Working in construction means that there are several safety issues that need to be attended to. Electrical hazards are one of the most dangerous elements in this arena, so it is absolutely essential to take precautions to prevent any damage to people or the worksite itself. The following are a few common electrical hazards that you might encounter in the workplace.
- Water at Work
Perhaps one of the first things people learn about with regards to electricity is just how dangerous wet conditions can be. It can result in electrocution far more easily than other hazards around the workplace. When working at a site, do have an electrician complete an inspection of any electrical materials or equipment that may have gotten wet before use.
- Bad Grounding
Electrical equipment needs to be properly grounded in order to work well and limit the risk of electrocution. You should never manipulate or remove the ground pin on an item, as this could result in major electrical problems or bodily injury. Since this pin is responsible for redirecting excess voltage back into the ground, you’ll need to make sure it stays in place and in good condition.
- Power Lines
Power lines carry massive amounts of voltage through them, so it is crucial to keep a distance when you aren’t working directly with them. Keep workers and equipment at least 10 feet away from the power lines and make certain that nothing is stored nearby unnecessarily. If needed, place signs or barriers to remind workers to keep a safe distance from live lines.
- Damaged Equipment
Any tools or equipment that are being used for a certain job need to be kept in good condition. Any electrical tools that are damaged can cause grave injury to the user. To reduce the possibility of harm, you should inspect equipment regularly. If there is any damage or problem with the item, a professional electrician, or someone otherwise certified to make repairs, should be called immediately.
You’ll also need to keep an eye out for any exposed electrical parts of tools or equipment being used on site. Have a close look at any cables or cords, temporary lighting, or other items that carry electricity. Exposed electrical parts should be repaired by professionals immediately.
Unless your construction site also hires a certified electrician, you’ll need to bring in professionals from that area of expertise to make sure that your worksite is free of any electrical hazards. If this sounds like your situation, go ahead and contact Morrill Electric for assistance.