Electrical Safety

Electricity is one of the most commonly encountered hazards in any facility.   Electrically powered equipment is used routinely in offices, laboratories and shops. The majority of injuries associated with electrically powered equipment occur from electrical shock. An electrical shock injury can occur if a person is exposed to a current as low as 10 milliamperes (mA). Exposure at levels of 80 to 100 mA can be fatal. Electrical equipment can also serve as an ignition source for combustible materials and flammable or explosive vapors.

Many of the risks can be minimized by following rules for the safe use of electricity and proper maintenance of electrical equipment. The Electrical Safety Procedure below applies to all electrical conductors and equipment operating at 50 volts nominal, or greater. This procedure also applies to live parts operating at less than 50 volts nominal, if there is an increased risk of exposure to electrical burns or to explosion due to electrical arcs.

Guidance and information are provided by EHS to reduce and/or eliminate risks associated with the use of electrical energy on campus.

For more information, contact Melonee Cruse at 805-756-6664 or email mecruse@calpoly.edu.