It is easy to have wear and tear on all types of electrical cords with normal use. This can expose and loosen wires, which may create a shock hazard. Cords that have been modified increase the chance of shock unless they meet all safety agency standards.

Perhaps electricity is so common that we don’t give it the respect and attention it deserves. But when any hazard is recognized in the workplace, control measures must be established to keep workers safe. Advertisement (Learn more about controls in The Hierarchy of Hazard Controls.) The following are the five main causes of injuries from electricity and some advice on how to avoid these injuries. 1. Contact with Power Lines Overhead and buried power lines can carry extremely high voltage – sometimes exceeding 700,000 volts! Although fatal electrocution is the main hazard, severe burns and falling from elevated levels can also be concerns. Advertisement What typically happens is that a piece of equipment the worker is using, such as a crane or ladder, comes into contact with the power line, which delivers a shock to the worker. How to Avoid This Hazard When working outside, observe and keep in mind the placement of power lines. Stay at least ten feet away from overhead power lines at all times. Observe this same distance with equipment. Use non-conductive wood or fiberglass ladders when working near power lines. Ensure that no digging is undertaken without first checking for underground power lines. Look for posts and signs designating underground lines. Always confirm it is safe to dig by contacting your utility company. If work must be done near a power line, contact the utility company first. It may be possible to de-energize the line or come up with a guard to increase worker safety. 2. No Ground-Fault Protection This type of electrical hazard is often created due to excessive wear on power tools and equipment. This can cause breaks in insulation and exposed wire. Without ground-fault protection, contact can send electricity through a worker’s body. How to Avoid This Hazard Always inspect equipment and power tools prior to each use. Make this part of your standard work routine. Place a warning tag on any equipment that is unsafe and take it out of use until fixed. Only use power tools according to their manufacturers intended use and instructions. Use GFCIs (ground-fault circuit interrupters) on all 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles. 3. Pass to Ground Is Missing or Discontinuous This occurs when the power supply for electrical equipment is not properly grounded, or the path has been broken. This can even happen with good equipment, either due to extreme work conditions or rough treatment of the equipment. Electrical grounding is where a point in a circuit is at zero voltage. A broken electrical cord or damaged power tool can cause a lack of proper grounding. How to Avoid This Hazard Be sure to ground all power supply systems, electrical circuits, and electrical equipment. Frequently inspect electrical systems to ensure that the path to ground is continuous. Electrical systems can be as simple as batteries powering a flashlight to as complex as those in a jet airliner. With more complex systems, you may need to get a certified professional to inspect the system. Never remove ground prongs from power cords or extension cords. Use double-insulated tools and equipment. Ground all exposed metal parts of equipment. Ground metal parts of non-electrical equipment, as specified by the OSHA or your governing regulatory agency. 4. Equipment Not Used in Manner Prescribed Let’s face it, any time we use a tool or equipment for purposes it wasn’t meant for, we are quite possibly voiding all of its safety features. We may inadvertently damage equipment and endanger other workers or ourselves. How to Avoid This Hazard Use only equipment approved by regulatory safety agencies, including OSHA. Always use equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and never modify cords or the equipment in any way. If equipment or cords have been fabricated in your shop, ensure that they meet all regulatory safety standards. 5. Improper Use of Extension or Flexible Cords It is easy to have wear and tear on all types of electrical cords with normal use. This can expose and loosen wires, which may create a shock hazard. Cords that have been modified increase the chance of shock unless they meet all safety agency standards. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, each year electric extension cords account for 4,600 residential fires killing and injuring about 300 people. The most frequent causes of these fires are short circuits in the cord, overloading, damage, or misuse. (Learn more about Power and Extension Cord Safety.) How to Avoid This Hazard Only use factory-assembled cord sets. Only use three-wire type extension cords. Only use the proper extension cord for the designated use. Cords are rated in many different ways. OSHA requires three-wire cords designed for hard or extra-hard usage. Hard-service cords are marked with letters including S, SE, SO, and ST. Remove cords from receptacles by pulling on the plugs, not the cords. Regularly audit all extension and flexible cords for damage. Make this a proactive, scheduled activity. Damaged cords and those not properly rated must be taken out of service immediately.   Free Download: Arc Flash and Electrical Safety Guide   Promote Electrical Safety We use electricity daily and complacency is to be expected, but this must be countered by safe work habits that are intentionally designed to prevent electrical hazards. Ensure that your standard work instructions include electrical safety as it pertains to your work environment. (Find out How to Use Standard Work Instructions to Improve Workplace Safety.) When in doubt, consult a certified electrician. Remember, there is almost one electrical fatality every day. I urge you to take a proactive approach to electrical safety as part of your safety management system. Related Terms Electrical Shock Lockout Tagout Hazard Electric Receptacles Electric Arc Electrical Single Line Diagram Flexible Wiring Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Barricade Short-Term Exposure Limit Share This Article

