Tips for Staying Safe While Working With Electricity
Electricity may not be the top cause of workplace injuries, but it can still be extremely hazardous to work with. Electrical shocks, electrical fires, and arc flashes can cause severe external and internal harm to the body and, in some cases, be fatal.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to prevent electrical incidents at work. Check out these tips for staying safe while working with electricity so that you can shield yourself from this electrifying threat.
Wear Your PPE
Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) can protect you if something goes awry. When working with or around electricity, we recommend wearing the following PPE items:
- Hard hat
- Face shield and glasses
- Long-sleeved shirt and long pants
- Jacket or coat
- Overalls or coveralls
- Rubber-insulating gloves and leather protectors
- Closed-toed leather footwear
Assume All Devices Are Live
It's best to assume all wires and electrical devices are live and exercise extreme caution around them. If you need to work on an electrically powered device, de-energize it first according to your company's Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) policy.
Use Non-Conductive Tools
Another tip for staying safe while working with electricity is to avoid using conductive tools when working with electricity. Instead, opt for tools made of or coated with non-conductive materials like stainless steel or rubber. This will dramatically reduce the risk of shock.
Be Careful With Flammable Materials
This may seem obvious, but you should keep flammable materials like papers, plastics, and oils away from electrically powered devices. Electricity and flammable materials don't mix and can cause a fire if they come into contact with one another.
Electricity is a serious hazard. But by being smart and cautious, you can prevent most electrical incidents before they occur. Having the right preventative gear helps, too. That's why Concert Shop has non-conductive hand tools for sale and other essentials that will keep you safe on the job site. Shop our extensive, high-quality line of work tools and work gear today.