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ELECTRICAL SAFETY in the Lab
ELECTRICAL SAFETY in the Lab
Common Myths on Electricity
1.
Electricity takes the path of least resistance.
2.
Electricity wants to go to ground.
3.
If an electrical appliance or tool falls into water,
it will short out.
4.
It takes high voltage to kill.
5.
Double-insulated power tools can be used
wet and damp locations.
in
Facts of Electricicity
Electric currents of
> 3 mA causes
painful shock
> 10 mA causes
muscle contraction “no-let-go” danger
> 30 mA causes
lung paralysis- usually temporary
> 50 mA causes
possible ventricular fib. (heart dysfunction, usually fatal)
Between 100 mA to 4 A causes
certain ventricular fibrillation, fatal
> 4 A causes
heart paralysis; severe burns. Usually caused by >600 volts
ELECTRICAL SAFETY in the Lab
Because of the inherent hazards of working with
electricity, the following procedures are provided to
help identify safe work practices ……..
ELECTRICAL SAFETY in the Lab
DO NOT OVERLOAD CIRCUITS!

USE a single plug for each electrical
connection

AVOID multiple plugs for additional
connections

Never use temporary wiring.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY in the Lab
ONLY explosion proof electrical equipment should be used
near flammable solvents
ELECTRICAL SAFETY in the Lab

NEVER bypass any safety device on a piece of
electrical equipment

ALL electrical repairs should be made by qualified
personnel
ELECTRICAL SAFETY in the Lab

Water can turn anything into an electrical
conductor - don’t stand in water or have
water on your hands when using electrical
equipment.

In case of an electrical fire, NEVER touch the
burning object or douse it with water. Turn off
power if possible.
For small fires, extinguish it
with a fire extinguisher.
Do’s

DO plug power equipment into wall receptacles with
power switches in the OFF position.

DO check the receptacle for missing or damaged parts.

DO check for frayed, cracked, or exposed wiring on
equipment cords. Remove from service any equipment
with frayed cords or exposed wires

DO check for defective cords clamps at locations
where the power cord enters the equipment or the
attachment plug.

DO check that all electrical service cords are in good
condition
Don'ts

DO NOT plug equipment into defective receptacles.

DO NOT pull or jerk the cord to unplug the
equipment.

DO NOT drape power cords over hot pipes, radiators
or sharp objects.

DO NOT use extension cords in office areas.
Generally, extension cords should be limited to use
by maintenance personnel.
Do’s and Don'ts

Employees SHOULD KNOW the location of
electrical circuit breaker panels that control
equipment and lighting in their respective areas.

Circuits and equipment disconnects MUST be
identified

Temporary or permanent storage of any materials
MUST NOT be allowed within 3 feet of any
electrical panel or electrical equipment.
Do’s and Don'ts

DO NOT use Electrical equipment or appliances
that are not properly grounded. All electrical
equipment must be grounded; use 3-pronged plugs

Danger tag or equivalent MUST be tagged to
ANY electrical equipment causing shocks or with
high leakage potential.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY in the Lab
“Electricity is invisible.
It cannot be seen, heard, tasted, or smelled.
Like a snake hiding in the grass,
electricity will strike
if you don’t follow safe work practices
as well as
use and maintain safe equipment.”