Electrical safety refers to the set of measures and precautions designed to prevent accidents and hazards associated with electricity. It is important to understand and follow safe practices to minimise risks as failure to do so can lead to major accidents.
Working around electricity is safe when workers identify and control the risks, however, inadequate training, lack of experience and lack of hazard recognition can lead to serious harm to workers such as electric shock.
Engineers, electricians and workers at height are some of the professionals at the top of the list of those most exposed to electrical hazards when performing electrical installation or repair work, testing of fittings and equipment or inspection and maintenance activities.
To avoid such accidents, it is important to take into account safety precautions, specific control measures implemented to eliminate hazards and mitigate risks. For example: understanding how electricity works, knowing how to identify the risks, carrying out proper maintenance…
On the other hand, we must also highlight the importance of electrical safety equipment, specialised personal protective equipment designed to protect workers from general and specific electrical hazards. The most commonly used safety equipment are insulated tools and personal protective equipment such as insulating gloves, mats and ladders.
As we have seen, electrical safety is essential, as mishandling can cause serious injury. In this regard, it is necessary for workers to be familiar with the following key electrical safety tips:
- Exercise caution whenever working with electrical equipment.
- Check for electrical current before touching a wire or metal surface.
- Tape any wires in the workplace to the floor or wall.
- Know which materials are conductive and which are not to be used near high-voltage equipment.
- Regularly inspect cables and connections such as plugs and sockets.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety goggles, insulating gloves and hard hats.
Overall, electrical safety is crucial to maintaining a safe environment and taking the right precautions can certainly help prevent accidents.
