Electrical Safety Training

When we’re talking about electricity, other terms we need to define are

• Resistance – a poor conductor increases the resistance which in turn reduces the current flow. Electrical resistance is presented in ohms
• Current is the flow rate of electrons indicating how many electrons move through the cable. It’s measured in amperes, or amps
• voltage determines how quickly electrons move along the cable. This is measured in volts

Key Hazards of Electricity

Electrical burns occur due to the heating effect caused by the passage of electric current through body tissues.

Shock. The human body responds in several ways to electrical current flowing through it.

Arcing. Arcing electricity jumping across air gaps and also causes radiation

Fires. The injuries associated with fire are usually burns but may include other injuries such as smoke inhalation

Explosions. Electrical explosions include the violent and catastrophic rupture of any electrical equipment.

Electricity Safety Training – Dealing with an Electric Shock

If someone receives a high voltage electrical shock, then you need to be extra careful. Always remember that high voltage electricity can arc or jump as far as 18 metres or more. If you have a casualty resulting from high voltage electrical shock, never approached them under any circumstances. If possible, you should stay at least 25 metres away until an official agency such as an electricity board has switched off the power.

You will be given basic instructions on what to do in cases of high or low voltage electric shocks including when to call emergency services and what to do while you are waiting for them to arrive.

Standards, Guidance and Legislation

The course examines the main legislation and standards used to control electrical safety in the workplace including

• the electricity at work regulations, and
• British Standard BS7671 requirements for electrical installations

We also look at practical steps that must be taken to assist you in complying with the law. There are many standards and laws designed to ensure that the use of electricity in the workplace is as safe as possible. They cover all aspects including design installation, maintenance and safe use.

Design of all electrical systems and equipment must be selected based on risk assessments which take account of appropriate standards and guidance.

Installation must be completed by competent persons following national standards.

Maintenance includes inspection, checking and testing. This is covered in more detail elsewhere in this course,

Safe use. Management has to get confirmation via risk assessments that the level of risk from electricity is acceptable. This can be achieved by ensuring everyone working with electricity is competent.

Record Keeping and Working with Electrical Equipment

This area of the course discusses how to conduct risk assessments and takes the learner through steps employers and supervisors should complete to ensure the safety of electrical devices in the workplace, including

1. Records must be kept to prove that new installations comply with appropriate standards such as BS7671.
2. There should be records to prove the equipment is maintained and safety checked, inspected and tested on a regular basis.
3. Where there is a switch to cut off power from equipment in an emergency, there should be inspection records to prove that it’s operating effectively.
4. In most instances, the provision of safe and suitable electrical equipment can be achieved by complying with Rams or company policy and procedures.

We look at the safety and maintenance records you should keep to ensure electrical equipment is safe and suitable, including reducing the voltage and the use of residual current devices or RCDs, as well as how to stay safe when working near underground power cables and overhead power lines.

Portable Electrical Appliance (PAT) Testing

A portable appliance is an item of electrical equipment that can be moved around. Usually, portable appliances will have a plug and cable. If equipment is hardwired into a wall, then it’s not classed as a portable appliance.

Special attention needs to be given to portable appliances that are considered to be high risk. This is because they are often used by many people in the workplace so can get damaged and consequently cause burns, shock, fire, and even explosions.

The course finishes with a short Health and Safety Executive case study and summary and gives template documents for your organisation to use.