Safety

Safety is a critical aspect of electrical engineering due to the inherent dangers associated with electricity. Here are some key safety basics that every electrical engineer should know:

Helpful Link(s): https://youtu.be/k-HRy3eh36Y?si=gg-MCcV_EVbHguTR 

1. Understanding the Hazards:

   - Electric Shock: Contact with live electrical components can cause severe injury or death. Even low voltages can be dangerous under certain conditions.

   - Arc Flash: A sudden release of electrical energy through the air can cause burns, fire, or explosions.

   - Fire: Faulty wiring or overloaded circuits can lead to electrical fires.

   - Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): High-frequency signals can interfere with sensitive equipment and cause malfunction or data loss.

2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

   - Insulated Gloves: Protect against electric shock when working on live circuits.

   - Face Shields and Arc-Rated Clothing: Protect against arc flash hazards.

   - Safety Boots: Non-conductive soles prevent current from grounding through the body.

   - Hearing Protection: Required in environments with loud electrical machinery or in the event of an arc flash.

 Additional Info - Electricity PPE | 11 Different PPE For Electrical Safety (hseblog.com) 

3. Lockout/Tagout (LOTOTO):

   - Definition: A safety procedure used to ensure that dangerous machines are properly shut off and not able to be started up again before the completion of maintenance or repair work.

   - Steps:

  1. Shut Down Equipment: Turn off the machine or equipment.

  2. Isolate Energy Sources: Disconnect from the power source.

  3. Lock and Tag: Attach a lock and a tag to the isolating device to prevent accidental re-energization.

  4. Test Out: Ensure that the equipment is de-energized by testing the circuit.

Application - https://youtu.be/o5CWnUFsevo?si=1Ni7AUgE4VKAxQg- 

4. Circuit Breakers and Fuses:

   - Circuit Breakers: Automatically cut off the electrical supply in the event of an overload or short circuit to prevent damage and injury.

   - Fuses: Provide overcurrent protection by melting when the current exceeds a certain level, thereby breaking the circuit.

 Safety devices are primarily all about disconnecting a supply of electricity as safely and as quickly as possible, below are a couple of links to help explain how they work. 

Circuit breakers - https://youtu.be/VGj32euYZ2c?si=0lqFz6gblQ-tVp9m 

Fuses - https://youtu.be/W770Z1yvXs8?si=5O88XisM4GsDAc1H 

5. Grounding and Bonding:

   - Grounding: Connecting the electrical system to the earth to prevent electric shock from live parts that may become energized due to a fault.

   - Bonding: Connecting all metallic parts to ensure they are at the same electrical potential, reducing the risk of electric shock.

6. Safe Work Practices:

   - Work De-energized When Possible: Always try to work on circuits that have been de-energized and verified to be safe.

   - Use Insulated Tools: Tools should be insulated to reduce the risk of shock when working near live parts.

   - Maintain Safe Distance: Keep a safe distance from live components and follow approach boundaries based on voltage levels.

   - Follow the One-Hand Rule: Use only one hand when working on live circuits to reduce the risk of current passing through your heart.

7. Proper Wiring and Equipment Handling:

   - Color Coding: Use proper color coding for wires to identify live, neutral, and ground connections.

   - Secure Connections: Ensure all electrical connections are tight and secure to prevent arcing and overheating.

   - Cable Management: Avoid tangled or damaged cables, and ensure proper routing to prevent tripping hazards.

8. Emergency Procedures:

   - Know Emergency Exits: Be aware of the nearest exits in case of an electrical fire or emergency.

   - First Aid Training: Basic knowledge of CPR and how to treat electrical burns can save lives.

   - Fire Extinguishers: Use Class C fire extinguishers for electrical fires, as they are designed to handle live electrical equipment.

9. Regulatory Compliance:

   - Adhere to Standards: Follow national and international standards like the National Electrical Code (NEC) in the U.S., IEC standards, and OSHA regulations for workplace safety.

   - Regular Inspections: Ensure all electrical installations and equipment are regularly inspected and maintained according to regulatory standards.

10. Risk Assessment:

   - Identify Potential Hazards: Before starting any project, assess the work environment and equipment to identify any electrical hazards.

   - Mitigate Risks: Implement control measures such as using lower voltages, shielding live parts, and using appropriate PPE.

 How to Risk Assess - https://youtu.be/b9dtWEN8VTs?si=zuy4TSnRNW_PHQ0H 

Testing for dead and proving there is no voltage going to the drive unit