Electrical Safety Basics — Flashcards

Electrical safety basics involve preventing electric shocks, burns, and fires by maintaining equipment, using proper tools, and following safety procedures. Key principles include de-energizing circuits before work (lockout/tagout), wearing PPE (insulated gloves), grounding tools, keeping water away from electricity, and ensuring only trained personnel handle electrical repairs. 

Here are the fundamental electrical safety basics:
De-energize Before Working: Always turn off, lock out, and tag out power sources before repairing or maintaining electrical equipment to prevent accidental electrocution.
Inspect Equipment: Regularly check tools, cords, and cables for damage, frays, or exposed wires. Replace damaged items immediately.
Use Proper PPE: Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as rubber insulating gloves, hard hats, safety glasses, and arc-rated clothing.
Maintain Dry Conditions: Keep electrical equipment away from water. Never operate tools in damp areas, and use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in wet or outdoor locations.
Ensure Grounding: Use only 3-prong, grounded plugs and outlets to ensure proper grounding of electrical tools and equipment.
Respect Distance: Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
Avoid Overloading: Do not overload electrical sockets or use damaged extension cords, as this poses a high fire risk.
Emergency Response: If someone is being shocked, do not touch them. Disconnect the power source immediately or use a non-conductive object (like a wooden broom handle) to separate them from the current.