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Lesson Plan 6030a

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This training session outline is designed to follow the accompanying booklet, Understanding OSHAs
Electrical Safety Standard. The booklet combines basic electrical safety points with a description of
OSHAs electrical safety requirements.

A. Background for Trainer:

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Because electric hazards are potentially very serious, OSHA has developed a specific
electrical safety standard. Among other requirements, it allows only qualified workers who
have been properly trained to work around energized electrical equipment. Unqualified workers
can be exposed to the risk of electric shock in their duties, but are not permitted to work on or near
exposed energized parts. Both classes of employees must understand what the standard requires, in
addition to the basic points of electrical safety.

B. What OSHA Requires:

Training requirements include:
All employees who are at risk of electric shock in the workplace must be trained to practice
electrical safety
Qualified workers need special training (this training is fairly technical and not covered
in this session)
Unqualified workers must be trained in electric safety practices such as those covered here.
(29 CFR 1910.332)

C. Training Objectives:
By the end of this session, employees should understand:
The basics of how electricity can be hazardous
The difference between qualified and unqualified workers
Commonsense rules of electric safety.

D. Pre-Quiz:
Start off by asking the group some or all of the questions listed below. This tests their
general knowledge of the topic and will guide you on what points to emphasize during
the session.

1. True or False: The human body is a good conductor of electricity. (Answer: True. Thats
why electricity can be very dangerous and why its important to know how to work around it safely.)

2. True or False: Unless you work with electrical equipment every day, you dont need
to know anything about electrical safety. (Answer: False. Anyone who might be exposed to an
electric shock in the workplace requires safety training.)

3. True or False: Only qualified workers who have been specially trained may work on
or near electrical circuits and equipment. (Answer: True. But unqualified workers still must
understand the difference between being qualified and unqualified.)

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Lesson Plan 6030b

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E. Session Outline:
General Training Point: This session should make clear that electricity can be extremely
hazardous, and that employees should take OSHAs and your companys electrical safety rules very seriously.

1.

Electricity and Its Dangers

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a. Electric shocks kill and injure many workers every year

i. Caused by unsafe conditions or unsafe acts
ii. OSHA and this organization have rules to help prevent tragedies

b. How electricity works

i. Travels through conductors (wires and cables)
ii. Conductors should be insulated with non conducting material
iii. Most electrical equipment is grounded to make sure current passes safely
to the ground, instead of through the human body.
Training Tip: Use an actual accident or near-miss involving electricity in your workplace to illustrate the
hazards. Emphasize that the human body is a good conductor of electricity.

2.

Qualified and Unqualified Workers

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a. Qualified workers are permitted to work around energized (live) electrical parts
because of special training.
b. Unqualified workers may not work around energized equipment, but still could be
exposed to electric shock hazards. They need to know hazards and safety procedures.

Training Tip: Point out that no one is considered qualified unless he or she has been formally trained and
designated as such by your company or employer.

3.

Basic Points of Electrical Safety

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Handout: Distribute copies of Handout #1, or use as an overhead slide, especially

if you are not using the training booklet. If using the training booklet, either use the
handout here or review it at the end of the session.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

Only qualified workers can work around energized equipment

De-energize circuits, lock out and tag out before working on them
Stay away from overhead power lines
Use PPE and insulated tools
Follow safety rules with portable electrical equipment (power tools)
Obey warning signs
Be careful in blind areas not to touch live wires.

Training Tip: Have one or more members of the group read each safety tip from the list on page 5 of the booklet.
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Lesson Plan 6030c

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Lockout and Tagout

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a. Qualified worker must disconnect, lock out and tag out equipment before
working
b. The same qualified worker must re-connect equipment after work is finished, following
proper safety procedures
c. In some cases, locks can be used without tags or vice versa. You must get management
approval in those cases!

Training Tip: If the group has not already had lockout/tagout training, the important point to emphasize is that
only qualified workers may do it. If the group already understands lockout/tagout, the details on
these pages will be more meaningful. Ask workers why they think lockout/tagout is so important.

5.

Other Safety Procedures

a. Hazard warning signs and tags, barricades, attendants keep unqualified workers 200-064
away from work areas
b. Sometimes qualified workers must work on live circuits, such as when circuits need
to be tested.
Training Tip: Emphasize that Unqualified workers should obey any warnings and stay well away from areas
where live equipment is being worked on.

6.

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Hazards of Overhead Power Lines

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a. Unqualified workers must stay at least 10 feet awayincluding any
conducting tools
b. Qualified workers must use the right PPE, insulated tools
c. Vehicles must stay at least 10 feet away, or have proper insulated barriers
d. Workers on the ground should not contact vehicles or equipment unless properly
protected.

Training Tip: Emphasize the 10 foot rule. Make sure the group understands that it applies to tools,
and that they know what types of tools can conduct electricity.

7.

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Insulated PPE and Equipment

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a. Non metal PPEhats, earmuffs, goggles, shields
b. Insulated tools and handling equipment
c. PPE and equipment must be used properly and be in good condition, or it wont work.

Training Tip: Show examples of the non metal PPE and insulated tools used in your workplace.
Ask workers why only approved equipment can be used.

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Lesson Plan 6030d

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8.

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Preventing Electric Shocks

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a. Careful in blind areas and confined spacesdont touch live wires
b. Insulate or guard long conducting objects (like pipes and tools) when working near
energized equipment
c. Ladders should be non conducting (non metal)
d. Dont wear metal objects (watches, belt buckles, rings, etc.)
e. Follow label and MSDS precautions around flammable liquids.

Training Tip: To make sure they understand these rules, ask the group what might happen if these rules
are not followed.

9.

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Portable Electrical Equipment (Power Tools)

a. DO: Make sure tools are not damaged, use the right tool for the conditions
b. DONT: Misuse or damage cords, use when wet (unless insulated)

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Training Tip: Ask the group which of the Dos and Donts on this page they think are most important.

10.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Conclusion: Treat Electrical Equipment with Respect

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Leave electrical jobs to qualified workers
Stay at least 10 feet from power lines
Obey electrical hazard warnings
Follow all electrical safety rules
Respect and follow lockout/tagout procedures.
Handout: If you have not already used it in the session, distribute copies of Handout
#1, which summarizes the key points. You may also want to use the handout as an
overhead slides to review these points.

F. Quiz:
Have the group take the Quiz included as Handout #2 in this Chapter. Distribute copies as a written
quiz, or use as an overhead slide for general discussion. Correct answers are given below.

Electrical Safety Quiz: Answer Key

1. True.
2. False. Qualified workers must have special training.
However, unqualified workers may still be exposed to electric shock hazards.

3. True.
4. False. All Unqualified workers must obey warning signs and barriers.
5. True.
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Lesson Plan 6030e

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True.
False. A metal hard hat can conduct electricity; it should be non metal.
True. They can conduct electricity into the body.
False. A damaged cord should never be used.
True.

G. Wrap-up
Ask for any final questions.
Distribute the Training Session Attendance Form, and have the group sign and return it.
Thank the group for their attention.

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1997 Business & Legal Reports, Inc.

Reproduction is strictly prohibited.