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615 Electrical Safety - Hazards and Controls
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The Basics

Electricity is Dangerous

Whenever you work with power tools or on electrical circuits, there is a risk of electrical hazards, especially electrical shock.

Electrician working with high voltage
This electrician is working with high voltage.

Anyone can be exposed to these hazards at home or at work. Workers are exposed to more hazards because job sites can be cluttered with tools and materials, fast-paced, and open to the weather. Risk is also higher at work because many jobs involve electric power tools.

Electrical workers must pay special attention to electrical hazards because electrical current can flow through the body, resulting in shock and burns. Serious injury or even death may occur.

As a source of energy, electricity is used without much thought about the hazards it can cause. Because electricity is a familiar part of our lives, it often is not treated with enough caution. As a result, an average of one worker is electrocuted on the job every day of every year!

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-1. What type of exposure to electrical hazards can cause shock and burns?