PHYSICAL PLANT SAFETY MANUAL

Safety Manual
1st Page

Introduction to Safety

General Work Habits

Clothing & Personal Protective Equipment

Work Area Houskeeping

Asbestos

Hand & Power Tools

Equipment & Machinery

Tag-Out Procedure

Fire Protection

Welding

Compressed Gas Cylinders

Electrical

Construction

Ladders & Scaffolding

Back Safety

Lifting

Vehicle Safety

Work Area Safety Awareness

Emergency Procedures

Off-the-Job Safety

Safety Equipment

Employee Statement

Updated April 2001

Electrical Safety

It takes very little electric current to kill--less than one-tenth of an ampere. With good contact, 115 volts is sufficient voltage to cause death. There have been fatal electric shocks where voltage as low as 60 to 70 volts was involved. No electrical work should be performed "hot" when it can be done "cold." Switches, fuses, circuit breakers, and other control devices in areas where explosives or other flammable liquids or gasses exist shall be the type designed for use in these areas.

All electrical equipment should be periodically inspected.

Suitable means should be provided for identifying all electrical equipment and circuits, especially if two or more voltages are used on the same job.

All electrical tools and equipment should be properly grounded or be of the double-insulated type.

Spliced or damaged electrical cords shall not be used until properly repaired. Electrical cords on power tools and extension cords shall have heavy-duty rubber insulation.

You should never use electrical equipment when standing in or near water. In places such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, and out-of-doors, where a person having wet hands or standing on a wet surface is likely to touch objects that may be energized, a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFI) shall be installed in the circuit to prevent electrical shock. Portable ground-fault circuit interrupters are available in the Tool Room for use in wet environments.

All exposed electrical wires should be considered "hot" or "live" until checked by the Electrical Department. Electrical repairs or electrical installations shall be made only by the Electrical Department.

Standing on metal ladders or wearing metal hard hats near high voltage electrical power can result in death or serious injury.

"I never bother with the pigtail," she cried shockingly.