17 Jan Electricity

Electricity

Electricity is present on nearly every jobsite and in virtually every workplace. Because it is so common, electrical hazards can easily be overlooked. Contact with electricity can cause shock, severe burns, falls, fires, and electrocution. Always treat electricity with respect and never assume that “low voltage” means safe voltage.

Electrical Safety Guidelines

• Never assume low voltage is safe. Even relatively low voltages can cause serious injury or death depending on the amount of current, the path through the body, duration of contact, and environmental conditions.
• Use extra caution in wet or damp conditions. Moisture reduces the body’s resistance and increases the risk of electrical shock. Keep electrical tools, cords, and connections away from water whenever possible.
• Wear appropriate footwear. Wear work boots suitable for the electrical hazards and conditions encountered. Where electrical-hazard protective footwear is required, use footwear specifically rated for that purpose.
• Watch for overhead power lines. Identify overhead electrical lines before beginning work. Maintain required clearances and use extreme caution when carrying or moving long conductive materials such as metal studs, pipes, ladders, and reinforcing steel. Carry these materials horizontally when conditions permit and keep them well away from energized lines.
• Never try to catch falling electrical equipment. If a fluorescent light fixture or other electrical component begins to fall, move clear rather than attempting to catch it. The fixture could contain energized conductors, sharp components, or broken glass.
• Inspect electrical equipment before use. Check power cords, extension cords, plugs, receptacles, tools, and other electrical equipment for cuts, exposed wires, missing grounding prongs, damaged insulation, loose connections, or other defects. Remove damaged equipment from service.
• Use approved equipment. Electrical equipment should be listed, labeled, or otherwise approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL, and used according to its listing and the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Use required protective equipment. Appropriate PPE may include voltage-rated gloves, arc-rated clothing, eye and face protection, dielectric footwear, or other protection depending on the electrical hazard. Electrical PPE is not a substitute for de-energizing equipment whenever required.
• Do not overload electrical circuits. Avoid overloading receptacles, power strips, extension cords, or circuits. Never bypass circuit breakers, fuses, grounding connections, or other electrical protective devices.
• Use GFCI protection where required. Ground-fault circuit interrupters provide important protection against ground-fault hazards, particularly on construction sites and in wet or damp locations.
• De-energize before working on equipment. Electrical equipment should be placed in an electrically safe condition and appropriate lockout/tagout procedures followed before servicing, repairing, or maintaining it unless energized work is specifically permitted and appropriate precautions are taken.
• Report electrical hazards immediately. Do not attempt electrical repairs unless you are qualified and authorized to perform the work.

Remember

Electricity gives little or no warning before an injury occurs. Inspect before you use, stay clear of energized parts and overhead lines, keep electricity away from water, and never bypass electrical safeguards.