Page 396 - IGC BOOK

Control Measures 11.2

Introduction

All the power tools and power sockets must be switched off before connected or disconnected,
the work associated with electricity must be carried out by a competent person.

Never work near overhead power lines or exposed live cables. Isolate all live electrical systems,
unless the job is justified to do so. Isolate electrical systems through Lock out Tag out, Padlocks
or use warning signs.

If it is necessary to work on live systems, then ensure the work is controlled with a permit to
work system to confirm that all precautions are in place. Decommissioned electrical equipment
must be isolated from electrical systems. Prove dead before you start to work, never assume
that the system is dead.

Protection of Conductors

All electrical conductors require protection through
insulating material so that workers will not be exposed to
the live conductor. Insulators does not allow current pass
through it, hence it makes safer to the worker to prevent
expose to live conductor. Example of conductor includes
rubber, wood, plastic. In some cases, even double layer
are used to give additional protection for live conductors.

Any exposed live cables must be insulated, the
equipment casing be intact to avoid contact with live
conductors. Insulation materials must be suitable to the
environment so that it will not get damaged during
operation from wear and tear or due to chemical spill or
from mechanical heat.

Strength and Capability of Equipment

The electrical system used must be suitable for the intended purpose, hence it should be
• Safe to use
• The tasks it is going to perform
• The environment in which the equipment is going to be used.

The equipment must be used as per manufacturer’s recommendation. The strength and
capability of the equipment must never be exceeded which will cause an accident. For example,
inappropriate drill bit used to make a hole in a wall.
The hazardous environment in which the equipment may be used are:

• Weather – equipment and cables must be suitable to withstand extreme weather condition
such as rain, hot temperature, snow etc.
• Natural hazards – solar radiation degrades insulating cables, cables gnawed by rats.

ENSIGN | Unit IG2 – Element 11 – Electricity 7