Provides funding to hospital facilities seeking to achieve or maintain a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE)-Ready designation, as well as non-profit corporations seeking to operate or maintain a SAFE Program as defined in Chapter 323 of the Texas Health and Safety Code.

Electrical grounding is where a point in a circuit is at zero voltage. A broken electrical cord or damaged power tool can cause a lack of proper grounding.

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Provides funding for target hardening and other physical security enhancements/activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack.

Jul 12, 2023 — The Law Enforcement De-escalation Training Act of 2022 (LEDTA), introduced by Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), authorized the appropriation to the ...

Supports programs that foster safer neighborhoods through a sustained reduction in violent crime, including, but not limited to, addressing criminal gangs and the felonious possession and use of firearms.

Triage is the sorting and prioritization of patients based on the severity of their condition, as well as taking into account their probability of benefiting from the medical treatment provided. This process is utilized for the treatment of patients particularly when resources are limited to treat… View Full Term

Supports investigation of internet crimes against children through task forces made up of multi-agency law enforcement personnel throughout urban Texas cities.

Supports municipal police departments and county sheriffs’ offices in establishing or enhancing body-worn camera programs.

In my years as a safety professional, I have performed many accident investigations involving electricity. Luckily, all of them have been minor, usually involving an exposed wire zapping someone. I always used these types of incidents as opportunities to stress electrical safety.

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Provides funding to enhance interagency border security operations supporting Operation Lone Star including funding to help deter and interdict criminal activity related to the border crisis.

Supports state and local efforts to prevent terrorism and targeted violence and prepare for the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to the security of Texas citizens. Provides funding to implement investments that build, sustain, and deliver the 32 core capabilitiesessential to achieving a secure and resilient state.

Safety measures when usingelectricalappliances

Provides funding to improve emergency management and preparedness capabilities by supporting flexible, sustainable, secure, strategically located, and fully interoperable EOCs with a focus on addressing identified deficiencies and needs. Fully capable emergency operations facilities at the state and local levels are an essential element of a comprehensive national emergency management system and are necessary to ensure continuity of operations and continuity of government in major disasters or emergencies caused by any hazard. Among the five basic homeland security missions noted in the DHS Strategic Plan, the EOC Grant Program supports the goal to Strengthen National Preparedness and Resilience.

Provides financial assistance to counties for essential public services including law enforcement services, jail services, court services, or reimbursement of extraordinary costs incurred for the investigation or prosecution of a capital murder or crimes committed because of bias or prejudice as defined in Article 104.004 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Compliance with company policies; Ability to forecast spend based on negotiated mid-size rates; Vehicle upgrades with no cost, plus increased satisfaction among ...

Electricalsafety

When in doubt, consult a certified electrician. Remember, there is almost one electrical fatality every day. I urge you to take a proactive approach to electrical safety as part of your safety management system.

The signal.signal() function allows defining custom handlers to be executed when a signal is received. A small number of default handlers are installed.

Supports temporary or long-term expansions of testing capacity in crime laboratories to reduce the backlog of sexual assault kits in Texas.

Supports targeted, regional approaches to combat gang violence by coordinating prevention, intervention, and suppression activities.

Assists law enforcement agencies by offsetting agency-incurred travel costs for sending peace officers to Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid ResponseTraining (ALERRT) training.

RedArrowOnline is the premier cloud based software for the management of drug and alcohol testing, background checks, random selections, and other wellness ...

Be sure to use approved and certified electrical equipment and take any of these devices out of service if they are damaged.

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Let’s face it, any time we use a tool or equipment for purposes it wasn’t meant for, we are quite possibly voiding all of its safety features. We may inadvertently damage equipment and endanger other workers or ourselves.

