Safe use of electricity

Electrical power is the most convenient and flexible source of power in both industry and in the home. It is also probably the most dangerous because  

But it can be used safely if its dangers are understood, certain simple rules are followed and it is treated with respect. 

Legislation lays down basic requirements to be met in the use of electricity but there are, in addition, a number of well tried techniques that should also be followed. Both these aspects are dealt with in this chapter. 

The regulations relating to the safe use of electricity at work refer to all work situations, this includes mines and quarries where there are particular and specific requirements. This section deals only with the requirements for the safe use of electricity in normal industrial and commercial workplaces. 

Although made under the HSW, which requires that standards have to be met so far as is reasonably practicable, because of the dangers inherent in the use of electricity certain of the regulations are absolute requirements, i.e. they must be compHed with regardless of cost. However, it is recognized that if employers have taken all reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence to avoid committing an offence they will have fulfilled this absolute duty, but it will be up to them to prove it if an inspector queries it. 

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Some of the problems associated with electrical systems have been covered in previous sections, such as Chapter 3, Section LG. There may be some unavoidable repetition in this section, which will be primarily concerned with the safe use of electricity rather than the characteristics of individual items, although there will be a brief discussion of generic problems associated with the design of equipment. Most of the hazards associated with the use of electri-... 

An instaiiation that meets the requirements of the lET Wiring Regulations Requirements for Eiectricai instaiiations wiii be so protected. The method most universaiiy used in the United Kingdom to provide for the safe use of electrical energy is Basic Protection and Fauit Protection, as described in Chapter 41 of the iET Reguiations. So, iet us iook at these essentiai safety elements. 

When considering the safe use of electricity a number of terms arise that have particular meanings. Those terms include ... 

A variety of techniques reduce the risk to a patient. Grounding and double insulation help. Isolation of circuits and sensor leads, minimal current for equipment operation, low voltages, and turning off unused equipment can all help. Shielding reduces magnetically induced currents. Some patient situations can become very complex, requiting special analysis to determine a safe solution. There are safe current limits and standards for the safe use of electrical equipment in hospitals and medicine. The American Association of Medical Instmmentation publishes a range of standards applicable to medical equipment. ... 

The safe use of electricity can pose particular problems in adverse or hazardous work environments. Such environments may degrade equipment to the extent that it becomes unsafe or even develops a fault thus increasing the electric shock risk. Flammable and explosive atmospheres present special risks. 

Electrical safety. Cover the proper grounding of equipment, safe use of electrical devices, avoiding overloading of circuits, proper use of temporary electrical fixtures and connections including plug strips and extension cords, and avoiding creation of electrical hazards in wet areas. 

We know from earlier chapters in this book that using electricity is one of the causes of accidents in the workplace. Using electricity is a hazard because it has the potential to cause harm. Therefore, the provision of protective devices in an electrical installation is fundamental to the whole concept of the safe use of electricity in buildings. The electrical installation as a whole must be protected... 

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