Tips for Electrical Safety
By Space Coast Daily // April 7, 2022
Electrical hazards are commonly overlooked. Even slight complacency can lead to a disaster. When dealing with electrical appliances, wirings, and tools, you must always take precautions and ensure your safety.
Felix Gonzalez, a personal injury lawyer from San Antonio, says, “People are so used to being surrounded by electrical appliances and wirings that they sometimes forget how dangerous they can be. Even a small misstep or oversight could lead to a potentially dangerous instance. Everyone must take full safety measures when working with electrical tools and appliances. It is best to contact a professional to deal with electrical problems, appliances, or circuitry.”
If you are working with electricity, here are a few things to keep in mind when dealing with electrical safety.
1. Avoid High Power Lines
Overhead wiring and high voltage lines can be hazardous. You should stay at least 10 feet away from overhead wires or de-energize them if working near them. If you have to climb on a ladder near a powerline, you must use non-conductive wood. If a storm leads to damage to high power lines, notify the authorities and stay away from the lines.
Some wires are underground; it is best to ask the relevant organization to mark them before you start digging at a site. You can call 811 to mark any underground high voltage lines around you.
2. Wear Protective Clothing and Equipment
Like in every other field, electrical fields also have protective gear and clothing to ensure the safety of those maintaining or working with electrical lines, tools, and wires. You must always wear gloves, goggles, and appropriate footwear when working with electrical devices.
It is known that you should never work with electricity while there is water around. Still, if you are working with electrical tools in a damp area, you must wear rubber gloves and shoes and place a rubber mat.
3. Be Careful How You Use Power Tools
Before working with any power tools or electrical equipment, closely inspect all the tools in well-lit conditions. Do not use them if you see any frayed wires or damaged parts, as they can potentially lead to an injury. Also, make sure to plug them out when they are not in use or when you are changing blades. Do not carry the tools around with you while they are plugged in, and make sure that the wires are not lying around as they can lead to a trip and fall injury.
4. Ground All Your Electrical Equipment
Always use equipment that is grounded and well insulated. It is best to use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), two-pronged, double-insulated tools, and equipment with a third plug prong as they are safer to use and less likely to lead to a dangerous situation. If you think the insulation of specific equipment is not up to mark or damaged, do not use it until it has been fixed or replaced.
5. Clear the Area
If you are working in a cluttered area with many items around the electrical source, there is a high fire risk. You must remove all flammable items and clear the area before using any tools or touching any wires. Sparks from power tools and sockets are not as uncommon as one might think, so limit clutter or flammable items around. You should also make sure that you have a clear path to the main electrical board to shut off the power if needed.
