Electrical Safety Construction Revised Training

Here are 8 safety tips that you must follow in the construction site

1. Personal ProtectionPersonal protection should come first as compared to any other piece of safety equipment as it directly protects you against electrical mishaps. The amount of personal protection required is based on your potential exposure to electricity. Use electrical gloves and footwear while handling electrical materials as they provide basic safety. Take extra precautions like using a face shield, fire-resistant helmet, and protective eyewear and earmuffs while working with wiring or if you are in close contact with electrical equipment.
2. Testing equipmentNever handle any electrical wiring or equipment if you don’t know how to operate it. The electrical power testing equipment provides the necessary protection from unwanted and potential deadly shocks. Ensure that the worksite is stocked with voltage detectors, clamp meters, and receptacle testers.
3. Cord protectorsOne good electric safety practice includes the use of safe extension cords and outlet strips. As an extra measure, use cable covers and cord protectors. Use floor cable protectors for safety and ensure that they are highly visible to prevent tripping on the worksite.
4. Voltage regulators and circuit breakersThey are critical pieces of safety equipment that curb the problem before it gets worse. Always use a surge protector to shut off the worksite’s power supply during an emergency. A voltage regulator helps in preventing equipment damage over time or damage during a surge of electricity.
5. PrecautionsSome electrical hazards will occur and they would be out of your control. However, you can control some and reduce the risk of electrocution by being cautious at the worksite. Some precautions include knowing where the electrical wiring will be an issue on a construction site and label it for safety measures and using ground fault circuit interrupters for all receptacle outlets to prevent electrical shock.
6. Equipment useUsing a piece of electrical equipment at the workplace can end up becoming a very natural and comfortable thing for the workers. This may lead to improper use of tools or be practicing unknown hazards without realizing it. Training the staff properly will help them identify the unknown improper shortcuts and thus reduce the risk of equipment-related electrocution. Apart from that, ensure that the coworkers know the proper way to use every tool, especially in direct electrical work.
7. Identifying problemsThe dangers presented by the construction sites must never be overlooked. Encourage your workers to practice identifying any kind of abnormality or any kind of electrical hazards, such as identifying a distinct burning smell. Make a safety checklist and incorporate it into your daily routine. Create an environment where the workers feel comfortable to alert a supervisor in case there is any problem.
8. Risk assessmentsCarry out an exhaustive and comprehensive risk assessment before any kind of work starts on the construction site. This helps in identifying the potential electrical hazards and ensuring that suitable control measures are in place to prevent them from causing harm to workers. It is important to familiarize yourself with the results of the risk assessment to understand which hazards you need to look out for.

Construction of Electrical Safety Hazards

Common electrical hazards that occur on construction sides include working with energized/hot circuits or working around overhead power lines. For example, materials like ladders and scaffolding that accidentally come in contact with these energized power lines can electrocute any worker holding or even touching that ladder or scaffolding. Also, incorrect or unsafe use of ground plugs for electrical cords can cause hazards. Plus, falls from working overhead can also cause electrocution if that fall results in accidental contact with a live electrical conductor.

Preventative Measures

Electrical and non-electrical workers must pay close attention to their safety standards, work practices, and documented electrical safety procedures to help prevent injury and/or death. Wearing protective electrical safety gloves or personal protective equipment (PPE) is a great start. And, Lockout Tagout procedures must always be followed when working on energized, live circuits. Finally, all workers should be trained in electrical safety to prevent fatalities from occurring. Appropriate supervision and electrical safety training for employees should also be provided, particularly training for electrical workers who are new to the electrical field. In addition, employers must have an effective safety program and in a place where all safety standards are being met (for example, construction site employers must use proper electrical equipment grounding conductor programs or ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI).