Electrical Safety Introduction (Z-462) for Canada

Is this course for electricians?
While electricians may find this course interesting, this course is intended to be viewed by non-electricians who work with electricity as part of their jobs.

What are some common electrical injuries?
Shocks, burns, electrocutions, and falls after being exposed to electricity.

What is an amp?
An amp is a measure of electrical current. It is the amount of electric charge passing a point in a circuit within a given amount of time. Specifically, it’s 6.241 x 1018 electrons per second.

What is a volt?
A volt is a measure of electrical force. Specifically, it’s the difference in electrical potential between two points of a conducting wire when an electric current of one amp dissipates one watt of power between those two points.

Can the electricity in a common household outlet kill me?
Yes, a common household outlet may carry 15 amps, and exposure to as little as half an amp could kill you.

What type of fire extinguisher should be used to put out an electrical fire?
Class C fire extinguishers.

What is a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)?
A device that helps to protect people from getting electrical shock. GFCIs work by sensing a difference between supply and return electrical current and immediately interrupting the circuit.

Don’t circuit breakers protect people from electrical shock?
Circuit breakers are intended to protect equipment. You can be electrocuted well before a circuit breaker shuts current down.

What are some common electrical hazards?
Exposed electrical parts, bad electrical insulation, overhead power lines, overload circuits, wet conditions that might conduct electricity.

What can I do to protect myself from electrical hazards?
Identify electrical hazards in your work place, evaluate risk associated with them, and control the hazards when appropriate (remember that in many cases, this should be left to an electrician). Also follow safe work practices when working with electricity.

What is lockout/tagout?
The process of de-energizing a machine or equipment (including electrical energy) and ensuring it’s not used so that maintenance can be performed. Lockout/tagout is very critical when working on machinery that is powered by electricity. See our lockout/tagout course for more.

What is arc flash?
An arc flash is a type of electrical explosion; it can harm a person even if the person is several feet away. Check out our arc flash course for more.

In regards to electricity, what does CSA Z-462 consider a “qualified person” to be?
A qualified person is “One who has received training in and has demonstrated skills and knowledge in the construction and operation of electric equipment and installations and the hazards involved. ” Please see Z-462 for more.

What kind of PPE offers protection from electrical hazards?
There are many types that might help, depending on the circumstances, but consider using protective gloves, boots approved for electrical work, face shields, goggles, and hard hats.