Five safety tips when working near electricity

There is real potential for injury or death associated with electrical accidents and it is important to take the necessary steps to avoid these dangers.

By David Manney, L&S Electric November 15, 2016

There are many potential hazards in an industrial facility. But, one that has the potential for causing severe physical injury and death is electricity. In fact, electrocution fatalities are one of the most common for workplace accidents. Electrocution came in second after falls on construction sites.

Because of the real potential for injury or death associated with electrical accidents, it is important to take the necessary steps to avoid this type of problem. Anytime electricity injures somebody; it could require a significant time off the job for recovery. Recovering from an electrical burn or shock is both painful and slow. It is important to establish guidelines that will protect your employees from the potential dangers.

One important thing to do is to properly train any employees that are working around electricity and let them know the dangers associated with it. Those employees should not be working on power or any electrical components unless they are fully qualified to do so. Not having the proper knowledge about the possibility of injuries or accident makes it more likely for them to occur.

Of course, even individuals who are qualified and highly trained to work with and around electricity are still susceptible to issues with electrical accidents. Do not underestimate how important safety is. Respecting safety procedures result in fewer accidents and their associated problems.

Safety tips Around electricity

Along with training individuals who work with or around electricity, it is also important to consider the following suggestions. These tips can also help to avoid injuries associated with electrical hazards.

  • Identify the problem: When there is any chance of electric shock or an arc flash, identify and professionally assess the problem. Perform an arc flash survey at your facility to determine those problem areas. Determine what level of protection is necessary when working in the area. Also, mark areas that are high risk to alert people to the dangers and to keep unqualified personnel out of the area.
  • Use the right tools: When working on or around electricity, using the proper tools is vital to avoid electric shock or arc flash.
  • Lock out/tag out (LOTO): Before working on any electrical equipment, utilize the proper lockout and tag-out procedure.
  • De-energize: Until taking the proper lockout tag-out and ground procedures, treat all electrical equipment as if it were energized. Never work on energized equipment.
  • Test: Make sure there is no power before touching any conductor or circuit.

– David Manney is a marketing administrator at L&S Electric. This article originally appeared on L&S Electric Watts New Blog. L&S Electric Inc. is a CFE Media content partner.

Original content can be found at lselectric.com.