What Must Be Done to Be Safe?

To make sure all employees are safe before, during and after electrical work is performed, electrical workers should follow the three-step process of the Electrical Safety Model:

1. recognize hazards
2. evaluate risk
3. control hazards

If you do not recognize, evaluate, and control hazards, you may be injured or killed by the electricity itself, electrical fires, or falls. If you use the safety model to recognize, evaluate, and control hazards, you will be much safer at work.

1. Recognize hazards

The first step of the safety model is recognizing the electrical hazards around you. Only then can you avoid or control the hazards. It is best to discuss and plan hazard recognition tasks with your co-workers. Sometimes we take risks ourselves, but when we are responsible for others, we are more careful. Sometimes others see hazards that we overlook. Of course, it is possible to be talked out of our concerns by someone who is reckless or dangerous. Don't take a chance. Careful planning of safety procedures reduces the risk of injury. Decisions to lock out and tag out circuits and equipment need to be made during this part of the safety model. Plans for action must be made now.

2. Evaluate hazards

When evaluating hazards, it is best to identify all possible hazards first, then evaluate the risk of injury from each hazard. Do not assume the risk is low until you evaluate the hazard. It is dangerous to overlook hazards. Job sites are especially dangerous because they are always changing. Many people are working at different tasks. Job sites are frequently exposed to bad weather. A reasonable place to work on a bright, sunny day might be very hazardous in the rain. The risks in your work environment need to be evaluated all the time. Then, whatever hazards are present need to be controlled.

3. Control hazards

1. create a safe work environment and
2. use safe work practices.

• Use the safety model to recognize, evaluate, and control
• hazards.
• Identify electrical hazards.
• Don't listen to reckless, dangerous people.
• Evaluate your risk.
• Take steps to control hazards: Create a safe workplace. Work safely.

OSHA regulations, the NEC, and the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) provide a wide range of safety information. Although these sources may be difficult to read and understand at first, with practice they can become very useful tools to help you recognize unsafe conditions and practices. Knowledge of OSHA standards is an important part of training for electrical apprentices. See the Appendix for a list of relevant standards.