Provides funding for services and assistance directly to peace officers and first responders to address direct and indirect trauma that occurs in the course of their normal duties either as the result of the commission of crimes by other persons or in response to an emergency.

From spacious high-roof cargo vans and easy-to-drive 26 foot trucks to packing supplies and towing equipment, we have options for every adventure on your list.

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Provides funding for overtime and operating costs to sustain interagency law enforcement operations and support an increased law enforcement presence to detect, deter, and disrupt drug, human, and other contraband trafficking created by the close proximity to the Texas/Mexico border.

Although fatal electrocution is the main hazard, severe burns and falling from elevated levels can also be concerns. Advertisement What typically happens is that a piece of equipment the worker is using, such as a crane or ladder, comes into contact with the power line, which delivers a shock to the worker. How to Avoid This Hazard When working outside, observe and keep in mind the placement of power lines. Stay at least ten feet away from overhead power lines at all times. Observe this same distance with equipment. Use non-conductive wood or fiberglass ladders when working near power lines. Ensure that no digging is undertaken without first checking for underground power lines. Look for posts and signs designating underground lines. Always confirm it is safe to dig by contacting your utility company. If work must be done near a power line, contact the utility company first. It may be possible to de-energize the line or come up with a guard to increase worker safety. 2. No Ground-Fault Protection This type of electrical hazard is often created due to excessive wear on power tools and equipment. This can cause breaks in insulation and exposed wire. Without ground-fault protection, contact can send electricity through a worker’s body. How to Avoid This Hazard Always inspect equipment and power tools prior to each use. Make this part of your standard work routine. Place a warning tag on any equipment that is unsafe and take it out of use until fixed. Only use power tools according to their manufacturers intended use and instructions. Use GFCIs (ground-fault circuit interrupters) on all 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles. 3. Pass to Ground Is Missing or Discontinuous This occurs when the power supply for electrical equipment is not properly grounded, or the path has been broken. This can even happen with good equipment, either due to extreme work conditions or rough treatment of the equipment. Electrical grounding is where a point in a circuit is at zero voltage. A broken electrical cord or damaged power tool can cause a lack of proper grounding. How to Avoid This Hazard Be sure to ground all power supply systems, electrical circuits, and electrical equipment. Frequently inspect electrical systems to ensure that the path to ground is continuous. Electrical systems can be as simple as batteries powering a flashlight to as complex as those in a jet airliner. With more complex systems, you may need to get a certified professional to inspect the system. Never remove ground prongs from power cords or extension cords. Use double-insulated tools and equipment. Ground all exposed metal parts of equipment. Ground metal parts of non-electrical equipment, as specified by the OSHA or your governing regulatory agency. 4. Equipment Not Used in Manner Prescribed Let’s face it, any time we use a tool or equipment for purposes it wasn’t meant for, we are quite possibly voiding all of its safety features. We may inadvertently damage equipment and endanger other workers or ourselves. How to Avoid This Hazard Use only equipment approved by regulatory safety agencies, including OSHA. Always use equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and never modify cords or the equipment in any way. If equipment or cords have been fabricated in your shop, ensure that they meet all regulatory safety standards. 5. Improper Use of Extension or Flexible Cords It is easy to have wear and tear on all types of electrical cords with normal use. This can expose and loosen wires, which may create a shock hazard. Cords that have been modified increase the chance of shock unless they meet all safety agency standards. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, each year electric extension cords account for 4,600 residential fires killing and injuring about 300 people. The most frequent causes of these fires are short circuits in the cord, overloading, damage, or misuse. (Learn more about Power and Extension Cord Safety.) How to Avoid This Hazard Only use factory-assembled cord sets. Only use three-wire type extension cords. Only use the proper extension cord for the designated use. Cords are rated in many different ways. OSHA requires three-wire cords designed for hard or extra-hard usage. Hard-service cords are marked with letters including S, SE, SO, and ST. Remove cords from receptacles by pulling on the plugs, not the cords. Regularly audit all extension and flexible cords for damage. Make this a proactive, scheduled activity. Damaged cords and those not properly rated must be taken out of service immediately.   Free Download: Arc Flash and Electrical Safety Guide   Promote Electrical Safety We use electricity daily and complacency is to be expected, but this must be countered by safe work habits that are intentionally designed to prevent electrical hazards. Ensure that your standard work instructions include electrical safety as it pertains to your work environment. (Find out How to Use Standard Work Instructions to Improve Workplace Safety.) When in doubt, consult a certified electrician. Remember, there is almost one electrical fatality every day. I urge you to take a proactive approach to electrical safety as part of your safety management system. Related Terms Electrical Shock Lockout Tagout Hazard Electric Receptacles Electric Arc Electrical Single Line Diagram Flexible Wiring Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Barricade Short-Term Exposure Limit Share This Article

