Electrical Systems Training

Class Information
Class Name:Safety for Electric Work 115
Description:This class describes the safety risks associated with electricity. It also discusses the necessary precautions for working with electricity safely. Includes an Interactive Lab.
Number of Lessons:16
Language:English, Spanish
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Class Outline
  • Objectives
  • The Importance of Electric Safety
  • Electricity Basics: A Review
  • Amperage, Voltage, and Resistance
  • Grounding
  • Common Grounding Practices
  • Chassis Ground
  • Electric Shock
  • The Dangers of Electric Shock
  • Burns Caused by Electricity
  • Lockout/Tagout
  • Fire Prevention
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • The Safety Model
  • Evaluating and Controlling Hazards
  • Summary
Class Objectives
  • Describe the importance of observing electric safety.
  • Describe the Basic principles of electricity.
  • Describe how electrical variables affect the potential for electric shock.
  • Describe grounding.
  • Identify wire types in a basic electrical system.
  • Describe chassis ground.
  • Describe the ways in which electric shock can be received.
  • Describe the dangers of electric shock.
  • Describe the danger of burns caused by electricity.
  • Describe lockout/tagout procedures.
  • Describe important fire prevention techniques for working with electricity.
  • Describe appropriate personal protective equipment for working with electricity.
  • Describe the NIOSH recommended model for electric safety.
  • Describe NIOSH recommendations for evaluating and controlling hazards.

Class Vocabulary

Vocabulary TermDefinition
amp Short for amperage, the unit used to measure amperage. Amps is abbreviated as A.
amperage The strength of an electrical current. Amperage is measured in amps.
ampere The unit used to measure amperage. Amperes is expressed as amps for short and is abbreviated as A.
arc burn A burn sustained from an electric arc either by the extreme heat it produces or through radiation.
arc fault circuit interrupter A safety device used in outlets, particularly in bedrooms, that detects arcing in a circuit. AFCIs disable the circuit immediately if they detect any type of problem in the circuit.
arc welding A joining process that uses an electric arc to melt metals and fuse them together permanently.
arcing The act of producing an electric arc. Electric arcs are dangerous because they can cause electric shock as well as burns and UV radiation.
atom The smallest particle of an element that still retains its characteristics.
battery A device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy.
bus bar A grounded metal bar in a breaker box to which all neutral and grounding wires are connected.
chassis ground A wire that runs from the motor to the machine's frame to absorb stray electric charge. Chassis ground is used when it is not possible to connect a grounding conductor into the earth.
circuit A controlled path for electricity that normally includes a source, path, load, and control.
class C fire extinguisher A type of fire extinguisher that is approved for putting out fires caused by live electrical equipment such as wires and overloaded outlets.
current The flow of electrons. Measured in amperes, it is current that causes electric shock.
defibrillator A device that uses an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm.
electric arc The area in which electricity jumps from an electrode to another conductor to produce extreme heat and light. Electric arcs are used in welding and in some types of industrial furnaces.
electrical burn A burn sustained from handling wiring or electrical equipment that has been improperly maintained. Electrical burns are typically sustained on the hands.
electrically charged A way of describing a wire or device that has current flowing through it. You must observe all necessary safety precautions near electrically charged devices.
electron A negatively charged particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom. Electrons are involved in bonding and electrical conductivity.
flexible wiring A type of movable wiring such as an extension cord that is not meant for permanent use.
ground A source that absorbs stray electrical charge. Because of its size, the earth is the best source for ground.
ground fault circuit interrupter A type of switch that is disabled if the electricity should come into contact with water. GFCIs should be used whenever there is a chance for electricity to come into contact with water.
grounded conductor Another term to describe the neutral wire in an electrical circuit. Electricity typically flows from the black wire and returns through the grounded conductor. In a typical wiring configuration, the grounded conductor is the white wire.
grounded object A device that is the alternate path for stray electricity. Because humans can potentially become grounded objects, safety precautions must always be observed.
grounding A means of providing a safe path for electricity should it stray from its intended path. Because of its size, the best source for ground is the earth.
grounding conductor The wire that absorbs stray current in a circuit should it stray from its intended path. In a basic circuit, the grounding conductor is typically the green or bare copper wire.
hot wire A wire that has electricity flowing through it. In a typical wiring configuration, the hot wire is the black wire.
insulator A material or element that has little electrical conductivity and high resistance to electrical charges. Most insulators are plastics and ceramics.
lockout device A device that uses positive means such as a lock and key or combination lock to hold an energy-isolating mechanism in a safe position and prevent equipment or machinery from being energized.
milliampere A unit of current equal to one thousandth of an ampere.
multi-purpose fire extinguisher A type of fire extinguisher that is approved for putting out class A, B, and C fires. A multi-purpose fire extinguisher may be used to put out electrical fires.
National Electrical Code A comprehensive listing of practices to protect workers and equipment from electrical hazards such as fire and electrocution.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health The federal agency that is responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness. NIOSH is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
neutral wire A wire that is not electrically charged. In a typical wiring configuration, the neutral wire is the white wire and is also called the grounded conductor. Electricity runs from the black wire, or hot wire, and returns through the neutral wire.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration A government agency that sets the standards for working conditions in the United States. OSHA ensures that employees work in safe and healthy environments.
paralysis Loss or impairment of the use of a body part or region of the body. Electric shock can cause paralysis.
radiation Energy transmitted through space as waves, such as radio waves or light waves. An electric arc causes UV radiation, which can burn the skin.
respiratory paralysis Loss or impairment of the use of the respiratory organs. Respiratory paralysis can result from electric shock and keeps a person from breathing.
tagout device A prominent warning device, such as a tag, that can be securely attached to an energy-isolating mechanism to alert employees that equipment is not to be operated until the tag is removed.
thermal contact burn A burn sustained from a fire or extreme heat caused by faulty electrical equipment. Electricity is one of the most common causes of fire in the home and the workplace.
ultraviolet light Harmful invisible rays that can burn the eyes and skin. The electric arc produces ultraviolet light.
ventricular fibrillation Rapid and ineffective heartbeats. Electric shock can cause ventricular fibrillation, which may lead to death within minutes unless a defibrillator is used.
volt The unit used to measure voltage. Volts are abbreviated as V.
voltage A measure of electrical pressure or potential. Voltage is measured in volts.