Safety, Tools, Workplace Practices and Environmental Care
What this domain tests
Safety, Tools, Workplace Practices and Environmental Care tests electrical safety, correct tool use, first aid, housekeeping, waste segregation and legal environmental responsibilities. Scenario questions ask what you should do first.
Core rules
- Protect with a fuse or MCB in the live conductor, earth exposed metal, and use an ELCB/RCD for shock protection. Do not bypass a fuse or interlock.
- Isolate and lock off before repair; test for dead; use insulated tools and PPE. Work with one hand where possible and never work alone on live equipment.
- For electric shock: switch off or isolate the supply first, call for help, and give CPR only if trained. Do not touch the casualty while they are in contact with live parts.
- Electrical fires need CO₂ or dry-powder extinguishers, never water.
- Practice 5S: sort, set in order, shine, standardise, sustain. Segregate e-waste, solder dross and batteries; follow the MSDS for chemicals.
Worked example
A 230 V appliance rated 1000 W is to be fused. Current I = P/V = 1000/230 = 4.35 A. The next standard fuse rating above the running current is 5 A; a 2 A fuse would nuisance-blow, while a 20 A fuse would not protect the flex. The fuse must be in the live conductor and the appliance must be earthed. This reasoning uses the actual load current, not the cable's maximum current alone.
Traps
Throwing water on an electrical fire; replacing a fuse with wire; assuming a low-voltage bench supply is harmless; working on a charged microwave capacitor; and putting lithium cells or lead solder in ordinary rubbish. Also do not use a multimeter on a category it is not rated for.