Each year, electricity causes more than 300 deaths in the workplace. These incidents are not “freak accidents.” In fact, most electrical injuries can be avoided, if workers take the time to learn basic safety skills. It’s important for workers to know these safety skills prior to using any electrical equipment.
Training is a key aspect when doing industrial electrical services. In order to do so, workers need the proper training on the tasks and procedures that are important in conducting their work in a safe manner.
General Safety Tips When Working With Electricity:
Understanding a few basic, yet crucial, safety tips when working with or near electricity can help reduce the risk of electric shock, electrocution or other electricity-related injury.
The electrical current in businesses and homes has enough power to cause death by electrocution. Inspect all tools, power cords and electrical fittings for damage or wear prior to using them. If anything is damaged, replace them immediately. Make sure the cords that are being used are rated for the level of amperage or wattage you’re using. Do not use any outlets or cords that have exposed wirings.
Make sure the fuse being used is the correct size. Replacing it with a larger fuse can cause excessive currents in the wiring, which can cause a fire.
A good sign of unsafe wiring: unusually warm or hot outlets. If you notice a significant temperature change in your outlets, unplug any cords and do not use them until a qualified electrician can check the wiring.
Risk of electric shock is higher in areas that are wet or damp. If possible, install ground fault circuit interrupters (CGFIs) so they can interrupt the electrical circuit before a current high is sufficient enough to cause serious injury.
It is important to know where the breakers and boxes are in the event of an emergency. Make sure to label all circuit breakers and fuses carefully and clearly. Each switch needs to be correctly identified in order to know which outlet or appliance it is used for.
Contact a Professional:
For large electrical equipment maintenance and installation, be sure to contact a professional electrical contracting company that can provide the safe, efficient service you need. Professional electrical contractors can also visit your home or business for routine inspections, making sure that your residence or building is using electricity safely. Using advanced infrared cameras and thermographic imaging, professional electrical contractors can find electrical failures that may not be noticed otherwise. When problems are spotted early on, you can prevent more serious damage from occurring and save time and money.
