Electric Safety

The Importance of Electric Safety

Electric safety is an important concern that needs to be addressed when working in and around electricity. There are a number of hazards that can occur when working with electricity that can prove to be harmful, especially if a person is not careful. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent and protect against these dangers. Click on the website to learn more.Electric Safety

Electrical hazards are dangerous risks in the workplace that can lead to fatalities and electrocution. When working around electricity, there are a number of simple steps that can be taken to reduce the chance of an accident.

One of the most common electrical hazards in the workplace is working near overhead power lines. These lines carry extremely high voltage. Therefore, workers should use proper personal protective equipment. They should also avoid touching the wires of the line.

Other electrical hazards include electrical shock and burns. The amount of injury depends on the frequency of the current, as well as the path it takes through the body. In addition, the longer the person is in the circuit, the greater the risk of injury.

Another common electrical hazard is the improper use of flexible cords. This type of cord is not only unsafe to use, but it can also cause a fire. To avoid this hazard, employees should use insulated tools.

Another electrical hazard is the downed power line. If a downed power line falls on a worker, it can cause serious injury. Workers should take small steps as they move away from the downed line.

Workers should also wear safety glasses and other safety gear. It is also important to keep the equipment they are using dry. A wet or damaged plug could cause a fire.

There are a number of other common electrical hazards in the workplace. These include improperly grounded equipment, frayed electrical cords, and equipment that isn’t used in the prescribed manner.

Using insulated fuse handling equipment is required when removing or installing fuses when the fuse terminals are energized. Also, ropes and hand lines should be non-conductive.

Ensure that all employees are trained to work safely on energized circuits. Circuits should be labeled to alert employees of the hazard. Ensure that the circuit is locked out when employees are not on it.

Electrical hazards can be reduced to acceptable levels, but there is no way to eliminate them entirely. Keeping your hands dry is one of the easiest ways to minimize the risk of an electrical injury.

Downed power lines are a very serious problem. They can energize nearby objects and a person in contact with them can get shocked. Whether you are working on repairing them or just driving by, you should know what to do.

During a storm, downed power lines are most common. If you see one, report it immediately to your local utility company. This will ensure that it is fixed quickly.

When you are out on your own, always avoid touching anything near downed power lines. Likewise, if you are in a vehicle, stay inside it and keep your windows closed.

Similarly, never climb up utility poles. You may think that you are getting exercise by doing this, but it can be dangerous. The electric current can travel through you, and can even cause death.

When driving in a downed area, slow down and look for any debris. You should also stay calm and scan for other potential hazards.

If you do find a downed power line, you should remain in your car until help arrives. It’s also a good idea to warn others to stay away from it. Once the utility company arrives, you should call 9-1-1 or the emergency service of your choice.

If you are a person with disabilities, you can report the downed wire with the relay service. Also, you can use the free First Responder Utility Safety Training Program from National Grid. Among its many features, it includes gas and electric certification training.

Lastly, you should keep a safe distance from any water or puddles. Water and puddles are natural conductors of electricity. So, if you are unable to walk far enough away from a puddle, you should call the utility company to have it de-energized.

While these steps should help you stay out of harm’s way, you can still be shocked by a downed power line. If you are unsure, ask the utility company to give you a call and they should be able to provide you with an exclusion zone around the downed line.

Taking the time to learn about electrical safety is a good idea. Fortunately, most downed lines are harmless. But, if you are contacted by someone with a downed wire, you should move out of the car quickly.