Continuing with our focus four construction hazards, this week’s tool box talk is on electrical safety.Electricity if used improperly prevents hazards that can cause serious injury or death.  To prevent you and your co-workers from becoming a victim of an electrical accident, the following work practices are to be observed. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) – The use of this safety device is mandatory on all construction sites when using temporary electrical of 120 volts single phase for 15 and 20 amp outlets.  This device is positioned between the power source and the electrically powered tool.  The GFCI is a fast acting circuit breaker, which senses small imbalances of current entering and leaving the circuit.  If there is an electrical fault (short) where the amount of electricity “returning” (approximately 5 milliamps), then the GFCI will shut down the electrical power within 1/40 of a second to prevent you from being shocked or electrocuted.  GFCI’s also provides protection against fires, overheating of tools and equipment and destruction of insulation or wiring. Safety Procedures – The following common sense procedures can prevent electrical accidents and injuries.  You probably do much of this already.  If not, make these procedures a habit.Read and follow manufacturer’s instruction for your equipment.Inspect portable tools before using.  Look for broken plugs, frayed cords, bare wires, smoke when running, sparks from switches or erratic operation.When necessary to use extension cords, use heavy duty cords.  Check for exposed wires, frayed cords, missing ground pins, and broken, bent or defective plugs and connectors.Always remove cords from the outlets by the plug, not by pulling on the cord.  Be sure that cords are not pinched or cut when using around doorways or across sharp objects.  Don’t fasten cords with staple.Make sure plugs match outlets.   Never alter a plug.Make sure your hands are dry before using electric tools.  Never stand in wet locations when using electric tools.Be cautious around flammable liquids, vapors or dusts when using electric tools.  Your tool may act as a source of ignition.  Ventilate the area before using electric tools.When using or handling long metal objects such as pipe or duct work, beware of touching live electricity.  When in doubt, use insulation or other protection.Never use metal ladders around live electricity.Obey barriers, signs or other warning to stay away from live electrical power sources.Read and follow manufacturer’s instruction for your equipment.Inspect portable tools before using.  Look for broken plugs, frayed cords, bare wires, smoke when running, sparks from switches or erratic operation.When necessary to use extension cords, use heavy duty cords.  Check for exposed wires, frayed cords, missing ground pins, and broken, bent or defective plugs and connectors.Always remove cords from the outlets by the plug, not by pulling on the cord.  Be sure that cords are not pinched or cut when using around doorways or across sharp objects.  Don’t fasten cords with staple.Make sure plugs match outlets.   Never alter a plug.Make sure your hands are dry before using electric tools.  Never stand in wet locations when using electric tools.Be cautious around flammable liquids, vapors or dusts when using electric tools.  Your tool may act as a source of ignition.  Ventilate the area before using electric tools.When using or handling long metal objects such as pipe or duct work, beware of touching live electricity.  When in doubt, use insulation or other protection.Never use metal ladders around live electricity.Obey barriers, signs or other warning to stay away from live electrical power sources.