Safety Code – Electrical

Safety code – Electrical.

In any factory, the major hazard is electricity. It can lead to disasters if not handled properly. Following are the general tips to work safely with electricity. Read them carefully and follow them for your safety and safety of others.

Electric motor.

• Ensure that all the motors are connected securely with two separate and independent earths. Use adequate size of wire / flat for the same.
• Ensure that all the motors are having cooling fan fitted.
• Ensure that the motor fans are covered properly with the fan cover.
• Ensure that the cables are terminated properly with cable glands.
• Ensure that the terminal box is fitted with the cover properly.
• Ensure that the terminal box does not have any opening left out. If there is an unused opening, cover it with an insulating plate.
• Ensure that the connections are made properly either with lugs or loops.
• Ensure that the cable is clamped properly.
• Do not start any electric motor if there is no guard for the drive. Example: Coupling, sprocket, pulley, etc.
• Never set the over load relay beyond the full load current of the motor in case of DOL starter and 0.58 times full load current in case of star delta starter.
• If a motor trips out, first check whether there are any mechanical restrictions before re-starting the same.
• Ensure that the motor is fitted with a suitable protective guard wherever there is a possibility of exposure to water.

Switch board / control panels.

• Ensure that all the switch boards are connected with two separate and independent earths.
• Ensure that the boards are maintained free of dust.
• Never leave any of the doors open.
• Never leave any openings (cable entry, panel cut out, etc) as it is. Cover them with plates of appropriate size.
• Ensure that all the cables are terminated properly with appropriate glands.
• Ensure that rubber mate of correct size is spread in front of all the switch boards.
• Ensure that all the doors of panels are always kept closed.
• Do not allow any switch fuse unit / switch to remain open. Ensure that the door is always closed.
• Do not make any temporary connections from the board without proper termination and do not leave the door open.
• Ensure that the connections are secure with proper lugs or loops.
• Ensure that the trench below the switch board, if any,  is clean and free from debris.
• Ensure that the meters are working properly. Replace the defective ones immediately.
• Do not permit unauthorised persons to work in the panels / switch boards. Do not allow them to enter into the enclosures.

Welding transformer.

• Ensure that the connection is made through a good metal clad plug of appropriate rating.
• Use proper earth connection from the socket.
• Use an appropriate capacity MCB in the transformer to control the supply. It should be a double pole one.
• Ensure that the earth electrode for the job is securely connected to the transformer terminal.
• The other end of the earth electrode must have a clamp which will avoid electric sparks and will ensure rigid connection.
• Ensure that the welding cable is properly secured to the terminal.
• Ensure that the other end of the cable is properly connected with a welding holder of appropriate rating.
• Do not use welding cable with punctured insulation; either repair the puncture or replace the cable.

Power plugs.

• Ensure that all the power connections are connections are made through MCBs of appropriate ratings.
• Within the factory shed, always use metal clad plugs only; it is mandatory.
• Within the factory shed do not use wooden switch boards. Use always MS boards with proper earthing.
• Ensure that the socket covers are in place and are used when the plug is not in use.
• Frequently check the sockets and plugs for loose connection and pitting. Take corrective action if there is a problem. The frequency can be once a week for plugs where heavy equipment like welding transformers are connected.

Portable tools.

• Ensure that portable tools with metallic body are connected with good earthing.
• Do not permit joints in the supply cable.
• Always use a trailing cable for connection.
• Never use ordinary PVC insulated wires for connection. Use unarmoured cables.
• Ensure that the power supply circuit contains ELCB of appropriate rating with 300 mA sensitivity.
• Never allow operators to roll the power supply cable around their bodies.
• Observe sparking in carbon brushes and take remedial action.

General.

• Always keep energy conservation in mind. Switch off the idle machines through the respective operator and report the same to the supervisor in-charge.
• Do not allow lights to be ON whenever they are not required.
• Monitor the energy consumption of different sections at regular intervals.
• Always look for deviations with respect to safety practices and correct them on the spot.
• Do not operate any equipment without proper safety arrangements like earthing, guard, short circuit protection, overload protection, etc.