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_MIMMMIMMMUMMIMM Some ways to prevent these accidents are through the use of insulation, guarding, grounding, electrical protective devices, and safe work practices. Insulators such as glass, mica, rubber, or plastic used to coat metals and other conductors help stop or reduce the flow of electrical current. This helps prevent shock, fires, and short circuits. To be effective, the insulation must be suitable for the voltage used and conditions such as temperature and other environmental factors like moisture, oil, gasoline, corrosive fumes, or other substances that could cause the insulator to fail. .- - Insulation on conductors is often color coded. Insulated equipment grounding conductors usually are either solid green or green with yellow stripes. Insulation covering grounded conductors is generally white or gray. Ungrounded conductors, or " hot wires," often are black or red, although they may be any color other than green, white, or gray. Before connecting electrical equipment to a power source, it's a good idea to check the insulation for any exposed wires for possible defects. Insulation covering flexible cords such as extension cords is particularly vulnerable to damage. The insulation that covers conductors in non -construction applications is regulated by Subpart S of 29 CFR 1910.302 through 1910.308, Wiring Design and Protection. Subpart S generally requires insulation on circuit conductors. It also specifies that the insulation used should be suitable for the voltage and conditions. Conductors used in construction applications are regulated by Subpart K of 29 CFR 1926.402 through 1926.408. Guarding involves locating or enclosing electric equipment to make sure people don't accidentally come into contact with its live parts. Effective guarding requires equipment with exposed parts operating at 50 volts or more to be placed where it is accessible only to authorized people qualified to work with it. Recommended locations are a room, vault, or similar enclosure; a balcony, gallery, or elevated platform; or a site elevated 8 feet (2.44 meters) or more above the floor. Sturdy, permanent screens also can serve as effective guards. Conspicuous signs must be posted at the entrances to electrical rooms and similarly- guarded imilarly guarded locations to alert people to the electrical hazard and to forbid entry to unauthorized people. Signs may contain the word " Danger," " Warning," or " Caution," and beneath that, appropriate concise wording that alerts people to the hazard or gives an instruction, such as " Danger/High Voltage/Keep Out." What is grounding and what protection does it offer? " Grounding" a tool or electrical system means intentionally creating a low-resistance path that connects to the earth. This prevents the buildup of voltages that could cause an