According to OSHA, electrocution is one of the most common hazards in construction jobs. Identifying electrical hazards can help raise awareness of the risks, their severity, and how electricity can harm employees. Here are seven of the most common electrical hazards in the workplace and tips on what you can do to mitigate these risks:
Overhead Power Lines- Overhead powered and energized electrical lines have high voltages which can cause major burns and electrocution to workers. Remember to maintain a minimum of 10 feet from overhead power lines and nearby equipment. Do site surveys to ensure that nothing is stored under overhead power lines. Also, install safety barriers and signs to warn workers of the hazards present in the area.
Damaged Tools and Equipment- Exposure to damaged electrical tools and equipment can be a risk of electrocution. Do not attempt to fix or repair anything unless you are qualified to do so. Thoroughly check for cracks, cuts, and abrasions on cables, wires, and cords. If you find any defects label the equipment as “defective” and take it out of service, notifying your supervisor that it needs to be repaired or replaced. Lockout/Tagout procedures should be performed at all times before commencing electrical maintenance and repairs.
Inadequate Wiring and Overloaded Circuits- Using wires with inappropriate size for current can cause overheating and fires in electrical equipment. Use the correct wire suitable for the operation and the electrical load to work on. Use the correct extension cord designed for heavy-duty use. Do not overload an outlet by using outlet adaptors. Perform regular fire risk assessments to identify areas at risk of bad wiring or circuits.
Exposed Electrical Parts- Examples of exposed electrical parts include temporary lighting, open power distribution units and detached insulation parts on electrical cords. These hazards can cause potential shock and burns. Secure these items with proper guarding mechanisms and always check for any exposed parts to be immediately repaired.
Improper Grounding- The most common OSHA electrical violation is the improper grounding of equipment. Proper grounding can eliminate unwanted voltage and reduce the risk of electrocution. Never remove the metallic ground pin from a plug, as it is responsible for returning unwanted voltage to the ground.
Damaged Insulation- Defective or inadequate insulation is not only an electrocution hazard but a fire hazard. Be aware of damaged insulation on wiring and cords and report it immediately. Take the equipment out of service until repaired or replaced. Never attempt to just cover the damaged insulation with electrical tape.
Wet Conditions- Never operate electrical equipment in wet locations, unless you have the proper training and personal protective equipment. Water greatly increases the risk of electrocution, especially if the equipment has damaged insulation.
Knowing your limits and applying the best electrical safety practices can help reduce the risk of electrical shock and death. It is safer to work within your scope of expertise and leave electrical work to the people trained specifically for it. If you are not confident to do the job, don’t hesitate to call for help from a qualified authorized person. Use checklists when applying electrical safety practices; don’t rely on your memory (“Did I flip that switch? or Did I unplug that?”). The checklist is a powerful tool to ensure your safety when working on or near electrical equipment hazards.
