HEALT SAFETY

ENVIRONMENT
(HSE)
Teacher: Abdullayeva N.A.
 LECTURE 5
 Electrical safety
 Static electricity
 Electrical safety
Electrical safety means
protecting people from the
dangers that come with
using electricity. Electricity
is very useful but can be
dangerous if not handled
properly. Electrical safety
helps to keep us safe from
injuries or even death
caused by electrical
accidents, such as electric
shocks or fires.
Key components of electrical safety include:

•Precautionary Measures: Identifying hazards,

creating awareness, and implementing proper
precautions to prevent accidents.

•Safe Design: Electrical systems must be designed to

prevent accidents. This includes correct wiring, use of
circuit breakers, and proper grounding.

•Awareness: Every individual working with or near

electricity should be aware of the risks and safety
protocols.
Work Protection (Labor
Protection)
 Key
Aspects of
Work •Training: • (PPE)
Protection:
 Working Conditions

Environmental
Workplace Design:
 Environmental Factors:
• Moisture: Wet conditions lower the body’s resistance
to electrical current, making it more likely to conduct
electricity through the body.
• Temperature: Extreme temperatures can cause
materials to deteriorate or malfunction, leading to
electrical hazards.
• Ventilation: Poor ventilation can cause overheating of
electrical systems or create explosive environments in
industrial settings where flammable gases or liquids
are present.
 Workplace Design:
 Clear labeling and appropriate signage for
electrical hazards.
Easy access to emergency shut-off devices
and circuit breakers.
Ensuring a clean and uncluttered environment,
free from potential obstructions or electrical
hazards.
 Key Safety Rules and Standards:
•IEC Standards: International standards
by the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) cover electrical safety
protocols, equipment standards, and
testing procedures.
•OSHA Regulations: The Occupational
Safety and Health Administration
•NFPA 70E: The National Fire Protection
Association standard for electrical safety
in the workplace, covering safe practices
for operating electrical systems.
•NFPA 70: The National Electrical Code
(NEC), which provides a set of
guidelines for safe electrical installations.
Ensuring safety from electrical hazards involves:

•Proper insulation: Ensure all electrical cables and devices

are well insulated to prevent accidental contact with live
wires.

•Earthing/grounding: This is a key aspect to ensure that

any stray or fault current is safely diverted into the
ground, preventing electric shocks.

•Use of Residual Current Devices (RCDs): These devices

automatically disconnect the electrical supply if they
detect an imbalance, reducing the risk of electrical shocks.
 Types of Injuries from Electricity

Electricity can cause:

• Burns.

• Electric shock.

• Fire.

• Explosions.

• Muscle spasms (uncontrolled movements).

Even low voltage (like 50 volts) can cause
serious problems, such as:

• The heart stopping or beating incorrectly.

• Trouble breathing.

• Strong muscle contractions.

 Electric Shock
Many accidents and injuries
caused by electric shock happen
because of:
• Broken or damaged equipment.
• Working close to overhead
power lines.
• Contact with underground
cables.
• Using electricity in dangerous
ways (e.g., 230V power supply).
• Using the wrong equipment in
areas with fire risks.
Stages of Electric Shock:
• Muscle spasms; consciousness remains.
• Muscle spasms with fainting; breathing
and heart continue working.
• Fainting with stopped breathing and heart.
• Clinical death (breathing and blood
circulation stop).
 Impact of Electric Current on
Humans

Thermal Effects: • Electrolytic

Burns on the skin. • Effects: • Breaks Biological Effects:
Heating of internal down body fluids, • Disrupts the
organs like the changing their nervous system
heart or brain, chemical and muscle control.
causing damage. properties.
 Types of Injuries

Injuries caused by electricity

include:

• Local Injuries: Surface damage

like burns, scars, and eye
injuries.

• General Injuries: Electric

shocks affecting the whole body,
leading to involuntary muscle
contractions.
 Key Causes of Death:

•Cardiac Arrest: The heart may stop beating if

exposed to a strong electrical current, particularly
if it passes through the chest area.
•Respiratory Failure: If the electrical shock affects
the respiratory muscles, it can lead to suffocation
or breathing difficulties.
•Electrocution: In extreme cases, the electrical
shock is so severe that it causes fatal injuries in a
very short time.
 Danger of Electric Current

