Click here for the Electrical Safety TBT Script 

Click here for the Electrical Safety TBT Poster

Electrical Safety TBT: 

The health and safety of our associates is paramount, and we all have a responsibility to provide a safe workplace.  As such we all have the right and a duty to stop unsafe acts if we see them, we should not allow our colleagues or visitors to work in unsafe conditions or scenarios.

Today I want to talk specifically about electrical hazards, these can cause severe burns, shocks, fires and electrocution (death).

The U.S. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health reports that the highest number of electrocutions occur in three industries:

1. Construction
2. Manufacturing
3. Trade, transportation and utilities

Qualified persons:

Only qualified persons are trained to work on or near energized parts. They must have the skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed energized parts from other parts of electric equipment.

Prior to working on any electrical equipment, even something as small as changing an outlet or replacing a switch, a qualified person must be trained and knowledgeable on how to perform that work safely.  If you are not a trained, qualified person, you should not be working on any electrical equipment.

Qualified persons whose work on energized equipment involves direct contact or contact through tools or materials must also have training on appropriate PPE and electrical safety procedures.

Unqualified persons:

• Unqualified persons must notwork on exposed energized parts.
• Unqualified persons must stay 10 feet away from exposed energized parts.

Electrical Safety at Work Best Practices:

• Inspect powered tools and equipment for damaged wire insulation or connections.
• Don’t overload circuits.
• Use the right size and type of extension cords for temporary job tasks.
• Use a qualified, authorized person to lock and tag out circuits and equipment before exposing energized parts for maintenance or repairs.
• Make sure electrical systems, tools and equipment are grounded.
• Never operate electrical equipment while you are standing in water.
• Never bypass electrical protective systems or devices.
• Report any electrical hazards or damaged equipment to your supervisor.
• Temporary wiring, such as extension cords, should not be used for fixed, permanent equipment, and must not be wound around building structures or through doorways.

It is critical to understand that deenergizing without lockout/tagout does not eliminate the electrical shock and arc flash hazards. 

If you have concerns about your safety or the safety of others, report those concerns to a supervisor, manager, EHS, Human Resources, Legal and Compliance, or call RPM’s hotline.