Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
available, such as Subpart S of the OSHA standards, which governs elec-
trical work. OSHA requires the employer to train all workers in safe work
practices for working with electrical equipment. OSHA's training rules
distinguish between workers who do not work on or near exposed ener-
gized components and those who do. Even workers who are not quali-
fied to work on or around energized electrical equipment are required to
know the specific safety practices that apply to their jobs.
The key to developing and maintaining a sound electrical safety pro-
gram is to make worker awareness of electrical hazards an important
part of the safety and health program. Worker awareness
is brought about
through worker training. Workers need to be aware of the primary hazards
of electricity, including shock, burns, fires, explosions, and arc blast.
Workers must also have knowledge of the causes of electrical acci-
dents. They must be trained and made to understand that accidents and
injuries that occur when working with or around electricity are caused
by a combination of factors, such as unsafe equipment, unsafe work-
places, unsafe work practices, and unsafe equipment installation.
Along with ensuring worker training on and awareness about elec-
trical hazards, the plant safety person must make elimination or con-
trol of electrical hazards his or her goal. Preventing electrical accidents
can be accomplished by utilizing protective methods to prevent electri-
cal hazards. These protective methods include ensuring that electrical
devices and circuitry are properly insulated and insisting that electri-
cal-grade matting be installed in front of all high-voltage switchgears.
Electrical protective devices such as fuses, circuit breakers, guardrails,
and ground connections should also be utilized. The plant safety person
should check the integrity of electrical wiring throughout the facility.
Electrical shock can be prevented if hanging live electrical wires are dis-
covered and properly removed. A safety auditor who finds hanging live
electrical wires should address the source of the occurrence. In other
words, how did such an unsafe condition get left “hanging around,” so
to speak? When such conditions are found, it is instantly obvious that
safe electrical work practices are being ignored.
Wastewater treatment plant electricians must also be trained in
safe work practices. Although electricians are usually highly trained
and skilled technicians, these highly skilled and trained technicians
can make mistakes, use poor judgment, or perform their work in a care-
less manner. Electrical safety must be stressed to
all
workers. Moreover,
all plant workers must be reminded that the plant requires the use of a
lockout/tagout procedure to de-energize electrical equipment and that
it will be enforced. Additionally, workers must be reminded not to wear
metal objects (e.g., watches, rings) when working with electricity.
In summary, an effective workplace electrical safety program can
be instituted if the following steps are followed and enforced:
1. Identify and label all workplace electrical hazards.
2. Train all employees on electrical safety.
