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615 Electrical Safety - Hazards and Controls
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Clues Indicating Risk

There may be important clues that electrical hazards exist.

Wall outlet that shows obvious fire damage
This electrician is working with high voltage.

For example, if a GFCI keeps tripping while you are using a power tool, that's a clue that there is a problem. Don't keep resetting the GFCI and continue to work. You must evaluate the "clues" and decide what action should be taken to control the hazard.

Any of these conditions, or "clues," tells you something important: there is a risk of fire and electrical shock. The equipment or tools involved must be avoided. You will frequently be caught in situations where you need to decide if these clues are present. A maintenance electrician, supervisor, or instructor needs to be called if there are signs of overload and you are not sure of the degree of risk.

Ask for help whenever you are not sure what to do. By asking for help, you will protect yourself and others.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-2. What should you do if a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) keeps tripping while you are using a power tool?