1-2 ELECTRICAL HAZARDS An electrical hazard can be defined as a dangerous condition where a technician makes electrical contact with energized equipment or a conductor, and from the contact, the person may sustain an injury from shock. Many technicians are unaware of the electrical hazards that surround them on the job, which makes them more vulnerable to injury. With proper awareness and protective measures taken, technicians can remain safe on the job. For more details, Course 100 has an training on electrical hazards. Recognizing workplace hazards is the first step to protecting yourself on the job. Some electrical hazards that rail car technicians can face include: Dangerous or inadequate wiring; Exposed electrical parts; Wires with bad insulation; Damaged power tools and equipment; and Using the wrong tool. There are four types of injury relating to electrical incidents, which are listed below. Electrocution Electrocution occurs when electrical current passes over or through a person’s body and results in a fatality. Few workers understand how small a quantity of electrical energy is required for electrocution. In reality, a current that is drawn by a tiny 7.5 watt, 120-volt lamp, passed from hand to hand or hand to foot across the chest is sufficient to cause a person to be electrocuted. Electric Shock: Electric shock is a reflex response that can involve trauma, which occurs when electrical current passes over or through a worker’s body. A shock will cause burns and abnormal heart rhythm and unconsciousness. Electric shock may cause muscles to contract causing a worker to lose his or her balance and fall. An explosion from an electrical incident can also cause a fall. Burns: Electrical burns are the most common shock-related, nonfatal injury. A burn commonly occurs when a worker contacts energized electrical wiring or equipment. Although electrical burns can occur anywhere on the body, they most often occur on the hands and feet. Although it is rare for the rail car technician to experience electrocution or electrical burns while on the job, it is important to have an understanding of electrical hazards that exist in their work
1-2 ELECTRICAL HAZARDS An electrical hazard can be defined as a dangerous condition where a technician makes electrical contact with energized equipment or a conductor, and from the contact, the person may sustain an injury from shock. Many technicians are unaware of the electrical hazards that surround them on the job, which makes them more vulnerable to injury. With proper awareness and protective measures taken, technicians can remain safe on the job. For more details, Course 100 has an training on electrical hazards. Recognizing workplace hazards is the first step to protecting yourself on the job. Some electrical hazards that rail car technicians can face include: Dangerous or inadequate wiring; Exposed electrical parts; Wires with bad insulation; Damaged power tools and equipment; and Using the wrong tool. There are four types of injury relating to electrical incidents, which are listed below. Electrocution Electrocution occurs when electrical current passes over or through a person’s body and results in a fatality. Few workers understand how small a quantity of electrical energy is required for electrocution. In reality, a current that is drawn by a tiny 7.5 watt, 120-volt lamp, passed from hand to hand or hand to foot across the chest is sufficient to cause a person to be electrocuted. Electric Shock: Electric shock is a reflex response that can involve trauma, which occurs when electrical current passes over or through a worker’s body. A shock will cause burns and abnormal heart rhythm and unconsciousness. Electric shock may cause muscles to contract causing a worker to lose his or her balance and fall. An explosion from an electrical incident can also cause a fall. Burns: Electrical burns are the most common shock-related, nonfatal injury. A burn commonly occurs when a worker contacts energized electrical wiring or equipment. Although electrical burns can occur anywhere on the body, they most often occur on the hands and feet. Although it is rare for the rail car technician to experience electrocution or electrical burns while on the job, it is important to have an understanding of electrical hazards that exist in their work
RV_109_Coursebook.docx