Tips For Improving Electrical Safety in the Construction Industry

3 Mars 2020

Each year, electrical hazards cause more than 300 electrocutions and almost 4,000 injuries in the workplace, disrupting lives and impacting the productivity of companies, disrupting lives and impacting the productivity of companies. This is why awareness of electrical hazards is critical to avoiding and preventing accidents.

There are many jobs associated with electricity in the construction industry-- from powerline workers to electrical engineers to indoor electricians-- they perform some of the most important work in any construction project. Unfortunately, their work is also considered as some of the most dangerous on the job site, raising serious concerns for electrical safety in the construction industry because electrical workers can be at risk of harmful shock, gruesome burns, and even deadly electrocutions.

Because safety should be one of the highest priorities on construction sites, we’re giving you some tips for improving electrical safety in the construction industry.

1) Conduct risk assessments

Before the workers conduct any work on-site, they should survey the working area and conduct risk assessments of all electrical hazards. This will allow your workers to understand the dangers that they face in the area and also allows for the setup of a safety plan and procedures to prevent any mishaps.

2) Determine the locations of electrical hazards

Aside from a risk assessment, workers should also know the exact location of each electrical hazard. One way to do this is to utilize project management software. During a site inspection, workers can take pictures of hazards in the area and take down notes about each hazard. Once completed, the information will be saved to the cloud base and will be shared with all workers, allowing them to know exactly where they should take extra caution.

3) Use testing equipment

It is also recommended to make sure that you use approved electrical power testing equipment to help prevent shocks and potential fatal electrocutions. Some good testing equipment includes voltage detectors, clamp meters, and receptacle testers. Furthermore, don’t gamble with the chance if you’re not sure how to handle certain wiring equipment.

4) Provide proper training for workers in electrical equipment

The use of workers of the same equipment every day can result in them being lax and having bad habits and improper usage. This can be very dangerous to your workers and you can avoid this by giving them the correct training to carry out their duties safely. Also, workers need to know how to properly use every tool when engaging in direct electrical work.

5) Use circuit breakers and voltage regulators

Both of these are crucial to ensuring safety on the job site. Circuit breakers are great tools in shutting down power during an emergency and voltage regulators help in preventing equipment damage during electricity surges.

6) Use cord protectors

Safe extension cords and outlet strips are also important when working with electricity. Practicing electrical safety also entails using cable covers and cord protectors. You can also install floor cord protectors to prevent workers from tripping over loose cords. It also helps that you have quality access doors and panels, such as Acudor stainless steel access doors and panels protecting electrical wirings.

7) Don’t ever work in wet conditions

One common knowledge is that water and electricity don’t mix well. Chances of getting electrocuted when working with electrical equipment increases when there is a presence of water. If there is wet electrical equipment, be sure that a qualified electrician inspects the same before turning the power back on.

8) Always use personal protective equipment

This is actually the first line of defense to potential shocks that may occur while on the job. It’s always a good idea to wear electrical gloves and footwear at a minimum when doing electrical work. If working with wiring or in close contact with electricity, wear a face shield, fire-resistant helmet, and other forms of the eye and ear protection to ensure your safety.

Safety in any workplace starts with the employer or building owner. This is why you must be the one to make the move in improving electrical safety in the construction industry. To know more about improving electrical safety with the use of access doors and panels, visit https://www.bestaccessdoors.com/stainless-steel-access-panels/.