Focus Four Toolbox Talks, Module 4 – Electrocutions, Talk #1 – Increased Risks
Summary Statement
A toolbox talk on understanding electrocution risks. Includes questions to ask, an incident to discuss with images, and a place to record questions the trainer would like to ask about the incident. Part of a collection. Click on the 'collection' button to access the other items.
What increases your risk of electrocution?
Ask the following questions and give time for answers.
- What are the hazards? Bodily contact with electricity
- What are the results? Shock, fire, burns, falls or death
- What should we look for? Damaged equipment, faulty wiring, improper cord use, no GFCIs, wet conditions, reverse polarity, potential arc flash areas, lack of assured equipment grounding conductor program
Relate this incident or, better, one you know.
Actual Incident: A 40-year-old male plumber died after lying on his work light while installing plumbing under a house being remodeled. The victim was crawling under the house carrying the work light with him. The wire inside the work light’s conduit became bare and energized the light’s housing. Investigation of the incident showed a damaged work light was used with no GFCI. Also, the home’s electrical system was not properly grounded.
Ask the following question and ensure every item is covered.
How do we prevent these results?
- Inspect all electrical equipment before use.
- Use GFCI with all power tools.
- Use intact and properly rated cords (i.e. correct AWG).
- Do not use damaged equipment - take it out of service.
- Institute an assured equipment grounding conductor program.
- Do not work in wet conditions with electricity.
Ask the following questions about this site and ensure every item is covered.
Let’s talk about this site now.
- What factors increase your chance of being electrocuted?
- Can someone demonstrate how to inspect this tool for electrical safety? (Give them a tool.)
- What are some areas on the site that could use attention pertaining to electrical hazards?
Record questions below that you want to ask about this site.
