Electrical current exposes workers to a serious, widespread occupational
hazard; practically all members of the workforce are exposed to electrical
energy during the performance of their daily duties, and electrocutions
occur to workers in various job categories. Many workers are unaware of
the potential electrical hazards present in their work environment, which
makes them more vulnerable to the danger of electrocution.
Electrical injuries consist of four main types: electrocution (fatal),
electric shock, burns, and falls caused as a result of contact with electrical
energy.
NIOSH Publications on Electrical Safety/Electrocutions
Workplace Solutions: Preventing Worker Deaths and Injuries from Contacting Overhead Power Lines with Metal Ladders
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2007-155 (September 2007)
Workers risk electrocution when using metal ladders around energized, overhead power lines. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has developed recommendations to prevent injuries and deaths while working with metal ladders.
Electrical Safety: Safety and
Health for Electrical Trades--Student Manual
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2002-123 (January 2002)
This student manual is part of a safety and health curriculum for secondary
and post-secondary electrical trades courses. The manual is designed to
engage the learner in recognizing, evaluating, and controlling hazards
associated with electrical work. It was developed through extensive research
with vocational instructors, and we are grateful for their valuable contributions.
NIOSH Alert: Request for Preventing
Worker Deaths from Uncontrolled Release of Electrical, Mechanical, and
Other Types of Hazardous Energy
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 99-110 (August 1999)
This Alert describes five fatal incidents in which workers contacted uncontrolled
hazardous energy during installation, maintenance, service, or repair
work. To prevent such deaths, the recommendations in this Alert should
be followed by every employer, manager, supervisor, and worker who installs,
maintains, services, or repairs machines, equipment, processes, or systems.
Worker Deaths by Electrocution:
A Summary of Surveillance Findings and Investigative Case Reports
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 98-131 (May 1998)
This monograph summarizes surveillance data and investigative reports
of fatal incidents involving workers who came into contact with electrical
current. The surveillance data were derived from the National Traumatic
Occupational Fatalities (NTOF) surveillance system maintained by NIOSH.
The NTOF data are based on death certificates of workers 16 years or older
who died from a traumatic injury in the workplace. The fatality investigations
were conducted as part of the NIOSH Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation
(FACE) program.
NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance
in Preventing Electrocutions of Crane Operators and Crew Members Working
Near Overhead Power Lines
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 95-108 (May 1995)
En
español
This Alert describes five cases (six electrocutions) that resulted from
the hazards of operating cranes near overhead power lines and makes recommendations
for preventing similar incidents. The Alert updates a previous NIOSH Alert
published in July 1985 [NIOSH 1985].
NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance
in Preventing Injuries and Deaths from Metal-Reinforced Hydraulic Hoses
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 93-105 (May 1993)
This publication emphasizes the hazards from the use of metal-reinforced
hydraulic hoses and aerial bucket trucks near energized power lines. Reports
indicate that metal-reinforced hydraulic hoses may rupture and cause fires
if they contact energized power lines. Electric current flowing through
the metal reinforcement may also create an electrocution hazard. The Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires the use of non-conducting
hydraulic hoses near energized power lines.
NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance
in Preventing Falls and Electrocutions During Tree Trimming
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 92-106 (August 1992)
En
español
This Alert describes eight incidents involving five electrocutions and
three fatal falls of tree trimmers. NIOSH investigations conducted under
the Fatality Assessment Control Evaluation (FACE) program suggest that
many tree trimmers and their employers lack training and knowledge of
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and may
be unaware of the risk posed by inadequate or improper safety procedures
and equipment.
NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance
in Preventing Electrocutions During Work with Scaffolds Near Overhead
Power Lines
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 91-110 (August 1991)
This Alert describes 13 deaths that occurred in six separate incidents
when workers erected or moved scaffolds that came into contact with energized,
overhead power lines, or when they contacted overhead power lines while
using conductive tools or materials from scaffolds. To prevent such electrocutions,
the recommendations in this Alert should be followed where scaffolds and
conductive tools or materials are used near overhead power lines.
NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance
in Preventing Electrocutions of Workers Using Portable Metal Ladders Near
Overhead Power Lines
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 89-110 (July 1989)
En
español
This Alert describes six deaths that occurred because portable aluminum
ladders, which conduct electrical current, came in contact with energized
overhead power lines. If nonconductive ladders had been used instead,
or if safe working clearances had been maintained, these deaths might
have been prevented.
NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance
in Preventing Electrocutions by Undetected Feedback Electrical Energy
Present in Power Lines
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 88-104 (December 1987)
This Alert describes two cases of workers who died as a result of feedback
electrical energy, which is one cause of occupational electrocutions.
Additional case reports are referenced whose circumstances are almost
identical to those described. Evaluation of these cases identified three
major areas of concern to prevent future incidents: (1) training in proper
electrical procedures, (2) verification that power lines are de-energized
and properly grounded before work is performed on them, and (3) detection
of feedback electrical energy.
NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance
in Preventing Fatalities of Workers Who Contact Electrical Energy
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 87-103 (December 1986)
This Alert describes recommendations that can be used to help save the
lives of workers who contact electrical energy. Recent incidents have
shown that electrocution victims can be revived if immediate cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR) or defibrillation is provided. While immediate defibrillation
would be ideal, CPR given within approximately 4 minutes of the electrocution,
followed by advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) measures within approximately
8 minutes, can be lifesaving.
NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance
in Preventing Electrocutions Due to Damaged Receptacles and Connectors
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 87-100 (October 1986)
This Alert presents information on two fatal electrocutions that occurred
as a result of using damaged receptacles and connectors. The investigations
indicate that periodic inspection, recognition of hazards, and proper
use of receptacles and connectors, and prompt repair of damaged connectors
and receptacles, could prevent such incidents.
NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance
in Preventing Grain Auger Electrocutions
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 86-119 (July 1986)
This Alert describes two separate incidents that occurred while moving
metal grain augers which resulted in five fatalities. The grain auger
is an essential piece of farm equipment which is used to transfer grain
from one location to another. However, every year electrocutions occur
when this piece of equipment is improperly moved in the elevated position
and it comes into contact with high voltage power lines.
NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance
in Preventing Electrocutions from Contact Between Cranes and Power Lines
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 85-111 (July 1985)
This Alert presents information on five cases which resulted in six fatal
injuries involving crane-related electrocutions. NIOSH's findings concluded
that full compliance with relevant OSHA standards and full use of the
CSA-Ontario work practices would have prevented each fatality.
NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance
in Preventing Electrocutions of Workers in Fast Food Restaurants
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 85-104 (December 1984)
This Alert includes one case of an accidental electrocution in a fast
food restaurant. Electrical hazards in the kitchens of commercial restaurants
are particular concern because of the variety of electrical appliances
in use. NIOSH recommends that all workers, when hired, be made aware of
electrical hazards and of safe work practices to be followed to avoid
these hazards.
In-house Fatality Investigation Reports (conducted
under the FACE Program)
State-based Fatality Investigation Reports (conducted
under the FACE Program)
One of the initial emphasis areas for the FACE fatality investigation
program was electrical-related fatality. Since the inception of the FACE
program in 1982, hundreds of fatal incidents involving electrocutions
have been investigated by NIOSH and State investigators. These links provide
lists of those cases which in turn links to the full-text reports on
the FACEWeb.
Other Related Web Sites
The American Association of Safety Engineers
External Link: http://www.asse.org/
The American National Standards Institute
External Link: http://www.ansi.org/
The Center for Construction Research
External Link: http://www.cpwr.com/
The Edison Electric Institute
External Link: http://www.eei.org/
The Electric Power Research Institute
External Link: http://my.epri.com/portal/server.pt?
Electrical Construction and Maintenance Magazine
External Link: http://ecmweb.com/
Electrical Safety Foundation International
External Link: http://www.esfi.org/
The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.)
External Link: http://www.ieee.org/portal/site
National
Fire Protection Agency
External Link: http://www.nfpa.org/index.asp?cookie%5Ftest=1
National Safety Council
External Link: http://www.nsc.org/
OSHA
Technical Link for Electrical Safety
External Link: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/electrical/index.html
OSHA Technical Link for Electrical Safety in the Construction
Industry
External Link: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/powergeneration/industry_hazards.html
Safety Link-International Product Safety News
External Link: http://www.safetylink.com/
Touchstone
Energy's Electrical Safety and Home and Work
External Link: http://www.sacrec.com/asp/ElectricalSafety/index.html
Underwriter Laboratories
External Link: http://www.ul.com/
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
External Link: http://www.cpsc.gov
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