Electrical Safety Training

1. Electrical Safety Training

2. Training Topics • Purpose • Power lines • Equipment • Assured Grounding • GFCI • Conclusion

3. Electrical Safety The purpose of this program is to reduce the potential for injuries and fires from commonly used temporary 120 volt power systems This program applies to all cord sets, receptacles (that are not part of the permanent wiring of a project building), and equipment connected by cord and plug.

4. Electrical Safety Facts • Approximately 5 workers are electrocuted every week • 12% of young worker workplace deaths are caused by electrocution • Takes very little electricity to cause harm • Significant risk of causing fires

5. Power Lines • Power lines should be noted during the Pre-job inspection • Evaluate job sites before beginning work • Determine the safest areas for material loading • The best placement for materials during operations • The size and type of materials to be used • Note any issues on Fall Protection Plan • Know the location and voltage of all overhead power lines at the job site before operating or working with any crane • Always assume power lines are energized

6. Power Lines • Usually not insulated • Could have contact with ladders or crane • Do not setup a crane within 25 feet of power lines

7. Crane Operation • Operate the crane at a slower rate when you are near lines • Exercise caution when traveling over uneven ground that could cause the crane to weave or bob into power lines • Keep all personnel well away from the crane whenever it is close to power lines • Prohibit persons from touching the crane or its load until a signal person indicates that it is safe to do so

8. Blanketing Lines • Installed by the power company or certified electrician • Done prior to starting the project • Employees are not approved to blanket lines Reinforced EPDM has metals strands Do not use for blanketing

9. De-energizing Lines • Notify customer of Power lines and what is needed • Start date of project • Lines that need protection and why • Power Company involvement to blanket lines • Blankets are installed only by the power company • Electrical lines can also be de-energized • Sometimes not practical because the customer loses power until the lines are turned back on

10. Flagging Lines • Temporary fix and is the minimum protection • Place at least 10 feet back • Work can not take place in the section • Another form of protection must be used

11. Barricades • Plywood at least 3/4 inch thick • No need for power company • Allows work to continue safely Wood is a poor conductor of electricity and will prevent an electrical path to the EE

12. Ladder Set Up • Be aware of lines • Aluminum ladder are good conductors • Never setup a ladder that will come in contact with lines or put you near them Energized Power Line Failure to setup the ladder correctly will result in disciplinary action!

13. Ground Prongs • All extensions must have a ground prong • Remove cord from service immediately • Fix cord or destroy

14. Damaged Cords • Removed cord from service • Fix the cord or destroy it • Repair damaged area • Make 2 cords with new ends • Remove from service

15. Repairing Damaged Cords Step 1: Cut a piece of cord longer than the area being repaired Step 2: Split cord, remove wiring and wrap insulation around damaged area If copper is exposed that section of cord must be cut out completely and made into 2 cords or be disposed of Step 3: Wrap one layer of black electrical tape around new sheath

16. Repairing Cord End Disconnect from Power Source Remove Damaged End

17. Repairing Cord End Strip away the insulation

18. Repairing Cord End Attach the new end making sure the positive, negative, and ground match the old end.

19. Repairing Cord End Fasten screws on the new end making sure that the insulation is completely inside

20. Repairing Cord End Test the cord.

21. Check cords and equipment for: Frayed or damaged insulation Crushed cable Heat (hot tar) Loose or missing screws or covers Missing prongs on plugs Daily Inspection Equipment found to be damaged or defective shall not be used until they are properly repaired by a competent person

22. GFCI • A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a device used in conjunction with electrical equipment that shuts down the power to that piece of equipment if an over-current or ground fault is detected. There are two buttons on GFCI’s: • Test - This button allows for the testing of the GFCI to determine if the device functions properly - When pressed the button should stop power to any piece of equipment plugged into the GFCI • Reset - This button will reset the GFCI whenever a ground fault is detected or after performing a test

23. GFCI All 120 volt receptacle outlets shall have approved ground fault protection • Must be placed at power source to protect power tools and extension cords • Check GFCI daily with “Test” and “Reset” buttons to ensure proper function Any GFCI outlet (i.e. Generators) does not require the use of an additional GFCI

24. Equipment Storage • Store all pieces of electrical equipment away from the elements as much as possible. • Store power cords and equipment in a job box unless the individual • piece of equipment has its own case • Generators should be covered with plastic that is weighted or tied in somehow to the generator, or stored under a section of roof that will provide sufficient protection

25. Summary • Power lines must be protected at all times • Do not set up ladders near power lines • Repair or replace any damaged electrical cords or tools immediately • Use caution when working with electricity

26. Questions ?