Course:SPPH381B/TermProject/Alkaline battery- Samin/Welding/Electric shock

Recognition

Electrical shock is the effect produced by current on the nervous system as it passes through the body. Electrical shock may cause violent muscular contractions, leading to falls and injuries. It may also have fatal effects on the heart and lungs. Electrical shock may occur as a result of improper grounding and/or contact with current through damp clothing, wet floors, and other humid conditions. Even if the shock itself is not fatal, the jolt may still cause welders to fall from their work positions. Electrical burns are an additional hazard. The burns often occur below the skin surface and can damage muscle and nerve tissue. In severe cases, the results can be fatal. The extent of injury due to electrical shock depends on voltage and the bodyʼs resistance to the current passing through it (see the Electrical Hazards chapter in this manual). Even low voltages used in arc welding can be dangerous under damp or humid conditions. Welders should keep clothing, gloves, and boots dry and stay well insulated from work surfaces, the electrode, the electrode holder, and grounded surfaces.

Evaluation

Electrical fault finding and/or safety testing with live equipment is only done by qualified and competent persons working to IEEE standards ( Electronics Engineers Standards). The effectiveness of health and safety training should be periodically evaluated through a workplace inspection to ensure that safe working procedures, equipment, and conditions are implemented. Any corrective actions necessary should be taken immediately

Control

For safety against electrical shock, wear PPE all the time. Plan your work with others, plan to avoid falls, plan to lock-out and tag-out equipment, avoid wet conditions and overhead power lines.

Make sure all cables are in good condition with no bare insulation or frayed wires to minimize the extent of live parts. Protect cables from vehicular traffic or other hazards so the cables are not damaged, cut, or pinched. Make sure that the rod holder is insulated.  Do not replace the welding electrode with a bare hand, or with a wet welding glove. Always keep the hands and the body dry during a welding operation. Avoid standing in water, on wet surfaces, or working with wet hands or wearing sweaty garments. Do not dip energized (hot) electrode holders in water. Avoid direct contact with the live parts of welding equipment and the workpiece. Ground the work or metal to be welded to a good electrical ground. Always insulate yourself from the work and ground. Wear proper protective equipment, such as rubber boots and rubber pads, if performing arc welding in wet or high humidity conditions. Wear rubber gloves under the welding gloves. If the welding operation must be done on steel or other conductive material, use an insulating mat under the operator. Place the welding transformer in the close vicinity. In case of need or accident, the transformer can be switched off quickly to cut off the power source. Turn off the welding transformer during breaks or not in use. Detach the remaining welding electrode on the electrode holder before leaving the welding area. Do not hold or move the welding electrode holder and the welding return cable simultaneously when moving from one working position to another if the power source to the welding equipment has not been cut