Why Be Concerned About Electrical Safety And What Impact It May Have On Business Cost

Abstract

Anytime a person must work on or near an electrical piece of equipment in which the connections are exposed and energized, there is a serious electrical shock hazard. This applies to both qualified and non-qualified electrical people. If the electrical connections are not exposed, there are no electrical shock hazards. If the electrical connections are not energized, there are no electrical shock hazards. It is only under this special condition of exposed and energized electrical connections that these hazards are present. That is when a person needs to be concerned about shock and potential arc flash hazards. This paper will examine the three major concerns about electrical safety when working on or near exposed and energized electrical connections. These concerns are the following: 1. Personal Safety 2. Safety of Coworkers and Others Nearby 3. Compliance with Regulations At the end, this paper will look at the potential cost impact on the company, from a business perspective, should it choose not to follow good electrical safe work practices for just one item.