Lesson 5

 Recognizing Hazards

Introduction
The first step toward protecting yourself is recognizing the many hazards you
face on the job. To do this, you must know which situations can place you in
danger. Knowing where to look helps you to recognize hazards.
• Inadequate wiring is dangerous
• Exposed electrical parts are dangerous.
• Overhead powerlines are dangerous.
• Wires with bad insulation can shock you.
• Electrical systems and tools that are not grounded or double-insulated are
dangerous.
• Overloaded circuits are dangerous.
• Damaged power tools and equipment are electrical hazards.
• Using the wrong PPE is dangerous.
• Using the wrong tool is dangerous.
• Some on-site chemicals are harmful.
• Defective ladders and scaffolding are dangerous
• Ladders that conduct electricity are dangerous.
• Electrical hazards can be made worse if the worker, location, or
equipment is wet.

Inadequate Wiring Hazards

An electrical wiring hazard exists when the wire is too small for the
current it will carry or is not connected properly. Normally, the circuit breaker
in a circuit is matched to the wire size. However, in older wiring, branch lines to
permanent ceiling light fixtures could be wired with a smaller gauge than the
supply cable. Let's say a light fixture is replaced with another device that uses

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more current. The current capacity (ampacity) of the branch wire could be
exceeded. When a wire is too small for the current it is supposed to carry, the
wire will heat up. The heated wire could cause a fire.
When you use an extension cord, the size of the wire you are placing into
the circuit may be too small for the equipment. The circuit breaker could be the
right size for the circuit but not right for the smaller-gauge extension cord. A
tool plugged into the extension cord may use more current than the cord can
handle without tripping the circuit breaker. The wire will overheat and could
cause a fire.
The kind of metal used as a conductor can cause an electrical hazard. Special
care needs to be taken with aluminum wire. Since it is more brittle than copper,
aluminum wire can crack and break more easily. Connections with aluminum wire
can become loose and oxidize if not made properly, creating heat or arcing.
You must recognize that inadequate wiring is a hazard.

Exposed Electrical Parts Hazards

Electrical hazards exist when wires or
other electrical parts are exposed. If you
contact exposed live electrical parts, you
will be shocked.
• Wires and parts can be exposed if a
cover is removed from a wiring or
breaker box.
• The overhead wires coming into a
home may be exposed.
• Electrical terminals in motors,
appliances, and electronic
equipment may be exposed.
• Older equipment may have exposed
electrical parts.
Guarding. Guarding involves locating or enclosing electric equipment to make
sure people don't accidentally come into contact with its live parts.
Effective guarding requires equipment with exposed parts operating at 50
volts or more to be placed where it is accessible only to authorized people
qualified to work with it. Recommended guarding solutions include:
• A room, vault, or similar enclosure

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 • A balcony, gallery, or elevated platform
• A site elevated 8 feet (2.44 meters) or more above the floor
• A sturdy, permanent screen
Warning. Conspicuous signs must be posted at the entrances to electrical rooms
and similarly guarded locations to alert people to the electrical hazard
and to forbid entry to unauthorized people. Signs may contain the word
"Danger," "Warning," or "Caution," and beneath that, appropriate concise
wording that alerts people to the hazard or gives an instruction, such as
"Danger/High Voltage/Keep Out."

Approach Boundaries

The risk from exposed live parts depends on your distance from the parts. Three
"boundaries" are key to protecting yourself from electric shock and one to protect
you from arc flashes or blasts. These boundaries are set by the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA 70E) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA
Z462).

1. The Restricted Approach Boundary . This boundary may only be crossed by

a Qualified Person wearing appropriate PPE, as determined by the Shock
Risk Assessment.
• The Qualified Person must also have an Energized Electrical Work Permit
(EEWP).
• The use of shock protection techniques and equipment are required.
• To cross into the Restricted Space, the qualified person must wear
appropriate PPE.
• The Qualified Person must have a written approved plan for the work to
be performed and plan the work to keep all parts of the body out of the
Prohibited Space.
2. The Limited Approach Boundary. NFPA 70 defines the limited approach
boundary as a shock protection boundary to be crossed by only qualified persons
(at a distance from a live part), which is not to be crossed by unqualified persons
unless escorted by a qualified person.

