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115 Electrical Safety for Employees: Basic
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115 Electrical Safety for Employees: Basic

Electrical Hazards

How Standards Minimize Hazards

OSHA standards focus on the design and use of electrical equipment and systems.

Two electricians working on a panel.
Standards help to minimize hazards.

The OSHA standards cover many electrical hazards in a variety of industries. OSHA’s General Industry standards found in Title 29 CFR :

  • Part 1910.302-308, Design of Safety Standard for Electrical Systems;
  • Part 1910.331 through 1910.335, Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices; and
  • Part 1910.147, Lockout/Tagout.

The standards cover only the exposed or operating elements of an electrical installation, including lighting, equipment, motors, machines, appliances, switches, controls, and enclosures, requiring that they be constructed and installed to minimize workplace electrical dangers. Also, the standards require that approved testing organizations test and certify electrical equipment before it is used in the workplace, ensuring its safety.

The Value of an Electrical Safety Program

Every good safety and health program includes measures to control electrical hazards. This course offers guidance that will aid in understanding the basics of electrical safety practices. It will also introduce you to the electrical safety program. The responsibility for implementing this program should be assigned to an individual with comprehensive knowledge of electricity, electrical work practices, and the relevant OSHA standards for installation and performance.

Everyone has the right to work in a safe environment. Safety and health practices add value to your business and workplace. Through collaborative efforts, employers and employees can learn to identify and manage electrical hazards effectively.

Real-Life Accidents

At 7:00 p.m. on July 8, 2023, an employee working as a telecommunications worker was removing copper wiring from a pole. As the employee was trying to pull the wire from the pole, the three-face primary electrical interface cables fell causing him to contact the energized cables. The employee was electrocuted and died as a result. The narrative indicated they are waiting on additional information to complete the investigation.
At 10:45 a.m. on February 24, 2023, Employee #1 and Employee #2 were working as laborers for a tree trimming service. The employees were standing inside a bucket using a pole saw to trim trees near 7,400-volt overhead power lines when the electricity arced. Both Employee #1 and Employee #2 were electrocuted.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-1. OSHA standards require that exposed or operating elements of an electrical installation be constructed and installed to _____.

Course Introduction
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