Electrically powered equipment can cause a significant hazard to workers in all workplaces including higher education. There are four main types of electrical injuries:
- Electrocution (fatal),
- Electric shock,
- Burns, and
- Falls caused by contact with electrical energy.
Raising awareness about electrical hazards is key for promoting electrical safety on campus. You can review the UWSP Electrical Safety Policy and other pertinent information in the Additional Resources section.
Arc Flash
Regardless of voltage, any electrical device can cause a hazardous arc flash. Potential places include:
- Panelboards and switchboards
- Motor control centers
- Metal-clad switchgear
- Transformers
- Motor starters and drive cabinets
- Fused disconnects
- Any place that can have equipment failure
An enormous amount of concentrated radiant energy explodes outward from electrical equipment and form arc flash. The explosion generates pressure waves that
can damage a person’s hearing, a high-intensity flash that
can damage their eyesight and a superheated ball of gas that
can severely burn a worker’s body, and melt metal.
Extension Cord Safety - Did you Know?
Permanent extension cord usage is not allowed by OSHA regulations. Extension cords can only be used temporarily for the following situations:
- 1910.305(a)(2)(i)(A)
- During and for remodeling, maintenance, or repair of buildings, structures, or equipment, and similar activities;
- 1910.305(a)(2)(i)(B)
- For a period not to exceed 90 days for Christmas decorative lighting, carnivals, and similar purposes; or
- 1910.305(a)(2)(i)(C)
- For experimental or development work, and during emergencies.
Review your work area for extension cord usage. If necessary facility services can provide a permanent wiring option.
If you are using an extension cord, you can utilize the following guidance to ensure the safety of the cord use.
Use of Protective Equipment
- Nonconductive head protection; must be worn wherever there is the danger of head injury from electrical shock or burns due to contact with exposed energized parts.
- Face protection includes face shield and/or safety glasses; must be worn where there is the danger of eye and/or face injury from electric arcs and flashes or flying objects resulting from electrical.
- Hand protection includes leather over rubber for arc flash protection.
- Foot protection; leather safety boots above 4 cal/cm².
- Fuse handling equipment, insulated for the circuit voltage, must be used to remove or install fuses when the fuse terminals are energized.
- Protective shields, protective barriers, or insulating material must be used to protect employees from shock, burns, or other electrical-related injuries while employees are working near exposed energized parts that might be contacted or where dangerous electric heating or arcing might occur.
- Nonconductive ropes & hand lines must be used near exposed energized parts.
Alerting Techniques
Safety signs, safety symbols, or accident prevention tags must be used to warn and protect employees from electrical shock hazards, burns, or failure of electric equipment parts.
Non-conductive barricades and safety signs should be used in to prevent or limit employee access to hazardous work areas.
Posters to Place in Your Work Area for Electrical Safety:
Reference: https://ehs.princeton.edu/book/export/html/75
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