Electrical OHS: Safe Procedures for Working with Electrical Installations

Definition of Electrical OHS

Electrical Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is a series of efforts to protect workers, equipment, and the work environment from hazards associated with the use of electrical power.

Electricity is an essential part of company operations, ranging from offices, factories, high-rise buildings, and hospitals to construction projects. However, the unsafe use of electricity can lead to serious accidents, such as electric shock, burns, fires, and even death.

Therefore, the implementation of electrical OHS is very important to ensure that electrical installations, equipment, and maintenance activities are carried out in accordance with safety procedures.

Every worker performing work related to electrical installations must have the appropriate competence, understand the potential hazards, and follow established work procedures.

1. Types of Electrical Hazards in the Workplace

Before performing work related to electrical installations, workers need to understand the various potential hazards that can occur.

A. Electric Shock

Electric shock occurs when an electric current passes through the human body. This condition can cause muscle contractions, respiratory distress, cardiac arrhythmia, burns, and even death.

The risk of electric shock can increase when a worker touches an exposed conductor, uses damaged equipment, or works in wet conditions without appropriate protection.

Preventive measures:

• Do not touch exposed wires or electrical components.

• Ensure electrical installations and equipment are in proper working condition.

• Use personal protective equipment appropriate to the risk assessment.

• Avoid electrical work in wet areas without adequate controls.

• Ensure work is carried out by competent and authorized personnel.

B. Short Circuit

A short circuit occurs when an electric current flows through an unintended path, for example, due to insulation damage or a connection between conductors.

This condition can generate excessive heat, sparks, equipment damage, and fires.

Preventive measures:

• Regularly inspect the condition of cables and electrical connections.

• Avoid overloading power outlets.

• Ensure the installation capacity matches the electrical load.

• Use appropriate protection devices, such as circuit breakers.

• Immediately repair damaged installations using competent personnel.

C. Arc Flash and Arc Blast

An arc flash is a release of energy due to an electrical arc that can produce extreme heat and intense light. Meanwhile, an arc blast is the pressure and wave impact that can occur as a result of an electrical arc event.

These hazards can cause severe burns, eye injuries, hearing damage, and injuries from pressure or ejected materials.

Preventive measures:

• Conduct a risk assessment before working on electrical installations.

• Prioritize working in a de-energized state.

• Restrict access to hazardous areas.

• Use PPE appropriate to the risk assessment results and the incident energy level.

• Follow specific procedures for work that has the potential to cause an arc flash.

D. Electrical Fires

Fires can occur due to overloads, loose connections, insulation damage, or electrical equipment failure.

This risk can endanger workers while causing facility damage and disrupting company operations.

Preventive measures:

• Ensure electrical installations are inspected regularly.

• Do not use damaged cables or equipment.

• Ensure electrical protection systems are functioning properly.

• Keep flammable materials away from electrical heat sources.

• Provide fire extinguishers appropriate to the potential hazards and ensure workers know emergency response procedures.

2. Safe Procedures for Working with Electrical Installations

Implementing safe work procedures is the primary step in preventing electrical accidents.

A. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

Before work begins, conduct a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment.

This process aims to identify the source of the hazard, estimate the level of risk, and determine the necessary controls.

Things to check include:

• Voltage and electrical system characteristics.

• Condition of cables, panels, and equipment.

• The possibility of stored electrical energy.

• Work environment conditions, including humidity and confined spaces.

• Personnel competence and the completeness of work equipment.

The results of the risk assessment must be the basis for developing safe work methods.

B. Shutting Off Electrical Energy Sources

If the work can be done in a de-energized state, the electrical energy source must be isolated before work begins.

Simply turning off a switch is not always sufficient to ensure the installation is safe because there may still be other energy sources, back-feed, or stored energy.

Safety procedures should include:

• Identifying all related electrical energy sources.

• Shutting down equipment according to procedures.

• Isolating energy sources using appropriate disconnecting devices.

• Applying Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) to prevent accidental reactivation.

• Ensuring no hazardous energy remains.

• Verifying the absence of voltage using an appropriate and functionally tested testing device.

Verification of the absence of voltage must be performed by competent personnel using methods appropriate for the related system.

C. Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is used to reduce the risk of exposure to electrical hazards that remain after other controls are implemented.

Some PPE that may be required includes:

• Electrical insulating gloves: Selected based on voltage class and conditions of use.

• Eye and face protection: Used to protect against sparks or arc flash energy according to the risk level.

• Arc flash protective clothing: Required if the risk assessment indicates an electrical arc hazard.

• Appropriate safety shoes: Selected based on electrical risks and other hazards at the work site.

• Safety helmet: Used according to head protection needs and work risks.

PPE must be inspected before use. Electrical insulating gloves, for example, need to undergo inspection and testing according to applicable standards and regulations.

Important: PPE is not a substitute for energy isolation and de-energized work procedures. Hazard control must be prioritized before relying on individual protection.

D. Ensuring the Condition of Work Equipment

Damaged work equipment can increase the risk of electric shock, short circuits, and other accidents.

Before use, ensure:

• Cables are not frayed or damaged.

• Equipment insulation is in good condition.

• Measuring instruments are appropriate for the required voltage and measurement category.

• Protection devices function as intended.

• Equipment has been inspected and maintained according to schedule.

