Blog Archives

Safety for the HVAC Technician  – Electrical Safety

This module explains the electric hazards, their effect on human body and precautions related to such hazards.

Check out all our Safety Courses!

Upon the completion you will be able to:

1. Explain how electric currents pass through the body.
2. Describe the types of injuries caused due to electrical shocks.
3. List the factors that affect the resistance around the body.
4. Describe the factors that determine the extent of injury caused due to electric currents.
5. Identify the different forms of burn injuries that can be caused due to electricity.
6. List the precautions for HVACR technicians when working with “hot” lines.
7. Identify electrical hazards related to: o fuses and circuit breakers o overhead wires o exposed wiring o overloaded circuits o improper grounding o wet conditions
8. Describe what a GFCI is and how it operates.
9. Explain the proper use of PPE when working on or near electrical equipment.
10. Describe the three potential electrical hazards for which the NFPA recommends the use of PPE.
11. List the different hazard categories for electrical work defined by the NFPA 70E.
12. Explain how to choose the appropriate electrical meter.
13. Describe proper lockout/tagout methods.

Topic 1: Electrical Injuries

• The Human Body and Resistance to Electric Current
• Injuries Due to Electrical Shocks
• Electric Voltage and Injuries

Topic 2: How Electrical Shocks Happen

• The Body as Path of Least Resistance
• Check-Point Question: Resistance Offered by Body to the Current

Topic Summary Topic 3: Electrical Burns

• Burns from Direct Contact with Current
• Burns from High-Amperage Current
• Check-Point Question: Effect of Electric Current on Body

Topic Summary Topic 4: Electrical Hazards—Precautions and Identification

• Precautions for Working with “Hot” Lines
• Two Conditions for Receiving an Electric Shock
• Fuses and Circuit Breakers
• Overhead Wires
• Exposed Wiring
• Check-Point Question: Do’s and Don’ts while Working with “Hot” Lines
• What Causes Overloaded Circuits?
• How to Avoid Overloaded Circuits
• Need for Grounding Protection
• Grounding for Water and Gas Piping
• Wet Conditions
• Check-Point Question: Electric Shocks and Precautions

Topic Summary Topic 5: Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters

• What is a Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter?
• Types of GFCI
• Check-Point Question: Features of GFCI

Topic Summary Topic 6: Personal Protective Equipment

• Using PPE
• NFPA 70E
• Standard 70E: Use of PPE
• NFPA 70E Hazard Categories
• Check-Point Question: Three Potential Hazards
• Check-Point Question: Class of Risk and Examples

Join Us on Facebook!

Topic Summary Topic 7: Meter Safety and Lockout/Tagout Procedures

• Selecting an Electrical Meter
• The Need for Lockout/Tagout Procedures
• How Lockout/Tagout Procedures Work
• OSHA Practices
• Lockout/Tagout Procedures
• More Safety Standards
• Disabling the Equipment
• Safety First
• Check-Point Question: Steps in Lockout/Tagout Procedures
• Topic Summary
• Assessment

Looking for Continuing Education Credits Online?

Online learning offers many benefits such as the convenience of learning on your own time, cutting out the expensive commute, ease of use, affordability, customer service support center available at all hours to registered learners, and reporting of your CE credits upon successful completion of courses.

Using PPE, NFPA 70E, Standard 70E: Use of PPE, NFPA 70E Hazard Categories How Lockout/Tagout Procedures Work, OSHA Practices, Lockout/Tagout Procedures, More Safety Standards, Disabling the Equipment, Safety First