Why Electrical Safety Matters Electrical work is one of the most rewarding and in-demand trades, but it comes with significant risks. But it can also be deadly.
One little slip-up can cause an injury or damage property. Or, the electrical issue may not be immediately apparent, but could be a time bomb for you or your customers. Here are some of the reasons electrical safety must be a priority for every new and experienced electrician. While some people are scared of electrical safety because they are afraid of what could happen to them, it is just as important to follow electrical safety best practices to protect your work. Taking the right precautions to protect yourself from injury will also protect your work. Electrical Safety is not just about preventing accidents.
It’s about learning habits, selecting the right tools and following standard procedures that will keep you working safely and productively. Electrical safety should be one of the first things new electricians learn about, and it should be regularly reviewed and practiced by all electricians. Understanding Electrical Hazards Before you can practice electrical safety you need to understand the electrical hazards that you will be facing on every job. Here are some of the most common electrical hazards.
Electric shock. When you come into contact with a live wire or circuit, you can experience electric shock. This can range from a mild shock to a fatal shock. Fire. Faulty electrical wiring, insulation or connections can cause electrical fires. Fires can also be caused by overloaded circuits or electrical outlets. Arc flash and arc blast. Arc flash is an electrical explosion that can cause severe burns and even death. It can be caused by equipment failure, human error and other electrical issues. Recognizing these electrical hazards is the first step in protecting yourself against them. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) One of the best ways to protect yourself from electrical hazards is by wearing the right personal protective equipment (PPE). Here are some of the most common PPE used in the electrical industry.
Insulated tools and gloves. Insulated tools and gloves are essential for protecting yourself from electric shock. If you are going to work on a live circuit or at a high voltage, you need to use insulated tools and wear insulated gloves. Safety glasses and goggles. Safety glasses and goggles protect your eyes and face from flying particles and arc flash. Even if you are wearing prescription glasses, you need to protect your eyes from flying particles and electrical arcs. Non-conductive footwear.
Non-conductive footwear protects you from electrical shock.
They should have rubber soles to protect you from grounding. Safe Working Practices Just as important as wearing the right PPE is practicing safe working habits. Here are some safe working practices that you should use. Lock out and tag out. Before you begin any electrical work, the power needs to be turned off at the breaker box. Lock out and tag out procedures prevent the power from being accidentally turned back on while you are working. Use a voltage tester or multimeter. Once you think the power is off, you need to test it with a voltage tester or multimeter. Test the circuit between the wires and from each wire to the ground to make sure there is no power. Keep your work area clean and dry. Electrical work should be done in a clean and dry area. The area should be clear of clutter, tripping hazards and conductive materials. Properly connect wires. Make sure all connections are secure and properly connected. Understanding Electrical Codes and Standards Another part of practicing electrical safety is understanding the electrical codes and standards in your area. Here are some of the codes and standards you need to understand. National electrical codes. Many countries have a national electrical code that spells out the safety procedures for electrical work. Local electrical codes.
In addition to national electrical codes, many areas have their own electrical codes.
These codes may be more strict than national codes, so make sure you follow them. Manufacturer instructions. All electrical tools, equipment and components come with manufacturer instructions. The instructions spell out how to properly use the tool or equipment and should be followed. Industry best practices. Electrical safety best practices should be followed to protect yourself and your work. Emergency Situations Even with electrical safety best practices, emergencies will arise. Here are some things you can do in case of an emergency. Know first aid. You should know how to properly administer first aid for electrical shock and burns. Know how to use a fire extinguisher.
Make sure a fire extinguisher is nearby when working with electricity. You should know how to properly use the extinguisher and what types of fires it should be used for. Know who to call in case of an emergency. In case of a life-threatening emergency, you should know who to call. Many areas have a specific number to call in case of an electrical emergency. Whether you are a new electrician or have been working in the trade for years, electrical safety should always be your top priority.
Electrical safety will protect you from injury and protect your work. Understanding electrical hazards, wearing the right PPE, practicing safe working habits, understanding codes and standards and preparing for emergencies are some of the top ways to practice electrical safety.