How to Stay Safe as an Electrician

The nature of electrical work carries a level of risk. However, by following rules and procedures like these next five, the work of an electrician can be a whole lot safer.

Lockout and Tag out

The key to staying safe while working as an electrician is minimizing your contact with live electrical currents. One major way to do that is making sure you lockout and tag out circuits and machines you’ll be working on. The first step is to make sure the power is shut off and the equipment is de-energized. Then physically lock them so no one can easily go in and turn the power back on while you're working. Follow up with tagging them with an easy to read sign that warns people not to touch the power source on the machine you’re repairing. By following this safety tip in accordance with OSHA’s guidelines can prevent an estimated 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries each year according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International.

Wear the Right PPE

Just like construction workers and welders, wearing the right gear is important to staying safe as an electrician. Flash fires and exposure to live electrical equipment are hazards that the right clothing and equipment can keep you safe from. What you need to wear will depend on the type of electrical work you’ll be doing but PPE includes things like gloves, goggles, flame resistant clothing, and hard hats. No matter what you’re using, make sure they fit, are worn correctly and are in good working order.

Ground Electrical Equipment

Electrical currents travel from their power source into the closest thing it can find. To make sure it isn’t you, ground electrical equipment. By connecting the electrical system into the earth, you create a barrier sending the currents flowing through it into the ground instead. This can be done by connecting it with a wire to a device already in the earth or using metal plumbing as grounding conductors. Not only are you protected by any stray currents but also by outside voltage sources like lightening.

Use the Right Wiring

Electrical systems run smoothly and safely when the proper wiring is used to handle the electrical currents. If the wrong type or size is used, it can create an unsafe work environment (i.e overloading the power source and causing electrocution or fires). So as an electrician, always make sure you’re using the right wires for the job and that they aren’t worn or frayed. The same goes for extension cords. Only use those that can handle the voltage of the equipment it’s providing power to.

Watch out for Overhead Lines

If a job requires you to work near overhead electrical lines it’s important to heed these safety tips. Don’t keep tools and equipment near these high voltage objects and if using a lifting type of equipment to work keep at least 10 feet between you and the lines. Any type of contact with them can be fatal.

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