safe condition signs: These give safety information. These are square or rectangular green
signs with a white symbol. They give information about safety provision.

NOTE: Safety signs must be displayed in appropriate places where they can be easily seen
FIRST AID BOX
First aid is the first treatment given to an accident victim before regular medical treatment is
obtained. It is important for one to familiarise themselves with basic first aid skills.
The first aid box/kit is a collection of supplies and equipment. All workshops must have a first aid kit
which can be used to address cuts, burns etc.
Basic contents of the first aid box

 Eye drops

 Cotton wool

 plasters

 Roller bandages

 Petroleum jelly

 Sterilised dressings

 Pair of scissors
 Pain killers
 Surgical spirits

ELETRICAL HAZARDS/DANGERS OF ELECTRICITY

Causes of electrical hazards include:
 Poor wiring and installation
 Poor sizing of electrical components and cables
 Worn out insulation
 Carelessness of individuals in handling electrical equipment
 Ignorance

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 Overconfidence
 Naked wires/bare wires
 Power surges State of the body i.e whether wet or dry

Types of Electrical hazards

1. Electric shock 
2. Electrical Fire

ELECTRIC SHOCK
This is the passage of current through the human body when the body becomes part of a
conducting path. It causes the body to tingle and /or when high currents are involved
unconsciousness and/or paralysis is experienced.

Predetermining factors of the effect of electric shock on the body are:

 State of the body i.e whether wet or dry
 Amount of current in the conducting path; heavy or light current
 Path followed by the current through the body; the most dangerous path is through the
chest and heart
Procedure for helping a victim of electric shock
1. Use a dry insulator to remove the victim from electrical contact
2. Take the victim away from the place where the shock occurred
3. If the victim has stopped breathing lay him or her flat on the ground then apply first aid by
kiss of life method of artificial respiration as follows:

 Place a support below the neck and loosen the clothing

 Clear all air passages. Pinch the nose and breath into the victim`s mouth until the chest rises
 Release the nose and let the air rush out. Continue with this process until the victim
breathes normally
 Take the victim to hospital for further medical check-up

Procedure for helping a victim of electric shock

Holger-Nielsen method of artificial respiration

i Lay the casualty in prone position on a flat surface
ii Place the casualty`s hands one over the other under his forehead
iii The head must be turned slightly on one side
iv Nose and mouth must be un obstructed

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v Place one knee with its inner side in line with the casualty`s cheek, a few inches from the
top of his head
vi Place the other foot with the head in line with the casualty`s elbow.
vii Place your hands on the casualty`s back on the lower part of the shoulders back, fingers
pointing at casualty`s feet
viii Keeping the arms straight, rock forward gently until arms are vertical. The movement takes
seconds counting one, two. This pressure causes expiration.
ix Then rock back counting “three” for one second and slide your hand past the casualty`s
shoulder until you can grap his upper arms near the elbows
x Raise and pull the arms until tension is felt for two seconds counting “four, five”. Do not
raise chest from ground. This movement causes inspiration.
xi Your hands should remain straight count “six” for one second

There are two main methods of resuscitation: cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and
automated external defibrillator (AED).

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique that combines chest

compressions and rescue breaths to keep the blood and oxygen flowing to the brain and
other vital organs until medical help arrives. CPR can be performed by anyone, regardless
of their level of training.

Automated external defibrillator (AED) is a device that delivers an electric shock to the heart
to help it start beating again. AEDs are increasingly being made available in public places,
such as schools, workplaces, and gyms.

Here are the steps involved in performing CPR:

1. Check the person's responsiveness by tapping them on the shoulder and asking loudly,
"Are you okay?"
2. If the person is not responsive, call 911 or your local emergency number.
3. If you are alone, place the person on their back on a firm surface. If you are not alone,
have someone else call 911 while you start CPR.
4. Kneel next to the person's chest and place the heel of your hand on the center of their
chest, just below the nipple line.
5. Place your other hand on top of the first hand and interlock your fingers.
6. Lock your elbows and straighten your arms, so that your shoulders are directly over your
hands.
7. Press down on the chest using your body weight, compressing the chest by 2 inches (5
centimeters).
8. Release the pressure and allow the chest to return to its normal position.

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9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
10. Continue CPR until the person starts breathing on their own or until help arrives.

If you are using an AED, follow the instructions on the device. AEDs typically have voice
prompts that will guide you through the process.

FIRE
FIRE - is a chemical reaction which will continue if fuel, oxygen and heat are present. To eliminate
a fire one of these components must be removed.

