Electrical Safety

Why is the human body a good conductor?

Answer explanation

The human body has a high fluid content in its make-up and these fluids are conductive to electric current. The skin is made up from layers of living cells and as such, they are conductive and in close contact with the body fluids.

Why is Electrical Safety important?

Answer explanation

Electrical safety is important because it keeps us safe from harm, and it also keeps our equipment in good condition.

What is the name of the type of burn where the individual touches a hot piece of equipment that is hot from electrical current passing through it?

Due to vaporization of metal during a short circuit condition that gives rise to conductive gasses that set up further paths for short circuit currents, creating a very rapid propagation of ionized gas and a consequent "fire ball". What type of burn does this create?

What are the 4 regulations that are related to electrical health and safety?

Answer explanation

HASAWA

PUWER

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAW)

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

What are the 3 main things we can "use" to reduce the risk of electricity

Answer explanation

The use of protective devices

The use of earthing

The use of reduced low voltage

What are the steps in the 5 Step process?

Answer explanation

Elimination

Substitution

Controlling risks at source

Training instruction, supervision

Personal protective equipment

What are some examples of protection devices?

Answer explanation

Fuses

MCB

RCB

Stepdown Transformers

What are the steps in the safe isolation process

Answer explanation

Step 1

Select an approved voltage indicator.

Step 2

Prove correct function of the voltage indicator on an approved proving unit or a known supply.

Step 3

Locate means of isolation for installation or circuit to be worked on e.g. main isolator, fuse or circuit breaker.

Step 4

Check if the installation circuit or fixed equipment to be isolated is in service.

Step 5

Isolate the installation or circuit by switching off or withdrawing the fuse.

Step 6

Place fuse(s) in a safe place under your sole control or lock off the isolator or circuit breaker placing the key in a safe place under your sole control.

Step 7

Using the voltage indicator verify that the installation circuit or fixed equipment is dead Phase to Phase (3 phase). Phase to Neutral Phase to Earth. Neutral to Earth

Step 8

Re-check correct function of voltage indicator on the proving until or on a known supply.

Step 9

Fit warning label to maintain isolator, circuit breaker or to fixed equipment.

What are the 3 types of working conditions related to electrical safety?

Answer explanation

Confined

Damp

On Site