Electrical Safety Tips that can Prevent Workplace Accidents

Practicing electrical work place safety can mean the difference between having a long, successful and lucrative career versus having to suffer from workplace law suits due to disability or death from avoidable workplace accidents. The United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides guidance that, if followed, can help you to work safely.

Be concerned about electrical hazards

Electricity has been recognized as a serious workplace hazard, exposing employees to electric shock, electrocution, burns, fires, and explosions. In 1999 some 278 workers died from electrocutions at work, which accounted for almost 5 percent of all on-the-job fatalities that year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. What makes these statistics more tragic is that most of these fatalities could have been easily avoided.

OSHA\’s standards minimize electrical hazards

OSHA standards focus on the design and use of electrical equipment and systems. The standards cover the exposed or operating elements of an electrical installation such as lighting, equipment, motors, machines, appliances, switches, controls, and enclosures, and require that they be constructed and installed to minimize workplace electrical dangers. The standards require that certain approved testing organizations test and certify electrical equipment before use in the workplace to ensure it is safe.

Effect of shocks on the body

Electric shock can result in anything from a slight tingling sensation to immediate cardiac arrest. The severity of the shock depends on the following:

• the amount of current flowing through the body,
• the current\’s path through the body,
• the length of time the body remains in the circuit, and
• the current\’s frequency.

The best way to protect yourself against electrical hazards

Most electrical accidents result from one of the following three factors:

• unsafe equipment or installation,
• unsafe environment, or
• unsafe work practices.

Some ways to prevent these accidents are through the use of insulation, guarding, grounding, electrical protective devices, and safe work practices.

The protection insulation provides

Insulators such as glass, mica, rubber, or plastic used to coat metals and other conductors help stop or reduce the flow of electrical current. This helps prevent shock, fires, and short circuits. To be effective, the insulation must be suitable for the voltage used and conditions such as temperature and other environmental factors like moisture, oil, gasoline, corrosive fumes, or other substances that could cause the insulator to fail.

One of the best ways to protect yourself while working in the electrical field is to control how the job site is run. The only way to do that is to pull the permit for the job site yourself. Pass your electrical exam, get your license and pull your own permits. We can help! Call 888-919-3926 today and prepare to pass your exam.