Energization

In the industrial context, the word "energization" includes all types of energy which is used in running, operating or moving of machinery or substances.

Some common forms of energy which needs to be protected against are:

a. Electrical

Electrical equipment is provided with electrical voltage and current. The electrical current is used in transmission of energy. Workers come across two forms of electric energy; first, the current flow. This type of energy is easy to protect against - you simply open the supply switch or breaker.

The second type of energy is in the form of stored electric energy. Capacitors and large cables store electric energy. The stored electric energy is present whether the supply switch is open or not. This is a very dangerous form of energy for untrained workers.

b. Hydraulic

Hydraulic energy comes in many forms. Flowing water contains hydraulic energy. Pressurized flowing water contains even more hydraulic energy. Some control systems use high-pressure hydraulic oil - which contains an enormous amount of stored energy.