Unit 1001 Safe working practices in construction

© Pearson Education 2010 Printing and photocopying permitted

Learning Outcome 7

Know about working with electricity

Unit 1001 Safe working practices in construction

© Pearson Education 2010 Printing and photocopying permitted

Dangers of electricity

Electricity is an invisible killer. You can get an electric shock from:

● working closely to live overhead cables

● plastering a wall with an electric socket

● carrying out maintenance work on a floor

● drilling into a wall.

Electric shocks are not always fatal but can cause burns and heart problems.

Unit 1001 Safe working practices in construction

© Pearson Education 2010 Printing and photocopying permitted

Voltages There are two main types of voltage in the UK:

● 230 V

● 110 V

On construction sites 110 Volts is used. A transformer should be used to convert the 230 V to 110 V.

In the wiring there should be three wires.

● The live and neutral carry the alternating current.

● The earth wire is a safety device.

These colours are coded with standard European colours.

Unit 1001 Safe working practices in construction

© Pearson Education 2010 Printing and photocopying permitted

Preventing electric shocks

Never:

● carry electrical equipment by the cable

● remove plugs by pulling on the lead

● allow tools to get wet; if they do, get them checked before use.

Always:

● check equipment, leads and plugs before use

● keep cables off the ground to avoid damage/trips

● keep cables away from sharp edges

● keep equipment locked away and labelled to prevent it being used by accident

● use cordless tools where possible

● follow all instructions.

Unit 1001 Safe working practices in construction

© Pearson Education 2010 Printing and photocopying permitted

Dealing with electric shocks

● Always disconnect the power supply first before helping someone.

● Use a wooden object to knock someone free or push away the source of the shock

● Don’t touch the person until they are clear of the supply.

● Call an ambulance immediately.

● Check for response and breathing.

● Check area is safe and then start resuscitating the victim.