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615 Electrical Safety - Hazards and Controls
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3. Control Hazards

Once electrical hazards have been recognized and evaluated, they must be controlled. You control electrical hazards in two main ways:

  1. create a safe work environment and
  2. use safe work practices.

One way to implement this safety model is to conduct a job hazard analysis (JHA). Below is a simple JHA using three columns:

  • Column 1. Break down the job into its separate steps.
  • Column 2. Evaluate the hazard(s) inherent in each step.
  • Column 3. Develop a hazard control to eliminate or mitigate hazards.
Task Hazards Precautions
Removing the cover Electric shock from exposed live wires De-energize by opening circuit breaker or removing fuse
Removing the GFCI Possible other live wires in opening Test wires with appropriate voltmeter to ensure all wires are de-energized
Installing the GFCI Possible connecting wires incorrectly Check wiring diagrams to ensure proper connections
Replace cover and re-energize Possible defective GFCI Test GFCI

Once the JHA is completed, use it to train employees who are not familiar with the job, for retraining if employees demonstrate a lack of knowledge, skills, or ability (SKAs). Make sure the JHA is reviewed each time an employee must perform a hazardous procedure.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-10. According to the Electrical Safety Model, what action is required after evaluating hazards?