This open education resource (OER) is intended for beginning electrical students currently working in or preparing to enter the electrical field but will provide a guided walk through of simple to advanced electrical theory for anyone looking to further their knowledge.
As a beginning electrician, it is important to garner a solid understanding of electrical theory, but arguably even more important to always consider safety first when working on inherently dangerous electrical systems.
Because electrical hazards typically cannot be seen, it is very important to identify potential hazards before they become life threatening. Electricians must work safely around electricity, but also other hazards that arise in construction.
- OSHA identifies three things that can significantly reduce the possibility of personal injury: Safe work habits, PPE, proper procedures.
- OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) mandates that employers shall provide a safe workplace for its employees.
- The purpose of the NEC is the practical safeguarding of people and property form the hazards arising from the use of electricity. 90.1
Looking Deeper
Consider the following:
Qualified person: Someone who has special knowledge of the construction and operation of electrical equipment or a specific task and is trained to recognize and avoid electrical hazards.
- Relevance: Solely having a journeyman license would not suffice as being “qualified”. Remember that training is always ongoing.
Arc Blast: An explosion or discharge that results from a low-impedance connection through air to ground or another voltage phase in an electrical system.
- Relevance: The threat from arc blasts is greatest when dealing with 480 v systems common to commercial/industrial systems electricians work on.
Want to know more? Click the information link: OSHA.org