5 Protective Measures Of Electrical Hazards On Site

Electrical hazards are one of the most common safety hazards that most construction workers experience. As most electrical tasks are routine, it can be easy to downplay the electrical dangers that exist in construction sites.

Some of the electrical hazards experienced by most workers include contact with power lines, improper grounding, exposure to electrical parts such as live wires, poor wiring, overloaded circuits, damaged equipment and tools, and wet surroundings.

These electrical hazards may cause extensive damage to the site, significantly affect a worker's health, and even cause death. Thus, it is essential that every worker undergoes vital safety training to protect themselves from electrical hazards in the future.

Here are a few protective measures you should observe to prevent electrical hazards at a construction site.

1. The ten-foot rule

When using a ladder or an electrical equipment, you should always ensure that the workers are at least ten feet away from the power lines to avoid any power failure or overload. The rule also applies to how close the workers should stand next to a power line. Thus, it is best to keep this distance to a minimum.

Additionally, it is a workplace safety measure to post warning signs next to the power line, indicating the ten-foot rule to protect workers and anyone else from electrocution.

2. Staying on equipment

In a situation where a worker on a ladder is in contact with the power lines, they should stay put. Getting off it and going onto the path of the ground could cause the worker to get electrocuted.

The best way is to ensure that they remain put, and call for help from others and warn them not to get too close until the power line is shut off completely.

3. Unplug tools before cleaning or servicing

First, ensure that the tools are shut off before disconnecting them from the power source. It is vital to keep them off as accidents may happen when tools are plugged back in without being switched off first.

Additionally, cleaning tools that are still connected to a power source, especially when cleaned with water, may cause an electrical hazard and injure any nearby workers or even start a flame. Thus, unplugging and switching off tools before cleaning is a must for every worker to know.

4. Use tools with three-pronged plugs

Tools with three-pronged plugs are secured as they can earth the electrical charge, protecting the user when plugging the tools back into the slot.

It is best not to use a broken plug as it might not be able to earth the electrical charge, which can cause injuries to the user or start a fire.

5. Keeping the work area dry

When water comes into contact with a naked wire or any power source, it can electrocute the nearby user or cause significant damage to the area. Thus, workers should always keep their work area dry, especially when there are nearby appliances connected to a power source.

Conclusion

Electrical hazards have proven to cause severe injuries to their victims and may even prove fatal. It is best to follow these safety measures listed above so that all of your workers will be safe during the construction process.