Electrical hazards cause more than 300 electrocutions and 4,000 injuries in the workplace each year, according to the Rosslyn, VA-based Electrical Safety Foundation International. Many of these incidents could have been avoided with increased awareness about electricity, according to the organization.
ESFI recommends the following guidelines:
- Be sure you are properly trained and qualified for the job.
- Plan every job in advance and consider what could go wrong.
- Identify electrical shock and arc flash hazards before beginning work.
- Always use proper tools for the job.
- Isolate all equipment from energy sources.
- Test every circuit and conductor every time before working on it.
- Do not work on electrical equipment and conductors until they have been de-energized.
Treat de-energized equipment and conductors as energized until lockout/tagout, test and grounding procedures are implemented. - Wear appropriate personal protective equipment and use insulated tools for tasks with possible electrical hazards.
