Electrical Hazards come in many shapes and sizes. There are low voltage hazards like extension cords, GFI receptacles, and power tools. Then there are the major risks like switching devices, conductors, and transformers. All of them can be potential killers if not handled properly – no matter how big or small they may be. If you want to keep your people safe on the job site, here’s what you need to know:
1) Always turn off electrical equipment before working on it or near it. Operating exposed wires can seriously injure anyone who comes into contact with them, so power down immediately when working around wired systems.
2) Purchase extension cords that match the load requirements of the device they’re powering. Using a high-capacity cord on a low-capacity power tool can overheat the wire and start a fire.
3) Wear proper safety gear around all electrical sources and equipment. This includes insulated gloves, boots, and anything else that can help protect you if you make contact with high voltage wires or other hazards.
4) Never work alone in areas where there are potential dangers like live electrical systems. Always have someone nearby who’s aware of what you’re doing, so they can quickly come to your aid in an emergency.
5) Be careful when lifting heavy objects near overhead power lines or within proximity to any dangling wires – even those that aren’t connected to visible power sources. The slightest misstep could be fatal if electricity goes through your body.
6) Never use an electrical device if you notice any frayed wires on it. This could cause the entire unit to short out and spark, leading to a dangerous fire or shock hazard.
7) Store cords away from water sources whenever possible, as this can dampen their insulation and make them more vulnerable to shorts and shocks. If uncoiled or spliced cords must be exposed to moisture, wrap them in waterproof tape before doing so.
8) Install GFI receptacles throughout the work site to provide safe power points for people who need them. These sensors will shut down any electric current that tries to travel through a ground fault, preventing electrocution accidents.
9) Double check all wiring connections before powering up any electric devices. Loose connections can cause sparks, shock hazards, and fires that could cost you a lot of money in both damage and potential lawsuits.
10) Use heavy-duty extension cords for demanding jobs where higher power is required. This can help prolong the life of the cord and prevent overheating issues from developing over time due to continuous use.
11) Look for labeled breakers on power systems before working with them or pulling circuit breakers to deactivate them – be especially careful about this when dealing with high voltage equipment. These labels will tell you which wires are live so you know what to avoid and what dangers to keep your distance from at all times.
12) Keep portable generators several feet away from power lines, buildings, and other structures that might be affected by their electromagnetic fields. This will minimize the risk of a dangerous backfeed from occurring if the current tries to flow backwards through unexpected pathways.
13) Don’t work near tripping hazards like utility boxes or other high traffic areas where falling objects are likely to strike electrical components inadvertently. This could be potentially fatal for anyone who gets caught in a dangerous arc flash – so keep your distance from things like large rocks and debris piles when working around live wires.
14) If an electrical source becomes wet or covered in mud while you’re working with it, wait until it’s dry before reconnecting the system to its power supply again. Even small amounts of moisture can seriously degrade the insulation on live wires, increasing the risk of electric shock and fire.
15) Keep all power tools in good working order by having them professionally serviced regularly. This will help you avoid imbalances between the voltage supply and load requirements, which can lead to overheating problems that put your whole team at risk.