Electricity is an essential part of modern lifestyles and societies.
It is used in various day to day activities likes charging mobile phones, using laptops, operating machines, lightning, and so on.
With the frequent use of electrical energy, people are neglecting the safety methods to operate their equipment correctly.
Electrical energy is known to cause fatal injuries and deaths if safety apparel and proper instructions are not followed.
In such cases, having a basic understanding of electrical safety tips at work could be a life-saver for you or your loved ones!
Investing in the right apparel coupled with utility tools secured in the best tool belts would ensure correct usage of equipment to work with electrical appliances.
Understand the following safety rules below to significantly reduce the risk of fatal injuries when dealing with electrical equipment.
These 15 electrical safety tips are sure to help you and your fellows deal with electrical equipment without harm!
1. Keep water away from electrical energy and equipment
Do not use electrical devices with power cords in wet or water spilled area.
2. Use correct ampere rating fuses
Do not use inappropriate ampere rating fuses. Large size can result in excessive current flow leading to insulation damage or fire.
Smaller sizes may result in an improper function of the equipment.
3. Utilize non-conductive material ladders
Make sure you are using non-conductive material ladders like fiberglass, wood when reaching electrical device boxes or working close to power lines area.
4. Do not touch energized electronics circuit directly
Wear insulation clothing and safety gloves when dealing with energized electronics circuit.
If you are unsure, always assume a circuit is live! Put on insulating gloves, shoes and a coat before proceeding.
5. Unplug equipment before working on it
Make sure electronics equipment is cut-off from all possible energy sources before operating on it.
Do unplug power cords and remove batteries before working.
6. Use non-conductive receptacle boxes
Enclose any electrical contacts or conducting devices with receptacle boxes made from a non-conductive material to avoid accidental contact.
7. Use proper tools
Make sure you have tools with proper insulation and non-conductive material handles.
Consider keeping professional tools in tool belts and wear it always to spots that require electrical work.
This will prevent any abrupt use of metallic objects.
8. Use insulation gloves and goggle for circuit work
Use insulated gloves and goggles when dealing with electrical circuits or its branch circuits.
Malfunctioned circuits often produced sparks that may cause harm to exposed skin.
9. Properly insulate equipment before using
Do not use power cords and plugs with exposed wiring. Always tape and cover cords and plugs before using.
10. De-energize equipment before starting repair work
Test equipment with a tester to ensure the current supply is stopped.
Put the tester on a live wire, and if the bulb lights up, it means current is flowing.
11. Utilize Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
Install GFCI in damp areas as an added protection feature. A small shock may be observed before GFCI interrupts the electrical energy flow.
12. Regularly check GFCIs if installed
Make sure you check your GFCIs working monthly.
Use a light and plug it into a GFCI-protected wall outlet. It should light up. Then press the “Test” button of GFCI. The light should go out now.
If this is not the case, your GFCI is not working correctly.
13. Keep flammable and toxic substances away from electrical equipment
Do not store flammable solutions around electrical devices. Do not clean electrical equipment with flammable or toxic solvents.
14. Understand wire code
Some industries or countries use their wiring code. Know your equipment’s wiring code before operating on it.
15. Know the four primary injuries caused by electrical energy
Electrical energy can cause harm in the following four ways:
- Electrocution: If electrically energized circuits are contacted directly, current travels through our bodies and interrupts brain signals resulting in shock or even death.
- Electricity arcs: Electrical energy jumps from exposed circuit or conductor using an alternative conductor such as gas to a person on the ground.
- Electrical burns: Heat generated by electrical energy can cause fire, burns or ignition.
- Fall: Sudden surges of electrical energy can cause muscle contractions. A person may fall in such scenarios resulting in injuries.
Conclusion
With the rise in electronics and electrical energy usage, people are becoming less aware of the potential damage this energy can cause – ranging from small shocks to instant death.
Remembering some electronics safety rules as written above is a lifetime investment and is sure to come in handy for you or people around you at some time in life.
Consider purchasing the best tool belt with necessary tools packed in to work up your electrical stuff and prevent this energy from causing damage.
