Workplace Safety - What Work Practices Can Prevent Electrical Accidents?

Electrical hazards are one of the greatest threats to workplace safety

. Certain work environments, including those that are dimly lit, wet, or in an especially confined space pose even more risk of serious injury or death to workers who neglect to learn and follow safe work practices.

Electrical accidents are largely preventable through safe work practices. Examples of these practices include the following:

* De-energizing electric equipment before inspection or repair * Keeping all electric tools properly maintained * Exercising caution when working near energized lines * Using the appropriate protective equipment

Of course, good judgment and common sense are integral to preventing electrical accidents. For example, when working on electrical equipment, some basic procedures to follow are:

* De-energize the equipment * Use lockout and tagout procedures to make certain the equipment remains de-energized * Use insulating protective equipment and maintain a safe distance from energized parts

Employers should also consider a standard "Electrical Safety for Non- Qualified Workers" safety training course. Commonly, this kind of training encompasses general safe working practices such as:

* Not running extension cords together * Not overloading circuits * Not daisy-chaining surge protectors * Not using electrical outlets that are not in good repair

Good training also includes knowing when to call in experts. For instance, if a fuse blows or a circuit is tripped, consider it a warning sign. Workers should resist resetting the circuit or fuse until the cause is determined. If a cause cannot be determined, or if the fuse or breaker trips again, it's time to call a qualified electrical worker.

All employees should be trained to be thoroughly familiar with the safety procedures for their particular jobs and the equipment they are working on. They should be aware of code compliance, ensuring the system they're working on is consistent with the intended use of the equipment. Workers should also be able to understand the electrical schematics from the manufacturer before being permitted to repair the equipment.

By establishing and following a regular schedule of workplace safety training, business owners not only protect their employees and stay on top of the recommended protocols, they also save untold amounts in their bottom line by avoiding costly accidents. Training is the first step; compliance is the second.

These guidelines just begin to cover the basics of working safely around electricity. Well-maintained equipment, protective gear, and safe work practices help protect any company's most valuable asset - its employees. Safety training should be included on every business' perpetual calendar so it is never overlooked.

by:Jack Glass

POST COMMENT

The Safety Of Lasik Surgery How To Find Deals On Discount Electronics How Led Lighting Solutions Can Minimise Safety Risks Relating To High Bay Lighting Replacement Make Use Of A Corner Computer Desk To Increase Safety And Efficiency Several Tips to Become an Electronics Technician 10 Ways to Recycle Your electronic waste Several Tips to Fix Electronic Devices Easy Tips to Clean Electronic Equipment Smart Tips to Organize Electronic Wires, Cables, and Cords Safety Systems to Prevent Mankind from Hazardous Drugs Vertical Med Solutions Announces State of the Art Electronic Medical Records Platform Tips On Purchasing Electronics For The Home Use electronic recycling to get rid of your old computer