The Leading Causes of Accidents
Unsafe Acts: There are 2 reasons for unsafe acts:
1. We know better but intentionally do something unsafe.
2. We don't know better.
Avoid the following unsafe acts:
• Failure to de-energize, lockout & tagout hazards during
maintenance, repair or inspections.
• Not draining off stored energy in capacitors.
• Using 3-wire cord with a 2-wire plug.
• Removing the third prong (ground pin) to make a 3-prong plug
fit a 2-prong outlet.
• Overloading outlets with too many appliances.
• Using the attached electrical cord to raise or lower equipment.
Some common causes of unsafe equipment:
• Loose connections
• Faulty insulation
• Improper grounding (removal of 3rd prong)
• Use of "homemade" extension cords
• Defective parts
• Unguarded live parts--for example:
• Bare conductors or exposed terminals
• Metal parts of equipment may become energized when connected by cord or
plug.
Hazardous Environments: Use special precautions when working in potentially
hazardous environments and situations. Even an accidental static discharge can
cause a fire or explosion in areas where the following are present:
• Flammable vapours, liquids and gasses
• Combustible dusts
• Corrosive atmospheres
• Explosive environments
• Poor housekeeping: blocked electrical boxes, flammable materials stored in
equipment rooms, lack of proper hazard signs, excess clutter.
