An accident may be defined as an unplanned and unexpected event which causes or is likely to cause an injury.

Precautions:

(i) Always use correct size of fuse

(ii) Always maintain earth connection in satisfactory condition.

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(iii) Before replacing a lamp or handling a table fan be sure that the switch is in off position.

(iv) Before switching on current, be make sure that probable equipment is properly earthed and insulation is sound.

(v) Before working on inductive circuits or cables, discharge them.

(vi) Never touch an overhead line.

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(vii) Never energise a line unless you are sure that there is no one working on that line.

(viii) Never bring a naked light near a battery; smoking is prohibited in the battery room.

(ix) Rubber mats must be placed in front of electric panels and switch boards.

In case of fire

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(i) Disconnect the supply.

(ii) Do not throw water on equipment

(iii) Do not use a fire extinguisher on electricity.

Electrical Safety Checklist

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The checklist will help general audits that focus on electrical safety. It also can be used as a follow-up to general audits and can help uncover some of the more common trouble areas.

» Do you specify that all electrical contractors are required to comply with OSHA regulations.

» Are all employees required to report any obvious hazard to life or property that arise from electrical equipment or lines?

» Are employees instructed to inspect and test conditions before working on electrical equipment or lines are serviced, maintained or lines? When elec­trical equipment or lines are serviced, maintained or adjusted, are necessary switches opened, locked-out and tagged?

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}> Are portable tools and equipment grounded or double insulated?

» Are electrical appliances, such as vacuum cleaners, polishers and vending machines grounded?

» Do extension appliances, such as vacuum cleaners, polishers and vending machines grounded?

» Do extension cords have a grounding conductor?

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}> Are multiple-plug adapters prohibited?

» Are ground-fault circuit interrupters installed on each temporary 15 or 20 ampere 120 volt AC circuit at locations where construction, demolition, modi­fications, alterations or excavations are performed?

» Are all temporary circuits protected by disconnecting switches or plug con­nectors at the junction with permanent wiring?

» Are electrical installations located in hazardous areas with dust or vapour? So, do they meet the National Electrical Code for hazardous location?

» Are exposed wiring and cords with frayed or deteriorated insulation repaired or replaced promptly?

» Are flexible cords and cables free of splices or taps?

» Are clamps provided on flexible cords or cables at plugs, receptacles, tools and equipment? Is the cord jacket securely held in place?

» Are cord, cable and raceway connectors intact and secure?

» In wet or damp locations, are electrical tools and equipment appropriate or protected?

» Is the location of electrical power lines and cables determined before dig­ging, drilling or similar work is begun ? Are metal measuring tapes, ropes, hand lines or similar devices with metallic thread prohibited where they could come in contact with energized parts?

» Is the use of metal ladders prohibited in areas where they could come in contact with energized parts or equipment, fixtures or circuit conductors ?

» Are all disconnecting switches and circuit breakers labeled?

» Are disconnecting means always opened before fuses are replaced?

» Do ill interior wiring systems include provisions for grounding metal parts of electrical raceways, equipment and enclosures?

» Are all electrical raceways and enclosures securely fastened in place?

» Are all energized parts of electrical circuits and equipment guarded against accidental contact by approved cabinets or enclosures?

» Is sufficient access and working space provided and maintained around all electrical equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance ?

» Are all unused openings in electric enclosures and fittings including con­duct knockouts closed with appropriate covers, plugs or plates ?

» Can disconnecting switches for electrical motors in excess of two horse­power open the circuit without exploding when the motor is installed?

» Is the controller for each motor in excess of two horse-power rated in horse­power equal to or in excess of the rating it serves?

» Are employees who work regularly on or around energized electrical equip­ment or lines instructed in CPR?

» Are employees prohibited from working alone on energized lines electrical equipment or lines instructed in CPR?

» Are employees prohibited from working alone on energized lines or equip­ment that exceed 600 volts?