Electrical safety at work is of extreme importance. Following the proper procedures will save you and your co-workers from shocks, burns and fires that could cause destruction of property, injury or even death.
Shocks, burns and fires are some common results of poor electrical safety. When this trifecta occurs it can result in the destruction of property, serious injury or even death. Here are some common guidelines for working with electricity at work.
Some machines have safety devices like electrical interlocks. They are designed to prevent accidental start-up and are imperative to safety work environment. Overriding these devices can cause serious injury
Make sure that your workspace has proper lighting. If you can't see what you are doing while working with sensitive electrical devices then your chance of injury increase exponentially. Make sure you take a flashlight with you when doing a repair in a area of low light.
You must remove all conductive articles before working with electricity. This means all metal like jewelry, watches and key chains. They can come in contact with equipment or wiring and conduct electricity to you.
Always provide regular maintenance on your equipment. This can go along way in preventing accidents. Keep machines free of debris and excess grease to prevent fire. When cleaning machines, make sure that liquids, steel wool and other conductive materials are kept far away from energized parts.
Personal protective equipment like insulated hard hats or gloves can help protect you and should be used whenever possible.
Confined spaces can be especially dangerous places to work and require a great deal of vigilance. These much smaller places will leave you in closer contact with energized machine parts than you are used to.
Never work with high voltage power lines until you have had extensive training and qre qualified for the work. These lines are extremely dangerous. Unqualified workers must remain a minimum of 10 feet away from a 50,000 volt line.
Never use metal ladders when you are working near power lines or other energize wiring. Always use fiberglass or wooden ladders with non-conductive side rails. Metal ladders could conduct the electricity right to you.
Remember that water conducts electricity and is especially dangerous when working around energized machines. Shocks or electrical burns can result.
There are many important guidelines when working with electricity. The guidelines we have outlined in this article are just a start and proper training on all aspects of electricity is needed. Make sure that you are completely trained on all aspects of electrical safety before you attempt to use a machine.
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