Electrical Safety

Introduction
This section of the TRU Occupational Health and Safety program is intended to apply to persons who are working with electricity or on "energized equipment" below seven hundred and fifty (750) volts. It is not intended to apply to the more complex and advanced phases of electrical technology that deal with generation, distribution and transmission of high voltage electricity. This document provides an overview of basic safety considerations developed to minimize employee exposure to hazardous low voltages.

Certification
No employee shall perform work on any electrical equipment, as defined in the Electrical Safety Act and/or Regulations unless they are certified under the provisions of that Act. Verification of an individuals valid certification may be requested by the Occupational Health and Safety Department prior to hiring or commencement of work.

Permits
All applicable permits required under the Electrical Safety Act and/or Regulations shall be obtained by the Facilities Department and/or contractor prior to the commencement of work on projects involving TRU personnel.

Electrical Safety Requirements

1. All electrical equipment, acquired or used on TRU premises shall be approved in accordance with the provisions of Part I of the Canadian Electrical Code, (Standard C22.1-1982), and certified for use by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), or other acceptable testing agency.
2. Flammable material shall not be stored or placed in proximity to electrical equipment;
3. All electrical distribution switches and controls shall be clearly marked to indicate the machinery or equipment which they serve.
4. Metal ladders, or wire-reinforced wooden ladders, shall not be used in proximity to energized electrical equipment.
5. The requirements for lock-out of energized electrical equipment (SWP 2.3) shall be followed whenever such equipment is to be worked on.
6. All electrical tools and equipment must be grounded or double insulated.
7. Extension cords should only be used for temporary service and should be maintained in good condition at all times. They should be routinely inspected for frayed, torn or split cords and damaged plugs or connectors. All damaged cords must be repaired or replaced immediately.
8. Never replace a blown fuse with a larger capacity fuse.
9. Cover plates should be in place on all switches and outlets.
10. Jacketed electrical cords should be used with portable electric tools and with extension lamps in boilers, tanks or other grounded enclosures.
11. Non-conductive material should be used to form the handles on portable handlamps and there should be no metallic connectors between the lamp guard and the socket shell.
12. Always make certain that plug connector configurations match -they are intentionally designed that way to prevent hazardous, or even fatal, electrical connections;
13. Avoid using electrical tools and equipment in or around damp or wet areas;
14. Fire extinguishers of type "BC" ((carbon dioxide) or "ABC" (multipurpose dry chemical) should be readily available in the event of an electrical fire. Type "A" (pressurized water) shall not be used on electrical fires. Halon type extinguishers are acceptable, but are no longer manufactured.
15. Synthetic fibre type clothing can be readily ignited and melted by an electrical flash. Flame-retardant garments made of either cotton or wool fabrics are recommended for employees working with electricity.
16. Defective electrical equipment must be reported to your Supervisor immediately.

First Aid
In the event that someone is electrocuted, immediately de-energize the equipment before touching the individual. Immediately call the First Aid attendant by dialing "1111" or Security at 5033 or 828-5033 after hours.