Do not use unfit equipment. Tag it and report it to the responsible party so that the equipment is not used again until it is declared safe.

3. Implementation of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)

Lockout/Tagout or LOTO is a procedure to isolate and secure energy sources so that equipment cannot be accidentally activated while work is in progress.

LOTO is highly crucial in maintenance, repair, inspection, and replacement of electrical components.

The general steps for implementing LOTO include:

1. Work preparation: Identify energy sources and inform relevant parties of the equipment shutdown plan.

2. Equipment shutdown: Turn off the equipment using the designated shutdown procedures.

3. Energy isolation: Disconnect all relevant energy sources using appropriate isolation devices.

4. Application of locks and tags: Apply safety locks and identification tags according to applicable LOTO procedures.

5. Verification of safe conditions: Ensure energy has been isolated and perform an absence of voltage test before work begins.

6. Work execution: Work may only commence after safe conditions are confirmed and work permit requirements are met.

7. Equipment restoration: After work is complete, inspect the work area, ensure personnel have cleared the area, and remove safeguards according to applicable procedures. Reactivation is performed by authorized personnel after all safety requirements are met.

The implementation of LOTO must be tailored to the characteristics of the installation and existing energy sources. For work involving stored energy or complex systems, additional controls are required based on risk assessment results.

4. Requirements for Personnel Working with Electrical Installations

Electrical work must not be done by just anyone. Personnel must have the competence, authority, and safety understanding appropriate to the type of work.

Requirements may include:

• Understanding electrical hazards and risks.

• Ability to read relevant installation diagrams or drawings.

• Understanding energy isolation and LOTO procedures.

• Ability to use electrical measuring instruments according to their competence.

• Understanding emergency response procedures.

• Attending training and meeting applicable competency requirements.

• Having a work permit or authorization in accordance with company provisions and related regulations.

Certain jobs also require supervision, work permits, and additional inspections before execution.

5. Electrical Accident Emergency Response Procedures

Electrical accidents can happen even if safety procedures have been implemented. Therefore, workers must understand the actions to take during an emergency.

A. If Someone Gets an Electric Shock

If someone gets an electric shock, do not touch the victim directly because they might still be connected to the energy source.

Take the following steps:

• Secure the area and call for help.

• Disconnect the power source if it can be done safely.

• Do not touch the victim or live equipment.

• Contact emergency responders or medical services.

• Once the area is declared safe, check the victim's responsiveness and breathing.

• If the victim is unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR immediately and use an AED if available, according to your competence and emergency personnel instructions.

• Stay with the victim until medical help arrives.

Electric shock victims must receive a medical evaluation, especially if the exposure was significant, there was a loss of consciousness, burns are present, or symptoms of cardiac or respiratory distress appear.

B. If an Electrical Fire Occurs

If a fire involving electrical equipment occurs:

• Warn people nearby.

• Activate emergency response procedures and evacuate if necessary.

• Disconnect the power source only if it is safe to do so and done by authorized personnel.

• Do not use water on live equipment.

• The use of fire extinguishers must follow the type of fire, local procedures, and officer competence.

• Do not take the risk of extinguishing a fire that has grown large or blocks evacuation routes.

Human safety must always be the top priority.

6. Inspection and Maintenance of Electrical Installations

Periodic inspections help identify damage before it develops into an accident.

Inspection and maintenance programs may include:

• Inspection of cables, connectors, and electrical panels.

• Inspection of grounding systems.

• Testing of protection devices as needed.

• Inspection of insulation conditions and connections.

• Checking for signs of excessive heat or physical damage.

• Equipment testing by competent personnel.

• Recording inspection results and following up on findings.

The frequency of inspections must be determined based on applicable regulations, manufacturer recommendations, installation characteristics, environmental conditions, and risk assessment results.

Every finding must be followed up with appropriate corrective actions. Unsafe installations or equipment must be secured until repairs are completed and their condition is declared fit for use.

7. Legal Basis for Electrical OHS in Indonesia

The implementation of electrical OHS needs to refer to laws, regulations, and technical standards appropriate to the type of installation and work activities.

Some regulations that can serve as initial references include:

• Law Number 1 of 1970 concerning Occupational Safety, as the general basis for implementing occupational safety.

• Law Number 30 of 2009 concerning Electricity, which regulates the provision of electricity in Indonesia.

• Minister of Manpower Regulation Number 12 of 2015 concerning Electrical Occupational Health and Safety in the Workplace, as amended by Minister of Manpower Regulation Number 33 of 2015.

The implementation of requirements must be adjusted to the latest provisions, installation types, work characteristics, and applicable personnel competency and authority requirements.

Conclusion

Electrical OHS is an important aspect in preventing accidents caused by electric shock, short circuits, fires, and arc flash hazards.

The implementation of safe work procedures must begin with hazard identification, risk assessment, energy isolation, LOTO implementation, verification of the absence of voltage, the use of appropriate PPE, and periodic installation inspections.

Electrical work must be carried out by competent and authorized personnel following established safety procedures.

Electrical safety is not just about using PPE, but also ensuring energy sources are controlled and every job is carried out with the correct procedures.

PT HSE Swadaya Indonesia supports the improvement of competence and occupational safety awareness through OHS training programs relevant to industrial needs. Improve your understanding of electrical safety to help create a safe, healthy, and productive work environment.

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