Diseño de un programa de prevención de riesgos eléctricos en el laboratorio de transformadores de la Empresa Eléctrica Ambato Regional Centro Norte S.A.

Abstract

Electric risks are the primary causes of adverse health effects on workers within the occupational field of the electrical sector. The current research project is conducted in the transformer laboratory owned by the Regional Electric Company Centro North S.A., located in the Tungurahua province. The main issue identified is the absence of a culture regarding the significance of electrical safety and the physiological consequences resulting from an electrical accident. The methodology to be employed includes bibliographic research and fieldwork involving visits to the laboratory facilities. To initiate the assessment of electrical risks, the use of a checklist focused on risk analysis is necessary. This checklist is based on the NFPA-70E standards and the verification questionnaire for identifying potential risk factors proposed by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. The purpose is to diagnose the current occupational safety conditions. Furthermore, in the current research, the established guidelines of ISO 31000 are applied concerning the risk assessment process, which in this study focuses on assessing the risk associated with electricity. Meanwhile, to identify hazard sources, the "what if" methodology is applied. Once the processes and respective sources are known, the IPERC methodology is applied to identify hazards and assess associated risks in transformer electrical tests. The conclusion involves the development of a prevention program, which includes safe work procedures for the transformer laboratory personnel. The devised plan proposes a comprehensive safety guide for technical operators in this work area, enabling them to carry out their routine activities reliably. This guide encompasses secure guidelines, preventive actions, and procedures to prevent electrical accidents and promote an electrical safety culture for the involved personnel.