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 • This boundary is the minimum distance from the energized item where
unqualified personnel may safely stand.
• No untrained personnel may approach any closer to the energized item
than this boundary.
• A qualified person must use appropriate PPE and be trained to perform
the required work to cross the limited approach boundary and enter the
limited space.
3. Flash Protection Boundary (FPB). The FPB is the farthest established
boundary from the energy source and is considered a safe approach distance
from energized equipment or parts.
• Only Persons wearing appropriate personal protective clothing and
equipment for the Arc Flash Boundary, as determined by an Arc Flash Risk
Assessment, may approach closer than the FPB.

Overhead Powerline Hazards

Overhead power lines are not insulated and can carry tens of thousands
of volts, making them extremely dangerous to employees who work in their
vicinity. Powerline workers must be especially aware of the dangers of overhead
lines.
More than half of all electrocutions are caused by direct worker contact
with energized powerlines because workers fail to maintain proper work
distance. Fatal electrocution is the main risk, but burns and falls from elevations
are also hazards. Using tools and equipment that can contact power lines
increases the risk.
Examples of equipment that can contact overhead power lines.
• Aluminum paint rollers
• Backhoes
• Concrete pumpers
• Cranes
• Long-handled cement finishing floats
• Metal building materials
• Metal ladders
• Raised dump truck beds

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 • Scaffolds

Best practices on how to avoid powerline hazards

• Look for overhead power lines and buried power line indicators. Post
warning signs.
• Contact utilities for buried power line locations.
• Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
• Unless you know otherwise, assume that overhead lines are energized.
• De-energize and ground lines when working near them. Other protective
measures include guarding or insulating the lines.
• Use non-conductive wood or fiberglass ladders when working near power
lines.
• If operating a vehicle never attempt to go over downed powerlines. Stop,
put on emergency flashers, and attempt to safely warn others away.
What should you do if your vehicle is under a downed powerline?
You will not be able to tell if the powerline is energized unless it is arcing.
The vehicle’s metal frame will conduct electricity down through the metal and
into the ground. However, high voltage electricity can cause secondary dangers,
such as fires.
• don't get out of the vehicle unless you must because it is on fire. You risk
getting electrocuted if try to get out;
• don't touch anything metal, especially the metal frame, and keep your
hands to yourself; and
• immediately call 911 (call for help)
If you must exit the vehicle to escape the fire, do the following:
• jump out — keeping feet together on the ground when you land;
• do not touch the vehicle frame;
• fold your arms, keeping your body as compact as possible;
• do not touch any other person;
• shuffle your feet to avoid electrocution as you move away from the vehicle
and downed powerline;

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 • keep continuous contact with the ground and move at least 30 feet away
from the vehicle and powerline;
• stay away from water;
• do not pick up the power lines and warn others stay away; and
• when it's safe to do so, call 911. (call for help)

Defective Insulation Hazards

Insulation that is defective or inadequate is an electrical hazard. Usually, a
plastic or rubber covering insulates wires. Insulation prevents conductors from
coming in contact with each other. Insulation also prevents conductors from
coming in contact with people.
Extension cords may have damaged insulation. Sometimes the insulation
inside an electrical tool or appliance is damaged. When insulation is damaged,
exposed metal parts may become energized if a live wire inside touches them.
Electric hand tools that are old, damaged, or misused may have damaged
insulation inside. If you touch damaged power tools or other equipment, you will
receive a shock. You are more likely to receive a shock if the tool is not grounded
or double-insulated. (Double-insulated tools have two insulation barriers and no
exposed metal parts.)
You must recognize that defective insulation is a hazard.

Improper Grounding Hazards

When an electrical system is not grounded properly, a hazard exists. The
most common OSHA electrical violation is improper grounding of equipment and
circuitry. The metal parts of an electrical wiring system that we touch (switch
plates, ceiling light fixtures, conduit, etc.) should be grounded and at 0 volts. If
the system is not grounded properly, these parts may become energized. Metal
parts of motors, appliances, or electronics that are plugged into improperly
grounded circuits may be energized. When a circuit is not grounded properly, a
hazard exists because unwanted voltage cannot be safely eliminated. If there is
no safe path to ground for fault currents, exposed metal parts in damaged
appliances can become energized.
Extension cords may not provide a continuous path to ground because of
a broken ground wire or plug. If you contact a defective electrical device that is
not grounded (or grounded improperly), you will be shocked.

