Electrical hazards are a significant concern in many workplaces. Here's a risk assessment and some control measures to consider:

Hazards:

• Electric Shock and Electrocution: Contact with energized parts can cause severe burns, cardiac arrest, or death [1].
• Arc Flash and Arc Blast: These events can cause severe burns, blindness, hearing loss, and concussion [1].
• Fire: Electrical faults can ignite flammable materials in the workplace [1].
• Explosion: In hazardous locations, electrical equipment can ignite explosive atmospheres [1].
• Equipment Damage: Electrical surges or faults can damage equipment, leading to downtime and repair costs [1].

Risk Assessment:

The level of risk depends on factors such as voltage, current, environmental conditions (wet or dry), and the presence of flammable materials. The likelihood of an incident depends on the frequency of exposure, the condition of equipment, and the training and competency of workers.

Control Measures:

1. Elimination: De-energize electrical equipment before starting any work on or near it. Use lockout/tagout procedures to ensure the equipment remains de-energized 5, 7.
2. Substitution: Replace higher voltage equipment with lower voltage alternatives where feasible.
3. Engineering Controls:
   • Insulation: Ensure all electrical conductors are properly insulated [1].
   • Guarding: Use physical barriers to prevent accidental contact with energized parts [1].
   • Grounding: Properly ground electrical equipment to provide a path for fault currents 8, 11.
   • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): Use GFCIs in wet locations to protect against electric shock [1].
4. Administrative Controls:
   • Training: Provide comprehensive electrical safety training to all employees who work with or near electrical equipment 3, 15.
   • Safe Work Procedures: Develop and enforce safe work procedures for all electrical tasks [2].
   • Permit Systems: Implement permit systems for high-risk electrical work.
   • Clearance Distances: Maintain safe clearance distances from overhead power lines 6, 10.
   • Safety Watchers: Use safety watchers when working on or near energized electrical installations [2].
   • Housekeeping: Keep work areas clean and free from obstructions [1].
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
   • Insulated Gloves and Sleeves: Use appropriate rated gloves and sleeves when working with energized equipment [3].
   • Arc-Rated Clothing: Wear arc-rated clothing when there is a risk of arc flash [3].
   • Eye and Face Protection: Use safety glasses, face shields, or arc flash shields as needed [3].
   • Safety Footwear: Wear non-conductive safety footwear [3].

Monitoring and Review:

• Regularly inspect electrical equipment for damage or defects [4].
• Conduct periodic audits of electrical safety practices.
• Review and update the risk assessment and control measures as needed.

Specific Recommendations:

• Ensure all electrical work is performed by qualified electrical workers 2, 3, 13.
• Use only approved electrical equipment that is suitable for the environment [4].
• Clearly mark all disconnecting means and circuits [5].
• Provide adequate illumination in work areas [1].
• Secure doors and panels in confined spaces to prevent accidental contact with energized parts [1].
• Avoid wearing conductive jewelry or apparel when working near exposed energized parts [1].
• Use non-conductive ladders when working near exposed energized parts [1].
• Develop and implement a written hazardous energy control program (lockout/tagout) 5, 7.
• Ensure that employees are trained in and follow the safety-related work practices required by WAC 296-24-960 through 296-24-985 [6].