Either You are just starting to collect information regarding how to become an electrician or already an experienced electrician making excellent salary , safety should be the number one priority in job. No matter how much electrician training an industrial electrician has received, how much electrician courses have passed or how much the employer tries to safeguard his employees, the responsibility ultimately falls on the one working directly with electricity. Common sense and abiding the proper safety protocols goes a long way towards preventing serious accidents.
Know The Hazards
Electrical hazards have always been recognized, yet serious injuries, death and property damage still occurs on a regular basis. In fact, the a bulk portion of all highly-trained electricians have been shocked or injured on the task, some resulting in irreparable disabilities or death. Even the simplest electrical system can become dangerous, especially when the proper electrical safety procedure is not followed. 100-200mA (which is notably less than 1A) gives a painful shock, causing ventricular fibrillation of the heart, and usually results in death. Most accidents occur when unsafe practices are employed, equipment is used improperly or the safety gear is faulty. Following guidelines and rules greatly reduces electrical hazards.
Electricity Safety Procedure Guidelines
Know where electric panels and emergency disconnect switches are located, and never allow these panels and switches to be blocked. They should be easily accessible and clearly marked to indicate what equipment or power source they control. There should be no less than three feet of clearance around all electrical panels.
Electrical safety: lock out equipment before entering
Safety procedure demands: never overload your circuits. Of course, there should be circuit breakers in place, but why take the chance? An overloaded circuit can cause damage to all kinds of electrical equipment and conductors to overheat, which harm insulation. Inspect all electrical equipment before You use them to make sure cords are not frayed, worn, twisted, abraded or corroded, and that plugs are in good condition. Also look for exposed wires and damaged or missing ground pins. Ensure that electrical outlets have the proper grounding connection. Industrial electrical machinery should have three-pronged plugs, special ground plugs, or be double-insulated. Extension cords are for temporary use only. When you must use an extension cord, do it carefully and safely – never drape the cord overhead, run it through doors or across corridors; never tie cord in knots or attach it to a wall. Power strips are not allowed; according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, the usage of multi-outlet power strips on a work site is in violation of electrical safety procedure!
In case something goes wrong and an electrical fire breaks out, pull the nearest fire alarm and call 911 without hesitation. Never apply water on an electrical fire. The appropriate fire extinguisher should be close at hand and it should be labeled ‘C’ or ‘ABC.’ If you can safely reach the main source of power, shut it down.
In Case of Electric Shock
If the accident involves electric shock, first of all, safety procedure damands that victim has to be removed from the power source. Safe methods must be applied to protect the rescuer from possible harm. A good insulator (like dry loose clothing or a non-metallic belt) must be used when trying to remove victim. Call 911 so the fire department can evaluate the situation and give emergency care to the victim. And again, if you are able to safely shut down the power source, do so. Learn proper electrical safety procedure and You can have a fulfilling, profitable and long career.
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