Figure 5-34. - Sources of heat for soldering splices.

An electrician must know and be able to apply the principles of electricity safely. If you disregard your own safety, you also disregard the safety of your fellow workers. Remember that the time to prevent an accident is before it happens. Respect for electricity comes from understanding electricity. Whenever in doubt, always ask your supervisor. Report any unsafe condition, unsafe equipment, or unsafe work practices to your supervisor as soon as possible.

FUSES

Before removing any fuse from a circuit, be sure the switch for that circuit is open or disconnected. When removing fuses, use an approved type of fuse puller and break contact on the hot side of the circuit first. When replacing fuses, install the fuse first into the load side of the fuse clip, then into the line side.

ELECTRICAL SHOCK

Electrical shock occurs when a person comes in contact with two conductors of a circuit or when his or her body becomes part of the electrical circuit. In either case, a severe shock can cause the heart and lungs to stop functioning. Also, because of the heat produced by current flow, severe bums may occur where the current enters and exits the body.

Prevention is the best medicine for electrical shock. Respect all voltages and follow safe work procedures. Do not take chances. CEs, with the exception of very few personnel with special training, are not qualified to work on live circuits.

PORTABLE ELECTRIC TOOLS

When using portable electric tools, always make sure they are in a safe operating condition. Make sure there is a third wire on the plug for grounding in case of shorts. Theoretically, if electric power tools are grounded and if art insulation breakdown occurs, the fault current should flow through the third wire to ground instead of through the operator's body to ground. Always use a ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) with portable electric tools. New power tools are double insulated eliminating the need for a ground prong; but for safety reasons, they still should be used with a GFCI.