Path
Duration through
of contact. the body
Frequency (e.g.,
Current (50-60 Hz hand-to-
strength. is most hand or
The dangerous hand-to-
effects ). foot).
depend
on:
 • 10 mA:
• 0.5 mA: • 100 mA:
Current
Sensory Fibrillation
Key that grips
current current
Thresholds: muscles
(causes (stops the
(prevents
tingling). heart).
letting go).
 Human Body Resistance to Electric
Current
The resistance of the human body to
electricity can vary widely based on various
factors like skin condition, moisture, and the
path the current takes through the body.
 Factors Affecting Resistance:
•Skin Condition: Dry skin provides higher resistance,
while wet skin has much lower resistance, allowing more
current to pass through the body.
•Current Path: The path the current takes through the
body (e.g., from hand to hand or from hand to foot)
influences the severity of injury. Current passing through
vital organs (e.g., the heart) is more dangerous.
•Duration of Exposure: The longer the exposure, the
more damage the electricity can cause, as it can disrupt
normal body functions for longer periods.
 Common Current
Paths and Risks
• Hand to hand: Most
common, 40% of
cases, 83% chance of
unconsciousness.
• Hand to foot:
Dangerous due to
current passing
through vital organs
like the heart.
 Common Causes Electrical Injuries:
•Faulty Wiring: Poorly installed or damaged electrical wiring is a
significant hazard. Wires that are exposed or frayed can lead to
electric shock.
•Lack of Proper Grounding: If electrical equipment is not
grounded correctly, stray currents may result in electrical shocks
or fires.
•Water Exposure: Water significantly reduces the body’s
resistance to electricity, so working in wet conditions around
electrical equipment increases the risk of injury.
Inadequate PPE: Failing to wear appropriate
protective gear increases the chances of injury
when working with electrical equipment.
•Ignoring Safety Procedures: Not following
established electrical safety protocols, such as
turning off power before maintenance or not using
lockout/tagout procedures, is a leading cause of
electrical accidents.
 Safety Features in Buildings:
•Circuit Breakers: These devices cut off the electrical
supply when a fault occurs, preventing damage or injury.
•Grounding Systems: Proper grounding ensures that
any stray electrical current is safely directed into the
earth, preventing shocks.
•Warning Signs: Clear labels and signs must be placed
near electrical equipment to warn of potential hazards.
Inspection and Maintenance: Regular checks should
be performed on electrical installations to ensure they
meet safety standards.
 • Plan the work
• Only trained
carefully and
Working with and qualified • Use proper
turn off the
Electricity people should do safety standards.
power before
this work.
starting.
 • If using
230V
Safety • Arrange
• Check the • Use low- equipment, • Check the
When cables
equipment voltage use an cables and
Using neatly to
is safe to tools if RCD plugs for
Electrical avoid
use. possible. (Residual damage.
Equipment accidents.
Current
Device).
Technical Methods to
Ensure Electrical
Safety
Electrical safety
involves technical and
organizational
measures to protect
people from the
dangers of electricity.
 Key technical methods include:

• Protective Placement: Positioning electrical

equipment in safe locations.
• Reset (Earthing): Redirecting dangerous
currents to the ground.
• Low Voltage Usage: Reducing voltage to
minimize risks.
• Network Distribution: Using safe electrical
distribution systems.
• Protective Opening: Automatically disconnecting
power in dangerous situations.
• Insulation: Covering conductive parts with
insulating materials (e.g., double or reinforced
insulation).
• Fencing Structures: Creating barriers around
electrical equipment.

• Warnings and Signs: Using safety alarms, signs,

and locks.

• Protective Gear: Using gloves, boots, and tools

designed for electrical safety.
 Grounding/Earthing
Grounding refers to the practice of connecting electrical
systems and equipment to the earth to safely dissipate
excess electrical energy. Proper grounding prevents
electrical shocks, equipment damage, and fires.
Types of Grounding Systems:
•TT System: A system where the electrical installation is
grounded via an earth electrode directly connected to
the ground.
•TN System: A system where the neutral conductor is
grounded at the supply point, providing a safer, more
stable electrical network.
•IT System: The neutral of the system is isolated from
the ground, and only one point is connected to the
earth.system where the neutral is isolated from the
 Importance of
Grounding:
•Prevents Electric
Shock
•Protects Equipment
•Stabilizes Voltage
Electrical Equipment Maintenance
Regular checks on circuit breakers, fuses,
and insulation can help ensure that the
equipment operates correctly.
Maintaining equipment such as power
tools and electrical appliances prevents
risks associated with aging and wear.
 •Safety of
•Prevents •Early Fault Personnel:
Overload: Detection: Ensures that all
Ensures that Regular protective
electrical inspections devices, such
systems and allow for early as circuit
Importance of devices do not detection of breakers and
Maintenance: become potential faults earthing
overloaded, before they systems, are
which can lead lead to serious functioning
to overheating damage or correctly to
and fires. accidents. protect
workers and
equipment.
Types of PPE for
Electrical Safety:
•Insulated Gloves
•Rubber Boots
•Insulated Tools
•Face Shields and
Helmets
1. Insulated Gloves
Key Features:
•Rubber or Rubber-Like Materials: Insulated gloves are typically made
from rubber, latex, or other materials that act as electrical insulators.

