Osha electrical safety

Electrical hazards can cause burns, shocks and electrocution (death). Assume that all overhead wires are energized at lethal voltages. Call the electric utility company to report fallen electrical . Working with electricity can be dangerous.

Engineers, electricians, and other professionals work with electricity directly, including working on overhead lines, cable harnesses, and circuit assemblies.

Others, such as office workers and sales people, work with electricity indirectly and may also be exposed to .

There are twenty-eight OSHA -approved State Plans, operating state-wide occupational safety and health programs.

This publication does not alter or determine compliance responsibilities, which are described in the OSHA standards and the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Because interpretations and enforcement policy may change over time, the best sources for . Some of these hazards are obvious, such as electrical shock and electrocution. Others, such as musculoskeletal disorders ( MSDs), back injuries, slips and falls, or automobile-related incidents may not be as . Why should you be concerned about electrical hazards?

What OSHA standards address electrical safety ? Electricity: The Basics What affects the flow of electricity? How does water affect the flow of electricity? What effect do shocks have on the . What primarily causes electrocution?

OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health . A variety of possible solutions may be implemented to reduce or eliminate the risk of injury associated with electrical work. Examples of solutions include the use of insulation, guarding, grounding, electrical protective devices, and safe work practices.

The following references aid in controlling electrical hazards in the . Electric equipment shall be free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information about electrical hazards in the general industry workplace. Training and Workforce Development. It is provided with the understanding . Even when the power system is properly grounde electrical equipment can instantly change from safe to haz- ardous because of extreme conditions and rough treatment.

Visually inspect electrical equipment before use. Take any defective equipment out of service. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U. Wouldnt it be nice to know exactly what OSHA is training its inspectors to look for during an inspection that includes electrical safety , including surprising new areas of emphasis based on national OSHA directives? This article covers some of the typical electrical safety questions that OSHA inspectors will .