EC&M Tech Talk Video — Protecting Workers from Electric Shock

In this episode of “EC&M Tech Talk,” Randy Barnett, a journeyman electrician, electrical instructor, inspector, author, trainer, and electrical safety expert, shows viewers the personal protective equipment (PPE), tools, and rules that protect workers from electric shock.

It only takes a very small amount of current, in the milliamps range, to injure an individual or even cause a fatality. While following safe work practices and using the appropriate PPE should be enough to prevent such incidents, injuries and deaths continue to happen. Unfortunately, the latest numbers indicate that 160 workers lost their lives in 2019 due to electrical injury. The vast majority of those were due to electric shock.

This Tech Talk reviews the practical ways workers protect themselves from electric shock injuries. First, create an electrically safe work condition (lockout/lagout). Insulated rubber gloves, understanding NFPA 70E boundaries for electric shock, live-line tools, and the NEC rules for temporary installations are also addressed. Specific attention is paid to insulated tools. An isolated bit holder is shown, which emphasizes the need to always ensure insulated tools are properly tested and so marked. Electric shock incidents, while always a potential hazard, should never be considered as a routine part of electrical work. Rules, PPE, and insulated tools all exist to protect workers.  

This Tech Talk episode is sponsored by Crescent Tools.