Safety Rules for Working with Electrical Equipment
There are only a handful of life-changing innovations that this world has so far experienced, and the discovery of electrical usage is by far the most important of them all. It’s almost inconceivable now to imagine a time when electricity wasn’t a necessity, especially since nearly everything we do now involves electricity.
From home appliances to heavy machinery, electricity has enough force to empower multiple pieces of equipment simultaneously. However, the same electrical power that we constantly use can also harm. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recorded 2019 with the most electricity-related fatalities since 2011. The construction industry had the highest rate of fatal electrical incidents in the same year.
Thankfully, there are several golden rules of electrical safety that many households and work sites need to follow to ensure safety strictly. Many construction sites strictly implement electrical safety guidelines, especially for workers who often operate electrical equipment. These guidelines effectively reduce electrical-related injuries, and here are some of the most effective electrical safety rules that you need to remember.
Rule #1 — Remove Jewelry and Metal Pieces When Working With Electrical Equipment
Watches, rings, necklaces, and other jewelry contain metal components that are naturally good conductors. Metal effectively conducts electricity, and an electrical surge through a ring or metal watchband can be hazardous. A powerful surge not only puts the user at risk, but metal jewelry can ground the equipment, ultimately damaging its electrical circuit.
Rule #2 — Avoid Water-Contact
We all know that combining water and electricity is extremely hazardous, and it is considered one of the most basic and critical precautions when working with electrical equipment. If you cannot avoid working in an area where water might flow, wear rubber boots at all times to keep you safe. Never touch electrical wires when your hands are wet, and keep towels or handcloths nearby to mitigate the risk of electrocution.
Rule #3 — Check for Live Wires
Checking for live wires is critical in electrical safety. Workers must check when the machine is not plugged in and use a current tester to identify exposed or hot wires. It would also help examine all the wires and the metallic flap cover on the service panel.
Rule #4 — Wear Proper Safety Gear
As with any construction project, wearing appropriate clothing is crucial in promoting electrical safety. Rubber materials offer good insulating properties; therefore, it would be best to wear rubber boots, gloves, soles, safety goggles, and other protective gear when working with electrical-powered machinery.
Avoid using steel or aluminum ladders since metal can ideally conduct electricity when working with electricity. The steel of aluminum ladders poses a significant risk when working with electricity since your body would become the primary path for the current in the event of electrical shocks. Instead, use wooden or fiberglass ladders when working in high areas and make sure to install products with good insulation, such as steel insulated exterior access panels.
Rule #5 — Always Check the Condition of the Equipment
Any electrical equipment with signs of damage, such as frayed cords, are accidents that are waiting to happen. Never use any piece of equipment with broken plugs, exposed wires, and poor insulation since they can be highly hazardous. If you smell a plastic burning or feel a slight shock, immediately stop using the machine, disconnect it from the power supply, and label it properly to avoid endangering other workers.
Rule #6 — Carry Out Preventive Maintenance and Inspection
Aside from complying with electrical safety laws and regulations, scheduling maintenance work aids in reducing electricity-related incidents in the workplace. During the inspection, all equipment must undergo quality and safety checks to ensure that they are in safe working condition. Inspectors will also conduct site walkthroughs to detect electrical hazards. Reports generated from the inspection should give you an overall assessment of the work area and offer recommendations for areas of improvement.
The construction industry has the most number of electrical incidents, caused mainly by inadequate training and lack of safety gear. Working with electricity can be safe on-site as long as workers are adequately trained about electrical safety and efficiently control potential hazards.
Safety should be of utmost importance in all worksites, and installing products that promote security and convenience will significantly mitigate on-site electrical hazards. Access Doors and Panels have effectively supplied multiple construction projects with quality panels and hatches through the years. Visit our website at https://www.accessdoorsandpanels.com/ or talk to us by calling (800) 609–2917 right now!