Shock and fire are the most common hazards associated with electricity. Those who deal with electricity in their daily lives often face these risks. These hazards may cause serious injuries and even fatalities if handled inaccurately.
In order to keep workers secure, safety measures must be incorporated. It is also recommended to educate them about several ways to prevent hazards. Let’s discuss some of the common hazards that occur while working near electricity and their prevention tips.
Electric Shocks
This is one of the most dangerous electrical hazards. It occurs when workers come in contact with energized electrical conductors or circuit parts. An electric shock depends on some factors such as the amount of current flow, the pathway through body, duration of exposure, and whether the skin is wet or dry. A victim of this hazard could be knocked unconscious or could face other critical conditions.
How to prevent it
To prevent workers from electric shocks, there should be a proper system to alert them. The following alerting techniques can be considered:
- Use safety signs, safety symbols, and accident prevention tags
- Install barricades with safety signs to limit
- Wear proper safety apparel
Wet and Humid Conditions
Humid and wet conditions or sweaty skin, increase the chances of electric shock. Electric equipment should not be handled with wet hands because water increases the risk of electrocution.
How to protect it
To protect workers from this risk, make sure all the wires, cables, and cords are waterproof. In case electrical equipment is wet, switch off the main power connection, unplug that equipment and dry it before use.
Circuit Overloading
An electric circuit consists of breaker, wiring, and the device that requires power. Each device that is plugged into a circuit increases its load. If the load exceeds, it trips the breaker and turns off power flow to the circuit.
In this situation, identify issues and determine whether it needs to be repaired or upgraded. If a circuit does not have the breaker, circuit overloading can melt insulation or could lead to a fire. Other signs that indicate the circuit overloading are:
- Buzzing of light switches and outlets.
- When the outlet turns warm.
- Dimming lights.
- If the burning smell comes from outlets, switches or tools.
How to prevent it
Make sure no excessive device is connected with a circuit. Inspect the circuit and inform workers if something like this happens.
Improper Grounding
When an isolated conductor is connected with a deep driven ground in order to trip the circuit, it is known as grounding. It is required to obtain a low resistance path for the dissipation of current into the earth. Improper grounding can cause electric shocks or fire. To properly install a ground, these tips can be followed:
- Make station ground grid in a substation.
- Prefer countergroundpoise at a transformer.
- Place neutral conductor on a distribution power line.
How to prevent it
Rod used in grounding should be straight galvanized or made with copper-clad steel. It should be driven into the ground to at least 1 meter and at a distance of at least 10 meters from the working area.
Some other risks happen due to incorrect placements of electric cords, loose-fitting plugs, faulty or damaged wiring, contact with overhead power lines, and many more. To prevent these hazards, employers make sure that the workers wear personal protective equipment while working. To buy the best PPE, browse through moglix.com and get good quality products at an affordable price.
