• Design defects and deficiencies in equipments & layout design.

• Defects and deficiencies in the protective systems.

• Installation defects & improper working conditions.

• Improper/poor maintenance.

• Deficiencies in testing of electrical equipments.

• Natural occurrences such as lightning.

• Unsafe operations & misuse.

Basic Causes

• Main cause is short circuit but it is a stage in the process which starts with insulation failure.

• Bad and fractured conductor.

• Discharge of static electricity during loading/unloading.

• Overloading and overheating.

• Open heaters near combustible material.

• Flickering tube lights.

• Loose connection.

• Unsafe method of taking electrical supply.

DOS

• Only approved fire/explosion proof electrical equipments/fittings should be used in flammable atmosphere.

• Whenever possible portable electrical cords should be hung overhead to protect the insulation from being damaged.

• Electrical lights required inside any vessel/tank or furnace must be of flame-proof type and should not exceed 24 volts.

• Always use a 3-pin plug for taking an electric supply.

• All switches and appliances where the top cover or some part is broken therby exposing live part should be replaced immediately.

• Ground the tanker while unloading into a tank.

DON'TS

• Never use any solvent for cleaning electrical equipment.

• Never open/close circuit without its full knowledge.

•  Do not paint on switch boards or near electrical equipment with a brush/a painting gun until it iscertified to be safe.

• Never use an electrical extension cord with joints or cracked insulation.

• Avoid standing in water while using the cord.

• Never attempt to electrical extinguish a fire on or about electrical apparatus with water; use CO₂, dry chemical powder or sand.

• Never overload an electrical point.

• Avoid taking temporary connection. Temporary connection and joints, if at all unavoidable, should be done safely.

Electrical Safety

Electricity is a versatile energy but it has to be safely used. Failure to take precautions against electrical hazards may result in injuries or property damage or both. Control of electrical hazards is neither difficult nor very expensive but ignoring them may lead to serious accidents.

 Electrical Injuries :

A) Electrical shock: Flow of electrical current through human body is the cause of electrical shock. Voltage, resistance of the body to electricity, time of current flow are important. Alternating Current (A.C.) causes involuntary grip which prolongs time of contact and therefore is more dangerous, on receiving an electrical shock.

• The electrical current flows through nerves, muscles causing disturbance in their normal functions. If its path is through the heart the accident can be fatal.

• A person may fall from height as he may lose his balance on receiving a shock.

• A person may be thrown away at the same level causing him bodily injury.

B) Burns:

• Burns are caused by electrical flashes if a body part comes within flashing distance of a high voltage current.

• Burns may be caused due to short circuit also.

• Short circuit may lead to electrical fires causing burns.

DO'S

• Only qualified persons should undertake electrical repairs.

• Treat all circuits as LIVE unless ensured after testing to be DEAD.

• Ensure that extension cord is free from cuts, damaged insulation, kinks or joints etc.

• Check that the pins of the sockets are not loose.

• Ensure easy access to put off the supply.

• Use switches which clearly indicate "ON" or "OFF" and are of appropriate amperage.

• Frequently check the values of electrical parameters like voltage and amperage and ensure that they are appropriate.

• Get the equipments, circuit breakers etc. checked periodically by competent person.

• While using any portable electrical equipment ensure that it is properly earthed, there is no leakage of current through the body of the equipment, cable is reinforced where it enters the plug, with stout rubber tubing and there is no strain on wires.

• Use work permit in areas of flammable atmosphere.

• Identify electrical hazards and report them immediately.

• In case of short circuit or fire, put off the main switches immediately.

• Know first aid procedures.

DONT'S

• Don't have any unsafe temporary connections, naked joints/ wiring.

• Don't work wet on electrical equipments.

• Don't use trial and error methods with electrical circuits.

• Fuses are saviors, don't tamper with them, Don't replace a "Blown" fuse unless the fault is erected and rectified.

• Don't just operate any switch unless you know the consequences

• Don't overload an electrical point.

• Don't use water for extinguishing electrical fire. Use dry sand, CO₂, or DCP extinguishers.

• Don't crowd things near electrical mains/switches.

• In case of lightning don't stand beside or reset against tall structures. 10.Don't take short cuts. Follow safe procedures.

In case of injury

• In case of an injury due to electric shock give the victim artificial respiration and immediately call for a doctor. Don't crowd around the victim; he needs fresh air.

• In case of burn injury, hold the affected part of the body under water.