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2952
LABORATORY
SAFETY SERIES:
Electrical Safety
Leader’s Guide
© Marcom Group Ltd.
INTRODUCTION TO THE PROGRAM
Structure and Organization
Information in this program is presented in a definite order, so that employees will see the relationships
between the various groups of information and can retain them more easily. The sections in this program
include:
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How electricity works.
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Common electrical hazards.
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Fuses, circuit breakers and grounding.
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Using and maintaining equipment.
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Accidents and emergency procedures.
Each of the sections gives an overview of important information in one topic area, providing employees with
the basis for understanding how electricity functions and how to work with it safely.
Background
Electricity is literally everywhere in a laboratory. It powers equipment, runs tools and even provides light. Most
of the time it works fine.
However, electrical systems and equipment are subject to wear and tear... and laboratory employees can get
careless when working with electricity, as well. This can result in problems such as electric shock, fire and
even explosions.
Laboratory employees need to know how electricity functions, be aware of common electrical hazards and
know how to work with electricity safely.
Objectives
To help employees work with electricity safely, this education and training program is designed to present
basic information about how electricity functions, the types of problems it can cause, as well as proper
procedures for working with electricity. Upon completion of the program, employees should:
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Know how electricity functions, and know the meaning of common electrical terms such
as volts, current and amperes.
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Be aware of common electrical hazards and the types of problems they can cause.
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Know how circuits function and the role of fuses and circuit breakers.
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Understand the concept of "grounding" and how it relates to outlets, three-prong plugs
and ground fault interrupters.
Know how electrical equipment functions and what safeguards to take when repairing or
maintaining it.
Know what to do in the case of an accident or emergency involving electricity.
Reviewing the Program
As with any educational program, the "presenter" should go through the entire program at least once to
become familiar with the content and make sure the program is consistent with company policy and directives.
An "outline" of the points in the program is included in this Presenter's Guide to help with this task and for
general reference.
As part of this review process, you should determine how you, as the presenter, will conduct your session. The
use of materials such as handouts, charts, etc., that may be available to you needs to be well thought out and
integrated into the overall program presentation.
PROGRAM OUTLINE
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Electricity is literally everywhere in our laboratories.
— Without it most of our operations would come to a standstill.
— So we need to know how to work with it safely.
Accidents and equipment malfunctions can cause problems such as:
— Electric shock.
— Ignition of flammable vapors.
— Explosions.
Performing equipment maintenance or making adjustments without proper
precautions can result in serious injuries.
— We need to know how electricity works inside and out.
The force carried by electrical current is measured in "volts."
— Most equipment runs on 120 volts.
— Heavy duty equipment may require 220 volts.
"Current" is the flow of electricity.
— The "intensity" of the current is measured in "amperes" (amps).
The amount of current that an electrical circuit can carry safely will vary.
— It depends on the thickness of the wire.
— Most laboratory electrical lines can safely carry 20 amps.
It is the flow of current (amperage), not the voltage, which causes shocks.
— Only .06 amps (the amount of electricity needed to light a Christmas tree
bulb) can cause a fatal heart attack.
Electricity flows when a "circuit" is completed.
— A circuit is a loop of uninterrupted electricity going from a power source to
equipment and back again.
— On/off switches regulate this "loop".
The flow of electricity in a circuit can also be broken by a fuse or circuit-breaker.
— These are activated if wires are carrying more electricity than they can safely
handle.
"Stray" electricity is always being pulled toward the ground.
— This is one of the major causes of shock.
"Grounding" provides a safeguard against this situation.
— A ground wire will direct "leaking" electricity back through the circuit, not to
the person using the equipment.
— Ground wires are easily visible in three-prong plugs.
To be effective, a ground wire must be plugged into an outlet that is also grounded.
— These outlets should be tested annually.
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For added safety, outlets can be fitted with "Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters"
(GFCIs).
— GFCIs protect you from "current leakage."
— They sense stray electricity by measuring the continuity of the current.
— If any deviation exists, a GFCI will quickly shut off the flow of electricity.
Following safe work practices is also critical to working around electricity.
— Electricity can always be dangerous.
