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Electrical safety

Electrical work is hazardous and requires specific training to ensure worker safety. The Workplace Safety and Health Regulation defines an “electrical worker” as a person authorized to do electrical work or restricted electrical work under the Electricians’ Licence Act. Electrical workers can be exposed to injuries from electrical shock, arc blast or flash, which can result in burns and be fatal to the worker.

Electric shock occurs if a person comes into contact with an electrical energy source. The current can also travel through a person’s body to find an escape. Conductivity increases if a person’s hand, arm, or body is wet. If the current is low, a person may feel tingling and/or a pinching sensation. If the current is high, it can cause burns, travel across vital organs and be fatal.

An employer must ensure that only a trained and competent electrical worker is assigned to do electrical work. The employer must also develop safe work procedures on how to perform electrical work and train electrical workers in those safe work procedures. Those safe work procedures will help prevent injuries from shock, arc blast or flash.

An employer is also responsible for developing emergency procedures to be followed if an electrical worker or other person may come into contact with exposed, energized electrical equipment that may affect his or her safety or health and carry out those procedures if such contact occurs.

Legislation

All electrical work must comply with Part 38, Electrical Safety of the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Regulation. An employer must ensure:

  • safe work procedures are developed and implemented
  • emergency procedures for contact with energized electrical equipment are developed
  • only electrical workers perform electrical work and no other worker
  • electrical work performed in the workplace conforms to the requirements of:
    • The Electricians’ License Act;
    • The Manitoba Electrical Code; and
    • where applicable, the bylaws of the municipality
  • defective or unsafe conditions are identified and immediate actions are taken to protect the safety and health of workers or as soon as is reasonably practicable
  • electrical equipment is protected and properly installed
  • Class “A” ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are used when working in damp locations
  • warning signs are posted and access to high voltage electrical switch gear or transformers are restricted to authorized persons only
  • lockout/tagout is implemented
  • appropriate electrical equipment and protection are installed
  • workers are trained in electrical hazard identification and are encouraged to report unsafe electrical conditions so corrective actions can be taken immediately

Manitoba’s Workplace Safety and Health Act and associated regulations are in place to protect the safety and health of workers in Manitoba. Find the link to the regulation part associated with this safety topic below.

Part 38 Electrical Safety Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation

Part 25 Work in the Vicinity of Overhead Electrical Lines Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation

Related links

Hazards and exposures topic list