Working closely with electricity comes with enormous risk attached to the point that those who do not follow safety precautions to the letter run the risk of serious injury or even death. From isolating circuits, to overheating to fires, there are a range of different hazards you need to be aware of. This article will take you through the best ways that you can stay safe when working with electricity.
Learn From a Professional
It’s one thing to read an article that discusses how you can be safe when working with electricity but to minimize your risk of causing harm to yourself and others as much as possible, you should consider learning from a professional. By enrolling on a course aimed at practicing electricians, such as the 18th Edition Training Course, you will be given all of the information necessary to work as safely as you can.
Basic Safety Rules
Some of the most basic safety rules when it comes to working with electricity include but are not limited to:
- Isolate the Circuit
You should never attempt to do any kind of work on a live circuit. In order to make sure you will be safe working on a circuit you should isolate the one you’re on by switching the appropriate MCB to the off position. Alternatively, you could turn off the power entirely by flipping the mains switch. Once you’ve made these steps you should always ensure that the circuit is dead by using either a multimeter, socket tester or voltage meter.
- Be Sure to Always Use Insulated Tools
In order to protect yourself from accidentally making contact with a live current, you should ensure you are using insulated tools. Test your tools on 1,000 volts and be sure that they conform with the British Standard BS 8020:2011, as this sets out the requirements for tools for live working.
- Always Make Sure You’re in the Correct Gear
In order to prevent any risk or electrical arcing or making some kind of accidental contact with currents, be sure that you remove all metal jewelry before working. Other items such as keys, glasses and metal buttons can also be very hazardous. You should be sure to wear heavy cotton clothes, but make sure that they’re not too baggy. Protective goggles are also always a good idea, as well as safety shoes that come with insulated soles. If you wear all of these, then you are ensuring yourself maximum protection when on the job.
- Always Clear Your Workspace
You should always make sure that the environment in which you work is as clean as possible and completely dry. Don’t ever attempt to work with electricity if you’re within six feet of any water source. You will also need to make sure that your hands are clean and dry as this could also lead to a potential accident. Don’t place any items on the floor around you either so that you can avoid tripping hazards and it’s even a good idea to air out the room before you start work as well.
