Download Unit 1001 Safe working practices in construction

Unit 1001 Safe working practices in construction
Learning Outcome 7
Know about working with electricity
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Unit 1001 Safe working practices in construction
Dangers of electricity
Electricity is an invisible killer. You can get an electric shock from:
● working closely to live overhead cables
● plastering a wall with an electric socket
● carrying out maintenance work on a floor
● drilling into a wall.
Electric shocks are not always fatal but can cause burns and heart
problems.
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Unit 1001 Safe working practices in construction
Voltages
There are two main types of voltage in the UK:
● 230 V
● 110 V
On construction sites 110 Volts is used. A
transformer should be used to convert the 230 V
to 110 V.
In the wiring there should be three wires.
● The live and neutral carry the alternating
current.
● The earth wire is a safety device.
These colours are coded with standard European
colours.
© Pearson Education 2010 Printing and photocopying permitted
Unit 1001 Safe working practices in construction
Preventing electric shocks
Never:
● carry electrical equipment by the
cable
● remove plugs by pulling on the
lead
● allow tools to get wet; if they do,
get them checked before use.
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Always:
● check equipment, leads and plugs
before use
● keep cables off the ground to avoid
damage/trips
● keep cables away from sharp edges
● keep equipment locked away and
labelled to prevent it being used by
accident
● use cordless tools where possible
● follow all instructions.
Unit 1001 Safe working practices in construction
Dealing with electric shocks
● Always disconnect the power supply first before helping someone.
● Use a wooden object to knock someone free or push away the source
of the shock
● Don’t touch the person until they are clear of the supply.
● Call an ambulance immediately.
● Check for response and breathing.
● Check area is safe and then start resuscitating the victim.
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