While all businesses need electricity to get the job done, it can also pose a significant safety issue if your workers are careless.
To reduce the chances of a workplace injury or death, it’s imperative that you train your workers in electrical safety. While we’ve all gotten an electrical shock at some point, it should not be taken lightly as even a small amount of electrical current can be fatal if one of your employees is in its path.
Here are some of the main topics you should focus training on:
Metal and water
The danger of electrocution is greatest around metal objects and in damp conditions.
- Train your workers to make sure that all electric equipment, switch enclosures and conduit systems are properly grounded and that all external or damp operations are wired for wet conditions prior to operations.
- They should wear the correct gear, such as rubber gloves and boots, while working in damp environments.
- You should provide rubber mats, insulated tools and rubber sheets to protect them from exposed metal.
Defective equipment
Defective equipment can result in shock or electrocution.
- Workers and supervisors should inspect electrical equipment, outlets, plugs and cords before each use.
- If a worker finds faulty or damaged equipment, they should point it out to a supervisor who should remove, tag and have the item repaired.
Cord management
- Make sure outlets and cords are of adequate size and length to prevent an electrical overload.
- Keep cords out of the way to avoid tripping hazards, as well as damage from being stepped on.
- If cords must cross a traffic area, protect them with planks or other means.
Lockout/blockout
- Follow lockout/blockout procedures. Treat every electric wire as if it were a live one.
- Workers should stop using a tool and appliance if they feel even the slightest shock or tingling.
- They should turn off the power if they smell a hot or burning substance, or if they notice smoke, sparks or flickering lights.
Watch for power supply lines
Contact with overhead power supply lines is one of the most common causes of electrocution. This usually happens when workers are using portable elevators, cranes, pipes or hoisting machinery that puts them in close proximity to power lines.
- Workers using high-clearance devices should continually scan and monitor for danger and take sensible precautions to avoid contact with overhead lines.
- If an overhead line breaks, they should keep away from the wire and everything it touches, and then call the power company to shut off the electricity.
- Only qualified electricians should repair electrical equipment or work on energized lines.
One last thing…
Besides training your workers in all facets of electrical safety, don’t forget to train them in emergency response procedures and CPR, too.
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