Electrical Safety
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).
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
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
Training
Electrical Systems employees must receive appropriate training and be provided with
tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment to work safely.
Assignment of online safety courses is overseen by the Environmental Health and Safety
(EHS) office and accessible through the online HSI/SafetySkills Learning Management
System. A TCU email address and ID is required for access. For information on training,
please contact EHS at safety@tcu.edu or call 817-257-7220.
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.