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You must recognize that an improperly grounded electrical system is a hazard.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)
A ground fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, is an inexpensive life-saver. GFCIs
detect any difference in current between the two circuit wires (the black wires
and white wires). This difference in current could happen when electrical
equipment is not working correctly, causing leakage current. If leakage current
(a ground fault) is detected in a GFCI-protected circuit, the GFCI switches off
the current in the circuit, protecting you from a dangerous shock. More
important points to remember:
• GFCIs are set at about 5 mA and are designed to protect workers from
electrocution.
• GFCIs are able to detect the loss of current resulting from leakage through
a person who is beginning to be shocked. If this situation occurs, the GFCI
switches off the current in the circuit.
• GFCIs are different from circuit breakers because they detect leakage
currents rather than overloads.
Circuits with missing, damaged, or improperly wired GFCIs may allow you to be
shocked.
You need to recognize that a circuit improperly protected by a GFCI is a
hazard.
Overload Hazards
Overloads in an electrical system are hazardous because they can produce
heat or arcing. Wires and other components in an electrical system or circuit
have a maximum amount of current they can carry safely. If too many devices
are plugged into a circuit, the electrical current will heat the wires to a very
high temperature. If any one tool uses too much current, the wires will heat up.
The temperature of the wires can be high enough to cause a fire. If their
insulation melts, arcing may occur. Arcing can cause a fire in the area where the
overload exists, even inside a wall.
In order to prevent too much current in a circuit, a circuit breaker or fuse
is placed in the circuit. If there is too much current in the circuit, the breaker
"trips" and opens like a switch. If an overloaded circuit is equipped with a fuse,
an internal part of the fuse melts, opening the circuit. Both breakers and fuses
do the same thing: open the circuit to shut off the electrical current.
If the breakers or fuses are too big for the wires they are supposed to
protect, an overload in the circuit will not be detected and the current will not

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be shut off. Overloading leads to overheating of circuit components (including
wires) and may cause a fire.

You must recognize that a circuit with improper overcurrent protection

devices-or one with no overcurrent protection devices at all-is a hazard.
Overcurrent protection devices are built into the wiring of some electric
motors, tools, and electronic devices. For example, if a tool draws too much
current or if it overheats, the current will be shut off from within the device
itself. Damaged tools can overheat and cause a fire.

You must recognize that a damaged tool is a hazard.

Wet Conditions Hazards

Working in wet conditions is hazardous because you may become an easy
path for electrical current. For instance, if you touch a live wire while standing
in even a puddle of water, you will probably receive a shock.
Damaged insulation, equipment, or tools can expose you to live electrical
parts. A damaged tool may not be grounded properly, so the housing of the tool
may be energized, causing you to receive a shock. Improperly grounded metal
switch plates and ceiling lights are especially hazardous in wet conditions. If you
touch a live electrical component with an uninsulated hand tool, you are more
likely to receive a shock when standing in water.
Remember: you don't have to be standing in water to be electrocuted. Wet
clothing, high humidity, and perspiration also increase your chances of being
electrocuted.
You must recognize that all wet conditions are hazards.

Additional Hazards
In addition to electrical hazards, other types of hazards are present at job sites.
Remember that all of these hazards can be controlled.
• There may be chemical hazards. Solvents and other substances may be
poisonous or cause disease.
• Frequent overhead work can cause tendinitis (inflammation) in your
shoulders.

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 • Intensive use of hand tools that involve force or twisting can cause
tendinitis of the hands, wrists, or elbows. Use of hand tools can also cause
carpal tunnel syndrome, which results when nerves in the wrist are
damaged by swelling tendons or contracting muscles.

Learning Activity

A 25 year old laborer was removing a metal fish tape from a hole at a metal light
pole. The fish tape became energized, electrocuting him. As a result of its
inspection, the investigator issued a citation for serious violations of the agency’s
construction standards.
What instruction and safety precaution should be follow to avoid this death could
have been prevented.

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