Electrical Safety Procedures MCQs with Answers and Explanations
1. What is the primary objective of electrical safety procedures in the workplace?
a) To reduce electricity bills
b) To prevent electrical hazards and ensure worker safety
c) To maximize the use of electrical equipment
d) To reduce maintenance costs
Answer: b) To prevent electrical hazards and ensure worker safety
Explanation: Electrical safety procedures are designed to eliminate risks such as shocks, burns, and electrocution, ensuring a safe working environment.
2. What does “lockout/tagout” (LOTO) ensure in electrical safety?
a) Equipment is locked for storage
b) Equipment is shut off and remains off during maintenance to prevent accidental startup
c) Only supervisors can use electrical equipment
d) Unauthorized personnel cannot enter restricted areas
Answer: b) Equipment is shut off and remains off during maintenance to prevent accidental startup
Explanation: LOTO procedures isolate energy sources, ensuring the safety of workers performing repairs or maintenance.
3. Which device is used to protect electrical circuits from overload or short circuits?
a) Transformer
b) Circuit breaker
c) Resistor
d) Capacitor
Answer: b) Circuit breaker
Explanation: Circuit breakers automatically interrupt the flow of electricity in the event of an overload or short circuit, protecting both equipment and personnel.
4. What is the minimum safe distance to maintain from overhead power lines for equipment operating at 50 kV or less?
a) 2 feet
b) 5 feet
c) 10 feet
d) 15 feet
Answer: c) 10 feet
Explanation: OSHA mandates maintaining a minimum distance of 10 feet from overhead power lines to prevent electrical contact and injuries.
5. What is the first step to take when someone is experiencing an electrical shock?
a) Pull the person away from the electrical source
b) Shut off the power source before providing assistance
c) Pour water on the person to cool them
d) Immediately perform CPR
Answer: b) Shut off the power source before providing assistance
Explanation: Turning off the power source ensures your safety and prevents further electrical exposure before helping the victim.
6. Which of the following is NOT a recommended electrical safety practice?
a) Using tools with insulated handles
b) Working with wet hands or in damp conditions
c) Wearing non-conductive footwear
d) Regularly inspecting electrical cords and equipment
Answer: b) Working with wet hands or in damp conditions
Explanation: Working in wet conditions increases the risk of electrical shock and is strictly prohibited unless appropriate protective measures are in place.
7. What does a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) do?
a) Enhances power supply efficiency
b) Detects and interrupts ground faults to prevent shocks
c) Converts AC to DC current
d) Increases the load capacity of a circuit
Answer: b) Detects and interrupts ground faults to prevent shocks
Explanation: A GFCI monitors electrical currents and shuts off power when it detects a ground fault, protecting against electrocution.
8. Why is it important to avoid overloading electrical outlets?
a) To prevent the outlet from shutting down automatically
b) To ensure continuous operation of all devices
c) To reduce the risk of overheating and electrical fires
d) To save electricity
Answer: c) To reduce the risk of overheating and electrical fires
Explanation: Overloading an outlet can cause excessive heat buildup, leading to potential fire hazards.
9. Which type of fire extinguisher is suitable for electrical fires?
a) Water extinguisher
b) Class B extinguisher
c) Class C extinguisher
d) Foam extinguisher
Answer: c) Class C extinguisher
Explanation: Class C extinguishers are specifically designed to combat electrical fires without conducting electricity.
10. What should be done before performing maintenance on electrical equipment?
a) Test the equipment while it is powered on
b) Disconnect the equipment from its power source and follow LOTO procedures
c) Use non-insulated tools for repairs
d) Check the voltage by touching wires directly
Answer: b) Disconnect the equipment from its power source and follow LOTO procedures
Explanation: Disconnecting power and following LOTO ensures that the equipment cannot accidentally power up during maintenance.
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11. What is the purpose of insulating electrical tools?
a) To improve the efficiency of tools
b) To prevent electrical shock to the user
c) To make tools lighter for handling
d) To reduce electricity consumption
Answer: b) To prevent electrical shock to the user
Explanation: Insulated tools protect users from electrical currents by preventing electricity from traveling through the tool to the user.
12. What color is typically used for electrical warning signs or labels?
a) Blue
b) Green
c) Red or Yellow
d) White
Answer: c) Red or Yellow
Explanation: Red and yellow are commonly used for warning signs to indicate electrical hazards and draw immediate attention.
13. Which of the following is a sign of an overloaded circuit?
a) The circuit breaker trips frequently
b) Lights flicker or dim when appliances are turned on
c) Outlets feel warm to the touch
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Overloaded circuits may cause frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, or warm outlets, all of which are safety hazards.
14. What should you do if an extension cord is damaged?
a) Repair it with tape
b) Continue using it cautiously
c) Discard it and replace it with a new one
d) Ignore the damage
Answer: c) Discard it and replace it with a new one
Explanation: Damaged cords pose serious electrical hazards, including the risk of shocks and fires, and should be replaced.
15. Which of the following is NOT a safe practice when working near live electrical wires?
a) Wearing insulated gloves
b) Using tools with rubber handles
c) Wearing metal jewelry
d) Standing on an insulated mat
Answer: c) Wearing metal jewelry
Explanation: Metal jewelry can conduct electricity and should not be worn when working near live electrical wires.
16. What should be done if a coworker is electrocuted and remains in contact with the power source?
a) Pull them away using your hands
b) Turn off the power source and use a non-conductive object to separate them
c) Pour water on the person
d) Call for help but do nothing else
Answer: b) Turn off the power source and use a non-conductive object to separate them
Explanation: Turning off the power and using a non-conductive object prevents further injuries to both the victim and the rescuer.
17. Which of the following factors increases the risk of electrical shock?
a) Dry skin
b) Standing on a wet surface
c) Wearing rubber-soled shoes
d) Using insulated tools
Answer: b) Standing on a wet surface
Explanation: Water is a conductor of electricity, and standing on a wet surface increases the risk of electrical shock.
18. What is the recommended action for handling frayed electrical cords?
a) Cover the frayed area with duct tape
b) Replace the cord immediately
c) Use the cord only for low-power devices
d) Secure the cord with staples
Answer: b) Replace the cord immediately
Explanation: Frayed cords are a serious safety hazard and should be replaced to prevent electrical shocks and fires.
19. What type of electrical protection device disconnects power when leakage current is detected?
a) Circuit breaker
b) Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
c) Fuse
d) Surge protector
Answer: b) Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
Explanation: GFCIs are designed to protect against electric shocks by detecting leakage currents and shutting off power.
20. Why is it important to de-energize circuits before working on them?
a) To reduce electricity costs
b) To avoid unintentional electrical shocks or arc flashes
c) To test the durability of equipment
d) To improve the speed of work
Answer: b) To avoid unintentional electrical shocks or arc flashes
Explanation: De-energizing circuits eliminates the risk of contact with live wires and reduces the chance of serious injuries.