•Voltage Ratings: Gloves come with specific voltage ratings that indicate
the level of protection they provide. For example, gloves might be rated
for 1,000V, 10,000V, or higher.
•Proper Fit: It’s important for gloves to fit snugly to avoid any gaps
where electricity could flow through. Gloves that are too loose or too
tight might not offer full protection.
Types:
•Rubber Gloves: Often used for direct contact with electrical
components.
•Rubber-Insulated Gloves: Worn in conjunction with leather over gloves
to provide additional mechanical protection.
2. Insulated Boots
Electrical work often takes place on the ground or near conductive
surfaces, and workers must ensure they are insulated from any electrical
shock that could travel through the ground. Insulated boots provide
protection by preventing electricity from passing through the feet.
Key Features:
•Rubber or Plastic Sole: The soles of the boots are made from rubber or
other insulating materials to prevent electrical conduction.
•High Voltage Protection: Similar to insulated gloves, boots are rated for
specific voltage levels and are designed to protect workers from shock in
environments where the risk of contact with electrical current is high.
•Non-Conductive Materials: Boots should be made of non-conductive
materials like rubber or leather with rubber soles to protect against
electrical current.
3. Arc Flash Clothing
An arc flash is a dangerous electrical explosion caused by a short
circuit or fault in electrical equipment. When an arc flash occurs, it
can release intense heat, light, and pressure. Special clothing is
required to protect workers from these hazards.
Key Features:
•Flame-Resistant (FR) Fabrics: Arc flash clothing is made from
flame-resistant fabrics to protect against burns in the event of an
arc flash.
•Layers for Protection: Arc flash suits typically consist of multiple
layers to offer higher levels of protection. They are often worn over
regular clothing and can include jackets, pants, and full-body suits.
•Hood and Face Shields: In some cases, arc flash PPE includes
hoods or face shields to protect the head and face from burns and
flying debris.
4. Insulated Tools
Using tools with insulated handles is essential when working with live
electrical components. Insulated tools provide a layer of protection
between the worker and the electrical system, preventing accidental
shocks.
Key Features:
•Non-Conductive Materials: Insulated tools are made from materials
like rubber or plastic that do not conduct electricity, ensuring that the
tool remains safe to handle when working near live wires.
•Color-Coding: Insulated tools are often color-coded for easy
identification, with different colors indicating the level of voltage
protection.
•Tested for Safety: Insulated tools should be tested to meet certain
safety standards and voltage ratings to ensure they provide the
necessary protection.
5. Face Shields and Safety Glasses
Electricians are exposed to potential hazards that could
damage the eyes, such as flying debris, sparks, or intense light
from an arc flash. Face shields and safety glasses are
necessary PPE for protecting the eyes and face during
electrical work.
Key Features:
•Face Shields: These cover the entire face to protect from
flying particles and burns during an arc flash. They are
typically made from clear, heat-resistant materials that
provide visibility while offering protection.
•Safety Glasses: Designed to protect the eyes from flying
debris, dust, and intense light. They should meet appropriate
standards for impact resistance.
6. Hearing Protection
Electricians working in environments with high-voltage
equipment or arc flashes might be exposed to loud
noises that can cause hearing damage. Earplugs or
earmuffs can provide important protection from these
hazards.
Key Features:
•Noise Reduction: Hearing protection devices help
reduce the decibel level of hazardous sounds.
•Comfortable Fit: The protection should fit snugly without
causing discomfort during long periods of use.
7. Hard Hats
A hard hat is an essential piece of PPE to protect the head
from falling objects, electric shocks, and electrical burns. Hard
hats are commonly used when working in construction or
industrial environments, where overhead hazards are a risk.
Key Features:
•Non-Conductive Materials: Hard hats should be made of
non-conductive materials like fiberglass or plastic to prevent
electricity from traveling through the helmet.
•Adjustable Size: To ensure a proper fit, hard hats are usually
adjustable, ensuring they stay securely on the head during
work.
8.High-Visibility Clothing
Workers in electrical fields may need to work in environments
where visibility is poor, such as on construction sites or during
nighttime operations. High-visibility clothing ensures that
workers are seen by others, reducing the risk of accidents.
Key Features:
•Reflective Tape: High-visibility clothing is equipped with
reflective tape or fabric to ensure the worker is visible,
especially in low-light or hazardous conditions.
•Bright Colors: Safety vests, jackets, or shirts are typically
brightly colored (yellow, orange) to make workers stand out.
 Examples of Safety Signage:
•Warning Signs: Signs that indicate a high voltage area
or the presence of live wires, such as “Danger – High
Voltage” or “Live Wires – Stay Clear.”
•Emergency Shut-off Signs: Signs that guide workers
on how to shut off power in an emergency.
•Lockout/Tagout Systems: A safety procedure that
ensures that a machine or electrical circuit is properly
shut off and cannot be restarted until maintenance is
complete.
 Organizational Measures for Electrical
Safety
To ensure safety, workplaces must:
1.Appoint responsible personnel for
electrical work.
2.Issue work orders and permits.
3.Monitor the progress of work.
4.Train and instruct workers on safety
procedures.
 First aid for an
electric shock 2. Provide
First Aid for Electric includes two steps: Immediate Medical
Shock • Stop the Electric Help
Current:
 • If necessary,
cut the wires or
• Turn off the
Stop the use insulated
power using a
Electric tools to
switch or circuit
Current: separate the
breaker.
person from the
source.
2. Provide Immediate Medical Help:

