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SAFETY:
It's Your Responsibility
August Topic of the Month
Electrical Safety Awareness
Electricity travels in paths that are called “circuits.” A circuit originates at a source, travels to a load (i.e., the item drawing electrical current), and returns to its source. Electricity will not travel along an incomplete circuit, which is the principle behind switches. A switch in the “on” position closes the circuit; a switch in the “off” position opens or breaks the circuit. If there is no complete path for the electricity to follow, there is no current. There are two types of circuits, AC alternating current and DC direct current. Alternating current changes direction frequently. This enables the electricity to travel long distances with minimal energy loss. Direct current does not change directions.
A person who is shocked by DC, is likely to be blown away from the circuit almost as soon as he or she contacts it. Although the person may not be electrocuted, he or she may suffer injuries from being thrown violently across a room. A person who contacts an AC circuit, will have the current pass through the body and be electrocuted. The person will be unable to let go. The victim will be frozen to the circuit until it is opened.
If you see someone who is “frozen” to an AC electrical circuit, be aware that electricity is flowing through that person and you could become a victim, if you touch them.
Electrical fires in our homes claim the lives of many Americans each year and injured thousands more. Some of these fires are caused by electrical system failures and appliance defects, but many more are caused by the misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension cords. Electricity is everywhere in our homes, and it's a very useful part of our lives. Yet it only takes one old or poorly wired plug to prove just how powerful it is. The wires don't even need to touch for a spark to jump and a fire to start.
Warning Signs
You can spot many electrical problems before they cause a fire or shock. Be alert to the following danger signs:
• Recurring problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers.
• Feeling a tingle when you touch an electrical seasonal light.
• Discoloration of wall outlets.
• A burning smell or unusual odor coming from an appliance or wiring.
• Sizzling sound at wall switches or outlets.
• Flickering lights.
Safety Precautions
• Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring.
• Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately.
• Use electrical extension cords wisely and don't overload them.
• Power cords are not made for carrying tools or suspending equipment
• Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters; pay special care to electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen.
Created: May 15, 2007
• In potentially damp or wet environments, use GFCIs.
• When buying electrical appliances look for products which meet the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) standard for safety.
• Keep clothes, curtains and other potentially combustible items at least three feet from all heaters.
• If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
• Always make sure the ground pin is intact and not loose or missing
• Never unplug equipment by pulling on the cord.
• Check your electrical tools regularly for signs of wear. If the cords are frayed or cracked, replace them. Replace any tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out or gives off smoke or sparks.
• Use double-insulated tools with non-conductive housings that cannot become electrified
Extension Cords Should Be:
• For temporary use pending the installation of permanent outlets
• For applications where equipment is not routinely used
• For temporary or portable equipment
• Energized from a permanent outlet
• Grounded 3 wire type
Extension Cords Should Not Be:
• Run through openings in walls, ceilings, or doorways
• Be draped over light, ceiling, wall fixtures, etc.
• Run across aisles or walkways
• Be attached or fixed
Power Strips Should Be:
• Properly secured to a permanent surface
• Equipped with fuse or circuit breaker
• Energized from a permanent outlet
• Grounded 3-wire type
• UL approved
Electricity travels in paths that are called “circuits.” A circuit originates at a source, travels to a load (i.e., the item drawing electrical current), and returns to its source. Electricity will not travel along an incomplete circuit, which is the principle behind switches. A switch in the “on” position closes the circuit; a switch in the “off” position opens or breaks the circuit. If there is no complete path for the electricity to follow, there is no current. There are two types of circuits, AC alternating current and DC direct current. Alternating current changes direction frequently. This enables the electricity to travel long distances with minimal energy loss. Direct current does not change directions.
A person who is shocked by DC, is likely to be blown away from the circuit almost as soon as he or she contacts it. Although the person may not be electrocuted, he or she may suffer injuries from being thrown violently across a room. A person who contacts an AC circuit, will have the current pass through the body and be electrocuted. The person will be unable to let go. The victim will be frozen to the circuit until it is opened.
If you see someone who is “frozen” to an AC electrical circuit, be aware that electricity is flowing through that person and you could become a victim, if you touch them.
Electrical fires in our homes claim the lives of many Americans each year and injured thousands more. Some of these fires are caused by electrical system failures and appliance defects, but many more are caused by the misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension cords. Electricity is everywhere in our homes, and it's a very useful part of our lives. Yet it only takes one old or poorly wired plug to prove just how powerful it is. The wires don't even need to touch for a spark to jump and a fire to start.
Warning Signs
You can spot many electrical problems before they cause a fire or shock. Be alert to the following danger signs:
• Recurring problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers.
• Feeling a tingle when you touch an electrical seasonal light.
• Discoloration of wall outlets.
• A burning smell or unusual odor coming from an appliance or wiring.
• Sizzling sound at wall switches or outlets.
• Flickering lights.
Safety Precautions
• Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring.
• Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately.
• Use electrical extension cords wisely and don't overload them.
• Power cords are not made for carrying tools or suspending equipment
• Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters; pay special care to electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen.
Created: May 15, 2007
• In potentially damp or wet environments, use GFCIs.
• When buying electrical appliances look for products which meet the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) standard for safety.
• Keep clothes, curtains and other potentially combustible items at least three feet from all heaters.
• If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
• Always make sure the ground pin is intact and not loose or missing
• Never unplug equipment by pulling on the cord.
• Check your electrical tools regularly for signs of wear. If the cords are frayed or cracked, replace them. Replace any tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out or gives off smoke or sparks.
• Use double-insulated tools with non-conductive housings that cannot become electrified
Extension Cords Should Be:
• For temporary use pending the installation of permanent outlets
• For applications where equipment is not routinely used
• For temporary or portable equipment
• Energized from a permanent outlet
• Grounded 3 wire type
Extension Cords Should Not Be:
• Run through openings in walls, ceilings, or doorways
• Be draped over light, ceiling, wall fixtures, etc.
• Run across aisles or walkways
• Be attached or fixed
Power Strips Should Be:
• Properly secured to a permanent surface
• Equipped with fuse or circuit breaker
• Energized from a permanent outlet
• Grounded 3-wire type
• UL approved
Safety Committee Members
Content 2
DFM has recently hired this coordinator to consolidate,develop and coordinate Department of Facilities Management (DFM) training programs and manuals. Identify instructional needs including but not limited to safety and task specific training. Serve as the principal training resource person. Maintain awareness of available programs. Perform various training related duties and coordinate staff involvement in the training programs. Coordinate and develop resources for job enrichment programs to include monitoring for cost effectiveness. |
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