Electrical Safety Training: Lifesaving Tips

Electrical Safety Training: Lifesaving Tips

some key points workers can use to keep safe around electricity.

--Use electrical equipment as it was designed to be used. Workers are prone to taking shortcuts that can lead to a short circuit—right through their bodies. They must never use extension cords as a permanent supply line and never run them under carpeting or tack them to a wall. Cords should never be used for hanging or pulling objects, nor should three-pronged plugs be modified to fit a two-pronged outlet. And, of course, cords designed for indoor use should never be used outdoors.
Inspect electrical equipment before use. Obvious hazards are broken or frayed insulation or loose connections. But any sign of electrical trouble, including labored-sounding motors, smoke, or odor, is cause to immediately take the unit out of service and tag it for repair or replacement.
--Stay away from moisture. Electrical equipment should never be used when moisture is present. Even sweaty hands can be a danger. Most workers know that a wet metal floor is dangerous but, surprisingly, so is concrete, which is actually a good conductor when wet. --Get on the ground! Whenever possible, electrical devices, and especially portable power tools, should be grounded. Specialized circuits such as ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) should be used. But precautions need to be taken even when there’s no source of power involved. That’s because there’s static discharge in the air.
While transferring flammable liquids, for example, use grounding wires on the drums, or ground by other means. Also, fill those popular red plastic gasoline jugs on a stable, nonconducting surface. The static caused by plastic rubbing against the metal bed of a pickup truck can spark a fire or explosion.

--Use PPE when working on electrical devices. Only qualified workers who have received OSHA-required training can work on high-voltage equipment, but any worker dealing with exposed circuits should wear protective rubber gloves and a face shield to protect against arcing, even when the power is off. The work should ideally be done wearing rubber-soled shoes and standing on an insulated mat.
--If an incident happens. Workers should never touch the victim directly but, instead, use a nonconducting stick or pole to remove the person from the power source. Minor burns are treatable with first aid. CPR or other lifesaving techniques may be needed for bad shocks. A lack of visible burns does not mean there’s no internal body damage, so call for medical help fast! What’s more, never try to stop an electrical fire with water. Use a C-rated extinguisher instead.