Electrical installations can be dangerous if not handled properly. Electrical accidents can cause severe injuries, and in some cases, even death. Therefore, it is essential to take personal safety seriously when working with electrical installations.
Here are some basic rules:
- Avoid contact with energized electrical circuits
- Treat all electrical devices as if they are live or energized
- Disconnect the power source before servicing or repairing electrical equipment
- Use only tools and equipment with non-conducting handles when working on electrical devices
- Never use metallic pencils or rulers, or wear rings or metal watchbands when working with electrical equipment
- If it is necessary to handle equipment that is plugged in, be sure hands are dry and, when possible, wear nonconductive gloves, protective clothes and shoes with insulated soles
- If it is safe to do so, work with only one hand, keeping the other hand at your side or in your pocket, away from all conductive material
- Never touch another person’s equipment or electrical control devices unless you are instructed to do so
- Enclose all electric contacts and conductors so that no one can accidentally come into contact with them
- Never handle electrical equipment when hands, feet, or body are wet or when standing on a wet floor
- When it is necessary to touch electrical equipment (for example, when checking for overheating), use the back of the hand. Thus, if accidental shock were to cause muscular contraction, you would not “freeze” to the conductor.
- Be aware that interlocks on equipment disconnect the high voltage source when a cabinet door is open but power for control circuits may remain on.
- De-energize open experimental circuits and equipment to be left unattended.
Get Proper Training
Proper training is essential when working with electrical installations. Electrical installations can be dangerous, and it is essential to know how to work with them safely. Therefore, it is essential to get proper training before working with electrical installations. This training should cover the hazards associated with electrical installations, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), the proper use of tools, and the importance of following electrical codes and standards.
Takeaway
Personal safety is essential when working with electrical installations. Electrical installations can be dangerous, and it is essential to take appropriate safety measures to prevent injuries. These safety measures include knowing the hazards, using personal protective equipment, turning off the power, using the right tools, keeping the area clean and dry, following electrical codes and standards, and getting proper training. By following these safety measures, you can ensure that you work with electrical installations safely and prevent injuries.
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Editor's note: This article was originally published in July 2019 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.
Compared to “No Touching” blog, this article talks about personal safety in more details from which one can get a quick and general understanding of electrical installations. It did broaden my physical background and pay some attention to these aspects, and I will read it again and again.
ISO-certified companies have regular security briefings. Especially experienced staff tend to pay not too much attention. So it’s good to review the safety rules regularly.