Electrical Safety

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Electrical safety has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard, as many workers are unaware of the potential hazards present in their work environment. OSHA's electrical standards are designed to protect employees exposed to dangers such as electrical shock, burns, electrocution, fires, and explosions. These standards focus on the design and use of electrical equipment and systems.

Protection Against Electrical Hazards
Most electrical accidents result from one of the following factors: (1) unsafe equipment or installation; (2) unsafe environment; or (3) unsafe work practices. Some ways to prevent these accidents are through the use of insulation, guarding, grounding, electrical protective devices, and safe work practices.

Basic Electrical Hazard Prevention and Safety Tips

Visually inspect electrical equipment before use. Inspect power cords for cracks or obvious signs of damage.
Equipment and handheld tools should have three-prong plugs. Never remove the third prong (grounding pin) from an electrical cord. Equipment containing a cord with a missing grounding pin must immediately be taken out of service.
Limit the use of extension cords, as they are not meant to be permanent. They should not be used in place of permanent wiring.
Only use extension cords rated for the equipment power needs.
Extension cords or power strips should not be connected to each other ("daisy chaining")
Avoid overloading electrical outlets
Avoid standing in wet areas when using portable electrical power tools
Label all circuit box switches
Maintain 36 inches of clearance around electrical panels
For electrical safety concerns or issues, notify your department's building manager or contact Facilities (817-257-7956).

Insert policy, procedures, guidelines, etc.

TCU Facilities Operations
TCU's Electrical Systems team is responsible for ensuring the campus has continuous and reliable electricity. The team handles the maintenance and operation of existing facilities and equipment, as well as the oversight and guidance of equipment installations in new facilities in the following areas:

procurement of electrical power;
primary and secondary distribution systems;
building electric services equipment;
building interior electrical distribution;
interior and exterior lighting;
sports lighting;
emergency electrical power;
mechanical systems electrical controls; and
campus fire alarms and fire sprinkler systems

TCU policy information and safety information?

Resources & Forms
OSHA - Electrical Overview
OSHA 1910 Subpart S Electrical Standards
OSHA - Working Safely with Electricity Fact Sheet
OSHA - Hand and Power Tools
Lock Out/Tag Out (link to page)

Training
Electrical Systems employees must receive appropriate training and be provided with tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment to work safely. Online training assignments are overseen by the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Coordinator. For further training information, contact the EHS Coordinator at safety@tcu.edu.

Electrical Safety - Grounding Awareness - ELT-2.2
This online course addresses the basics of electricity and grounding, including standard grounding and protective equipment such as grounding prongs and rods, and ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices. This course is designed for all employees who may use handheld power tools or other electrically powered equipment.

Electrical Safety - High Voltage - ELT-3.2
Following successful completion of this online course, learners should be able to recognize the basics of electricity, identify the common hazards associated with high voltage, and identify safe work practices for working with or around high-voltage.