There are three very common electrical hazards.
— Fires.
— Shocks.
— Burns.
Many electrical problems involve faulty wiring. So you should:
— Check insulation on all equipment wiring before plugging in (look for cracks,
etc.).
— Have faulty wires replaced immediately.
— Don't overload circuits (this will cause wiring to heat up).
— Don't use electrical tape to try and "fix" wiring problems.
Limit use of extension cords (they can develop cracks, etc.).
— Some accreditation groups, such as JCAHO and CAP prohibit their use.
Always use caution when selecting electrical equipment.
— Whenever possible use double-insulated tools.
— Ground stray electricity.
— Check electrical connections for sparking.
Be sure to get faulty equipment repaired.
— Advise your supervisor about any problems.
— Don't try to make electrical repairs yourself.
If you need to adjust an instrument or piece of equipment, or perform routine
maintenance, disconnect all the power sources first.
— You should also practice "lock-out/tag-out" techniques.
— Consult your supervisor if you have questions.
In areas where flammable materials are used, equipment selection is doubly
important.
— Motor-driven equipment should have non-sparking motors and switches.
— Never bring "home appliances" into these areas (most have switches that
spark).
— Check the equipment that is used by maintenance crews (such as vacuum
cleaners, power tools, etc.), as well.
You should also prevent water and other liquids from contacting electrical
equipment, since it:
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Can damage sensitive electrical circuits.
May cause shock.
Guard against any contact with "energized" parts.
— Prevent exposure to limit accidents.
If an accident does occur, it is important to be prepared.
— Never touch a person who is in contact with a live wire.
— Cut off electrical current at a switch or circuit breaker.
— Contact emergency medical personnel immediately.
Because of the heat generated by electricity, accidents often result in fires.
— Always know where fire extinguishers are located in your work area.
— Remember, electrical fires require Type C extinguishers.
— If a fire is too much to handle, evacuate the area and contact the fire
department.
A working knowledge of first aid can also be helpful in case of electrical accidents.
— Cover minor burns with loose, dry sterile dressing.
— Then get medical attention.
With more serious electrical accidents, victims may need CPR or treatment for
shock. You should:
— Learn how to administer CPR.
— Take other first aid training, if it is available.
* * * SUMMARY * * *
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Electricity is a valuable asset. We need to use it correctly and safely.
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Follow proper work practices.
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Report unsafe conditions.
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Don't attempt repairs unless you are qualified.
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Be prepared in case of an emergency.
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Electricity makes our labs more efficient. It is up to us to make sure we work with it
safely!
QUIZ
LABORATORY SAFETY SERIES:
Electrical Safety
Name:
Date:
1. Which of the following problems can faulty electrical equipment cause?
Shock.
Fire.
Explosion.
All of the above.
2. Which of the following causes shock?
Micronage.
Amperage.
Voltage.
3. True or False... The function of a fuse or circuit breaker is to interrupt the flow
of electricity if the circuit becomes "overloaded"?
True
False
4. True or False... The purpose of the "third wire" on a three-pronged plug is to
"ground" leaking or stray electricity?
True
False
5. What type of fire extinguisher should be used with electrical fires?
Type A.
Type B.
Type C.
Any of the above.
6. True or False… The amount of electricity used to light a Christmas tree bulb
can cause a heart attack?
True
False
QUIZ
LABORATORY SAFETY SERIES:
Electrical Safety
PRESENTER'S COPY...WITH ANSWERS
1. Which of the following problems can faulty electrical equipment cause?
Shock.
Fire.
Explosion.
X All of the above.
2. Which of the following causes shock?
Micronage.
X Amperage.
Voltage.
3. True or False... The function of a fuse or circuit breaker is to interrupt the flow
of electricity if the circuit becomes "overloaded"?
X True
False
4. True or False... The purpose of the "third wire" on a three-pronged plug is to
"ground" leaking or stray electricity?
X True
False
5. What type of fire extinguisher should be used with electrical fires?
Type A.
Type B.
X Type C.
Any of the above.
6. True or False… The amount of electricity needed to power a Christmas tree
bulb can cause a heart attack?
X True
False