• Check breathing and pulse.

• If the person is unconscious but breathing,

keep them warm and comfortable.

• If breathing is weak, perform artificial

respiration.

• If there is no pulse or breathing, begin CPR

immediately.
Burns from Electric Shocks
For burns:
• Use cold water or snow for first-degree burns.
• Wrap small burns with sterile gauze.
• For severe burns, avoid touching or applying
ointments. Cover the area with clean cloth and seek
medical help.
Note: Always take the injured person to a hospital, even
if the injury seems minor.
 Education and Training for Electrical Safety
Education is one of the most powerful tools in
preventing electrical accidents. Employees and
workers in industries involving electricity should
be trained in the basics of electrical safety, how
to respond in emergencies, and how to use
electrical equipment safely.
Topics to Cover in Training:
•Electrical Shock Response: How to react when
someone is shocked, including performing CPR and
using emergency equipment.
•Electrical Circuit Identification: Understanding circuit
layouts and the importance of not tampering with or
interfering with electrical systems.
•Workplace Safety Practices: Educating workers on
how to stay safe around live wires and energized
equipment.
Static electricity is the
buildup of an electric
charge on the surface of
objects. This happens
when electrons (tiny
particles) move from
one object to another,
creating a charge
imbalance.
Causes of Static Electricity
Static electricity is the accumulation of electrical charges on the
surface of materials, particularly insulators, and arises from:
1. Friction: Rubbing two materials together (e.g., shoes on a
carpet).
2. Contact and Separation • When two surfaces come into
contact and separate, charges are transferred, leading to
electrification. • This happens especially if one material is a
dielectric.
3. Electrochemical Reactions • Materials in contact with liquids
can undergo reactions, affecting the charge distribution.
4. Induction: Bringing a charged object near another object
without touching it.
Why is Static Electricity Dangerous in the
Workplace?
1.Fire and Explosions:
•Static electricity creates sparks. If these sparks
occur near flammable gases, vapors, or dust,
they can ignite and cause a fire or explosion.
•Examples:
•In fuel storage areas, sparks from static can
ignite gasoline vapors.
•In grain silos, dust can explode if a static spark
occurs.
2.Damage to Equipment:
•Sensitive electronic equipment (like computers, medical
devices, or industrial machines) can be damaged by static
discharges.
•Example: A static discharge can ruin a microchip during its
production.
3.Risk to Workers:
•A static shock can surprise or distract a worker, leading to
mistakes or accidents.
•In hazardous environments, even a small shock can have
serious consequences.
 Workplaces at Risk
Static electricity is a problem in industries where flammable
materials or sensitive electronics are present. Examples include:

1.Oil and Gas Industry:Handling fuels or chemicals increases the

risk of sparks and explosions.
2.Manufacturing: Factories that use plastic, rubber, or paper often
generate static charges.
3.Electronics Industry: Workers assembling electronic devices
must avoid static damage to components.
4.Chemical Plants: Mixing or transferring liquids and powders
can create static charges.
5.Warehousing and Packaging: Movement of plastic or cardboard
materials can generate static electricity.
Key Prevention Measures
1. Grounding and Bonding
•Grounding: Connect equipment and workers to the
ground using special wires or grounding systems. This
prevents static electricity from building up.
•Bonding: Connect objects to each other to equalize
their electric charges and avoid sparks.
2.Use of Antistatic Additives • Additives can reduce
charge accumulation in fuels and liquids.
3.Clean Fuel and Equipment • Remove mechanical
impurities and water to decrease electrification risks.
Antistatic Materials and Equipment
•Use antistatic mats, wrist straps, and flooring to
reduce static buildup.
•Store flammable materials in antistatic containers.

•Use conductive tools that do not create sparks.

3. Humidity Control
•Dry air allows static to form more easily.
Increase humidity (40%-60%) in the workplace
using humidifiers.
•Example: In electronic assembly lines,
maintaining proper humidity prevents static
buildup.
 Protection
Methods

Protection • Prevention of Static

Charge
strategies are Accumulation
divided into two • Neutralization of
groups: Static Electricity