Electrical Safety

Regardless of an individual’s position or status at Dow Aero (“Company”), anyone may, on a rare occasion, be potentially exposed to unprotected sources of electrical current. As a result of this possible situation, the Company has developed the following Electrical Safety program to provide guidance to employees in avoiding the dangers of electricity.

It is important to understand that whenever electricity is used, the risk of injury or death due to electrical shock can exist. It is for this reason that all electrical equipment shall be adequately insulated, grounded, or isolated to prevent unwanted bodily contact to any dangerous electrical currents. Company facilities and job sites can ensure this by being built and maintained in accordance with local electrical building codes. Likewise, electrical equipment, including machinery, computers, etc., can also be used safely when operated and stored in accordance with manufacture instructions.

This program has been developed in an effort for the Company to maintain compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Rule CFR 1910.334 and 1910.335, along with other supporting rule(s). If discrepancies exist between this policy and OSHA regulation, the regulation shall govern and the Company's Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) department shall be notified immediately.

Effects of Electrical Shock

The primary effects of electrical shock are a result of electricity flowing through the body. In serious cases, this can cause electrical burns, which are often as a result of when all or part of the body completes a circuit (i.e. connecting the powered electrical source with the ground).

Although the resistance of dry, unbroken skin to electric current is relatively high, the amount of current necessary to kill a person is small. Therefore, it is easy to exceed lethal levels of electrical current, especially when an individual’s skin is broken, wet, or dampen with sweat.

Safety Basics

Department-specific policies, procedures, training, or other instructional materials that identify specific workplace electrical hazards and their safe practices may be available, where appropriate. Where unavailable, electrical equipment shall be used in abiding with safe practices, while being in accordance with the manufacture’s instructions. The following list provides basic electrical safety guidelines:

  • Immediately report damaged or malfunctioning items to your manager or supervisor, department lead, or the Company's Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) department.

    • Take the item out of service and label as damaged.

    • Have the item repaired by a qualified electrician or request a replacement, whichever is appropriate.

  • Equipment and handheld tools should have three-prong plugs and/or double insulation.

    • If grounding prong is missing or damaged.

      • Take the item out of service and label as damaged.

      • Have the item repaired by a qualified electrician or request a replacement, whichever is appropriate.

    • If insulation is damaged.

      • Take the item out of service and label as damaged.

      • Have the item repaired by a qualified electrician or request a replacement, whichever is appropriate.

    • Equipment and handheld tools with three-prongs cannot be used with extension cords with only two-prongs.

  • Portable electric tools shall not be lifted or lowered by means of the power cord.

    • Use ropes instead.

  • Use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-type outlets or portable GFCIs when possible.

    • Especially when outdoors or in other potentially wet areas.

  • Unplug any tool or equipment that generates heat when not in use (e.g. large floor fans).

  • Extension cords cannot be used as permanent wiring (i.e. for longer than 90 days).

    • Nor can they be zip-tied, bolted, etc. to structures or equipment.

  • Do not “daisy chain” extension cords and/or power strips.

  • Prevent damage to the cord and plug.

    • Avoid using nails to secure a cord.

    • Avoid placing cords in walkways or driveways.

  • Only use extension cords rated for the equipment power needs.

  • Avoid overloading electrical outlets.

  • Label all circuit box switches.

  • Leave at least 36” clearance in front of electrical panels.

  • Ensure that no circuits or parts are exposed (e.g. outlet cover plates or electrical panel doors).

Personal Protective Equipment

Whenever the risk of electrocution is high, wear proper protective clothing such as:

  • Head Gear

  • Eye Protection

  • Gloves

If you are not sure what to wear, ask your supervisor, direct manager, or contact Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) at:

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