Fires are divided into the following classes or categories:

 Class A are fires which occur due to presence of wood, paper and textile fires;
 Class B are fires which occur due to presence of flammable liquids such as paint, petrol and
oil;
 Class C fires which occur due to presence of flammable gases like methane, propane etc;
 Class D are special types of fires involving burning metal like titanium, magnesium, sodium
etc.
 Class E :Electrical fires are fires which occur due to poor installation, poor insulation, short
circuit, overloading, faulty electrical equipment

 Class k &F : fire which occur due to cooking oils and fats

Fire detection can be done by:

Human being – where an individual notices fire and manually raises the alarm at a break glass point
Smoke detectors – rely sensors that automatically detect smoke and raise alarm
Heat detectors – rely on sensors that automatically detect heat and raise alarm

FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Also referred to as fire suppression and it involves fighting of fire using a suitable extinguisher.
Classification of fire extinguishers and their applications is as shown in the table below.

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 Handling a victim of ELECTRICAL FIRE
Electrical fires are caused by short circuits and loose connections.
 Raise the fire alarm
 De-energize the circuits by switching OFF power if possible
 Leave the building/workshop in a briskly and orderly manner and assemble at the
fire assembly point

 Put OFF the fire using recommended fire extinguishers which are carbon
dioxide/foam/dry powder and other materials like dry sand and fire blanket
 Always alert fire experts/brigades
 Take roll call register to note the presence of everyone

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 Handling a victim of ELECTRICAL BURN
 Cool the burnt skin with cold water and spray water over any smouldering clothing
 Do not remove the clothing carelessly as it may remove the damaged skin
 Dress the wounds with burn dressing from the first aid box
 Seek medical attention

Handling a victim of CUTS AND ABRASIONS

 Clean with antiseptic and bandage to stop bleeding and injection

 If there`s heavy bleeding, lay the patient down to reduce blood pressure while elevating the
bleeding spot
 Expose the wound in case of blood clots apply pressure with a thick pad, apply dressing and
then bandage
 Seek medical attention

Handling a victim of BRUISES

 Apply ice bergs or dump pieces of clean cloth on the area until pain stops
 Seek medical attention if pain persists

REVISION QUESTIONS
1. Name two:
a. types of fire extinguishers and the type of fire they are used on;
b. components of a first aid box.
2. Explain three main causes of electric fires
3. Explain the following with reference to safety
a. Electric shock
b. Protective clothing
4. Describe the Holger Nelson Method carried out on an electric shock victim
5. Explain how each of the following can cause accidents
a. Using defective tools
b. Improvising tools
CAT 2

1. Explain the purpose of safety rules and regulations in workshops

2. Outline any five electrical safety rules and regulations
3. Describe the procedure to follow while attending to personnel who suffers from burns as a
result of an electric shock
4. State three employee`s obligations towards achievement of safety while carrying out his
duties in an electrical workshop or any other work place

ASSIGNMENT
a. Distinguish between division 0 and 1 with respect to hazardous areas

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 b. With the aid of a diagram, explain how an electrical equipment installed in a division
0 area meets the IEE Regulation requirements
c. Name two:
i. Causes of fire in workshop
ii. Types of fire extinguishers
d. Describe the correct procedure for rescuing a victim of an electric shock

Definition of key terms

Classes of fires: These are the types of fires based on the burning material e.g. word,

Charged electrical device, etc.

Electrical equipment: These are the essential requirements for electrical workshop

Practices to take place. They include; set of screw drivers, pliers, phase testers,

Multimeter, etc.

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Set up procedure for an electrical equipment;
1. Wear PPE
2. Obtain the electrical equipment, set of screw drivers, pliers, phase testers,
multimeter
3. Check the condition of the equipment components, thermostat, heating element,
switch, and the indicator light
4. Connect power cable to the equipment and to the power supply socket.
5. Ensure the electrical equipment is set up properly, and the power cable is in
good condition.

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 Conclusion
This outcome covered electrical safety, symbols in electrical circuit diagrams,
electrical tools & equipment.
Trainees’ assignment;
• Observe safe working of electrical circuit protective devices.
• Perform safety procedures for conducting, insulating materials, capacitors,
inductors, and resistors.
• Perform fire safety inspection of the working area.
• Perform safety procedures of first aid in case of electrical hazards.
• Perform testing of electrical appliance for safety

Self-Assessment

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 11. It is not possible to measure voltage values across resistances in a circuit using a
function generator.
a. True
b. False
Practical question
1. Adhere to proper use of PPE as per standard operating procedure
2. Follow workshop rules as per standard operating procedure
3. Follow proper use of safety equipment as per the manufacturers
recommendations
4. Adhere to first aid procedures

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