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  MODULE 6: EVALUATING RISK


How Do You Evaluate Your Risk?

After you recognize a hazard, your next step is to evaluate your risk from the hazard. The closer you work to the "danger zone," the more likely you'll be exposed to the electrical hazard. For instance, exposed wires should be recognized as a hazard. If the exposed wires are 15 feet off the ground, your not close to the danger zone so the risk is low. However, if you are going to be working on a roof near those same wires, your risk is high. The risk of shock is greater if you will be carrying metal conduit that could touch the exposed wires. It's important that as you work throughout the day, you must constantly evaluate your risk.

Another factor increasing your risk of injury is working around combinations of hazards. Improper grounding and a damaged tool greatly increase your risk. Wet conditions combined with other hazards also increase your risk. You will need to make decisions about the nature of hazards in order to evaluate your risk and do the right thing to remain safe.

combinations of hazards increase risks

There may be important clues that electrical hazards exist. For example, if a GFCI keeps tripping while you are using a power tool, that's a clue that there is a problem. Don't keep resetting the GFCI and continue to work. You must evaluate the "clue" and decide what action should be taken to control the hazard.



  • evaluation - process to make a value judgment about quality, effectiveness, etc.

  • risk - the chance that injury or death will occur.

  • short - a low-resistance path between a live wire and the ground, or between wires at different voltages (called a fault if the current is unintended.)

Any of these conditions, or "clues," tells you something important: there is a risk of fire and electrical shock. The equipment or tools involved must be avoided. You will frequently be caught in situations where you need to decide if these clues are present. A maintenance electrician, supervisor, or instructor needs to be called if there are signs of overload and you are not sure of the degree of risk. Ask for help whenever you are not sure what to do. By asking for help, you will protect yourself and others.

Conditions that point to electrical hazards

There are a number of other conditions that indicate an electrical hazard.

  • Tripped circuit breakers and blown fuses show that too much current is flowing in a circuit. This condition could be due to several factors, such as malfunctioning equipment or a short between conductors. You need to determine the cause in order to control the hazard.

  • An electrical tool, appliance, wire, or connection that feels warm may indicate too much current in the circuit or equipment. You need to evaluate the situation and determine your risk.

  • An extension cord that feels warm may indicate too much current for the wire size of the cord. You must decide when action needs to be taken.
  • A cable, fuse box, or junction box that feels warm may indicate too much current in the circuits.

  • A burning odor may indicate overheated insulation.

  • Worn, frayed, or damaged insulation around any wire or other conductor is an electrical hazard because the conductors could be exposed. Contact with an exposed wire could cause a shock. Damaged insulation could cause a short, leading to arcing or a fire. Inspect all insulation for scrapes and breaks. You need to evaluate the seriousness of any damage you find and decide how to deal with the hazard.

  • A GFCI that trips indicates there is current leakage from the circuit. First, you must decide the probable cause of the leakage by recognizing any contributing hazards. Then, you must decide what action needs to be taken.

Don't know what a word means? See the Glossary.

Take the review Quiz Most (but not all) questions on the final exam are derived from module quizzes.

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This material is for training purposes only to inform the reader of occupational safety and health best practices and general compliance requirements and is not a substitute for provisions of the OSH Act of 1970 or any governmental regulatory agency. Copyright © 2000-2008 Geigle Communications, LLC. All rights reserved. Federal copyright law prohibits unauthorized reproduction by any means and imposes fines up to $25,000 for violations. Students may reproduce materials for personal study.