Provides funding for projects that promote a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach to improve the justice system’s response to violent crimes against women, including domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.

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Electrocution is one of the leading causes of fatalities in the construction industry. 134 electrocution fatalities were reported in the United States in 2015. If electricity is widely recognized as dangerous, why are the electrocution rates so high? More importantly, what can we do to reduce this rate?

This occurs when the power supply for electrical equipment is not properly grounded, or the path has been broken. This can even happen with good equipment, either due to extreme work conditions or rough treatment of the equipment.

Devotes resources to provide services and assistance directly to victims of crime to speed their recovery and aid them through the criminal justice process.

What typically happens is that a piece of equipment the worker is using, such as a crane or ladder, comes into contact with the power line, which delivers a shock to the worker.

Supports state and local efforts to prevent terrorism and other catastrophic events and prepare for the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to the security of Texas citizens. PSO provides funding to implement investments that build, sustain, and deliver the 32 core capabilities essential to achieving a secure and resilient state.

Provides funding for strategies aimed at the prevention, intervention, and reduction of crime and violence in Texas and to provide essential services to at-risk populations within our communities.

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Supports specialty court programs as defined in Chapters 121 through 129 of the Texas Government Code that focus on treatment for those with substance abuse or mental health issues or the specific needs of Veterans or sexually exploited persons.

Bryan McWhorter is a safety professional with eight years of experience in driving and teaching safety. Bryan gained his knowledge and experience as the safety officer and Senior Trainer for Philips Lighting. Philips is a strong health and well-being company that promotes a safety first culture.

Safety measures when using electricity

Provides funding to support, expand, and fund local certified Texas Crime Stoppers organizations that help protect our communities.

This type of electrical hazard is often created due to excessive wear on power tools and equipment. This can cause breaks in insulation and exposed wire.

Provides funding to professional fire departments in the border region to assist in the acquisition of specialized equipment, maintenance, and medical supplies to support emergency services associated with the execution of security activities that deter crime in the border region.

Communicate vital safety information to workers and visitors with Arco's essential fire exit signs. Choose from our range of over 200 signs and ...

Fills services gaps for sexually exploited children by promoting regional and statewide programs that exemplify standards for trauma-informed care.

Fills gaps throughout all areas of the criminal justice system and supports innovative concepts and best practices to achieve a safer Texas for all citizens.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, each year electric extension cords account for 4,600 residential fires killing and injuring about 300 people. The most frequent causes of these fires are short circuits in the cord, overloading, damage, or misuse.

Be sure to use approved and certified electrical equipment and take any of these devices out of service if they are damaged.

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Provides funding for projects that improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science or medical examiners services as well as projects seeking to address emerging forensic science. Specific funding has been reserved for projects that support responses to the opioid epidemic.

SafetyBuyer has you covered with a broad selection of simple and cost-effective anti-slip solutions, with a large selection of widths, lengths, colours and ...

Supports enhanced cooperation and coordination among federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to secure the Texas/Mexico and international water borders.

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We use electricity daily and complacency is to be expected, but this must be countered by safe work habits that are intentionally designed to prevent electrical hazards. Ensure that your standard work instructions include electrical safety as it pertains to your work environment.

Provides funding to support prosecution resources and training as part of a collaborative initiative of district and county attorney offices within the Texas border region handling an increased number of cases resulting from border-related offenses.

Project Manager: In project management, caseload management skills are essential for juggling multiple projects with varying timelines and resources. A project ...

Assists high-threat, high-density Urban Areas in efforts to build and sustain the capabilities necessary to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism. All investments must be consistent with capability targets set during the Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) process, and gaps identified in the Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR).