Todd Jerome Jenkins, MS, CSP, SMS, CHST, STSC

Safety Aficionado & Ph.D. Student

Weekly Safety Topic – Beware of Electricity

Whenever we flip a switch, electricity powers our homes, our hand tools, and our lights. It is important to remember that electricity can also cause injury or death if we don’t respect it and work safely around it. Electric hazards include shocks, burns, explosions, fires, falls from elevations, and electrocutions.

When you have a 110-volt wire in your home or a 230,000-volt transmission line, act as if they are all energized until the electrician confirms that they are de-energized.

When working around electrical wiring and tools, keep these safety tips in mind:

  1. As with any task, wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  2. Jewelry that can conduct electricity should be removed, such as watches, rings, and bracelets.
  3. Electric equipment should be inspected for insulation breaks, cracks, frayed cords, missing ground prongs, and exposed wires.
  4. Electrical equipment that is defective should be removed from service as soon as possible. Put a “Do Not Use” tag on it.
  5. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using tools and equipment.
  6. Make sure your tools and equipment are double insulated.
  7. When servicing or repairing power tools, disconnect them and change bits and cutters.
  8. Wet environments should not be used with electric tools.
  9. Modifications should not be made to tools or cords.
  10. Electrical circuits that are energized (live) should never be touched.
  11. Before working on any electrical circuit, use locks and tags (LOTO).
  12. Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
  13. Unplug cords from receptacles by pulling the plugs, not the cords.
  14. Extension cords and equipment connected to cords and plugs should not have ground prongs removed.
  15. Ensure all extension cords are the right size and rating.
  16. Overhead power lines should be kept at least 20 feet away from you.
  17. Be careful when using equipment such as cranes, backhoes, and ladders that can contact power lines.
  18. Use wood, plastic, or fiberglass ladders if you are working near power lines.
  19. Before digging, contact utility companies to find out where buried power lines are located.

Do not attempt electrical repairs unless you are qualified to do so.

Learn more about basic Electric Safety.

https://www.ehs.washington.edu/fire-life/basic-electrical-safety

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/electrical/default.html

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